For the friend of our country, for _liberty's friend_,
Tho' we do not with others loud praises bestow,
The kind hand of friendship we freely extend.
We welcome thee back to the land where thy name,
In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere;
Tho' we bind not thy brows with the chaplet of fame,
Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute--a tear!
Yes--a tear of affection which starts to the eye,
When tracing thy storm-beaten pathway through life;
That thy principles pure could ambition defy,
Thy humanity prompt thee to stay the fierce strife.
In thee we behold not the chieftain whose sword
Delighting in bloodshed is ever unsheath'd;
But the friend of mankind, whose mild actions afford
A proof that his lips no hypocrisy breath'd.
Then welcome once more to the land where thy name
In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere;
Tho' we twine not thy brows with the war-wreath of fame,
Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute--A TEAR.
While in Philadelphia, General Lafayette visited the navy yard. The
Governor accompanied him in this visit, and he was also attended by a
large escort and procession. He was addressed by commodore Barron, in
a very appropriate and feeling manner. A great number of ladies were
presented to him at the commodore's quarters. On his return, he attended
a splendid entertainment provided for him by the Free Masons. A ball was
also given in honor of Lafayette, while he was in Philadelphia, the
must brilliant and the most numerous ever known in the city. The Miss
Bollmans, daughters of Dr. Bollman, who generously attempted the rescue
of Lafayette from the prison at Olmutz, were present. On one day, 2000
children assembled at the State House to be presented to him; and one
of them addressed him. The scene was said to be uncommonly
interesting.--The following was his reply to the address of the
Frenchmen in Philadelphia:--
"MY DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
"Amidst the enjoyments with which my heart is filled in this happy
country, I experience a very great one in seeing myself surrounded by
the testimonies of your friendship. It was in the hall in which now
receive you, that the sacred sovereignty of the people was recognized by
a French Minister, eleven years before it was proclaimed on the 11th of
July, 1789, in the bosom of the Constituent Assembly. You are right
in thinking that this first impulse of 1789, has, notwithstanding our
misfortunes, greatly meliorated the situation of the French people.
I participate in your wishes and your hopes for the freedom of our
country. This hope is well founded, these wishes will be fulfilled. In
the mean while I am happy in tendering to you this day the expression of
my lively gratitude and tender affection."
We give here also the address of Captain Barron to Lafayette, when he
visited the navy yard near Philadelphia:--
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"To receive you at this naval station with the highest honors, is
not less in obedience to our instructions, than to the impulse of our
hearts.
"We rejoice in the opportunity of testifying to you, and to the world,
our gratitude to one distinguished among that band of glorious heroes,
to whom we are indebted for the privilege we now enjoy.
"You, sir, whose whole life has been devoted to the extension of civil
liberty, must at this period be enriched by feelings which rarely fall
to the lot of man.
"Turning from the old world, whose excesses have been almost fatal to
the cause of liberty, to the new, where that cause has prospered to
an unexampled degree, you see a proof, that political liberty is not
visionary.
"The soldier will here behold the nation for which he has fought, not
exhausted by his triumphs, nor sacrificed to idle ambition, but raised
by his valor to liberty and independence; and while enjoying these
blessings themselves, securing them for the remotest posterity.
"The patriot will here see a people, not distracted by faction, nor yet
regardless of their political rights, making the most rapid strides
to true greatness, and displaying in their happiness and security, the
wisdom and power of institutions engraved on their hearts.
"To you, sir, the soldier and patriot, we offer this cheering picture;
and if ever you can be recompensed for your generous devotion to us in
our revolutionary struggle, it must be in the pleasure with which you
witness our national happiness.
"Permit me then, dear General, to assure you that among the ten millions
that bid you welcome, none do it with more sincerity than those of the
navy."
Answer of General Lafayette.
"The extraordinary honors of which an American veteran is now the
happy object, I consider as being shared in common with my surviving
companions; and for the greater part, bestowed as an approbation of the
principle, and a tribute of regard, to the memory of the illustrious
patriots with whom I have served in the cause of America and mankind.
"It is with the most lively feelings of an American heart, that I have
sympathised in all the circumstances relative to the United States'
Navy, and proudly gloried in the constant superiority of the American
flag over an enemy, justly renowned for bravery and maritime skill.
"I am happy, my dear Commodore, in your affectionate welcome; but
whatever may be my feelings of personal gratitude to the Navy of the
United States, I feel myself under still greater obligations to them,
for the honor they have done to the American name in every part of the
globe."
The 5th of October, Lafayette left Philadelphia, on this journey to the
south, by the way of Wilmington, Baltimore and Washington. He passed the
Brandywine, and entered Wilmington, the capital of Delaware, on the 6th
about noon. He was received with demonstrations of lively gratitude and
joy; and a sumptuous repast was provided for him. He then proceeded to
Newcastle in that state, and was present at the marriage of Colonel V.
Dupont, formerly one of his aids in France. From this place he proceeded
to Frenchtown, where he was received by the aids of the Governor of
Maryland, with a battalion of horse as an escort for their honorable
guest. He was waited on, also, by deputations both civil and military,
from the city of Baltimore, each of which offered him their cordial
salutations in the name of those whom they represented. General Harper
was at the head of the military deputation; and having given him a
hearty welcome, introduced his Brother officers, amounting to two
hundred. Several revolutionary officers and soldiers, who had repaired
to this place for the pleasure of an early meeting, were also introduced
to him. The joy of the meeting was reciprocal. Among the many former
personal friends, he met here with M. Du Bois Martin, who procured the
ship in which Lafayette first came to America in 1777. The interview
must have been extremely interesting.
Lafayette embarked at Frenchtown in the steamboat United States, for
Baltimore, furnished for his accommodation by that city. On his arrival
in the river, columns of smoke in the direction of Baltimore, announced
to those on board, the approach of a squadron of steam boats; and in
three quarters of an hour the Virginia, the Maryland, the Philadelphia,
&c. swept gallantly by, two on either side, crossed immediately under
the stern of the United States, and took their positions _en echellon_.
The Maryland and Virginia then came close along side, their decks
crowded with spectators, who saluted the General with continued shouts.
The whole fleet then proceeded slowly up the river, all elegantly
decorated with flags closed into the centre as it passed the narrows
opposite Fort M'Henry, and dropt anchor, forming a semi-circle near the
northern shore.
Just as the anchor was let go a signal gun was fired, and a squadron
of eight green and white barges, which had been awaiting the coming of
Lafayette, shot across the bows of the United States, and passing
round in regular order under the stern, came along side to receive the
passengers. The first was handsomely carpeted and cushioned, manned by
masters of vessels, and intended for Lafayette.
The General embarked in this boat amidst the repeated cheering of all
around, and pushing off made way for the others, which took on board the
committees and proceeded in order to the wharf.
The General was received on the way by the commander of the garrison,
and proceeded to the star fort. The Governor of the State was here
introduced to the General, who addressed him, to which the General made
a feeling reply. He was afterwards conducted to the tent of Washington
by Governor Stevens, within which he was received by the society of
Cincinnati. The scene was impressive. As soon as the first emotions
had subsided, the hero of the Cowpens, Colonel Howard, President of the
society, addressed the General, who, in reply, said language could not
express his feelings. He then embraced his old companions in arms. The
General and invited guests then retired to an adjoining marquee, and
took refreshments; after which he was seated in an elegant barouche,
attended by Mr. Carroll, and Generals Smith and Howard, drawn by four
black horses, with two postillions in white silk jackets, blue sashes
and black velvet caps, led by four grooms similarly dressed. At the
outer gate, the procession was received by about 1000 cavalry. On
passing Federal Hall, a salute was fired. Descending the hall, the
procession passed under an elegant arch, and another at the head of
Market-street, where his friends left the carriage, and the General
alone proceeded down the military line, in presence of thousands of both
sexes.
After this he descended at the Exchange, where he was received by the
Mayor and Councils, with an appropriate address and answer. He thence
proceeded in his carriage to Light-street, across which, at the entrance
into Market-street, an elegant pavilion had been erected, and where
he was received by a fine military assemblage. Here there was a truly
splendid ceremony, in presentment by the Mayor, to the General, with
Pulaski's standard, made during the revolutionary war by a Moravian Nun,
at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which belonged to Pulaski's legion, raised
in Baltimore in 1778. In 1779, Count Pulaski was mortally wounded at the
attack on Savannah; and these colors, at his decease, in 1780, descended
to the Major, who was sabred to death in South Carolina. The venerable
Paul Bentalou, Esq. now marshal of the district of Maryland, and at that
time captain of the first troop of light dragoons, and senior surviving
officer, inherited the standard of the legion, which he has preserved
with Great care to this day, with all the fond recollections and
attachments of the veteran soldier.
In the evening, the city was brilliantly illuminated, and many of the
public and private buildings exhibited appropriate transparencies.
On Friday, hundreds of citizens were presented to the General, in the
Hall of the Exchange; and in the afternoon he dined with the Mayor and
Corporation. In the evening, he attended the ball and supper given to
him by the citizens, which was truly splendid, and occupies many columns
in the description.
The General was also waited upon, and addressed in the most feeling
manner, by the French residents, to whom he replied in the most
affectionate manner.
At seven o'clock in the evening the General was received at Masonic
Hall, by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, in the presence of eight hundred
brethren, The General dined with the Cincinnati on Saturday. "On Monday
he was presented with a medal from the young men of Baltimore, with
inscriptions expressive of their gratitude. He afterwards presented
several colors to the fifth regiment, under Colonel Stewart, in his
behalf, which were received with the highest military honors. The
General then reviewed the regiment.--At eleven o'clock he left his
lodgings, and proceeded in his barouche to Whetstom Point, for the
purpose of reviewing the third division, under the command of Major
General Harper. He partook of a splendid military banquet. His honors on
leaving the city were magnificent as those of his reception. He departed
under escort on Monday, over the Washington turnpike. He was to pass the
night 30 miles from Baltimore, and enter Washington city on Tuesday at
noon."
In no city which General Lafayette visited, had he met with a more
cordial welcome, or a more splendid reception, than in Baltimore. All
were desirous to do him honor and to express their feelings of gratitude
and respect for the guest of the nation. Many interesting recollections
must have been brought to his mind when in this city. It was here he
passed some time in 1781, when he commanded the American light infantry
in that quarter--when the British had a large army in the vicinity,
and our troops were destitute of clothing, and in a state of great
despondence. By his own personal influence and responsibility, he
obtained a loan here for the use of his troops, which was necessary to
their comfort, and served to render them in a measure contented with
their situation. The address of his old friend Colonel Howard, in
behalf of the Cincinnati of Maryland, who were assembled in the Tent
of Washington to receive his adopted son, and their beloved brother
soldier, was as follows:--
"GENERAL,
"A few of your brother soldiers of Maryland, who remain after a lapse
of forty years, and the sons of some of them who are now no more, are
assembled in the Tent of Washington, to greet you on your visit to
the United States; and to assure you of their affectionate and sincere
regard. This Tent will call to your recollection many interesting
incidents which occurred when you associated in arms with Washington,
the patriot and soldier, saviour of his country, and friend of your
youth.
"Accept, General, our cordial sentiments of esteem for you, and of
gratitude for services rendered by you to our country--services which
will never be forgotten by the free and happy people of the United
States."
To which General Lafayette replied--
"The pleasure to recognize my beloved companions in arms; the sound of
names, whose memory is dear to me; this meeting under the consecrated
_Tent_, where we so often pressed around our paternal commander in
chief; excite emotions which your sympathizing hearts will better feel
than I can express. This post also nobly defended in the late war, while
it brings the affecting recollection of a confidential friend in my
military family, associates with the remembrance of the illustrious
defence of another fort, in the war of the revolution, by the _friend_
now near me. [Colonel Smith.] It has been the lot of the Maryland line,
to acquire glory in instances of bad as well as of good fortune; and
to whom can I better speak of that glory, than in addressing Colonel
Howard? My dear brother soldiers, my feelings are too strong for
utterance. I thank you most affectionately."
The meeting of this Society was rendered peculiarly interesting,--there
being present, besides many other worthy veterans of the revolutionary
army, Colonel John F. Howard, the celebrated hero of the battle of
the Cowpens, January 1781, to whom Congress presented two medals, in
testimony of his singular bravery-General (formerly Colonel) Samuel
Smith, who bravely defended Mud-fort, and many years senator in
Congress; and Paul Bentalou, Esq. now marshal of Maryland district, who
was the senior captain of light dragoons, belonging to Pulaski's legion,
in 1778. Here also the very venerable Charles Carroll, one of the
signers of the declaration of independence, was introduced to Lafayette.
We give also an extract from the address of Governor Stevens, to the
General.
"SIR,
"In bidding you a hearty welcome to the state of Maryland, whilst I
gratify the feelings of my own heart, I express, though feebly, those
of the people, whom it is my pride and pleasure, on this occasion to
represent. Beneath this venerable canopy, many a time have you grasped
the friendly hand of our illustrious Washington, aided his council with
your animating voice, or shared with him the hardy soldier's meal. The
incidents which the association so forcibly recalls, however inspiring,
it were needless to dwell upon. The recollection of them fills the mind
with gratitude; a full measure of which is justly due to you, as the
generous companion of our fathers, the gallant and disinterested soldier
of liberty--You are about to enter the city of Baltimore, which you have
known in other days. In her growth and embellishment, you will behold
a symbol of our national prosperity, under popular institutions and a
purely representative government.--Welcome, thrice welcome, General, to
the soil of Maryland. Nothing which we can do, can too strongly express
to you the affection and respect which we entertain for your person and
your principles, or the joy with which we receive you among us, as a
long absent father on a visit to his children."
To this address Lafayette replied--
"While your Excellency is pleased so kindly to welcome me in the name
of the citizens of Maryland, the lively gratitude, which this most
gratifying reception cannot fail to excite, associates in my heart, with
a no less profound sense of my old obligations to this state, both as
an American General and a personal friend. I am happy, sir, to have the
honor to meet you in this fort, so gallantly defended in the late war,
in presence of the brave colonel of the worthy volunteers, whose glory
on that occasion I have enjoyed with the proud feelings of an American
veteran. It was by a Maryland colonel in the year 1777, that the British
received, in the gallant defence of an important fort, one of the first
lessons of what they were to expect from American valour and patriotism.
The Maryland line, sir, in the continental army has been conspicuous,
not only in days of victory, but on days either unfortunate or dubious.
This tent, under which I now answer your affectionate address; the
monument erected to the memory of our great and good commander in chief;
the column of a later date, bearing testimonies of a glorious event; my
entrance into a city long ago dear to me, and now become so beautiful
and prosperous; fill my heart with sentiments, in which you have had the
goodness to sympathize.
"Accept, sir, the tribute of my respectful and affectionate gratitude to
the citizens of the state, and their honored chief magistrate."
There was an incident connected with General Lafayette's escort to the
boundary of Baltimore, which deserves to be particularly noticed. The
cavalry troop was commanded by Samuel Sprigg, Esq. who, two years ago,
ended a full term of service in the capacity of Governor of the state
of Maryland, of which he was Captain-General and Commander in Chief.
Returned to private life, a wealthy planter, in the midst of all that
can render life easy and pleasant, he is proud of resuming his character
of a citizen, and becoming a member of a troop of horse, in which he
enrolls himself with his neighbours, who choose him their commander. In
that capacity, he has had the pleasure of receiving General Lafayette at
the boundary of his county, and escorting him through it. This incident,
we say, deserves to be noted as a fine practical illustration of the
principles of republican government.
General Lafayette arrived in the city of Washington, according to
previous arrangement, about 1 o'clock on Tuesday the 12th.
About 9 o'clock, on Tuesday morning, the General and suit left Rossburg,
and proceeded to the District of Columbia, at the line of which he was
met by the committee of arrangements from the city of Washington, and a
number of revolutionary officers, escorted by a handsome troop of city
cavalry, and a company of Montgomery cavalry. The meeting of the
General with his revolutionary compatriots, and with the committee, was
affectionate and impressive in the extreme. After many embraces were
exchanged, the General was transferred to the elegant landau provided
by the city for his use, drawn by four fine greys, in which he was
accompanied by Major General Brown and Commodore Tingey, members of the
committee; and his son George Washington Lafayette, his Secretary, Col.
Vassieur, and Mr. Custis, of Arlington, were placed in another carriage
provided for the purpose. The whole then advanced to the city, Capt.
Sprigg's company in front, the remaining companies proceeding and
flanking the carriages containing the General, his suite, the committee,
&c. On rising to the extensive plain which stretches eastward from the
capitol to the Anacosta river, the General found himself in front of the
most brilliant military spectacle which our city ever witnessed, being
a body of 10 or 1200 troops, composed entirely of volunteer companies of
the city, Georgetown, and Alexandria, some of them recently organized,
clad in various tasteful uniforms, and many of them elegant beyond any
thing of the kind we have before seen. Brigadier Generals Smith and
Jones were in the field with their respective suits and the field
officers of the first brigade. These troops, together with the large
body of cavalry, the vast mass of eager spectators which overspread the
plain, and the animation of the whole, associated with the presence of
the venerated object of so much curiosity and affection, gave a grandeur
and interest to the scene which has never been equaled here on any
former occasion. After the General had received the respects and welcome
of our military chiefs, the whole body of troops tools took up the
escort, for the capitol, wheeling into column, in East Capitol-street,
and then into line upon the leading division. The General and suite then
passed this line in review, advancing towards the capitol, and receiving
the highest military honors as he passed.