house, on East Capitol-street, which was handsomely adorned with proper
emblems, and the Declaration of Independence, above which perched a
living eagle of the largest size, the committee of arrangements and
General Lafayette and suite alighted from their carriages and preceded
by the committee, the General and suite passed through the market house,
which on each side was lined with anxious and delighted spectators, to
the east entrance of the Capitol Square, over which was thrown a neat
arch, decorated with evergreens and other ornaments, with appropriate
labels, expressive of the esteem and gratitude of the citizens to the
national guest; on the pinnacle stood another eagle. On entering the
gate, the General was met by a group of 25 young girls, dressed in
white, intended to represent the 24 States and the District of Columbia,
each wearing a wreath of flowers, and bearing in her hand a miniature
national flag, with the name of one of the States inscribed upon
it; when the one representing the district advanced and arrested his
progress, and, in a short speech, neatly and modestly delivered their
welcome to the nation's guest. After which each of the young ladies
presented her hand to the General, which he received in the most
affectionate manner, and with the kindest expressions. He then passed
a double line of girls, properly dressed, from the schools, who strewed
his way with flowers. Leaving the girls, he passed lines of the students
of the colleges and seminaries, with their respective banners, and
a company of Juvenile Infantry, dressed in uniform, and armed in a
suitable manner; and then the younger boys from the schools. All these
formed a numerous and highly interesting assemblage. Arriving at the
north wing of the Capitol, the General was conducted by the committee
of arrangements through the great door, up the grand staircase, into the
central rotunda of the Capitol, which though of immense size, was filled
with ladies and gentlemen; and, through it, received, on every side,
demonstrations of the most ardent and grateful respect. On leaving the
rotunda, he passed under the venerable tent of Washington, also filled
with ladies, revolutionary officers, and other gentlemen, to the front
of the portico of the Capitol, neatly carpeted, on which was erected the
tent. He was introduced to the Mayor, who introduced him to the Mayor of
Georgetown, the members of the corporation, and other gentlemen present,
when advancing to the front of the portico, in the presence of many
thousand spectators, the Mayor delivered an address, to which the
General replied.
The General was then invited by the Mayor of Georgetown to visit that
town, in a chaste and neat address.
To which the General replied, in a few words, that Georgetown was an
old acquaintance of his, where he had found many valuable and esteemed
friends, and he would visit it with the greatest delight, and thank its
citizens for their kind regards.
After this, John Brown Cutting, Esq. at the request of the committee of
arrangements, and in behalf of himself and other revolutionary officers,
delivered a short address and complimentary poem, in a handsome and
appropriate manner.
After having made a reply to this address, the General was introduced to
some other gentlemen; and was then conducted by the Mayor, attended by
the committee of arrangements, in the way by which he had ascended,
to the front door of the north wing of the Capitol, where the military
passed in review before him, saluting as they passed. Immediately
after his reception in the portico, a grand salute was fired in the
neighborhood of the Capitol by a company of Alexandria artillery. The
review being finished, the Mayor ascended the landau with the General,
attended by Gen. Brown and Com. Tingey, and the procession was resumed
in the same order as before; and passing through Pennsylvania Avenue,
proceeded to the President's house. In this passage the streets were
lined with spectators; but the most pleasing sight was the windows on
each side of it filled with ladies, in their best attire and looks,
bestowing, with beaming eyes, their benedictions on the beloved Chief,
and waving white handkerchiefs, as tokens of their happiness.
On passing the centre market, another salute was fired from a battery
south of the Tiber, by a company of artillery.
The General, with his son, the Mayor, committee of arrangements, &c.
thus escorted, having reached the President's house, (distant from the
Capitol more than a mile) passed into the gate of the enclosure, and
thence to the portico of the mansion. The General, on alighting,
was there received by the Marshal of the District of Columbia, and,
supported by Gen. Brown and Com. Tingey, and accompanied by the Mayor
and others of the committee of arrangements, was, with his son conducted
into the drawing room where the President was prepared to receive him.
The President, stationed at the head of this circular apartment, had on
his right hand the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury,
on his left the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, and,
ranged on each side the room, were the other gentlemen invited to be
present at this interview. The whole number of distinguished persons
present being fifty or sixty.
On the General's reaching the centre of the circle, the President
advanced to him, and gave him a cordial and affectionate reception, such
as might have been expected from the illustrious representative of the
American people, to one of those early friends of theirs, whom, like
himself, they delight to honor.
After the interchange of courtesies between the guest and the President,
he was welcomed by the Heads of Departments. Between him and Mr.
Crawford, with whom he had in France an intimate acquaintance, the
meeting was that of old and affectionate friends: and by all he
was respectfully and kindly greeted. Subsequently, the General was
introduced in succession, by the Chief of each Department of the
Government, to the officers attached to each. Liberal refreshments were
then offered to the company, and fifteen or twenty minutes were spent
in delightful conversation. After which the General took his leave, well
pleased with his reception, and, remounting the landau, proceeded to
rejoin his escort.
Retiring from this affecting scene, the General passed in review, and
was saluted by the whole body of troops, which had been wheeled
into line, and extended from the President's square to the General's
quarters. On his alighting, he expressed his thanks to them for the
honor bestowed on him, and then another grand salute was fired by a
company of artillery: after which, the military were dismissed. He
retired, for a short time, to his private room; and, when he returned
into public, was, with his suite; introduced to a great number
of citizens, anxious to express their heartfelt respect to the
disinterested champion of their country's liberty.
To an address from the Mayor, full of fine feeling, the General made the
following reply:--
"The kind and flattering reception with which I am honored by the
citizens of Washington, excite the most lively feelings of gratitude;
those grateful feelings, sir, at every step of my happy visit to the
United States, could not but enhance the inexpressible delight I have
enjoyed at the sight of the immense and wonderful improvements, so far
beyond even the fondest anticipations of a warm American heart; and
which, in the space of forty years, have so gloriously evinced the
superiority of popular institutions, and self government, over the too
imperfect state of political civilization, found in every part of the
other hemisphere. In this august place, which bears the most venerable
of all ancient and modern names, I have, sir, the pleasure to
contemplate, not only a centre of that constitutional Union so necessary
to these States, so important to the interests of mankind; but also a
great political school, where attentive observers from other parts of
the world may be taught the practical science of true social order.
"Among the circumstances of my life, to which you have been pleased to
allude, none can afford me such dear recollections, as my having been
early adopted as an American soldier; so there is not a circumstance of
my reception in which I take so much pride, as in sharing those honors
with my beloved companions in arms. Happy I am to feel that the marks of
affection and esteem bestowed on me, bear testimony to my perseverance
in the American principles I received under the tent of Washington, and
of which I shall, to my last breath, prove myself a devoted disciple. I
beg you, Mr. Mayor, and the gentlemen of the Corporation, to accept my
respectful acknowledgments to you and to the citizens of Washington."
To the address and poem presented by John Brown Cutting, Esq. the
General made the following reply:--
"While I embrace you, sir, and make my acknowledgments to those of our
revolutionary comrades, in whose name you welcome me to this metropolis,
be assured that I reciprocate those kind expressions of attachment,
which from them are peculiarly gratifying. And although, in doing this,
it cannot be expected that I should command such beautiful language as
you employ, yet I speak from the bottom of my heart, when I assure you
that the associations of time and place, to which you allude, exalt the
interest which I shall ever feel in your prosperity, and that of every
meritorious individual who belonged to the revolutionary army of the
United States."
After the ceremony of the procession, &c. a public dinner was provided,
at which the Mayor of Washington presided, assisted by the Presidents
of the boards of Aldermen and the Common Council; and at which were
present, the heads of departments, revolutionary officers, military and
naval officers of the United States, members of the City Council, and
many distinguished characters from different parts of the nation.
His reception by Mr. Monroe President of the United States, was most
cordial and honorable. He called on the President, the day of his
arrival in Washington, as before mentioned. The next day he was with Mr.
Monroe both at breakfast and dinner, and on Thursday, the President gave
a public dinner in honor of Lafayette, at which were present, the Heads
of Departments, many distinguished public characters from various parts
of the Unified States, and the principal officers of the army and navy.
While in Washington, he also visited the Secretaries of State, of the
Treasury, and of War, and Major General Brown, of the United States
army.
Gen. Lafayette rode over to Georgetown, on Thursday, having been
earnestly invited by the Mayor and corporation to visit the city. And
the citizens demonstrated their gratitude and joy on the occasion, by a
military escort, and a respectable precession. But the most acceptable
offering was such as he had received in all other places, the
spontaneous and cordial salutations of the whole people. On Friday, he
visited the navy yard, by invitation of the veteran Commodore Tingey.
His reception here was remarkably brilliant and impressive; he was
accompanied by many distinguished citizens and public functionaries; and
the attentions of the naval veteran were honorable to himself and highly
gratifying to General Lafayette. He dined again, this day (Friday) with
President Monroe; and on Saturday proceeded on his proposed visit to
Alexandria, and Yorktown. He was accompanied as far as the Potomac by
the Mayor and committee of arrangements from Washington, escorted by the
Georgetown cavalry. On the south side of the river, he was received
by the deputation of Alexandria, attended by many other citizens, and
several officers of the army and navy of the United States. He was
received in Alexandria with the highest military honors, and escorted
through the town amidst the welcomes and shouts of many thousands of
inhabitants. A public dinner was given him; and the highest regard
manifested by all classes of people for this disinterested friend of
American freedom and independence.
Sunday morning he visited the tomb of Washington, at Mount Vernon,
accompanied by Mr. Custis, the nearest male relative of that most
distinguished patriot. Lafayette spent an hour at this hallowed spot,
where, were deposited the mortal remains of his most respected friend,
whom he loved, venerated and was ever desirous to imitate. It was a
moment of sacred recollection; and while the living patriot and hero
reflected with mingled emotions of joy and sadness at the grave of one
who was his leader and examplar, in youth, he could not but anticipate,
with deep solemnity, the approaching period of his own departure. Mr.
Custis here presented him with a ring containing some of the hair of
his immortal relative. General Lafayette then proceeded on his way
to Yorktown, where he arrived on Monday; and was received with great
demonstrations of respect and joy. A steamboat was dispatched from
Yorktown down the river to meet the United States steam boat, which had
Lafayette on board. He entered the former near the mouth of the river,
where he was received by the committee from Yorktown, and conveyed to
that place, attended by four other large boats, crowded with citizens
anxious to see and welcome "the guest of the nation." One of the
committee addressed him, in a very affectionate and impressive manner,
as soon as he came on board of the Virginia steamboat. A great concourse
of people from the neighbouring towns were collected, and many from far
distant places, together with the most distinguished public characters
in the whole state of Virginia. There were also present on this
occasion, many officers of high rank of the army and navy of the United
States.
Great preparations had been made by the citizens of Virginia, and by the
state authorities, to celebrate the anniversary of the capture of the
British army, under Lord Cornwallis, at this place, on the 19th of
October, 1781; an event, in which Lafayette took a very active and
useful part; perhaps no general in the siege, under Washington, was
more active and useful--an event, also, which had great and immediate
influence with the English government, to acknowledge our independence
and offer terms of an honorable peace. General Lafayette had been
invited, some weeks before, to be present in Yorktown, at this time. The
Ex-Presidents Jefferson and Madison, were also invited to attend, but
they both declined. Mr. Madison's want of health prevented; and Mr.
Jefferson declined on account of age and infirmity. We give his letter
in reply to the invitation.
_"Monticello, Oct_. 9, 1824.
"SIR,
"I received, on the 2d instant, your favor of September 27, conveying to
me the obliging invitation of the volunteer companies of the state, to
meet them and their distinguished guest; Gen. Lafayette, at York on
the 19th instant. No person rejoices more than I do at the effusions of
gratitude with which our fellow-citizens, in all parts, are receiving
this their antient and virtuous friend and benefactor; nor can any other
more cordially participate in their sentiments of affection to him. Age
and infirmities, however, disable me from repairing to distant occasions
of joining personally in these celebrations; and leave me to avail
myself of the opportunity which the friendship of the General will give
by his kind assurance of a visit. He will here have the pleasure
of reviewing a scene which his military maneuvers covered from the
robberies and ravages of an unsparing enemy. Here, then, I shall
have the welcome opportunity of joining with my grateful neighbors in
manifestations of our sense of his protection peculiarly afforded to us
and claiming our special remembrance and acknowledgements. But I
shall not the less participate with my distant brethren by sincerely
sympathising in their warmest expressions of gratitude and respect to
their country's guest.
"With this apology for my inability to profit of the honorable
invitation of the volunteer companies, I pray you to accept for them and
yourself the assurance of my high respect and consideration.
"TH. JEFFERSON."
Hon. Mr. Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States, Major-General
Taylor of the Virginia militia, Mr. Bassett, many years a member of
Congress from the state, and a committee from Yorktown, went in
the steamboat to meet General Lafayette. The address of one of the
committee, on his entering the Virginia steamboat, was as follows:
"We are deputed by our fellow citizens now assembled at Yorktown, to
welcome you to Virginia.
"We will not recount, in your presence, the real services you have
rendered this republic, and the virtues that so endear you to us, lest
even the simple voice of truth might pain the delicacy of a mind
like yours. But the emotions we all feel, of gratitude, affection and
veneration for you; emotions rendered more intense in each, by the
universal sympathy of others; these we cannot suppress. In the numerous
assembly, now anxiously awaiting your arrival, they are swelling in
every bosom, and hanging on every tongue, and beaming from every eye.
"Yes, sir, you "read your history in a nation's eyes." A whole people
unite in one deep and glowing sentiment of respect and love towards you.
Wheresoever you go, the old greet you as their leader in arms, and their
companion in toil and danger; the partaker, too, of their triumph. The
young have been taught, from their earliest childhood, to honor and to
bless your name. The mothers and the daughters of the land shed tears of
joy at your approach. Your name is associated in the memory of us all,
with every name, and wish most of the events in our annals, dearest to
the American heart; with the illustrious and revered name of Washington,
and with the most glorious achievements of the revolution.
"But, of all the states in the Union--though we will not say that
Virginia is the most grateful--yet she certainly owes you the largest
debt of gratitude. This state was the chief scene of your services. In
the day of her greatest peril, in the darkest hour of her distress, when
invading armies threatened to overrun the country, and all the horrors
of war were pointed against our very dwellings; Washington selected you,
his youthful friend, for the chief command, and securely entrusted the
defence of his native state to your courage and conduct. How zealously
you undertook, how well you fulfilled the arduous part assigned you,
with what honor to yourself, and with what advantage to us, no time
shall obliterate the remembrance. The general of the enemy, in effect,
pronounced your eulogium, when conscious of his own abilities, and
confiding in the superiority of his forces, he vauntingly said, "The boy
cannot escape me." History records, not only that our youthful general
did escape him, but that he held safe the far greater part of the
country, in spite of his utmost efforts; and came at last to yonder
spot, to assist in the capture of his army; to witness the downfall of
his hopes, the humiliation of his pride, and the last effort of British
power against American freedom. And now, after the lapse of forty-three
years, he visits the name spot again--happy to renew there the glorious
recollections of the past; and yet, happier, we hope, to see how
dearly we appreciate the blessings of liberty and independence which he
assisted us to achieve.
"On that spot, sir, we are most proud to receive you. We hail you as the
hero of liberty and the friend of man. We greet you as the bosom friend
of Washington. We greet you as one of the father's of the republic."
General Lafayette answered--
"I am happy, sir, to find myself again, after a long absence, and to be
so kindly welcomed, on the beloved sail of the state of Virginia; that
state, to which I am bound by so many old ties of gratitude, devotion,
and mutual confidence. It is to the patriotic support I found in the
civil authorities of this state, whose generous spirit had already shone
from the beginning of the revolutionary contest; it is to the zeal, the
courage, the perseverance of the Virginia militia, in conjunction with
our small gallant continental army, that we have been indebted for the
success of a campaign arduous in its beginning, fruitful in its
happy issue. Nothing can be more gratifying to my feelings, than
the testimonies I receive of my living still in the hearts of the
Virginians; and I beg you, sir, to be pleased to accept, and transmit to
the citizens of this state, the cordial tribute of my grateful, constant
and affectionate respect."
The beach and the heights of Yorktown were filled with anxious
spectators: the anticipation was intense. The Governor and Council were
stationed on a temporary wharf, erected for the occasion, to receive
him. Judges, revolutionary patriots, officers of the army, invited
guests and citizens, were also in waiting, in a separate group.
Lafayette landed with his companions, and supported by Colonels Fassett,
Harvie, Peyton and Jones; who introduced him to the Governor of the
State. The latter received him with the following speech:--
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"SIR--On behalf of the people of Virginia, I tender to you a most
cordial and hearty welcome to our State.
"In you we recognise the early, the steadfast, the consistent friend.
Whilst the United States in general, owe you so large a debt of
gratitude, for the liberal tender of your purse, your person and your
blood in their behalf, the state of Virginia, is, if possible, still
more deeply indebted to you.--You were her defender in the hour of her
greatest trial. At the early age of twenty four years, with an
army greatly inferior in numbers, and still more in equipments and
discipline, you conducted your military movements with so much judgment,
that the ablest officer of the British army could never obtain the
slightest advantage over you; and whilst that officer spent his time in
harassing our distressed state you maneuvered before him with the
most unceasing caution and vigilance, with a steady eye, to that grand
result, which brought the war to a crisis on the plains of York.
"Forty-three years from that period, we have the happiness to find you
in our country, the vast improvement of which is the most conclusive
evidence of the correctness of the principles for which you contended by
the side of Washington.
"I will conclude, sir, by the expression of a sentiment, which I believe
to be strictly true; It is, that no man, at any time has ever received
the effusions of a nation's feelings, which have come so directly from
the heart."
The General advanced, and grasping the Governor's hand, said,--"I am
gratified sir, most highly gratified, by the reception you have given
me on the part of the state of Virginia. The happy conduct and the
successful termination of the decisive campaign, in which you have the
goodness to ascribe to me so large a part, were attributable much more
to the constituted authorities and people of Virginia, than to the
general who was honored with the chief military command. I have the
liveliest recollection of all the scenes of my services in this state,
and of all the men with whom it was my happiness and honor to serve--and
happy as I was to assist and witness the accomplishment of American
liberty and independence, I have been yet happier in the assurance that
the blessings which have flowed from that great event, have exceeded the
fondest and most sanguine expectations."
The General was then successively introduced to the councilors, the
judges, the revolutionary officers, and a number of citizens. The
procession then advanced--Gen. Lafayette, the Governor, Chief Justice,
and Mr. Calhoun, the Secretary of War, seated in the barouche.
Next Lafayette's son and suite, and the Council, &c. &c. in regular
succession. It advanced (the General's head uncovered) amidst the
salutes from the artillery company stationed on the heights and from the
steamboats and small craft--and amid the full swell of music. It passed
through the long lines of citizens and old revolutionary soldiers
arranged in two columns. It wound up the hill; and finally terminated
at the General's quarters.--On entering the house (Gen. Nelson's) he was
cheered by a crowd of citizens.
The introduction of a number of ladies and citizens followed--receiving
all with interest and the quiet dignity of a spirit at peace within
itself, and pleased with all the world. The most interesting of these
interviews were with the soldiers of the revolution. One of them
advanced, seized the General by the hand, exclaiming, "I was with you at
Yorktown. I entered yonder redoubt at your side. I too was at the side
of the gallant De Kalb, your associate in arms, when he fell in the
field." The tears streamed from the veteran's eyes; and Lafayette showed
by his countenance the sympathy he felt. "Yes, my brave soldier, I am
happy to have lived, to meet you once more."
After a short time, Lafayette, respecting that inestimable spirit of
equality which pervades over free institutions, went forth to salute the
crowd of citizens who stood in the street. He was stationed at the gate,
and the long line of gratified spectators passed by him. Each person
seized his hand as he passed him. To all Lafayette extended some mark
of kindness and consideration. The spectacle was deeply impressive. The
variety of manners in the different spectators was singularly striking.
Some as they approached, fixed their eyes on his face, and lingered
after they had passed, as if to drink in the last expression of its
countenance. Others advanced with the deepest feelings of awe, with
their eyes cast upon the earth.
On Monday, Lafayette dined with a select company of some 20 or
30, consisting of the revolutionary officers, &c. At night, some
transparencies were exhibited over the door of his house, and under the
Richmond marquee."