Memoirs of General Lafayette Part 11

The General, in his characteristic reply, alluded very affectionately to his departed a.s.sociates; and the interesting changes which have taken place since he left the country. It is not necessary to add, that he expressed with emotion his acknowledgments for the cordiality of his welcome.

There was a very splendid ball in the evening, in honor of Lafayette, which he attended, and where a great number of ladies were presented to him. He left Portsmouth, 11 o'clock at night, to return to Boston, having engaged to be there on Thursday morning. While at Portsmouth he received pressing invitations to visit Exeter and Dover, but was obliged to decline them. He reached Boston about 7 o'clock, Thursday morning; and after taking some necessary repose, he received a number of revolutionary officers and soldiers; and deputations from several towns in the interior, lying on his rout to Connecticut. He then repaired to the Council Chamber, and took leave of the Governor and other members of the Supreme Executive: and afterwards set off for Lexington and Concord, and thence to Boston on his way to Worcester. He left Boston at about two o'clock, in a carriage provided by the State for his accommodation, and attended by the committee of arrangements of the city, and by the Governor's aids, who waited on him to the bounds of Connecticut. When he left the City, he expressed the gratification and delight he had experienced from the interesting recollections which had occurred to his mind, and from the great cordiality and affection with which he had been received. The Mayor a.s.sured him, that he and others were happy in the opportunity they had to manifest their attachment and respect to the early and faithful friend of the nation, and the firm and uniform friend of civil liberty.

When he pa.s.sed through West Cambridge, the whole population of the town were a.s.sembled to honor the friend and guest of the nation, and to gratify their patriotic feelings by beholding this justly celebrated personage.

Artillery corps stationed on the eminences adjoining the public road saluted him as he pa.s.sed; and the country rung with loud huzzas and joyful acclamations. At the line of Lexington, he was received by a troop of horse and cavalcade of citizens, who conducted him into that ancient town. On his way, he pa.s.sed under an arch, bearing this inscription--"_Welcome, friend of America, to the birth place of American liberty_." Salutes were again fired, and he was then conducted to the monument erected in memory of the attack of the British troops upon the militia of that place, April 19, 1775. He was here welcomed and addressed by one of the citizens in behalf of the town. Near the monument, he was introduced to _fourteen_ of the militia company, which had a.s.sembled at that time, and on whom the regular troops fired, when eight of the number were slain.

After this very interesting scene, General Lafayette proceeded to Concord, and was met at the line between that place and Lexington, by a committee of the town and a respectable cavalcade of the intelligent yeomanry of the vicinity; there was also an escort composed of several companies of militia. The procession, thus formed, moved forward to the village, and the distinguished visitor was conducted to a s.p.a.cious bower prepared for his reception, and tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers by the ladies of Concord. As he entered the village, he received a salute from the artillery corps, and the vocal salutations of the inhabitants of both s.e.xes, who had a.s.sembled to present him their grateful offerings. The peals of the village bell prolonged the acclamations of the admiring throng. The following inscription was to be seen in a conspicuous place in the arbor--"_In 1775, the people of Concord met the enemies of liberty; In 1824, they welcome the bold a.s.serter of the rights of man, LAFAYETTE_." A sumptuous repast was provided for the occasion; and the tables were covered with all the delicacies the season and country could afford.

When General Lafayette had entered the arbor, one of the citizens addressed him by the following speech:--

"The inhabitants of Concord, by this delegation, welcome you, General, to their village. We thank you for affording us an opportunity here to offer our humble tribute of grat.i.tude for services long since rendered, but still held in lively recollection. You, sir, now behold the _spot on which the first forcible resistance_ was made to a system of measures calculated to deprive the whole people of these States of the privileges of freemen. You approved this resistance. A just estimate of the value of rational liberty led you disinterestedly, to partic.i.p.ate with strangers in the toils, the privations, and the dangers of an arduous contest. From the 19th day of April, 1775, here noted in blood, to the memorable day in Yorktown, your heart and your sword were with us. Ten millions of grateful people now enjoy the fruits of this struggle. We can but repeat to you, sir, the cordial, affectionate, respectful welcome offered to you at your first arrival on our sh.o.r.es, and which we are a.s.sured will be reiterated wherever you move on American ground."

The General was, as usual, extremely happy in his reply, and alluded with sensibility to the memorable scenes of April 19, 1775.

The ladies of Concord and vicinity were present at this civic and patriotic repast; and it added much to the interest and splendour of the scene.

Coffee was served up, as a counter-part of the entertainment; and Lafayette appeared to be highly pleased with the hearty reception which he met in this hospitable town. Some revolutionary characters called upon him here, who had not before seen him since he arrived; and were received with great cordiality. He spoke of the gun which had been shown him in Boston, by an inhabitant of Concord or vicinity, and which was first fired against the ministerial troops of Britain. He said, "it was the alarm gun to all Europe and to the world. For it was the signal, which summoned the civilized world to a.s.sert their rights, and to become free."

The visit at Concord was necessarily short as he had engaged to pa.s.s the night at Bolton, about twenty miles distant. He left Concord at sun-set; and was escorted on his route to Bolton, by a company of cavalry and several gentlemen of distinction belonging to that place and vicinity. He was every where greeted by the people, who collected in companies at various places, to offer him their hearty welcome. The houses on the road were illuminated, and bonfires were kindled on the adjoining hills. The militia of Bolton were a.s.sembled to receive him, though it was late in the evening when he arrived. The selectmen offered him their salutations and welcome in the name of the town. He pa.s.sed the night at the hospitable mansion of Mr. W----, where taste, variety and elegance contributed to render his reception very distinguished. Mr. W---- had resided much in France, and was particularly acquainted with Lafayette and family.

Committees from Lancaster and Worcester waited on him at Bolton, to learn his plans and the probable hours of his being in those places, and to communicate the desires of the people to present him their tribute of affection and regard. He visited Lancaster early on Friday morning, where all cla.s.ses of the inhabitants were a.s.sembled to bid him welcome, and to express the affectionate sentiments by which their glowing bosoms were animated. A corps of cavalry still escorted him--a national salute was fired--and the turnpike gate, at the entrance of the village, was ornamented with garlands of flowers and evergreens, and displayed this inscription, "_The_ FREE _welcome the_ BRAVE." He was conducted through lines formed by the citizens of both s.e.xes, to an elevated platform, prepared in the centre of the village, and near the church; where he was addressed by the Reverend Pastor--

"General LAFAYETTE,

"In behalf of the inhabitants of Lancaster, I offer you their cordial congratulations on your arrival in a country, whose wrongs you felt and resented; whose liberties you valiantly defended; and whose interests and prospects have always been dear to your soul.

"We all unite with the few surviving veterans, who were with, loved, and respected you on the high places of the field, in giving you a welcome to this village, once the chosen residence of savages, and the scene of their most boasted triumph; and rejoice that you visit it under the improvements of civilized life, in prosperity and peace.

"It gladdens us, that we and our children may behold the man, whom we have believed, and whom we have taught them to believe, was second only to his and our friend, the immortal Washington. We partic.i.p.ate in your joy, on beholding our inst.i.tutions in vigor, our population extended, so that, since you left us, from a little one we have become millions, and from a small band a strong nation; that you see our glory rising, our republic placed on an immoveable basis, all of which are in part, under Providence, to be ascribed to your sacrifices, dangers and toils.

"We wish you health and prosperity. We a.s.sure you that wherever you shall go, you will be greeted by our fellow countrymen, as one of the chief deliverers of America, and the friend of rational liberty, and of man. It is especially our prayer, that on that day in which the acclamations and applauses of dying men shall cease to reach or affect you, you may receive from the Judge of character and Dispenser of imperishable honors, as the reward of philanthropy and incorruptible integrity, a crown of glory which shall never fade."

It is unnecessary to add, that this eloquent and pious greeting excited strong emotions in the General, and had an impressive effect on the a.s.semblage who heard it.

The following is a report of General Lafayette's reply:--

"Accept my thanks, sir, for the kind welcome you have offered me in the name of the inhabitants of Lancaster. In returning to this country after so long an absence; in receiving such proofs of grat.i.tude and affection wherever I go; in witnessing the prosperity of this land,--a prosperity you are pleased to say, I have been instrumental in promoting;--I feel emotions for which no language is adequate. In meeting again my former friends, in seeing the children and grand children of those who were my companions in the war of the revolution, I feel a gratification which no words can express. I beg you to accept, sir, and to offer to these people, my grateful, my affectionate acknowledgments."

In pa.s.sing through Sterling and Boylston, he was saluted by the artillery companies in those respective towns, and hailed by the cordial salutations of the people, who crowded from the neighbouring country to behold the man, whom all delighted to honor. The whole population seemed to be in motion; and both old and young were eager to offer him their personal greetings.

Several arches were thrown across the public road, at short notice; but indicative of the grateful dispositions of the citizens. This motto was observed on one of them--"_Welcome_ LAFAYETTE, _friend of_ WASHINGTON, _and adopted son of America_."

His _entree_ and reception at Worcester was highly interesting. He remained in this village several hours. The taste and wealth and patriotism of this flourishing _shire_ town were unitedly and spontaneously put in requisition to prepare due honors for the "nation's guest." The number and neatness of the military, arches s.p.a.cious and highly ornamented, extensive lines of the citizens and of youth expressing their grat.i.tude in frequent and loud acclamations--all conspired to render the scene particularly brilliant.

Here, as in other places, the ladies were eager to manifest the high estimation, in which they held the character of this eminent friend of liberty and virtue. He was addressed with great eloquence and feeling, by Judge Lincoln, in behalf of the citizens of the town and county of Worcester.

"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,

"The citizens whom you see a.s.sembled around you, have spontaneously thronged together, to offer you the tribute of their affection, their respect, their grat.i.tude.

"In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the _shire_ of an extensive county of more than 75000 population, in behalf of all who are present, and in antic.i.p.ation of the commands of those, whom distance and want of opportunity occasion to be absent from this joyous scene, I repeat to you the salutations, which elsewhere have been so impressively offered upon your arrival in this country, and your visit to this Commonwealth. Welcome, most cordially welcome, to the presence of those who now greet you!

"Your name, sir, is not only a.s.sociated with the memorable events of the American revolution, with the battle of Brandywine, the retreat from Valley Forge, the affair near Jamestown, and the triumph at Yorktown; but the memorials of _your_ services and _our_ obligations exist, in the Independence of the nation which was accomplished, in the government of the people which is established, in the inst.i.tutions and laws, the arts, improvements, liberty and happiness which are enjoyed. The _sword_ was beaten into the _ploughshare_, to cultivate the soil which its temper had previously defended, and the hill-tops shall now echo to the sea sh.o.r.e the gratulations of the independent proprietors of the land, to the common benefactor of all ranks and cla.s.ses of the people.

"Wherever you go, General, the acclamations of Freemen await you--their blessings and prayers will follow you. May you live many years to enjoy the fruits of the services and sacrifices, the gallantry and valor of your earlier days, devoted to the cause of freedom and the rights of man; and may the bright examples of individual glory and of national happiness, which the history of America exhibits, ill.u.s.trate to the world, the moral force of _personal_ virtue, and the rich blessings of civil liberty in republican governments."

The General, in reply, said in substance, "That he received with much sensibility, the expressions of kind attention with which he was received by the inhabitants of the town and county of Worcester; that he was delighted with the fine country which he had seen, and the excellent improvement and cultivation which he witnessed; that he saw the best proofs of a great, prosperous and happy people, in the rapid advancement of the polite and useful arts, and in the stability of our free inst.i.tutions; that he was especially much gratified in the great improvements of the face of the country, because he was himself a farmer; that he felt happy to observe such decided proofs of industry, sobriety and prosperity.--He begged the citizens to be a.s.sured of his affectionate and grateful recollection of their reception of him; he thanked them for all they had manifested towards him, for the kind expressions; which had been offered him by the committee, and, in a feeling impressive manner, reciprocated their good wishes."

Speaking to an individual of the attentions he had received, he observed.

"It is the homage the people pay to the _principles_ of the government, rather than to myself."

The inhabitants of Sturbridge and other places through which General Lafayette pa.s.sed, on his way to Hartford, in Connecticut, a.s.sembled in their respective towns, and presented him the ready homage of affectionate and grateful hearts. Companies of artillery fired salutes; ladies and gentlemen gathered round him to bid him welcome to America, and to express their deep and lively sense of his past services; and many veterans of the revolutionary army pressed upon him, without ceremony or introduction, expecting, as they found, a friendly and cordial reception.

General Lafayette was received at Hartford, in Connecticut, where he arrived on Sat.u.r.day morning, with similar marks of affection and esteem to those so cordially bestowed on him in the towns he had already visited. He was expected by the citizens on Friday evening, and arrangements were made for a general illumination. He was escorted into the city by the military, and a large procession of the citizens received him soon after he entered within its bounds, and conducted him to the State House, where he was addressed by the Mayor of the city, who a.s.sured him of the affectionate welcome, with which the people received him, and referred to the past services of Lafayette, which were still highly appreciated. And he expressed great happiness in beholding so many proofs of the prosperous state of the country, and in witnessing the invaluable effects of our free inst.i.tutions. The greater part of the inhabitants of both s.e.xes were personally presented to him; and there was an a.s.semblage of children of about eight hundred, the misses all dressed in white, wearing badges with the motto, "_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE." A gold medal was presented him by one of the children, which was enclosed in a paper containing these lines.

Welcome thou to freedom's clime, Glorious Hero! Chief sublime!

Garlands bright for thee are wreath'd, Vows of filial ardour breathed, Veteran's cheeks with tears are wet, "_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE."

Monmouth's field is rich with bloom, Where thy warriors found their tomb.

Yorktown's heights resound no more, Victor's shout or cannon's roar.

Yet our hearts record their debt, "_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE."

Brandywine, whose current roll'd Proud with blood of heroes bold, That our country's debt shall tell, That our grat.i.tude shall swell, Infant b.r.e.a.s.t.s thy wounds regret, "_We do love you_ LAFAYETTE."

Sires, who sleep in glory's bed, Sires, whose blood for us was shed, Taught us, when our knee we bend, With the prayer thy name to blend; Shall we e'er such charge forget?

No!--"_Nous vous aimons_ LAFAYETTE."

When our blooming cheeks shall fade, Pale with time, or sorrow's shade, When our cl.u.s.tering tresses fair Frosts of wintry age shall wear, E'en till memory's sun be set, "_We will love you_ LAFAYETTE."

In comparison with the population of Hartford, a greater portion of his revolutionary companions were here presented to him than in any place he had visited. The number was nearly one hundred. These marched before him, in the procession, in a connected column and attended by their own music.

It is hardly necessary to say, that their beloved general gave them a most cordial greeting. By one of the citizens, a sash and pair of epaulets were produced, which were worn by Lafayette when he entered the American army.

The _sash was stained with blood_ from his wound received in the battle of Brandywine. He left Hartford late in the afternoon, and proceeded to Middletown, where he embarked in a steam boat for New-York. The citizens of this place regretted, that he could not pa.s.s some time with them; and receive the attentions, which their grateful feelings would induce them to bestow on a zealous and able friend of American independence.

HIS RETURN TO NEW-YORK.

General Lafayette reached New-York on the following day, about noon; and was conducted to the City Hotel by the committee of arrangements, who were in waiting to receive him, when he arrived at the wharf. Mult.i.tudes a.s.sembled, who greeted his return, and renewed their joyful acclamations on meeting him again as a guest of their city. On Monday, the Cincinnati of the State of New-York gave a public dinner, in honor of "their old companion in arms," at which were also present several other persons of distinction, and the members of the City Council. This was the anniversary of the birth of Lafayette; and the circ.u.mstance increased the interesting a.s.sociations of the interview. The hall of meeting was richly decorated with appropriate emblems, and portraits of some of the heroes of the revolution, and bearing the hallowed name of Washington. In the toasts given on this occasion, were illusions to the important events which occurred in the war of the revolution, and to many of the distinguished characters, who conducted it to a successful issue--Washington, Greene, Lincoln, Steuben, Knox, Gates, Clinton, Kosciusco, De Kalb, Hamilton and others.

The first volunteer toast was by the President of the Society, and was, "_Our distinguished guest_;" when a transparent painting was suddenly illuminated and unveiled, and displayed a "WELCOME;" and over the head of Lafayette a beautiful wreath of flowers was suspended. He rose and said,--"with inexpressible delight at our brotherly meeting, with my affection to you all, my very dear friends and companions in arms, I propose the following sentiment; The sacred principles for which we have fought and bled--_Liberty, equality and national independence_; may every nation of the earth in adopting them, drink a _b.u.mper_ to the old continental army." [Footnote: Some of the toasts given by General Lafayette on other occasions are here recorded, as they are indicative of the opinions and sentiments which probably predominate in his mind. At the public dinner in Boston, on the day of his arrival--"The city of Boston, the cradle of liberty; may its proud Faneuil Hall ever stand a monument to teach the world that resistance to oppression is a duty, and will, under true republican inst.i.tutions, become a blessing." In the College Hall at the dinner of the Society of _Phi Beta Kappa_--"_The Holy Alliance_ of virtue, literature and patriotism: It will prove too powerful for any _coalition_ against the rights of man." At the military dinner on the Common in Boston, when the brilliant parade took place before mentioned--"The patriotic troops who have paraded this day, they excite the admiration of every beholder, and fill the heart with delight." At the dinner given by the citizens of Salem--"The town of Salem: may her increasing prosperity more and more evince the blessings of popular inst.i.tutions, founded on the sacred basis of natural and social rights."

And at Portsmouth, he gave that town, and added, "may the blessings of republican inst.i.tutions furnish a refutation of the mistaken and selfish sophistry of European despotism."]

On the next day, he visited the public Schools, the College, the Hospital, and Academy of Fine Arts; and on Wednesday, embarked in a steamboat to view the fortifications in the harbor of New-York. In the evening following, he attended the theatre, and was received with universal and repeated acclamations. Many eminent persons from distant parts of the United States visited New-York, at this time, for the sole object of meeting the celebrated friend of America. Among these were Mrs. Lewis, a niece of General Washington; and Mr. Huger of South-Carolina, the brave and generous youth, who attempted the liberation of Lafayette from the dungeon of Olmutz, at the imminent hazard of his own life; and who suffered a long and severe imprisonment for his disinterested interference. He also visited the widowed ladies of Generals Montgomery and Hamilton. Of the latter general, he was the personal and ardent friend.

A public dinner was given to Lafayette by the French gentlemen resident in New-York; many of whom were among the const.i.tutionalists in France in 1783; and who manifested equal respect and veneration for this distinguished confessor of regulated liberty, as the citizens of America. Several of the Aldermen of the city also gave splendid entertainments to the guest of the nation, who could justly claim to have acted an important part in the establishment of our freedom and independence.

He consented to attend the examination of several of the free schools--and appeared highly gratified by the evidence given of the improvement of the pupils. At one of the schools, consisting of 400 misses, after the examination, the following lines were chanted by the pupils: