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COMPLETE HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MARQUIS DEJLAFAYETTE, 
 
 XKEAJOn 6EN£RAIi 
 
 !N THE 
 
 ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 
 
 IN THE 
 
 ^av ot the lElrtioltttCon; 
 
 SMBRACIirO 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OF HIS LATE 
 TOXJB. THHOVOH THE UXTZTED STATES 
 
 TO THE TIME OP HIS DEPARTUBE, 
 September, 1825. 
 
 BY ^^ 
 
 AN OFFICER IN THE LATE ASMY.y^^^0^2L3:^>^ 
 
 NEW-YORK: 
 
 PRINTED FOK.AND PUBLISHED BY.ROBERT LOWRY, 
 JVu. 144 Borcery, 
 
 1826. 
 
COMPLETE HISTORY 
 
 MARIE PAUL JOSEPH ROCH YVES GILBERT 
 MOTIER 
 
 MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 This distinguished character was bora on the sixth of 
 September, 1757, in the province of Auvergne, now com- 
 prising the two departments of Cantal, and Puy-de-Dome, 
 and a part of la Haute Loire. His birth-place was the 
 Chateau de Chavagnac, situated about six miles from the 
 ancient town of Brionde. The province of Auvergne is 
 celebrated for the valour and independence of its inhabit- 
 ants, from the earliest times. His ancestors ranked among 
 the first people of the province, and had ever been conspi- 
 cuous for their independent spirit, and chivalric contempt 
 of danger. The Marechal de Lafayette, once the terror 
 of the British, is distinguished in the annals of France ; 
 and his relation, Madame de Lafayette, was a lady of ex- 
 tensive literary celebrity. Inheriting the spirit of his fa- 
 thers, he became the early advocate of political freedom, 
 and imbibed the most ardent attachment to the principles 
 of rational liberty. 
 
 Between the age of seven and eight years, he was placed 
 at the college of Louis le Grand at Paris, v/here he re- 
 
4 HISTORY OP THK 
 
 ceived an excellent education. In the year 1772, at the 
 age of fifteen, he was enrolled among the Mousquitaires, a 
 corps instituted for the protection of the royal person, and 
 composed of young men of the most illustrious extraction. 
 Previous to this time, he was made one of the pages of the 
 Queen of France. The mildness and affability of his man- 
 ners soon attracted the universal esteem of his new com- 
 rades ; and the immediate influence of royalty, in a short 
 time elevated him to the rank of a commissioned officer, a 
 favour exclusively reserved for the most illustrious scions 
 of nobility. 
 
 The Mousquitaires du Roi had for a long time been a 
 costly establishment ; and although such a noble guard was 
 highly flattering to the dignity of the sovereign, yet the ex- 
 pense attending it was severely felt, and frequently regretted. 
 The suppression of it had been repeatedly agitated ; but 
 no minister had yet been found sufficiently hardy to venture 
 on a reform, which menaced him with the resentment of the 
 most noble families of France. This instance of political 
 fortitude was reserved for the Count de St. Germain, 
 who enforced to Louis XVI. the considerable savings that 
 might be applied to the efifective marching battalions, from 
 the reduction of a corps which was the offspring of pagean- 
 try. An edict was accordingly published, in the year 1 775, 
 for the suppression of the Mousquitaires. 
 
 Those brave men, whose courage had always been cele- 
 brated, received the news of their dismission with the deep- 
 est marks of sorrow and despair. Attached to each other 
 by similarity of habits, and cemented in friendship by com- 
 mon dangers and services, they regarded the order which 
 decreed their separation, with feelings of real and undis- 
 guised grief. M. de la Chaise, a veteran officer of tried 
 resolution, and one of their commanders, fainted on re- 
 ceiving the fatal mandate ; and the whole corps vented their 
 sorrow in the loudest and most poignant exclamations. But 
 the King and his ministers were inexorable — and, it is said, 
 that the capital was not sorry to be delivered from a corps. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. i; 
 
 whose impetuous and aristocratic spirit too frequently in- 
 sulted the more humble class of citizens, hi the year 1 774, 
 he married Anastasie, a daughter of the illustrious house 
 of Noailles, celebrated for her virtues, courage, and conju- 
 gal affection. The history of female virtue and female he- 
 roism, presents nothing more rare in excellence than the 
 life and character of Madame Lafayette. It will be found 
 in the sequel, that she was worthy of the hero to whom she 
 was united. Such characters, said Charles Fox, speaking 
 of this admirable pair, should flourish in the annals of the 
 world, and live to posterity, when kings, and the crowns 
 they wear, must have mouldered in the dust. His union 
 with the young Countess de Noailles increased the annual 
 revenue of the Marquis de Lafayette, to two hundred thou- 
 sand francs. At this time a general peace in Europe in- 
 flicted a painful restraint on his enthusiasm for militarj fame, 
 and condemned him to a state of inactivity, w hich little ac- 
 corded with his ardent and enterprising disposition. The 
 enjoyments of affluence, and the luxuries of the court, were 
 unable to subdue the spirit of his sires which animated his 
 bosom. The same spirit which guided his galla father to 
 a soldier's death,* on the disastrous plains of Minden, glowed 
 with equal purity and vigour in the breast of his noble de- 
 scendant. He appeared at the French court to which his 
 rank had called him, while yet a boy. Too young to be 
 insensible to its pleasures, but too noble to be tainted by its 
 corruptions, he obstinately refused a place, voluntarily of- 
 fered to him, as the stepping-stone to such honours as cour- 
 tiers eagerly solicit.! -He had already, at the age of sixteen, 
 felt and acknowledged another vocation. — The Sta. .f 
 political liberty was, at that period, observed rising brightly 
 
 * The father of General Lafayette was killed at the battle of Minden. 
 It is a curious fact, tliat his death was occasioned by a shot from a battery • 
 commanded by the same General Phillips, to whom his son was opposed in 
 Virginia, in the year 1781. 
 
 + Lady Morgan's France, p. 316. 
 
HISTORY or THE 
 
 in the west, and Lafayette was among the first who went 
 forth from a distant land to worship it. At this period of 
 his hfe, the Marquis de Lafayette was a noble looking man. 
 notwithstanding his deep red hair. His forehead, though 
 receding, was fine, his eye clear hazel, and his mouth and 
 chin delicately formed; exhibiting beauty rather than 
 strength. The expression of his countenance was strongly 
 indicative of a generous and gallant spirit, mingled with 
 something of the pride of conscious manliness. His mien 
 was noble, — his manners frank and amiable, — his movements 
 light and graceful. Formed both by nature and education, 
 to be the ornament of a court, and already distinguished by 
 his polished manners and attractive qualities, in the circle 
 of his noble acquaintance, his free principles were neither 
 withered by the sunshine of royalty, nor weakened by flat- 
 tery and temptation. 
 
 Among the various nations of Europe, all more or less fa- 
 vourable to the American cause, and detesting the tyranny 
 of England, none signalized themselves more. than the 
 French. The desire of vengeance, the hope of retrieving 
 its losses, the remembrance of ancient splendour, the an- 
 guish of recent wounds, all stimulated the French govern- 
 ment to side with the colonists in their struggles against 
 oppression. The interest which France took in the contest, 
 plainly indicated at its commencement, that the projects 
 then in agitation in her councils would not long be con- 
 cealed. 
 
 Exclusive of the national and hereditary inveteracy of the 
 people towards the English, they believed them to be acting 
 an unjustifiable part towards the Americans. Hence they 
 considered themselves doubly authorized to assist the latter ; 
 and were prompted by motives of justice as well as of 
 policy. In fact, the government only awaited the maturity 
 of events, and a propitious occasion, openly to espouse our 
 cause.— The nation was acquainted with the disposition of 
 ftte ministry ; and, as no people are more susceptible of mv 
 
MARQUIS DE I.APAYETTE. « 
 
 nrcssions from those in power than the French, the cause of 
 America found among them the most ardent and ingenious 
 advocates. 
 
 The operation of many other causes concurred to the 
 same effect. AUhough the people of France had been ac- 
 customed to live under a very absolute system of govern- 
 ment, they have uniformly testified a particular esteem for 
 such men, and for such nations as have valiantly defended 
 their liberty against the usurpations of tyranny. When 
 they are not led astray, and, as it were, transported by their 
 exorbitant imagination, their character is naturally benevo- 
 lent and gentle: they are always disposed to succour the 
 oppressed, especially when they support their ill fortune 
 with constancy, and endeavour to surmount it with courage. 
 There is a national tendency in favour of great and glorious 
 enterprises : such was the cause of America ; and such 
 w^ere the general sentiments of the French towards them. 
 
 At this period, moreover, those writers who in all coun- 
 tries, bift particularly in France, had treated on political 
 subjects, had manifested themselves the advocates of a libe- 
 ral mode of government, and thus the opinions prevalent at 
 that time were extremely propitious to civil liberty. Nothing 
 can more evidently prove the spirit of that epoch, than the 
 eager request for those writings, and the still more rapid 
 dissemination of the principles they contained. When the 
 news of the commotions which agitated America arrived, 
 in all social circles, as well as in numerous publications 
 which daily appeared in France, the Americans were the 
 objects of boundless culogiums ; their cause was defended 
 by the most forcible arguments, and justified by a multitude 
 of illustrious examples. If indeed, at the period when 
 France, after the cession made by the republic of Geneva 
 had undertaken the conquest of Corsica, many were found 
 among the French who professed themselves the apologists 
 of those islanders, and ventured openly to condemn the 
 determination of their own government to subdue them,— 
 it may well be imagined that the partisans of America were 
 
y HISTORY OF THK 
 
 much more numerous, and demonstrated an enthusiasm still 
 more ardent. It would be ditlicult to describe the excessive 
 joy, — the vast hopes that were excited by the convocation 
 of the first American Congress. The names of the deputies 
 were extolled to the skies : let them hasten (it was every 
 Avhere said,) to shake otT the yoke of English despotism, 
 to sever the bonds of servitude ; let them establish civil 
 liberty in their country ; and let them serve as a perpetual 
 example, that princes cannot without peril violate the 
 fundamental law of their states, or attack with impunity the 
 privileges and immunities of their subjects.* While Louis 
 XVI., who had not long before mounted the throne, was 
 not indiiferent to the internal regulation of his own king- 
 dom, he constantly directed his attention towards America; 
 and watched with anxiety, the commencement and conduct 
 of a contest which hourly became more important, and 
 in the event of which, the humanity and interest of Euro- 
 pean powers were deeply concerned. Each day seemed to 
 establish more tirmly the jurisdiction of the states ; their 
 privateers overspread the seas ; and Louis, while he pro- 
 fessed to the court of London a strict neutrality, afforded to 
 our vessels a secure refuge in his harbours, where the prize 
 goods were bartered for the arms and ammunition so neces- 
 sary for the support of our cause. The exultation of the 
 French people had been openly and constantly proportioned 
 to the success of the Americans. The princes of the blood 
 and the chief nobility were eager to embark in the cause 
 of freedom ; and the prudence of the king and his most 
 confidential ministers, alone restrained their ardour. The 
 fatal events of the last war were still impressed on the mind 
 of Louis XVI. ; and he could not readily consent to expose 
 his infant marine in a contest with a people who had so 
 frequently asserted the dominion of the seas, and so lately 
 broken the united strength of the house of Bourbon. Yet 
 he was sensible that the opportunity of humbling Great 
 
 - Bottfi's War of Independence, vol. i.p. 204. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTK. 9 
 
 Britain ought not to be entirely neglected, and that some 
 advantages should be taken of the existing commotions in 
 America. Although all audience in a public capacity. 
 was denied to Silas Deane and Dr. Benjamin Franklin, 
 who had successively arrived at Paris as agents of the United 
 States, still they were privately encouraged to hope that 
 France only awaited the proper opportunity to vindicate in 
 arms, the freedom and independence of America. 
 
 In the mean-time the military preparations in France 
 were diligently continued, the American cruisers were hos- 
 pitably received into her ports ; artillery, and all kinds of 
 warlike stores were freely sold, or liberally granted to re- 
 lieve the wants of the Colonists ; and French officers and 
 engineers, with the connivance of the government, entered 
 into their service.* The king was not ignorant that the 
 remonstrances of Great Britain, and the importunities of 
 the agents of the United States would soon compel him to 
 adopt some decisive line of conduct. He had been closely 
 questioned by the English ambassador. Lord Stormont, 
 respecting the warlike preparations which were diligently 
 continued throughout the kingdom, and replied, that at a 
 time when the seas were covered with English fleets and 
 American cruisers, and when such armies were sent to the 
 new world as had never before appeared there, it became 
 prudent for him also to arm for the security of the colonies 
 and the protection of the commerce of France. On the 
 other hand, he was assailed by the entreaties, remonstran- 
 ces, and address of Dr. Franklin, whose exertions for ob- 
 taining the powerful aid of the French government, were 
 only equalled by his abilities in the prosecution of his duty. 
 " In judging of the past, from our knowledge of the events 
 that have ensued," says Madame de Stael, " most people 
 will be of opinion, that Louis XVI. did wrong in interfering 
 between England and America. Although the indepen- 
 dence of the United States was desired by all liberal minds, 
 
 * Gifford's Hist. France, 41.o, vol- iii- p. 469. 
 
li'l HISTORY -OF THE 
 
 Ihe principles of the French monarchy did not permit the 
 encouragement of what, according to these principles, must 
 be pronounced a revolt. Besides, France at that time, had 
 no cause of complaint against England; and to enter on a 
 war wholly on the ground of the habitual rivalship betw^een 
 the two countries, was bad policy in itself, and more detri- 
 mental to France than to England : for France, possessing 
 greater natural resources, but being inferior in naval power, 
 was certain of acquiring additional strength in peace, and 
 as certain of being weakened by a maritime war. M. 
 Necker laid before the king the strongest motives for the 
 continuance of peace, and he who has been charged with re- 
 publican sentiments, declared himself hostile to a war, the 
 object of which, was the independence of a people. He 
 certainly wished every success to the noble cause of the 
 colonists ; but he felt on the one hand, that war ought never 
 to be declared without positive necessity, and on the other, 
 that no possible concurrence of political results could coun- 
 terbalance to France, the loss she would sustain of the ad- 
 vantages she might derive from her capital wasted in the 
 contest."* 
 
 Happily for America, and happily for the common cause 
 of free and enlightened principles, the majority of the 
 French people were not disposed to consider as a waste of 
 capital those means which were employed in the defence 
 of rational liberty, the humbling of a haughty nation, and 
 the chastisement of a hereditary foe. The arguments of 
 M. Necker proved unavailing ; and the king decided for 
 war. The motives for this measure were undoubtedly 
 strong, and the government was exposed to great difficulties 
 in either alternative. The time was approaching when the 
 words of Hume, in relation to Charles I., might have been 
 applied to Louis XVI. He found himself in a situation 
 where faults were irreparable ; a condition too rigorous to 
 be imposed on weak human nature. Whether it be admitted 
 
 "*■■ De Stael, Consid. French Revolution, vol. i. cli. vii. p. 88. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. II 
 
 or not, and it can hardly be denied that the success of the 
 American revolution tended to the dreadful convulsions 
 which overturned the throne of France, and filled the land 
 with wailing and lamentations ; it is certain that the French 
 nation derived no advantage, and suffered serious injury 
 from their participation in the contest. It was not, hoAV- 
 ever, until the capture of Burgoyne in October, 1777, that 
 the French government formally threw aside the vail which 
 had but slightly covered their opinions and proceedings in 
 favour of America. The success of the colonists on that 
 occasion, was received at Paris with unbounded exultation. 
 M. Sartine, who presided over the marine department, 
 was impatient to measure the naval strength of France with 
 that of Great Britain ; and universal enthusiasm reigned 
 throughout all classes of society. The queen, who had 
 long favoured the applications of the agents of the United 
 States, now espoused the cause with less reserve, and with 
 increased ardour. The phlegmatic temper, and pacific dis- 
 position of the king were overborne by the reiterated zeal, 
 imperceptible but weighty, of the numerous body of philo- 
 sophers which pervaded every rank of life, by the sugges- 
 tions of his ministers, and by the influence of his royal con- 
 sort ; and it was at length determined openly to acknow- 
 ledge the independence of the United States of America. 
 
 The situation of Europe, at this juncture, was particu- 
 larly favourable to the determination of the king of France. 
 Differences between the court of Petersburg and the Otto- 
 man Porte respecting the Crimea, threatened a revival of 
 the hostilities* which had been so lately adjusted ; and thus 
 even if the empress were willing, precluded her from afford- 
 ing assistance to Great Britain. The flames of war had 
 been rekindled between the houses of Austria and Branden- 
 burg ; Spain, by the family compact, was bound to accede 
 to the designs, and to strengthen the arms of France ; Por- 
 
 * Gifford's Hist. Ffance, vol. iii, p. 474. 
 
12 HISTORY OF THK 
 
 lugal, bj her late treaty with Spain, had formed an intimate 
 union with the house of Bourbon ; while Holland, pursuing 
 those pacific maxims which the policy of commerce die- 
 tates, avoided every overture which appeared likely to in- 
 volve her in the war, which now extended to the principal 
 powers of Europe, and transferred to her peaceful ports, all 
 the advantages of trade and neutrality. Louis XVI., thus 
 satisfied that he had nothing to apprehend from the principal 
 powers of Europe, devoted his whole attention to the ap- 
 proaching contest with the ancient rival of his kingdom. 
 
 His councils had been long suspended on the manner of 
 procedure proper to be adopted with regard to America. 
 The constant declarations of the British ministry appeared 
 to be corroborated by the numbers of the Colonists that 
 joined the royal army ; a much more numerous body was 
 known to have adopted a passive but suspicious neutrality ; 
 and the progressive steps by which they had arrived to a 
 complete declaration of independence, accompanied in 
 every stage by liberal offers of accommodation from the 
 Colonists, and the most confident rejection of every mea- 
 sure short of absolute submission, tended to enforce an 
 opinion in the cabinet of Versailles, that the great body of 
 the Americans were not earnestly disposed to an irrevocable 
 separation from Great Britain. But the contest daily as- 
 sumed a more serious and effective form, and the private ac- 
 tivity united with the address and sagacity of Dr. Franklin, 
 removed every impression which retarded the decisive and 
 effectual measures of France. Dr. Franklin and Silas 
 Deane, who had hitherto acted only as private agents, were 
 now publicly acknowledged as ambassadors from the United 
 States to the Court of France ; and, in the month of Fe- 
 bruary, 1778, a treaty of amity and commerce was signed 
 between the two powers. This treaty and the formal ac- 
 knowledgement (by France,) of the independence of the 
 United States of America, was communicated to the minis- 
 ters of Great Britain, in the itionth of March, by the Duke 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 13 
 
 de Noailles, ambassador to the Court of London ; and the 
 recall of Lord Stormont from Versailles was the signal for 
 the commencement of hostilities. 
 
 But the spirit which prevailed throughout all ranks and 
 denominations in France in favour of the Americans, could 
 not be confined, or regulated by the slow and cautious rules 
 of policy. It burst forth long previous to the fortnal ac- 
 knowledgement of our rights by that government, and was 
 chiefly manifested by rejoicings at the success, and sorrow 
 for the failure of our arms. It was among the military 
 classes that this ardour was eminently conspicuous. The 
 Irish brigade, so famous for the services it had rendered to 
 France, especially in its wars with Great Britain, furnished 
 a number of brave officers to America. Nor were the other 
 French regiments deficient in this spirit of general adven- 
 ture in the cause of the colonies against the parent state. 
 Numbers of the young nobility of France were eager to sig- 
 nalize themselves in the noble cause of liberty against op- 
 pression. Among others, Roche du Fermoy was in the 
 army that acted against Burgoyne; Baron St. Ovary was a 
 volunteer in the service ; De Coudray, an officer of rank in 
 the French army, was drowned in the Schuylkill a few days 
 after the battle of Brandywine, in his eagerness to cross it 
 in order to join the army of Washington, which was reported 
 to be on the point of engaging ; the Chevalier Duplcssis 
 Mauduit displayed the greatest bravery at Germantown 
 and Red Bank, and was assassinated at Port-au-Prince ; the 
 heroic gallantry of Lieutenant Fleury at Stony Point, can 
 never be forgotten *, De Buysson was not less brave ; Baron 
 de Kalb possessed a pure and disinterested patriotism, 
 which led him to danger and a glorious death. Other parts 
 of Europe also supplied our armies with brave and expe- 
 rienced officers, through whose assistance they daily im- 
 proved in discipline and military skill. Germany in par- 
 ticular, a country that from the perpetual quarrels amongst 
 its own sovereigns, and the many wars of which it had in 
 
14 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 latter times been the unhappy scene, abounded in military 
 men, more than any other part of Europe, contributed her 
 share of heroes for the defence of America. 
 
 It is a tribute of justice due to our French allies, to ob- 
 serve, that during the course of the revolution, they gene- 
 rally endeavoured to harmonize with our citizens, relin- 
 quishing on most occasions, their own modes and prejudices, 
 to conform themselves to the manners and customs of Ame- 
 rica. The extent to which their desire to please and con- 
 ciliate was carried, is exemplified in the following anecdote : 
 — General M'Intosh was presiding at a court-martial, and de- 
 sirous of administering an oath to a French officer, inquired 
 of what religion he was ? he answered quickly, " The Ame- 
 rican, Sir ;" thinking, undoubtedl), that it was a duty to con- 
 form, as much as possible, to the religious opinion of the 
 people in whose cause he had drawn his sword. And this 
 appears the more probable, because time being allowed 
 for reflection, and the question varied by substituting " what 
 faith" instead of what religion, he exclaimed, " c'est bien 
 une autre affaire : Roman Catholique Apostolique, mon 
 General."* It is almost needless to touch upon their bra- 
 very ; they were Frenchmen, and enthusiastically attached 
 to the opinions imbibed in favour of liberty and republican- 
 ism. Their intrepidity was exemplary, and gave them daily 
 new claims to the admiration and gratitude of the people^ 
 whose rights and properties they had pledged themselves to 
 defend : some, however, acted from more ignoble motives. 
 But among these, none were so conspicuous for the splen- 
 dour of rank, the fascination of his personal qualities, and 
 the purity of his political principles, as the Marquis de La- 
 fayette. Born under a despotic regime, he saw nothing in 
 his own country to employ a young and enthusiastic mind. 
 North America — sorely oppressed, demanding justice in 
 vain, her complaints rejected, her petitions unheeded, her 
 murmurs disregarded — attracted his attention. She was be- 
 
 * Gorden's Anecdotes, p. 206. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 15 
 
 ginning to feel the sacred impulse of liberty ; she Vas 
 stretching and unfolding her half-fledged wings, doubting 
 her powers, dreading her adversary, and wavering between 
 submission and despair. She was in the infancy of her 
 strength, when Lafayette, animated with the glorious cause, 
 left all the luxuries and indulgences of home, to cross the 
 Atlantic, and offer himself to the Americans as a champion 
 and a friend. Animated by the enthusiasm which generous 
 minds are accusto;ned to feel for great enterprises, he es- 
 poused their cause with a partiality common to almost all 
 the men of that time, and particularly to the French. He 
 considered it not only just, but exalted and sacred : the af- 
 fection he bore it was the more ardent, as independently of 
 the candour of his character, he was of that age in which 
 good appears not only good but fair, and man not only loves, 
 but is enamoured.* 
 
 When the destinies of America were tottering on the 
 brink of destruction ; when a triumphant enemy was over- 
 whelming the Jerseys with deeds of desolation ; when even 
 the firmness of Washington was shaken, the young and gal- 
 lant Lafayette resolved to cast his bread upon the waters, 
 and mingle in a conflict which appeared almost desperate 
 in the eyes of united Europe. He espoused the cause of 
 this country, when it had not a single acting advocate beyond 
 the waters of the Atlantic. At that period, the represen- 
 tations in France relative to the state of American affairs, 
 were most deplorable, and sufficient to repress the most de- 
 termined zeal. The army of Washington was represented 
 as a mere rabble, flying before thirty thousand British regu- 
 lars : nor was this far from the reality. The route and car- 
 nage at Brooklyn, and the consequent evacuation of Loog- 
 Island, had given, indeed, a gloomy aspect to the affairs of 
 America. The continental troops had heretofore manifested 
 a great degree of intrepidity, from a confidence arising from 
 the persuasion of their superiority over the enemy. The 
 
 *■ Trotter's Life of Fo3(, p. 186. Rotta's War Independ, book viii. 
 
16- HISTORY OF THE 
 
 goodness of their cause, their early and habitual use of fire- 
 arms, had been carefully inculcated and nourished by all 
 their preceding experience. But when, by a course of evo- 
 lutions, in which they imagined they perceived a great su- 
 periority of military skill, they found themselves encircled 
 with unexpected dangers, from which no exertion could ex- 
 tricate them, their confidence in themselves and their leaders 
 was greatly diminished, and the approach of the enemy in- 
 spired them with the apprehension that some stratagem was 
 concealed, from which immediate flight could alone pre- 
 serve them.* The subsequent negociations, however fruit- 
 less, with Lord Howe, had also an evil effect in France, by 
 demonstrating the desire of reconciliation still subsisting in 
 the colonies. 
 
 The evacuation and capture of New- York greatly dis- 
 pirited the American troops, and almost drove them to des- 
 pair. The militia were impatient to return home, and 
 almost totally disobedient to orders, deserting by half and 
 even whole regiments. The battle of White-plains — the 
 surrender of Fort Washington — the evacuation of Fort Lee 
 — the gradual dissolution of the American army — the in- 
 effectual attempts to raise the militia — the indisposition of 
 the inhabitants to further resistance — the retreat of Gene- 
 ral Washington through New-Jersey at the head of less 
 than three thousand men, one thousand of whom were mili- 
 tia, badly armed and clad, and almost without tents, blankets, 
 or utensils for dressing their provisions ; dispirited by losses 
 and fatigue — retreating almost naked and barefooted, in the 
 cold of November and December, before a numerous, well 
 appointed, and victorious army, through a desponding 
 country — the immense numbers that daily flocked to the 
 British standard, for the purpose of making their peace and 
 obtaining protection — the universal idea that the contest 
 was approaching its termination, greatly supported by the 
 contrast between the splendid appearance of the pursuing 
 
 * Maisn's I/ife of Washington, vol. ii. rh. 7. p. 4')fi. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 17 
 
 army, and that made by the ragged Americans who were fly- 
 ing before them, destitute of almost every necessary ; all 
 these causes contributed in Europe, almost to extinguish the 
 hope of a successful issue to the struggles of America. But 
 the confidence of Lafayette in the triumph of liberty, was, and 
 it ever has been, that of a pious man in a future life. The 
 first inducement that led him to embark in the cause of 
 liberty and independence, has been related by the Marquis 
 himself. While stationed in the citadel of Metz,^and only 
 eighteen years of age, the duke of Gloucester, who was 
 then exiled from the court of Great Britain on account of 
 his marriage, communicated to a select company, the infor- 
 mation which he had received respecting the contest of the 
 Americans. Lafayette was so strongly interested by this 
 account, that he left Metz for Paris, where he became ac- 
 quainted with Silas Deane, the first agent from America to 
 France. At this time Doctor Franklin arrived at Paris, and 
 after obtaining from him the best information concerning 
 the state of the country, he was determined by his ardent 
 love of liberty, to embark his life and fortune in the cause of 
 American freedom. Thus inflamed with the desire to par- 
 ticipate in the events which were echoed by all Europe, he 
 communicated, about the close of the year 1776, his inten- 
 tion of repairing to America ; and they encouraged him in 
 that resolution. But when they were informed of the re- 
 verses in New-Jersey, they were compelled themselves al- 
 most to despair of the success of the revolution, and with an 
 honourable sincerity, endeavoured to dissuade the Marquis 
 from carrying his design into execution. They even de- 
 clared to him that their aflTairs were so deranged by this un- 
 happy news, that they were not able to charter a vessel for 
 his passage to America.* " Now, then," replied the gallant 
 nobleman, " is precisely the moment to serve your cause ; the 
 more people are discouraged, the greater utility will result 
 from my departure ; and if you cannot furnish me with a ves- 
 
 * Botla's Independence, vol. iii. p. '>li'. 
 
li) HISTORV OK THn 
 
 sel, I will freight one at my own expense, to convey your des- 
 patches, and my person to the shores of America." And as 
 he said he did. Nursed in the lap of luxury and ease, possess- 
 ing a princely fortune, and ennobled by the most illustrious 
 blood of France, he had unalterably formed the heroic reso- 
 lution to abandon the comforts of home, the enjoyments of 
 affluence, and the attractions of a court, to devote himself to 
 the cause of that liberty, the love of which has decided 
 every action of his life. Impelled by that ardour which 
 arises from a liberal education and a native generosity of 
 sentiments, he embarked in the cause of America, not from 
 an enthusiasm, by the lukewarm and calculating, termed mad- 
 ness and youthful folly, but from a firm conviction that it was 
 iust and honourable. This determination on the part of so 
 illustrious a personage, astonished the people of France, and 
 excited universal attention and conversation. The court of 
 France, either to save appearances and avoid giving umbrage 
 to Great Britain, or really displeased at the proposed enter- 
 prise, prohibited his departure, and it is even asserted, that 
 vessels were 'espatched with orders to arrest him in the 
 waters of the West Indies. But resistance to the King's will 
 on this occasion, was encouraged by the public applause, and 
 it was hailed by universal approbation. Even at that mo- 
 ment, the seeds of the French revolution were beginning to 
 germinate. When the royal authority has lostground in pub- 
 lic opinion, the principle of monarchical government, which 
 places honour in obedience, is attacked at its basis.* Em- 
 barrassments served only to strengthen this resolution, and 
 increase his youthful ardour and patriotism. According to 
 the laws of France, he exposed himself by clandestine de- 
 parture, to the loss of his whole property ; and, if captured 
 by the British on his passage to America, he was liable to a 
 confinement of uncertain duration, without the most remote 
 prospect of being exchanged. But no personal considera- 
 tions could influence the conduct of that generous friend to 
 
 * De Stael Consid. French Rev. vol. i. ch. 7, p. 89. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 19 
 
 humanity, who to a certain degree, possessed the same per- 
 severance in opinion, which distinguished the illustrious 
 Washington. Tearing himself from the arms of iiis beloved 
 wife, who was in all the bloom of youth, and from the circle 
 of connexions to whom he was eminently endeared, he em- 
 barked at the early age of nineteen years in the vessel 
 which he had purchased and equipped at his own expense, 
 and steering wide of the West India Islands, safely arrived 
 in South Carolina on the 19th of ^ril, 1777. 
 
 What chequered scenes has Lafayette witnessed — what 
 glory has he won — what miseries has he endured — since the 
 following notice of his departure was published in a Paris 
 paper of 1777 : — 
 
 '•Paris, April -Uh, Mil. 
 
 " One of the richest of our young nobility, the Marquis 
 de Lafayette, a relation of the Duke de Noailles, between 
 nineteen and twenty years of age, has, at his own expense, 
 hired a vessel and provided every thing necessary for a voy- 
 age to America, with two officers of his acquaintance. He 
 set out last week, having told his lady and family that he was 
 going to Italy. He is to serve as a Major General in the 
 American army. — On the other hand the Count de Bulkeley, 
 an Irish gentleman, who is a Major General in the French 
 service, is going, with the leave of his majesty, to oifer 
 himself to the king of Great Britain, to serve against the 
 Americans." 
 
 The Marquis landed on North Island in Winyau Bay, 
 about sixty miles from Charleston, and was welcomed 
 with the most cordial hospitality by the family of Major 
 Benjamin Huger, an officer of great gallantry and high 
 promise, who fell covered with wounds before Charles- 
 ton, during Provost's invasion, while executing an important 
 duty : to increase the calamity, he fell by friendly hands — 
 the fire which destroyed him proceeding from the American 
 hnes. He remained a short time in this delightful retreat, 
 but anxious to pursue the object of his voyage he soon 
 removed to Charleston, under the guidance of his hospl- 
 
20 HlSTORir OF THE 
 
 table host. Admired by his entertainers, who felt deep- 
 ly interested in his success, and whose sentiments in his 
 favour increased with his rising fame, it is not surprising that 
 a son of the family (the gallant Colonel Francis Kinlock 
 Huger,) should have cherished that enthusiastic attachment 
 to his character, which led to as noble an act of friendship 
 and heroism, as adorns the page of chivalry.* On his very 
 first landing in Carolina, in testimony of his respect and 
 high admiration of th# gallant defence made by General 
 Moultrie, of the pass on Sullivan's Island, and charmed with 
 the gallantry displayed by the troops on that occasion, he 
 presented him with clothing, arms, and accoutrements foi- 
 one hundred men. And well did they deserve this evidence of 
 their valour — resolved to repel the foe, or nobly perish, the 
 undaunted garrison received the tremendous fire of the 
 British shipping with composure, and returned it with terri- 
 ble effect, until valour accomplished what prudence had 
 declared impracticable, and the retreat of the assailants 
 adorned the brows of every individual concerned with lau- 
 rels that can never fade, — such were the circumstances 
 inider which Lafayette lauded on our shores. Scarcely 
 had he set his foot upon our soil before his gallant spirit 
 mingled in enthusiasm with that of the brave warriors, whose 
 brows were still contracted by the sternness of warfare, 
 whose ears were still ringing with the shouts of battle, 
 whose swords were yet reeking with the blood of their op- 
 pressors. The young hero met with the most cordial recep- 
 tion from Congress, who immediately accepted his protlered 
 services, and omitted no demonstration of the respect and 
 esteem in which they held the pei'son of a man, who had 
 made the greatest sacrifices and exposed himself to danger 
 in support of the tottering cause of America. His high 
 rank, his influence at the court of Versailles, his frankness 
 of manners, and zeal in the cause, soon secured him the 
 tinlimited respect of his own countrymen, and the universal 
 
 * Gordon's Anec3. f. 95. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 21 
 
 esteem of the Americans. It is impossible to describe the 
 affection with which he was regarded by them, and which 
 was only surpassed by the love of their illustrious chief. To 
 those who knew him, it was not a matter of wonder that he 
 had discovered the secret of winning all their hearts. His 
 deportment was dignified without pride; his manners gentle 
 without apathy, frank without boldness, and courteous with- 
 out servility. His zeal, activity, and enthusiasm in the 
 cause of America, were wholly distinct from all the politi- 
 cal views of co-operation with the wishes of his court, and, 
 when added to a sincere and uniform admiration of the 
 greatest and best character of the age, completely endeared 
 him to the American people. Of Lafayette it has been said, 
 by those who knew him well, that he was never spoken of 
 without manifest tokens of attachment and affection.* 
 Touched by this flattering reception, he resolved to exert 
 himself to the utmost of his knowledge and ability, but he 
 felt, and did not hesitate to confess the want of that practi- 
 cal knowledge, without which, the theoretical science of the 
 soldier can seldom lead to glory or success. 
 
 With a generosity and modesty which delighted the Ame- 
 ricans, he demanded no station in the army, would consent 
 to receive no compensation, and requested permission to 
 serve at first only as a volunteer. This generous conduct 
 was the more pleasing, as the claims of some of the French 
 who had entered the service, were so exorbitant that they 
 could not be gratified, on the subject either of pay or of 
 rank. Many of the foreign officers who assisted in the revo- 
 lutionary war, had httle in view but employment in the pro- 
 fession they had chosen; and, as few natives then possessed 
 military skill, they found little difficulty in obtaining high 
 commands. For their services, they deserved their wages, 
 and if they were victorious in battle, they also deserved 
 glory : but those who acted from these motives, had no 
 claims on the gratitude of the American people. Fighting 
 
 * Chastelleux's Trav. vol. i. p. 103^ note. 
 
22 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 was their vocation, and for honour and emolument, they 
 would have fought against liberty as readily as for it. The 
 case of Lafayette was different, — he left an ample fortune to 
 participate in all the privations of a people struggling for 
 liberty. 
 
 The ambition by which he was actuated was honourable ; 
 and he has, by his subsequent conduct, proved the sincerity 
 of his republicanism. It was Silas Deanc who had encou- 
 raged these exorbitant expectations on the part of the 
 French officers, by entering in France into such engage- 
 ments with them, as could not be confirmed in America. 
 The Marquis de Lafayette had also stipulated with Mr. 
 Deane for the rank of major-general without emolument, 
 and the honorary rank was conferred on him soon after his 
 arrival in America, but without any immediate command. 
 On the 31st of July, 1777, the following preamble and re- 
 solution was adopted by Congress : — 
 
 ^^Whe.rras, the Marquis de Lafayette, out of his great zeal 
 to the cause of liberty, in which the United States are en- 
 gaged, has left his family and connexions, and at his own 
 expense, come over to offer his service to the United States, 
 without pension or particular allowance, and is anxious to 
 risk his life in our cause, 
 
 ^^ Resolved, That his services be accepted ; and that in con- 
 sideration of his zeal, illustrious family, and connexions, he 
 have the rank and commission of major-general, in the army 
 of the United States." 
 
 This noble philanthropist was immediately received into 
 the family of the commander-in-chief, to whom he attached 
 himself with all the ardour of youth. Washington felt for 
 him, in turn, a warm and sincere friendship, and paved the 
 way to bestowing on him a command in the army equal to 
 his rank. It was here that the principles of liberty, which 
 appear to have been almost co-existent with his birth, were 
 judiciously regulated and fostered. Under the care and 
 tuition of the venerated man of the age, whose adopted son 
 he was, they grew with his growth, and strengthened with 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 23 
 
 his strength. It was not long before the chivah'ous ardour 
 of the young hero was displayed upon the field of battle. 
 At the baltle of Brandywine, which occurred on the 11th 
 of September, 1777, he evinced his gallantry and zeal, and 
 first shed his blood in the cause which he had espoused with 
 so much enthusiasm. In the year 1777, the British having 
 in vain attempted to reach Philadelphia across the Jerseys 
 by land, proceeded by sea to the Chesapeake, and on the 
 twenty-fifth of August, landed near the head of Elk, to 
 which place Sir William Howe marched with one division, 
 and the next day advanced his van to Gray's Hill, leaving 
 General Knyphausen with three brigades at the place of 
 landing. The whole force of the British army consisted of 
 eighteen thousand men, in good health and spirits, trained 
 to the service, admirably supplied with all the implements 
 of war, and led by a general of experience and unquestion- 
 able military talents. On the twenty-fourth of August Wash- 
 ington passed through Philadelphia, on his way to meet the 
 enemy ; and after stopping some short time on the Brandy- 
 wine to refresh, and afford an opportunity of reconnoitering 
 both the country and the enemy, the divisions of Greene 
 and Stephen proceeded nearer to the Head of Elk, and en- 
 camped behind While Clay Creek. Although the real 
 strength of the American army cannot be stated with cer- 
 tainty, the estimate of fifteen thousand made by Sir William 
 Howe, did not probably exceed the reality ; but it is an un- 
 fortunate fact attributable in some degree to the badness of 
 their clothing and scarcity of tents, as well as of food, that 
 the effective force, including militia, did not exceed eleven 
 thousand. 
 
 General Maxwell being posted about three miles in front 
 of White Clay Creek, was fallen in with, attacked, and 
 routed, by a detachment under Lord Cornwallis, and re- 
 treated over White Clay Creek. The whole American 
 army, except the light infantry, which remained on the lines, 
 HOW retired behind Red Clay Creek, occupying with its left 
 wing the town of Newport, situated near the Christiana, 
 
24 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and on the great road to Philadelphia ; its right extended 
 a considerable distance up the creek to Hockesson township. 
 On this ground General Washington thought it probable 
 that the fate of Philadelphia and of the campaign might be 
 decided ; and therefore resorted to all the means in his power 
 to encourage his troops, and stimulate them to the greatest 
 exertions. 
 
 The enemy, reinforced by the rear guard under General 
 Grant, advanced his main body by Newark, upon the right 
 of the American encampment, and took post within four 
 miles of that place, extending his left still further up the 
 country. In the mean-time, a strong column made a show 
 of attacking in front, and after manoeuvring for some time, 
 halted at Milton, within two miles of the centre. Wash- 
 ington saw the threatened danger, and retired with his troops 
 beyond the Brandy wine, and took post behind that river, on 
 the heights which extend from Chadd's Ford, in the direc- 
 tion of north-east to south-east. The militia, under the 
 command of General Armstrong, guarded a passage two 
 miles below the principal encampment of Washington, and 
 the right wing extended some miles above, to guard other 
 fords deemed less practicable. In this position, the Ame- 
 rican general awaited the movements of the enemy. Al- 
 though the Brandywine, being fordable almost every where, 
 could not serve as a sufficient defence against the impetu- 
 osity of the enemy, yet Washington had taken post on its 
 banks, from a conviction that a battle was now inevitable, 
 and that Philadelphia could only be saved by a victory. Be- 
 sides which, the ill effect which the surrender of Philadel- 
 phia, without striking a blow, would have had on the public 
 mind, demanded that a sacrifice should be made on the altar 
 of public opinion. The protection of that city was deemed 
 by all America, and especially by Congress, of such infinite 
 magnitude, as to require the hazard of a battle for its at- 
 tainment. Hence the general engagement sought by Howe, 
 was not avoided by Washington. 
 
 Early in the morning of the eleventh of September the 
 
MARQUIS DK LAFAVETTK. io 
 
 whole British army was in motion. It was formed in two 
 columns, the right commanded by General Knyphaiisen, and 
 the left by Lord Cornwallis. It was the plan of General 
 Howe, that the former should make repeated feints to attempt 
 the passage of Chadd's Ford, in order to occupy the atten- 
 tion of the Americans, while the second should take a long 
 circuit to the upper part of the river, and cross at a place 
 where it is divided into two shallow streams.-^Knyphausen 
 advanced with his column, and commenced a furious can- 
 nonade upon the passage of Chadd's Ford, making all his 
 dispositions as if he intended to ford it. The Americans 
 defended themselves with gallantry, and even passed several 
 detachments of light troops to the other side, in order to 
 harass the enemy's flank. In this manner the attention of 
 the Americans was fully occupied in the neighbourhood of 
 Chadd's Ford. About eleven in the morning, Washington 
 was informed of the movements of Lord Cornwallis, who 
 had taken a road leading from Kennet's Square directly up 
 the country, and had fallen into the great valley road, south 
 of the Brandywine, and above its forks ; they were then 
 on their march towards Tremble's and Jeffery's fords, 
 which they passed without opposition, and then turning short 
 down the river, took the road to Dilworth, in order to fall 
 upon the right flank of the American army. 
 
 On receiving this information, Washington formed the 
 nsost judicious, but bold plan to cross the river in person, 
 with the centre and left wing of his army, and overwhelm 
 Knyphausen by a furious attack ; — justly reflecting that the 
 advantage he should obtain over the right of the enemy, 
 would amply counterbalance the loss that his own might sus- 
 tain at the same time. In the critical moment when this 
 plan was to be executed, the troops being in motion, counter 
 intelligence was received, inducing a belief that the move- 
 ment of the British had been only a feint, and that the 
 column under Lord Cornwallis, after making demonstra- 
 tions of crossing the Brandywine above the forks, actually 
 marched down the southern side of that river, to re-unite 
 
26 HISTORY OP THt 
 
 itself with Knyphausen. Thus was prevented, by false in- 
 telligence, the execution of a measure which, if carried 
 into effect, might have given a favourable turn to the events 
 of the day. 
 
 But the uncertainty produced by this contradictory intel- 
 ligence was speedily removed, and about two o'clock in 
 the afternoon, it was positively ascertained that the column 
 of Cornwallw, accompanied by Sir William Howe in per- 
 son, was about to fall in great force upon tlie right wing. 
 This was composed of the brigades of Generals Sullivan, 
 Stirling, and Stephen, who, taking new ground, advanced a 
 little further up the Brandywine, and fronted the column of 
 the enemy. The division under General Wayne remained 
 at Chadd's Ford, for the purpose of keeping Knyphausen 
 in check, while Greene's division, accompanied by General 
 Washington in person, formed a reserve, and took a central 
 position, between the right and left wings. 
 
 The column of Cornwallis now arrived in sight of the 
 Americans, and Sullivan, who commanded the right wing, 
 drew up his troops on the commanding ground above Bir- 
 mingham Meeting House, with his left extending towards 
 the Brandywine, and both his flanks covered with very thick 
 woods. The British, having reconnoitered the disposition 
 of the Americans, immediately formed, and fell upon them 
 with the utmost impetuosity ; and about four o'clock in the 
 afternoon, the action became equally fierce on both sides. 
 For some length of time, the Americans defended themselves 
 with great valour, and the carnage was terrible ; but such 
 was the emulation which invigorated the efforts of the En- 
 glish and the Hessians, that neither the advantages of situa- 
 tion, nor a heavy and well supported fire of small arms and 
 artillery, nor the unshaken courage of the Americans, were 
 able to resist their impetuosity. The American right, which 
 was in some disorder, first gave way, and the light infantry, 
 chasseurs, grenadiers, and guards, threw themselves with 
 such fury into the midst of the republican battalions, that 
 the route soon became general. The vanquished fled into 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 27 
 
 the woods in their rear, pursued by the victors, who ad- 
 vanced by the great road towards Dilworth. — On the first 
 commencement of the action, General Washington pressed 
 forward with General Greene to the support of the right 
 wing. But, notwithstanding the rapidity of their march, 
 (four miles in forty-two minutes,) he found it impossible to 
 get up, before the route of that part of the army had be- 
 come complete, the confusion wild and universal, and the 
 enemy in full pursuit. General Greene, however, by a ju- 
 dicious manoeuvre, checked the enemy, and secured the re- 
 treat of the fugitives. Having come to a defile, covered on 
 both sides with woods, he drew up his men there, and again 
 faced the enemy. His corps was composed of Pennsylva- 
 nians and Virginians, who defended themselves with gallan- 
 try, and their fire made such an impression, as, in addition 
 to the approach of night, induced Sir William Howe, after 
 dispersing them, to give over the pursuit. 
 
 When the right was found to be fully engaged with Corn- 
 wallis, General Knyphausen made preparations for attempt- 
 ing the passage of Chadd's Ford, in reality. It was de- 
 fended by an intrenchment and battery. The Americans, 
 under Wayne and Maxwell, made an obstinate resistance ; 
 but the works were forced, and intelligence of the defeat of 
 the right being received, no further opposition was made in 
 that quarter. Greene was the last to quit the field of bat- 
 tle, but, it being already dark, he also retired, after a long 
 and obstinate conflict. 
 
 The whole army retreated that night to Chester, and the 
 day following to Philadelphia. The loss sustained by the 
 Americans in this action was estimated at three hundred 
 killed and six hundred wounded. Between three and four 
 hundred, principally the wounded, were made prisoners. 
 The official letter of Sir William Howe stated his loss at 
 one hundred killed and four hundred wounded. If the ac- 
 count be correct, the inequality of loss is to be attributed 
 solely to the inferiority and miserable state of their arms, as 
 the Americans sustained scarcely any injury during the ro- 
 
'■2ii HISTORY OP THE 
 
 treat. — After this sanguinary battle, and a series of masterly 
 manoeuvres on the part of the two armies, the rich and popu- 
 lous capital of the confederation fell into the power of the 
 royalists, and Lord Cornwallis entered Philadelphia on the 
 twenty-sixth of September, 1777, at the head of a detach- 
 ment of British and Hessian grenadiers.* 
 
 During the battle of Brandywine the French officers 
 were extremely useful to the Americans, both in forming 
 the troops, and rallying them when thrown into confusion. 
 Among these the Marquis de Lafayette was particularly dis- 
 tinguished. Brave almost to a fault, and romantically so in 
 the execution of orders, he exhibited on this occasion, full 
 and early proofs of his undaunted bravery and military cha- 
 racter. While he was endeavouring, by his words and ex- 
 ample, to rally the fugitives, he received a wound in the 
 leg, but continued nevertheless, to fulfil his duty, both as a 
 soldier in fighting, and as a general in cheering the troops, 
 and endeavouring to re-establish order. General Lafayette, 
 with Lord Stirling, and Sulhvan himself, (after the defeat 
 of his division) fought with the body of troops which re- 
 ceived the left column of Cornwallis, and it was not until 
 the enemy were within twenty yards of them that they gave 
 way, and threw themselves into the woods. Their post 
 was the most important, and they made a long and gallant 
 resistance. It was here that Lafayette was wounded in the 
 left leg.t The baron St. Ovary, Captain de Fleury, and 
 Count Pulanski, were also conspicuous for their cool cou- 
 rage and services during the engagement. 
 
 The British general, now in possession of Philadelphia- 
 being compelled to relinquish the hope of supporting his 
 army from the adjacent country, owing to the vigilance of 
 the Americans, and the severe resolutions of Congress, sub- 
 jecting to martial law and to death all those who should fur- 
 nish the royal troops with provisions, applied himself with 
 
 * Botta's War of ludepend.vol.ii. book viii. — Marshall's Life of Wasb- 
 ington,vol. iii. ch. 3. — Ramsay's American Bevolut. t;h. 14. 
 f- Castpllenx's Trav. i. 246. 
 
WARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 29 
 
 diligence to tlie task of removing the obstructions of the 
 Delaware, and opening a free communication with the fleet. 
 To succeed in this operation, it was necessary to seize Mud 
 Island, which was defended by Fort Mifflin, and the point of 
 Red Bank, where the Americans had erected Fort Mercer. 
 The former was commanded by Colonel Smith, and the latter 
 by Colonel Greene. Colonel Doqpp, on the evening of the 
 21st of October, 1777, passed the Delaware with a strong 
 detachment of Hessians, and arrived at a late hour, the fol- 
 lowing day in the rear of Red Bank. He attacked the fort 
 with great gallantry, but the Americans, retiring into the 
 body of the redoubt, made a vigorous defence, and Colonel 
 Donop being mortally wounded and taken prisoner, and his 
 best officers either killed or disabled, the Hessians were 
 severely repulsed, and retired with precipitation, with the 
 loss of four or five hundred men. Much of the success of 
 the day was attributed to the Chevalier Duplessis, a French 
 officer, who directed the artillery with great ability and va- 
 lour. — The attack on Fort Mifflin was more successful, not- 
 withstanding the intrepidity displayed by the garrison : on 
 the first attack they defended themselves with gallantry un- 
 til night put an end to the engagement. The next day the 
 British renewed the attack, in the hope that, under cover of 
 their fire, the ships Augusta and Merlin, which had ground- 
 ed, might be got off: the former, however, took fire and 
 blew up ; and the latter was hastily evacuated and laid in 
 a train of destruction. The erection of works on Province 
 Island, by the British, now decided the fate of Fort Mifflin : 
 on the fifteenth of November, a furious cannonade was 
 opened from the British fort and shipping, and at length, 
 the American works being battered down, and the ditch 
 filled up with ruins, their situation became extremely criti- 
 cal. Perceiving that the English were taking measures for 
 storming the body of the fortress the following morning, and 
 being sensible that it was no longer defensible, the stores 
 were sient off, and setting fire to every thing that was capa- 
 
^Q HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ble of receiving it, they evacuated the place in the night, 
 and withdrew to Red Bank. 
 
 It was now absolutely necessary, from the growing scar- 
 city of provisions, as well as of firewood, to dislodge the gar- 
 rison of Red Bank, and thereby wholly rennove the impe- 
 diments which obstructed the navigation of the Delaware. 
 Cornwalhs was accordingly despatched by lord Howe to the 
 Jersey shore, with instructions to attack Fort Mercer in the 
 rear. At Billingsport, where he was preparing to execute 
 these orders, he was reinforced by a body of troops 
 just arrived from New-York. Washington, being very 
 desirous to preserve, if practicable, a position so well cal- 
 culated to arrest the progress of the enemy, upon receiv- 
 ing intelligence of this movement, ordered Maior-General 
 Greene to pass, also, with his detachment into New- Jersey. 
 It was hoped that he might not only be able to protect Fort 
 Mercer, but obtain some advantage over Cornwallis. Gene- 
 ral Greene passed the Delaware, and landed at Burlington, 
 accompanied by the enthusiastic Lafayette, eager, although 
 his wound was not yet healed, to gather fresh laurels in the 
 field. His division was to be reinforced by troops sent from 
 the banks of the Hudson. The march was commenced ; 
 but general Greene abandoned the plan of giving battle to 
 Cornwallis, when he learned the superiority in numbers 
 which he had obtained by the junction of the reinforcement 
 from New-York. Hence the commandant of the garrison, 
 losing all hope of succour, and apprized of the approach of 
 Cornwallis, evacuated Fort Mercer and Red Bank. — Gene- 
 ral Greene, with Lafayette, however, still continued in 
 New- Jersey, and was joined by several corps sent by Gene- 
 ral Gates to the assistance of the army in Pennsylvania, 
 among which was that of Morgan's Riflemen, become cele- 
 brated by a multitude of brilliant exploits. But Cornwallis 
 had so fortified himself at Gloucester Point, that he was 
 perfectly secure from any enterprise that could be made by 
 general Greene. — Washington now recalled General Greene. 
 
MAQUIS DR LAFAYfiTTE. 31 
 
 tearful that Cornwallis, having accomplished the objects of 
 his expedition, might suddenly re-cross the Delaware, and 
 thus enable Howe, with all his forces, to attack the Ameri- 
 can army while divided. Greene, therefore, repassed the 
 river, and joined the principal army at Skippach Creek; 
 and similar considerations determined General Howe to di- 
 rect the detachment of Cornwallis to rejoin him without de- 
 lay. But the failure of the main ob,ect of the expedition, 
 owing to the superior number and rapid movements of the 
 British, did not prevent General Lafayette from evincing 
 the same determined spirit and irresistible bravery, which 
 characterised his conduct in the battle of Brandywine. 
 On the 25lh of November, previous to the evacution of 
 New Jersey, the rifle corps of Morgan, assisted by some 
 detachments of militia under the command of Lafayette, 
 gallantly attacked and routed a superior force of Hessians 
 and British grenadiers. " The Marquis," said General 
 Greene, speaking of this affair, " seemed to search for dan- 
 ger, and was charmed with the behaviour of his men."* 
 
 On this expedition, the mutual esteem conceived by 
 Generals Greene and Lafayette, at the battle of Brandywine, 
 and increased by a subsequesit participation in toils and 
 dangers, became cemented into a union of friendship and 
 affection, which with the one lasted to his death, and with 
 the other, exists to this day. After the full recognition of 
 the independence of the American states, George Washing- 
 ton Greene, the eldest son of the general, was taken, in 
 1785, by the Marquis to France, and {)Lirsued his education 
 under the care of his father's old and steadfast friend. 
 When the revolution broke out in that country his mother's 
 apprehensions induced her to recall him; and he returned 
 to Georgia, in 1 794 ; he was all that the fondest parent could 
 desire, but unfortunately was drowned in the Savannah ri- 
 ver, a short time after his return. 
 
 After the gallant conduct displayed by him in New-Jcr- 
 
 * Botta's War of Independence, vol. ii. book viii. — Johnson's Life of 
 Greene, 4to, vol. i. p. 93, 94. 
 
32 HISTORY OF THli 
 
 sey, the Marquis, who had hitherto served only as a volun- 
 teer, was invested by the commander-in-chief, with the com- 
 mand of a division of the army ; an appointment which, on 
 the first of December, 1777, was ratified by Congress, in the 
 following words : 
 
 " Resolved, That General Washington be informed it is 
 highly agreeable to Congress, that the Marquis de Lafayette 
 be appointed to the command of a division in the continental 
 army." 
 
 Notwithstanding the impetuous bravery, and almost rash- 
 ness, which he had displayed, and although possessed of all 
 the fire of youth, he conducted himself, when entrusted 
 with a separate command, with a degree of caution and 
 prudence that would have been creditable to the calm 
 temper and circumspection of age. 
 
 General Lafayette was soon called upon by Congress to 
 act in a more responsible station than he had hitherto done, 
 as the commander-in-chief of an army destined to under- 
 take a winter expedition into Canada. The manner in 
 which the whole of this transaction was conducted on the 
 partof the government, portrayed the power of that detesta- 
 ble cabal which had been formed for the destruction or de- 
 gradation of the illustrious Washington. In the midst of 
 the anxieties which almost overwhelmed him, in the com- 
 mencement of 1778, he had the additional chagrin of find- 
 ing that intrigues were in agitation against him. The im- 
 patient and the ambitious, attributed to his incapacity, 
 the reverses of the two preceeding years, in New-Jersey 
 and Pennsylvania. The victories of Gates were enlarged 
 upon, who was placed far above the commander-in-chief, 
 and the heroic valour of American troops when led by a 
 competent commander, was continually extolled. Private 
 persons circulated these slanders ; and discontent caused 
 them to be repeated by men in office, until they found ad- 
 mittance into the midst of the army, into several of the 
 state legislatures, and, finally, even into Congress itself. 
 The main object of these machinations appears to have been, 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 33 
 
 to force Washington to retire in disgust from the army. 
 The leadpre of this combination, however, httle concerned 
 for the public good, but immoderately so for their own, aimed 
 only to advance themselves and their friends at the expense 
 of others. — But, supported by that elevated spirit, and by 
 that firmness which no reverses of fortune could abate, the 
 serenity which Washington enjoyed, was not even for a mo- 
 ment interrupted by these secret plotters ; and he bore with 
 composure the determination of Congress, matured in con- 
 cert with the new board of war, and without any reference 
 to his opinion, relative to the irruption into Canada which 
 they had planned. It cannot be decided whether this un- 
 grateful proceeding arose from the desire of Congress to 
 show that they knew how to act by themselves, or whether 
 it was adopted because they had really withdrawn from the 
 commander-in-chief a portion of the confidence which they 
 had placed in him in times past.* On the twenty-second 
 of January, 1778, it was ^'Resolved, That an irruption be 
 made into Canada, and that the board of war be authorized 
 to take every necessary measure for the execution of the 
 business, under such general officers as Congress shall ap- ' 
 point ;" and on the following day, Major-General the Mar- 
 quis de Lafayette, Major-General Conway, and Brigadier 
 Stark, were appointed to conduct it. — Great advantages 
 were anticipated from placing the marquis at the head of 
 this expedition, because his character as a Frenchman of il- 
 lustrious rank, rendered him more peculiarly qualified for 
 the conquest of a province, recently attached to the French 
 empire. But it was also surmised, that the authors of this 
 scheme had it principally in view, by separating Lafayette 
 from Washington, to deprive the commander-in-chief of the 
 defence of so fond and faithful a friend. 
 
 Washington, without being at all consulted, received a 
 letter from the president of the board of war, dated the 
 twenty-fourth of January, enclosing one of the same date 
 
 * Botta's War of Independ. vol, ii. book 8. 
 
34 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 to Lafayette, requiring his immediate attendance on Con- 
 gress to receive his instructions. No other communication 
 was made to the commander-in-chief, than to request that 
 he would furnish Colonel Hazen's regiment, chiefly com- 
 posed of Canadians, for the expedition ; and, in the same 
 letter, his opinions were asked respecting it. Without no- 
 ticing the manner in which the business was conducted, and 
 the unusual want of confidence it betrayed, orders were im- 
 mediately given to Hazen's regiment, to march towards Al- 
 bany ; and the marquis proceeded to the residence of Con- 
 gress. At his request, Major-General the Baron de Kalb 
 was added to the expedition, as well as Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Fleury. 
 
 The board of war counselled him, that, considering the 
 length of the route into that country in an inclement sea- 
 son, he should be particularly attentive to have his men 
 well clothed, and so supplied with provisions, as effectually 
 to guard against any misfortune which might happen for 
 want of these necessary articles ; and that, in case he 
 should fail in obtaining the forces which he might judge com- 
 petent, or supplies sufficient for them, that he should care- 
 fully attend to those contingencies, and regulate his conduct 
 according to the probability of success, without exposing his 
 troops to any very great, or very apparent hazard. With 
 these vague instructions. General Lafayette repaired in per- 
 son to Albany, in order to take charge of the troops that 
 were to be there assembled, and from whence he was to 
 cross the lakes on the ice, and attack Montreal. — He now 
 published a preparatory memorial addressed to the French 
 Canadians, and calling upon them, by all the ties of alle- 
 giance, blood, religion, and country, as well as by the natu- 
 ral desire of recovering their freedom, to be ready to join 
 and assist him ; — and holding out all the severities of war 
 to those, if any such there were, who, blindly perverse to 
 their own interests, and forgelful of all those ties and du- 
 ties, should in any manner, oppose the arms or impede the 
 generous designs of their deliverers. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 But the marquis found, in Albany, no preparation made 
 for the expedition; — neither men, nor arms, nor munitions. 
 Nothing that had been promised was in readiness ; and he 
 therefore abandoned the enterprise as totally impractica- 
 ble. Congress soon after also determined on its relinquish- 
 ment. On the second of March, the committee to whom 
 the matter was referred, brought in the following report : 
 " Whereas, it appears from authentic accounts, that diffi- 
 culties attend the prosecution of the irruption ordered to be 
 made into Canada, under the conduct of the Marquis De La- 
 fayette, which render the attempt not only hazardous in a 
 high degree, but extremely imprudent, — Resolved, That the 
 board of war instruct the Marquis De Lafayette, io sus- 
 pend, for the present, the intended irruption ; and at the 
 same time inform him, that Congress entertain a high sense 
 of his prudence, activity, and zeal ; and that they are fully 
 persuaded, nothing has, or would have been wanting on his 
 part, or on the part of the officers who accompanied him, 
 to give the expedition the utmost possible effect." On the 
 thirteenth of March, General Washington was authorized to 
 recall both the Marquis De Lafayette and the Baron De 
 Kalb ; — but Conway, that wily and restless intriguer, was 
 never again ordered to join the army. — At this time, the 
 Marquis De Lafayette was only twenty years of age, and 
 must have sensibly felt the attraction of a separate com- 
 mand ; but his sound judgment, and singleness of heart, 
 prevented him from yielding to his passion for military re* 
 nown, under circumstances where precipitation would have 
 done so much injury to the cause which he had so zealously 
 espoused. He found that if he advanced into Canada, the 
 army he would be able to command would be in danger 
 of experiencing the fate which had just fallen upon Bur- 
 goyne. Thus, by relinquishing the project at Albany, and 
 conveying his free sentiments as to its practicableness to 
 Congress, he not only received their thanks for the wisdom of 
 his conduct, but afforded an example of firm and consum- 
 
36 HiS'fORi" Oi' THt 
 
 mate prudence, which would have done honor to an expe- 
 rienced and veteran commander. 
 
 It is stated as a remarkable fact, that General Schuyler, 
 in November, 1777, addressed a letter to General Washing- 
 ton, containing a plan of attack on Canada, similar in its 
 leading features to that which Lafayette was ordered to 
 command in January, 1 778. The young nobleman showed 
 his instructions to General Schuyler, who discovered in them, 
 his own plan, of which, he supposed, some other wished to 
 claim the honour.* 
 
 To cover the country effectually on the north of the 
 Schuylkill, and restrain, as much as possible, the parties de- 
 tached in various directions from Philadelphia by the British, 
 who most generally effected their object, and returned be- 
 fore they could be opposed by the army lying at Valley 
 Forge ; — to form an advance guard for the security of the 
 main army; — and to be in readiness to annoy, if practica- 
 ble, the rear of the enemy should they evacuate Phila- 
 delphia, an event which was speedily anticipated, the Mar- 
 quis De Lafayette was detached, by Genera! Washington, 
 with an elite corps of rather more than two thousand men, 
 and a few pieces of cannon, to take post near the lines. As 
 this corps formed a very valuable part of the army, the 
 instructions of the general recommended the utmost atten- 
 tion to its safety, and particularly advised him to avoid any 
 permanent station, since a long continuance in one position 
 would enable the enemy to concert their measures success- 
 fully against him. With this detachment, the marquis cross- 
 ed the Schuylkill and took post at Barren Hill, on the morn- 
 ing of the eighteenth of May, about eight or ten miles in 
 front of the army at Valley Forge. As soon as he arrived, 
 he addressed the following note to Captain M'Lane, who 
 commanded a light corps of observation charged with the 
 arduous but honourable duty of watching the movements of 
 the enemy, between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers : 
 
 * Chastelle\jx's Trav. vol. i. p. 387. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 37 
 
 " Woods near Barren Hill Church, 
 "9 ohlock, A. M. IBth May, 1778. 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 " 1 have just now received your letter, and wish you 
 would come down immediately, that I mij^ht speak to you 
 of several things. Inquire, if you please, if the people 
 think there will be a market to-morrow? 1 wish, also, you 
 would see if some man, to be depended on, and of credit 
 with the enemy, would undertake a visit to the city for 
 twelve guineas. Is it known towards the British lines, that 
 a detachment has been ordered from our army ? 
 " Yours, 
 
 "M. De Lafayette." 
 
 The argus-eyed M'Lane immediately waited on the gene- 
 ral, and assisted him in taking every possible precaution to 
 prevent surprise. His vigilance in securing his position, 
 shows that the advantage obtained over the marquis, on this 
 occasion, rested on grounds little understood, and wholly 
 acquits him of want of caution. Lafayette, in person, 
 guarded the most direct road to his position ; Brigadier- 
 General Potter, of the militia, was entrusted with the second ; 
 and patroles kept an eye on the third, which was the most 
 circuitous. A spy, however, who had been formerly in the 
 American army, and who still kept up his intercourse with 
 his former comrades, and often visited Valley Forge, at this 
 period maintair)ed a correspondence with the enemy through 
 the means of a messenger stationed at Frankford creek ; 
 and thus general Howe was apprized of the movement of 
 the marquis almost as soon as it was made. Seizing, with 
 avidity, this favourable opportunity to overwhelm the 
 youthful general, he resoUed to make a vigorous etfort 
 to surprise and cut him off. So fully assured was he of 
 success, that he is said to have invited many ladies to meet 
 Lafayette at supper on the following day. In prosecution 
 of the plan which he had formed, he sent General Grant, 
 accompanied by Sir William Erskine, with five thousand se- 
 
38 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 lect troops, by a forced night march, to turn the mar- 
 quis's left and gain his rear, while General Gray, moving in 
 concert by the Ridge Road, was to take possession of 
 the heights near the falls of Schuylkill, and prevent his 
 escape by fording the river at that place. About eight 
 o'clock in the evening of the nineteenth of May, General 
 Grant marched out of Philadelphia on the Germantown 
 road, turned otf at the Rising Sun tavern on the old York 
 road, thus diverging from Barren Hill, and after passing 
 Plymouth Meeting House, and White Marsh, he arrived at 
 the position he was directed to occupy, about a mile in the 
 rear of the mar(|uis, between him and Valley Forge. He 
 reached this point of destination about sunri«!e, and now be- 
 lieved that he had got the marquis in a cul de sac, and had 
 nothing more to do but spring the net. 
 
 Captain M Lane, who was posted in advance, and ever 
 on the alert, could discover no indication of the enemy's 
 movement on the eighteenth, nor before the night of the 
 nineteenth. The British general, to mask his enterprise, 
 had, by double guards, strictly interdicted all communica- 
 tion with the country ; but the silence which this precau- 
 tion occasioned, caused M'Lane to increase his vigilance. 
 On the morning of the nineteenth, M'Lane was joined by 
 Captain William Parr, of Morgan's rifle corps, an officer of 
 distinguished bravery. With eighty men, and after night 
 fall as was his custom, he advanced towards the enemy's 
 lines, his evening patrole having reported every thing quiet; 
 but, in crossing the country, he fell in with two of the ene- 
 my's grenadiers, who pretended to be deserters, from whom 
 he learned that general Grant had marched at twilight with 
 the grenadiers and light infantry on the old York road, and 
 that a body of Germans were preparing to march up the 
 Schuylkill. These combined movements leaving no doubt 
 on his mind that the marquis was the object of attack, he 
 immediately set out for head quarters by the shortest route, 
 after despatching Captain Parr across the country with the 
 
MARQUIS DR LAFAYETTE. 39 
 
 detachment, to get possession of Vandevin's Hill, with or- 
 ders to oppose the column of the enemy which might ad- 
 vance on the Ridge Road, to the last extremity. 
 
 In the mean-time, Gcnerai Gray, with a strong detach- 
 ment, advanced along the south side of the Schuylkill, and 
 took post at a ford, two or three miles in front of the right 
 flank of Lafayette. The residue of the British army en- 
 camped on Chesnul Hill. Captain M'Lane reached Barren 
 Hill about daybreak, and communicated the impending 
 daa:|er to Lafayette, who could hardly credit the report; 
 but an express from Captain Parr's detachment, which had 
 got possession of the heights of Schuylkill in season to 
 engage general Gray's column and check its advance, and 
 another, at the same moment, from an opposite quarter, 
 giving information of the movements of General Grant, soon 
 brought sorrowful confirmation of his perilous situation. 
 The manner in which the last mentioned information was 
 conveyed, affords an instance of patriotic zeal, worthy of 
 being recorded, fn passing White Marsh, the noise of the 
 British column awoke a Captain Stone of the militia, resi- 
 ding there, who, on making the discovery, jumped from a 
 back window of his house, aud ran naked across the coun- 
 try towards Barren Hill, until he was entirely exhausted : 
 his report was then taken up and carried to the marquis, in 
 the same manner, by Richard Burtleston, who resided near 
 Plymouth Meeting House. 
 
 The Marquis now found himself in a state of extreme 
 danger. Finding that he was turned, he justly concluded, 
 like an experienced warrior, that the column marched 
 against him would not be the first to attack, and that it 
 would wait until the other was in readiness. In fact. Gene- 
 ral Grant, after marching, under cover of the night, nearly 
 twenty miles in nine hours, was attending the movements 
 of the column on the Ridge Road. At his position the 
 roads forked ; one branch led to the camp of Lafayette, 
 less than a 'mile distant : the other went to Matson's Ford 
 
40 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 over the Schuylkill, at about the same distance. The re- 
 treat of Lafa)^ette was thus cut off from every passage but 
 Matson's Ford ; and as the line from his position formed the 
 base of an obtuse-angled triangle, it is obvious that his dis- 
 tance from it was much greater than that of the British. 
 
 General La Fayette now changed his front, and took a 
 good position opposite the column of General Grant, having 
 before him Barren Hill church, and behind him the open- 
 ing which served as a retreat. About this time his perilous 
 situation was perceived by glasses from the camp at Valley 
 Forge, and the whole army was put under arms to act as 
 circumstances might require; and six alarm guns fired by 
 General Washington, intended to give his detachment no- 
 tice of the danger, served also to keep the enemy in awe, 
 who imagined the whole American army was in march. — 
 Nothing now remained but to retreat ; and Lafayette, with 
 a veteran composure, and with a promptness of decision so 
 essential in moments of critical danger, took the only course 
 which could have preserved his troops. He therefore ad- 
 vanced the head of a column towards Grant, as if to attack 
 him, while the rear filed off rapidly towards the Schuylkill: 
 this movement gained ground even for the front, which, 
 while it advanced towards the enemy, also approached the 
 river, and at the same time induced General Grant to lose 
 time in order to prepare for battle. While this manoeuvre 
 was performing in the face of the detachment under Grant, 
 a small party was thrown into the churchyard, which was 
 surrounded by a wall, on the road towards General Gray, 
 which also gave the appearance of an intention to attack in 
 that quarter. By these dispositions, happily conceived, and 
 executed with regularity, the marquis extricated himself and 
 his party from the destruction which had appeared almost 
 inevitable. The only road he could take made him ap- 
 proach the column of General Grant, and exposed him to 
 be attacked by it in front, whilst Gray and the main body 
 fell on his rear. In this situation, his own greatness of mind 
 suggested to the young soldier the proper course to be pur- 
 
ilARftUlS UE LAFAYKTTK. 41 
 
 sued. Knowing that more honour was lost than time gained, 
 in converting a retreat into a flight, he continued his march 
 in a tranquil and regular order, and passed over at Matson's 
 Ford without being intercepted by Grant, or sustaining a 
 greater loss than nine men. — Considerable time was lost by 
 General Grant, in making a disposition for the expected at- 
 tack, during which delay, a corps of cavalry, that had formed 
 the advanced guard on the march, took possession of a hill 
 between the two roads leading from his position to Lafa- 
 yette's encampment and to Matson's Ford. From this ele- 
 vation the troops of Lafayette were first discovered on 
 their retreat through the low, woody grounds which bor- 
 dered the river. Information of this circumstance was im- 
 mediately conveyed to General Grant, and his superior 
 proximity to Matson's Ford is said to have been urged to 
 him, and even pointed out, in the strongest manner ; but, 
 under a persuasion that these were only a part of Lafa- 
 yette's troops, detached for some unaccountable reason, the 
 general persisted in his resolution of advancing to Barren 
 Hill, notwithstanding the strong remonstrances of Sir Wil- 
 liam Erskine against that measure. That post was fortu- 
 nately concealed from view by intervening trees ; other- 
 wise the desertion of it by the Americans would have been 
 perceived. 
 
 The British having advanced to Barren Hill church, and 
 found the ground lately occupied by Lafayette abandoned, 
 followed in his rear, and appeared at the ford just after the 
 Americans had crossed it, as if by enchantment, with all 
 their artillery. Finding Lafayette advantageously posted 
 on the high and broken grounds which arose from the 
 water's edge on the opposite side of the river, the British 
 generals perceived that nothing furthur could be attempted 
 against him, and returned to Philadelphia without having 
 effected any thing. " The ladies," says Chastelleux, " did 
 not seeM. De Lafayette, and the generals themselves, ar- 
 rived too late for supper." 
 
■li IHK HISTORY Of 
 
 General Grant did not escape censure, for having allowed 
 the great advantage he had acquired, in gaining the rear of 
 the American encampment unperceived, to slip through his 
 hands unused. He might, with the utmost certainty, have 
 reached Matson's Ford before the marquis, and thus have 
 cut off the only retreat which remained for him. Lafa- 
 yette would then have been compelled to seek for safety by 
 flying towards the Delaware, and the army of Washington 
 would have been consequently dismembered. Had General 
 Grant pushed forward his troops without a halt ; — had he, 
 instead of keeping the road to Barren Hill, occupied the 
 strong grounds at Matson's Ford, or those near to Spring 
 Mills ; — the American corps must either have fallen into 
 his hands or been dispersed, and the remainder of the 
 army placed in a situation of extreme danger. Had trea- 
 son been triumphant, — had the rapidity of the enemy been 
 more, or the military vigilance of Lafayette less, — a cala- 
 mity would have fallen on the American army, which, while 
 it deprived it of one of its brightest ornaments, would have 
 defeated the operations of the approaching campaign, and 
 either left the British general in undisturbed possession of 
 the principal city of the union, or suffered the invading army 
 to retreat without opposition through New-Jersey. 
 
 The conduct of Lafayette in this affair, was not only 
 free from merited censure, but worthy of universal admira- 
 tion ; yet it was remarked, that the same degree of military 
 talent was not discovered in guarding against the approach 
 of danger, as in afterward extricating himself from it. 
 But the imputation which generally attaches to an officer, 
 who permits an enemy to pass in full force unobserved, 
 within a short distance of his flank, into his rear, is entirely 
 removed by the fact, stated by Lafayette in his vindication, 
 that the Pennsylvania militia were posted on his left flank, 
 and relied on to guard the roads about White Marsh ; but 
 that, without his knowledge, they changed their position, 
 and retired into the rear, leaving that important pass open 
 
MARQUIS DE l^AFAVliTTE. 43 
 
 to the enemy ; — who, moreover, Iiad positive intelHgence 
 that these mihtia did not occupy the post assigned to them. 
 The position he had taken at Barren Hill was almost im- 
 practicable in front and flank, and, warned by the monoto- 
 rial voice of Washington, he had taken every possible pre- 
 caution to secure it. A corps of observation was posted 
 six or eight miles in advance, to watch the movements of 
 the enemy, who practised every means to elude the vigi- 
 lance of Captain M'Lane, but without success. The man- 
 ner in which the young Frenchman outmanceuvred the 
 experienced generals of Britain, and extricated himself 
 from almost inevitable destruction in the face of seven 
 thousand British regulars, produced a lively sensation of 
 admiration throughout the army ; and his conduct was for 
 ever and triumphantly vindicated by the words of Wash- 
 ington, who applauded his "?oe// th7ied and masterly re- 
 freat.^^ 
 
 During the advance of the British on this occasion, a 
 laughable incident occurred, which, after the lapse of more 
 than forty-six years, has been revived among the reminiscen- 
 ces which attended the affecting meeting of Lafayette with 
 the venerable Colonel Wilictt of New-York. In the spring 
 of 1778, the marquis sent to the latter oflicer, then station- 
 ed on the frontiers, for fifty young Indian warriors. These 
 savages accompanied him to Barren Hill, and were placed in 
 ambuscade, after their fashion, in the woods. Fifty English 
 dragoons, who had never seen any Indians, marching at the 
 head of a column, entered the wood where the savages were 
 concealed, who on their part had never seen dragoons. 
 Starting suddenly up, they raised a horrible yell, threw down 
 their arms, and escaped by swimming across the Schuylkill. 
 The dragoons, on the other hand, equally astounded and 
 terrified, turned about their horses, and did not recover their 
 panic till they had got back to Philadelphia.* 
 
 * For accounts of the retreat from Barren Hill, vide Marshall's Wash, 
 vol. iii. chap. viii. Stedman'f? Amer. War, vol. i. p, 420. Botta's War 
 
4 1 HISTORY, OF THE 
 
 The following notice of the affair at Barren Hill, publish- 
 ed by the British after their return to Philadelphia, shows 
 the manner in which they misrepresented many of the oc- 
 currences of the time : " Intelligence having been received, 
 last Tuesday, that Mr. Washington and his tattered retinue 
 had abandoned their mud-holes, and were on their way to 
 Germantown, a detachment of British and Hessian troops 
 went out to meet, and escort them into this city; but the 
 rebels being apprised of their approach, fled back with pre- 
 cipitation to what they term their camp, determined to act 
 no further on the offensive than might be consistent with 
 their personal safety." 
 
 In the beginning of the year 1778, a general joy was 
 diffused throughout the American community. The second 
 of May was the day destined to carry their exultation to its 
 utmost height, and to put the seal to the dismemberment of 
 the vast and powerful British empire. On that day arrived, 
 at Casco Bay, the French frigate La Sensible, which bore to 
 Congress the treaties concluded with France. The Mar- 
 quis De Lafayette, whose letters to France had no small 
 share in producing this happy event, was among the first in 
 the American army who received the welcome tidings of 
 the treaty. In a transport of joy, mingled with tears, he 
 embraced General Washington, exclaiming, " The king, my 
 master, has acknowledged your independence, and entered 
 into an alliance with you, for its establishment." The joy 
 which spread from breast to breast, exceeded description. 
 The name of Lewis XVI. was in every body's mouth ; 
 every where he was proclaimed the protector of liberty, 
 the defender of America, the saviour of the country. The 
 several brigades at Valley Forge assembled by order of the 
 commander-in-chief. Their chaplains offered up thanks to 
 Almighty God, and delivered discourses suitable to the occa- 
 sion. A feu-de-joie was fired, and, on a proper signal being 
 
 enndepend. vol. ii. book 8. Wilkinson's Memoirs, vol. i. pp. 829-833. 
 Chastelleux's Trav. vol. i. p. 298. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 4p 
 
 given, the air resounded with "long Uve the king of 
 France," poured forth from the breast of every private in 
 the army.* 
 
 About the first of June, the three pacificatory commis* 
 sioners from Great Britafn, CarUsle, Eden, and Johnstone, 
 arrived, with powers to give effect to the concifiatory acts 
 of parliament, which had been proposed by lord North. The 
 terms offered were such as. America would, at one time, 
 have most joyfully accepted ; but that time was now passed. 
 The union of the force of the two nations under one com- 
 mon sovereign, was a measure to which the government was 
 no longer disposed, nor even at liberty to accede. A dis- 
 tressing war had eradicated all those affections which parts 
 of the same empire should feel towards each other ; the 
 great body of the nation was determined, at every sacrifice, 
 to maintain its independence ; and the treaty with France 
 had pledged them, by every principle of honour and national 
 faith, never to consent to a re-union with the British empire. 
 On reading the letter of the commissioners to Congress, 
 some observations were found to be mingled with them, 
 reflecting on the conduct of France. No sooner were they 
 heard, than a violent clamour arose, many members ex- 
 claiming that the reading ought to be interrupted on account 
 of the offensive language against his most Christian majesty. 
 The words which produced this confusion were the follow- 
 ing; "We cannot but remark the insiduous interposition of 
 a power, which has, from the first settlement of the colonies, 
 been actuated with enmity to us both ; and notwithstanding 
 the pretended date, or present form, of the French ofi'ers to 
 North America, it is notorious that they have only been 
 made, because it was believed that Great Britain had con- 
 ceived the design of an amicable arrangement, and with a 
 view to prevent reconciliation, and prolong this destructive 
 war." After animated debates, the further consideration 
 of the subject was adjourned to the next sitting ; but the 
 question was agitated with equal vehemence, on the foUow- 
 
 * Ramsay's Revolution, p. 381. 
 
10 HISTORY OP THK 
 
 ing day. But, at length, Congress, having demonstrated by 
 the warmth of this discussion the respect they bore to their 
 au'Hist ally, and reflecting that a refusal to notice them might 
 occasion discontents prOiUdicial to the state, determined to 
 read the despatches of the commissioners. — But the high- 
 minded and ingenuous Lafayette could not silently brook 
 the aspersions which were cast upon his royal master. In- 
 dignant at the duplicity of the commissioners, who endea- 
 voured so artfully to weaken the newly-formed connexion 
 between France and America, he wrote a letter to the Earl 
 of Carlisle, as the principal member of the commission, 
 complaining of the reflections cast upon his country, de- 
 manding reparation, and challenging that nobleman to meet 
 him in the field. The noble lord, however, refused to grant, 
 in a national concern, that satisfaction which he conceived 
 ought to be exclusively confined to personal differences. 
 This affair, however, served to display the spirit and zeal 
 of the young marquis for the honour of his country ; and it 
 was no small addition to the mortification of the commis- 
 sioners, to find themselves the objects of animadversion, in 
 a private, as well as public capacity.* This conduct, 
 which, on a common occasion, might have been considered 
 as resulting from mere bravado on the part of a young 
 officer, was in the present instance neither useless nor liable 
 to that imputation. The Americans were not yet acquainted 
 with the character of the French. They had been accus- 
 tomed, from the prejudices of education, to consider them 
 as less brave than the English, and it was useful to convince 
 them that a Frenchman of high rank was not afraid to 
 measure his strength with that of an Englishman. Besides, 
 it in some measure, diminished the consequence of the 
 commissioners, in the opinion of the people, and gave them 
 a high idea of the courage and attachment of their new 
 
 * Marshall's Washington, vol. iii. p. 534. — Botta's War of Independence, 
 vol. ii. p. 501, 2. — Andrew's American War, vol. iii. p. 161. — Hist, of 
 France, vol. iii. p. 173. — Not. Biogr. sur le Gen. Fayette, p. 5. 
 
MARQUIS) DK LAFAYETTE 47 
 
 allies. This action, in fact, greatly increased his popularity ; 
 and the most judicious men attributed it wholly to the 
 ardour of a young hero, inflamed with the desire of gain- 
 ing distinction by avenging the cause of his injured country. 
 It cannot be denied that the Earl of Carlisle acted, as a com- 
 missioner, with propriety in refusing the challenge; but at 
 the same time the Marquis De Lafayette obtained beneficial 
 results by sending it. 
 
 These commissioners having brought positive and secret 
 orders for the immediate evacuation of Philadelphia, Sir 
 Henry Clinton, who had succeeded Lord Howe in the com- 
 mand of the British army, prepared to execute the orders 
 of his government. On the eighteenth of June, 1778, the 
 whole army passed the Delaware, and encamped at Glou- 
 cester Point on the Jersey shore. Clint n pursued his re- 
 treat slowly, passing through Haddonfield, Mount Holly, 
 Slabtown, and Crosswick, to Allentown and Imlaytown, 
 which places he reached on the twenty-fourth. He betray- 
 ed no symptoms of precipitation, but rather indicated a dis- 
 position for battle. 
 
 Before Clinton left Philadelphia, General Washington 
 had penetrated his design ; and General Maxwell, with the 
 Jersey brigade, was ordered over the Delaware to take 
 post about Mount Holly, and to join Major General Dick- 
 enson, who was beginning to assemble the militia of that 
 state, for the purpose of co-operating with the continental 
 troops, in breaking up the bridges, falling trees in the roads, 
 and otherwise embarrassing the march of the enemy. When 
 authentic intelligence was received that the enemy had 
 crossed the Delaware, a council of war was summoned to 
 deliberate on the proper measures to be pursued. General 
 Washington submitted to their deliberations whether it was 
 proper, by harrassing the enemy's rear, to annoy him as much 
 as possible, without, however, coming to a general engage- 
 ment; or whether it was more advisable to attack him in 
 front, and try the fortune of a decisive battle. A great di- 
 versity of opinion prevailed. General Lee, who had lately 
 
48 HISTORY OF THU 
 
 been exchanged for Prescott, and whose military experience 
 gave great weight to his opinions, was vehement against risk- 
 ing either a general or partial engagement. He maintained 
 that, with the equality of force that existed, it would be 
 "crimmal" to hazard an action; — that it would be impossible 
 to bring on a partial engagement, without the risk of its being 
 made general, if such should be the choice of the enemy 5 — 
 and that a general" action ought not to be fought, unless the 
 advautage was manifestly on the American side. He was 
 also of opinion, that the superiority of the enemy in point 
 of discipline was such, that the issue of an engagement 
 would almost certainly be unfavourable; and that they 
 ought to be content with following the enemy, observing his 
 motions, and preventing him from ravaging the country. 
 General Du Portail, the Baron De Steuben, and most of 
 the foreign officers, maintained the same opinions, and 
 thought that an action ought carefully to be avoided. The 
 American officers appear to have been influenced by the 
 counsels of the Europeans ; for, of seventeen generals, only 
 Wayne and Cadwallader were decidedly in favour of 
 attacking the enemy. General Lafayette, however, with- 
 out openly embracing it, appeared inclined to that opinion ; 
 and General Greene was also disposed to hazard more than 
 the opinions of the majority would sanction. They were, 
 in fact, the only two members of the boa?d who expressed 
 the opinions which appear afterward to have influenced 
 the conduct of the commander-in-chief. They maintained 
 that the country ought to be protected at all risks, and if it 
 should prove necessary to that object, that duty enjoined 
 them to hazard a battle ; and that, if a favourable opportu- 
 nity was afforded of attacking the enemy with effect, it 
 ought not to be avoided ; — in other words, that it was 
 impossible to anticipate a decision. They could not bring 
 their minds to endure the idea, that the enemy should re- 
 tire with impunity during so long a march, and they be- 
 lieved that they had every thing to expect from soldiers, 
 whose constancy had remained unsubdued by the rigour of 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAVETTE. 40 
 
 the seasons, and the scarcity of every thing most necessary 
 to hfe. They reflected, moreover, that the English army 
 was embarrassed with the most cumbersome baggage, and 
 they did not doubt that in the numerous defiles it would be 
 compelled to thread, some favourable occasion would offer 
 to attack with advantage. Nevertheless, the voice of the 
 majority prevailed, not without evident dissatisfaction on 
 the part of Washington, who remained steadfast in the 
 opinion which he had formed. 
 
 On the same day that the Bi'itish abandoned Philadelphia;, 
 the American commander moved from Valley Forge, and 
 crossing the river at Coryell's ferry, on the twenty-second, 
 took post at Hopewell. Sir Henry Clinton was now en- 
 camped at and around AUentown ; and the main body of 
 the American army was about five miles from Princeton. 
 Notwithstanding the almost concurrent opinion of the gene- 
 ral officers against risking an action, the Fabius of America, 
 who, with a mind of uncommon firmness, combined an en- 
 terprising as well as cautious temper, indulged an anxious 
 desire to adopt that measure. He therefore again assem- 
 bled his general officers, and once more submitted to them 
 the situation of the two armies. The same opinion re- 
 specting a general battle, that had been given the day be- 
 fore the movement from Valley Forge, was repeated ; and 
 the proposition was peremptorily and decidedly negatived. 
 General Washington, however, still retained his inclination 
 to engage the enemy, and finding himself supported by the 
 private wishes of some officers whom he highly valued, he 
 determined to take his measures on his own responsibility, 
 and without calling another council. As soon as he disco- 
 vered that the enemy were on their march towards Mon- 
 mouth Court House, (not more than twelve miles from the 
 heights of Middletown,) he determined that Ihey should not 
 escape without a blow. Major-General Dickenson with the 
 Jersey militia, consisting of about one thousand men, and a 
 brigade of continental troops commanded by Maxwell, now 
 hung on their left flank towards the rear of the cnenrir : 
 
•^/^ HJ.iJluKV Oi' TH£ 
 
 General Cadvvallader, with Jackson's regiment, and a verj 
 fe^v militia, was entirely in their rear; and Colonel Morgan, 
 with his regiment of six hundred men, was on their right. 
 In pursuance of the opinion of the last military council, a 
 detachment of fifteen hundred men, under Brigadier-General 
 Scott, had also been marched to the lines. General Wash- 
 ington, having formed his decision, despatched General 
 Wayne with a further detachment of one thousand select 
 men to reinforce General Cadwallader. As the continental 
 troops now in front of the main army amounted, at least, to 
 four thousand men, and as the simultaneous action of the 
 several detachments was of extreme importance, he deemed 
 it proper to employ a major-general to collect and com- 
 mand them. This tour of duty Major-General Lee had a 
 right to claim : but as he was openly and strongly against 
 hazarding even a partial engagement, and expected that 
 nothing further would be attempted than merely to re- 
 connoitre the enemy, and restrain plundering parties, he 
 showed no disposition to assert his claim, and very readily 
 assenting to the private wishes of General Washington, that 
 the command should be given to an officer whose views of 
 the service comported more with his own, he yielded this 
 important tour of duty to the Marquis De Lafayette. He 
 Avas ordered to proceed immediately with the detachment, 
 and to form a junction as expeditiously as possible with 
 that under General Scott ; to use the most effectual means 
 for gaining the enemy's left flank and rear, and giving them 
 every degree of annoyance. All the continental parties on 
 the line were placed under his command, and he was di- 
 rected to take such measures as would most impede the 
 march of the enemy, and occasion them the greatest loss : 
 for these purposes, he was to attack them as occasion might 
 reqiiire by detachment, and, if a proper opening should be 
 given, to act against them with his whole force. A letter 
 Was at the same time addressed to General Dickenson, 
 placing the militia under the orders of Lafayette. 
 
MARtiUIS DE LAFAVETTE. ' oj 
 
 The marquis was young, generous, and brave ; but not- 
 withstanding his high quaHfications, it was certainly an im- 
 portant trust to be confided to the captivating foreigner. 
 Nothing is more dangerous than to hang with an inferior 
 force upon a gallant enemy, never disinclined to draw his 
 sword, and watchful to seize every advantage within his 
 reach. But the discrimination of Washington was well 
 justified by his conduct, not only on this occasion, but 
 throughout the whole course of the war. The dispositions 
 that he had made, and the orders which he had given, 
 manifest very conclusively the intention and wish of the 
 commander-in-chief. They could hardly fail to bring on an 
 engagement. Wayne had openly espoused that measure, 
 and Fayette, although he partially joined, in council, in the 
 opinion against seeking a general action, had been in favour 
 of a partial one ; and would, therefore, if any proper occa- 
 sion offered, certainly attack with his whole force, which 
 would as certainly produce such measures on the part of the 
 enemy, as would render it proper to support him with the 
 whole army. He was accompanied too by Colonel Hamil- 
 ton, who felt tjje strongest desire to signalise the detachment, 
 and to accomphsh all the wishes of the commander-in-chief. 
 Immediately after sending this additional body of troops, 
 the whole army moved to Cranberry, in order to be suffi- 
 ciently near to support them. The advanced corps under 
 Lafayette pressed forward, and took a position on the Mon- 
 mouth road, about five miles in the rear of the enemy, with 
 the intention of attacking them the next morning on their 
 march ; but it was found too remote, and too far on the 
 right, to be supported in case of action, and orders were 
 consequently sent to the marquis, to file off by his left to- 
 wards Englishtown. These orders were executed early in 
 the morning of the twenty-seventh of June. 
 
 No sooner had Lafayette marched towards the lines, than 
 General Lee began to regret his resignation of the com- 
 mand of the advanced party. He perceived that, in the 
 opinion of all the general officers, a greater importance 
 
aji HISTORY OF THE 
 
 was attached to this command than he had allowed it ; and 
 that his reputation was in danger of being somewhafrimpair- 
 ed, by connecting his strenuous opposition to even a partial 
 action, with his afterward declining the command of a very 
 strong detachment, which, it was expected, would fall in 
 with, and engage the rear of the enemy. He now, there- 
 fore, solicited very earnestly for the command which he 
 had before declined. To relieve the feelings of Lee, with- 
 out wounding those of Lafayette, General Washington de- 
 tached him with two other brigades to Englishtown, to sup- 
 port the marquis. As senior officer, he would of course 
 have the direction of the vs^hole front division, which would 
 now amount to five thousand men; but it was expressly 
 stipulated, that if any enterprise had been already formed 
 by Lafayette, it should be proceeded with, in like manner 
 as if the commanding officer had not been changed. To 
 this condition Lee acceded, and with two additional bri- 
 gades, joined the front division of the army, now encamped 
 at Englishtown. The whole van guard was placed under 
 his command, leaving to Lafayette only that of the militia 
 and light horse. The main army moved ^rward about 
 three miles in his rear ; Morgan's corps still hovered on 
 the right flank of the British ; and General Dickenson on 
 their left.* 
 
 Sir Henry Clinton had taken a very strong position on the 
 heights of Freehold, having his right flank in the skirt of a 
 small wood, while his left was secured by a very thick one, 
 and a morass running towards his rear : his whole front was 
 also covered by a wood, and, for a considerable distance 
 towards his left, by a morass. Descending from these 
 heights towards Monmouth, there was a deep valley, three' 
 miles in length and one in breadth, broken with hills, 
 woods, and morasses. General Washington finding this 
 position unassailable, and knowing that it would be impossi- 
 ble to attempt any thing with a prospect of succes? if the 
 
 ' Marshall'^ Wafhinsftmi. vol, iii. ch. 8. 
 
MARQUIS UE LAFAYETTE. 5.3 
 
 enemy should reach the high grounds of Middletown^ de-^ 
 termiued to attack their rear the moment they should'movc 
 from Ihe ground. This determination was immediately 
 communicated to General Lee, and corresponding orders 
 were also given to the rear division of the army. 
 
 In the mean-time, Clinton, seeing the enemy so near, and 
 a battle inevitable, withdrew all his baggage from the rear, 
 and passed it into the charge of the van, commanded by 
 general Knyphausen, so that, while he endeavoured with the 
 rear guard to keep the Americans in check, it might be 
 conducted to a place of safety upon the hills of Middle- 
 town : he therefore retained in his encampment at Free- 
 hold several battalions of English infantry, both heavy and 
 light, the Hessian grenadiers, and a regiment of cavalry ; 
 while Knyphausen, at daybreak on the morning of the 
 twenty-eighth of June, descended into the valley with his 
 convoy on his way towards Middletown. About eight 
 o'clock Clinton also descended from the heights of Free- 
 hold, and took up his line of march in the rear of the front 
 division. Washington, being promptly informed of all his 
 motions, and apprehensive that the English would succeed 
 in posting themselves in the mountains of Middletown, the 
 distance being only a few miles, in which case it would have 
 been impracticable to interrupt their retreat to New-York, 
 despatched orders to General Lee to move on and attack the 
 rear, " unless there should be powerful reasons to the 
 contrary ;" while Morgan and Dickenson were directed to 
 descend into the valley upon the enemy's flanks, in order to 
 attempt the column of Knyphausen, encumbered with its 
 long train of carriages and pack horses. Lee, having made 
 the necessary dispositions to eflect these orders, appeared 
 on the heights of Freehold soon after the enemy had left 
 them, and following the British into the plain, gave direc- 
 tions to general Wayne, to attack their covering party in 
 the rear so as to halt them. In the mean-time, he proposed 
 to gain their front by a shorter road on their left, and en- 
 tirely intercepting their communication with the line, to 
 
iii4 HISTORY or THt 
 
 bear them off before they could he assisted. Before tliis 
 plan was executed, Sir Henry Clinton had dispersed the 
 militia under Dickenson, which infested his left flank, and 
 perceiving that the Americans were descending with impe- 
 tuosity to attack him, while Knyphausen, with the baggage, 
 was exposed to the greatest peril in the defiles which con- 
 tinued several miles, instantly took the only resolution that 
 could extricate him from the embarrassments of his position. 
 He determined to turn upon the Americans who me- 
 naced his rear, and to charge them with the utmost vigour, 
 hoping to throw them into disorder by an unexpected 
 attack, and thus compel them to recall to their succour the 
 corps they had detached to intercept the baggage. Thus 
 the English rear guard, commanded by Cornwallis and 
 Clinton in person, and the American van guard, conducted 
 by General Lee and the Marquis De Lafayette, advanced 
 against each other, with a firm resolution to engage. The 
 artillery began to play, and the queen's dragoons charged 
 and routed the light horse of Lafayette. General Lee soon 
 perceived himself to have been mistaken in the force which 
 formed the rear of the British, and was also compelled to 
 form his troops upon unfavourable ground, having behind 
 him a ravine, which rendered his retreat extremely difficult 
 in case of check, and which necessarily would impede the 
 arrival of reinforcements to his aid. This was about ten 
 o'clock ; and while both armies were executing their pre- 
 paratory manoeuvres for action, general Scott, mistaking an 
 oblique march of an American column for a retreat, and 
 apprehensive of being abandoned, left his position and re- 
 passed the ravine in his rear. Lee, knowing the unfavour- 
 able position of his troops, directed the whole detachment 
 to regain the heights they had passed. This countiy abounds 
 with defiles of a peculiar sort : the valleys are cut by small 
 rivulets with marshy grounds, diflUcult to man and horse, and 
 impossible to artillery, except in particular spots. Persever- 
 ing in his decision to join rather than recall Scott he con- 
 tinued to retire. During this retrograde movement somr 
 
>fAR4(;iS D£ LAFAYETTE. OO 
 
 slight skirmishing ensued, in which very little damage was 
 done on either side. 
 
 When the first firing announced the commencement of 
 the action, the rear of the army threw off their packs, and 
 advanced rapidly to the support of the front. Meantime 
 the enemy had pursued Lee across the ravine, and pressed 
 him hard before he had time to rally. In this critical mo- 
 ment, Washington arrived. As he approached the scene of 
 action, he rode forward in total ignorance of Lee's retreat ; 
 and about noon, to his great astonishment and mortification, 
 met the advanced corps retiring before the enemy, without 
 having made a single effort to maintain their ground. Those 
 whom he first fell in with, neither understood the motives 
 which had governed General Lee, nor his present design ; 
 and could give no other information than that by his orders 
 they had fled without fighting. — General Washington rode 
 to the rear of the division, which he found closely pressed. 
 He then met General Lee, to whom he spoke in terms of 
 some warmth, implying disapprobation of his conduct. 
 General Lee, instead of entering into that full explanation 
 which his own honour, duty to his superior, and the good of 
 his country, demanded, took offence at the manner in which 
 he had been accosted, and replied unbecomingly. Such 
 conduct, in an inferior officer, could not be brooked, and 
 met, as it merited, marked disapprobation. In fact, the 
 deviation of Lee from his instructions might have produced 
 the most fatal effects. 
 
 It was now necessary, without delay, to arrest for a few 
 moments the impetuosity of the English, in order to give 
 time for all the corps of the rear guard to come up. The 
 commander-in-chief, accordingly, ordered the regiments 
 commanded by Colonel Stewart and Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Ramsay, to occupy an important post on the left, behind a 
 tuft of wood, and there to sustain the first efforts of the 
 enemy. General Lee was directed to take proper mea- 
 sures, with the residue of his force, to stop the British co- 
 lumn on that ground, and the commander-in-chief rode 
 
56 HISTORY Oi" TII£ 
 
 back himself to arrange the rear division of the army. 
 Stung by the reproaches of his general, and stimulated by 
 the point of honour, General Lee made extreme exertions 
 to rally his troops, and_disposed them on advantageous 
 ground, where they defended themselves valiantly. But 
 at length, overpowered by numbers, he, as well as Stewart 
 and Ramsay, were compelled to fall back. Lee, however, 
 brought off his troops in good order, and was directed to 
 form in the rear, while the army moved on to battle. The 
 check given by him to the enemy, afforded time to dispose 
 the left wing and second line, to which Lafayette was now at- 
 tached, of the American army, partly in a neighbouring 
 wood, and partly upon a hill situated on the left, from 
 which some pieces of cannon, which Lord Stirling had 
 planted there, severely annoyed the enemy, and, with the 
 aid of several parties of infantry, effectually put a stop to 
 their advance. General Greene, who commanded the 
 right wing, now took a very advantageous position on the 
 right, and posted his artillery upon a lofty eminence, 
 whence it cruelly infested the left wing of the enemy. 
 
 Finding themselves thus arrested, and so warmly op- 
 posed in front, the British attempted to turn the left flank 
 of the Americans, but they were repulsed by the light in- 
 fantry detached for that purpose. They then directed their 
 efforts against Washington's right, which they endeavoured 
 to surround ; but overwhelmed by the artillery of Greene, 
 they were soon compelled to retreat. At this moment. 
 General Wayne was advanced with a body of infantry to 
 engage them in front, who kept up so hot and well-directed 
 a fire of musketry, that they drove the enemy behind the 
 ravine, on the ground where the first halt had been made, 
 and where the action had commenced immediately after 
 the arrival of General Washington. — Victory was no 
 longer doubtful ; but the new position of llie English was 
 still formidable. Their flanks were covered by thick woods 
 and deep morasses, while their front could only be reached 
 through a narrow pass. Notwithstanding the fatigue of the 
 
MAKHUls DK LAFA V KXTi.. Ot 
 
 action they suffered less, in killed and wounded, than their 
 adversaries. In his official letter, Sir Henry Clinton 
 stated his dead and missing at four officers and one hundred 
 and eighty-four privates ; and his wounded at sixteen offi- 
 cers, and one hundred and fifty-four privates. But the 
 "'stubborn fact" of burying the dead, manifests a great 
 error in the official report of Sir Henry Clinton. Four 
 officers, and two hundred and forty-five privates were buried 
 on the field by persons appointed for that purpose ; and 
 some few were afterward found and buried, so as to in- 
 crease the number to nearly three hundred. The loss of 
 the Americans was eight officers, and sixty-one privates, 
 killed, and about one hundred and sixty wounded. — With- 
 out doubt, Chnton, who claimed the victory, obtained his 
 object, — security from further molestation, and the com- 
 pletion of his retreat. This, however, was not effected in 
 the usual style of conquerors, but by decamping in the 
 night, and seeking safety, near the place of embarkation, in 
 a position secure from assault. Congress was highly grati- 
 fied with the success which attended their arms at the 
 battle of Monmouth. On the seventh of July, a resolution 
 was unanimously passed, presenting their thanks to General 
 Washington, and to the officers and men under his command, 
 who distinguished themselves by their conduct and valour 
 in the battle.— In this severe action, which terminated in a 
 manner calculated to make a general impression favourable 
 to the reputation of the American arms. General Lafayette 
 displayed the utmost coolness and skill, and participated 
 largely in the toils and dangers of the day. The venerable 
 Colonel Willet, of New- York, in a letter written immedi- 
 ately after the action, in which he was personally engaged, 
 makes the following remarks relative to the youthful hero : 
 " I have been charmed with the blooming gallantry, and 
 sagacity, of the Marquis De Lafayette, who appears to be 
 possessed of every requisite to constitute a great General :" 
 Colojwl Willet W3? a volunteer aid to General Scott, of 
 
51) HISTORV OF THK 
 
 Virginia, who commanded the light infantry, and in the 
 commencement of the action, under the immediate orders 
 of General Lafayette : hence, he enjoyed a favourable 
 opportunity of observing and appreciating his conduct.* 
 
 The following extract from the " Historical Anecdotes of 
 the Reign of Louis XVI," affords an epitome of the hu- 
 manity and gallantry of the Marquis. During the Ameri- 
 can War, a General officer in the service of the United 
 . States, advanced, with a score of men, under the English 
 batteries, to reconnoitre their position. His aid-de-camp, 
 struck by a ball, fell at his side. The officers and orderly 
 dragoons fled precipitately. The general, though under the 
 fire of the cannon, approached the wounded man to see 
 whether he had any signs of life remaining, or whether any 
 assistance could be affiDrded him. Finding the wound had 
 been mortal, he turned his eyes away with emotion, and 
 slowly rejoined the group, which had got out of the reach of 
 the pieces. This instance of courage and humanity took 
 place at the battle of Monmouth. General Clinton, who 
 commanded the English troops, knew that the Marquis De 
 Lafayette generally rode a white horse ; and it was upon 
 a white horse that the general officer, who retired so slowly, 
 was mounted. Clinton commanded the gunners not to fire. 
 This noble forbearance probably saved General Lafayette's 
 life, for it was he himself. At that time he was but twenty- 
 two years of age. 
 
 Not long 'after the battle of Monmouth, General La- 
 fayette was again selected for active service, and, on the 
 twenty-first of July, was detached with two brigades, to 
 
 * For accounts of the battle oi Monmouth, &c. vide Marshall's Wash- 
 ington, vol. iii, chap. 8. — Andrews' Amer. War, vol. iii, p. 112.— H. Lee's 
 
 Memoirs, vol. i, p. 58 Johnson's Life of Greene, vol. i, p. 103. — Botta's 
 
 War Independ. vol ii,book x. — Ramsay's Revolution, p. 379 — 381 — Sted- 
 raan's American War, vol. ii, ch. 22.— Mem. Histor, sur Jjafayette, p. 6. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. i o'J ^ 
 
 join. General Sullivan, who had been apj^nted, in t|i^ pre^i 
 ceding winter to the command of the "troops in Rho&e 
 Island. Count d'Estaing having relinquished the meditated 
 attack on the British fleet in the harbour of New- York, in 
 consequence of the impracticability of passing the bar at 
 Sandy Hook, an enterprise against the enemy at Rhode 
 Island was concerted, by the combined forces of America 
 and France. On the twenty-fifth of July, the French fleet 
 arrived at Newport ; and in the mean-time, directions were 
 given to General Sullivan, to call on the New-England 
 states to furnish, immediately, their quotas of militia ; and 
 to prepare magazines ; to collect the boats necessary for a 
 descent ; to engage the best pilots ; and to make himself 
 perfectly master of the situation and strength of the enemy. 
 General Greene was ordered, without delay, to Rhode 
 Island, of which state he was a native, and where he pos- 
 sessed great influence, for the purpose of commanding 
 under Sullivan. 
 
 General Pigot, who commanded in Rhodejsland, had re- 
 ceived considerable reinforcements from New- York, and the 
 garrison now amounted to about six thousand effectives. 
 The main body lay in Newport, which was strongly de- 
 fended, and some small detachments occupied other worl*s 
 thrown up at the north end of the island, to prevent a de- 
 scent from the adjacent continent. The American army 
 lay on the main, about the town of Providence. 
 
 Soon after the arrival of D'Estaing, Gwieral Sullivan 
 went on board the fleet, to concert a plan of operations 
 for the allied forces. It was determined that their arms 
 should be directed, as soon as possible, against Newport. 
 According to the plan of attack, the fleet was to enter the 
 harbour, and land the French troops on the west side of 
 the island, while the Americans, at the same time, landed 
 on the opposite coast, under cover of the guns of a frigate. 
 
GO HISTORY OF 'i'HL 
 
 Thus they would be within the works which had been 
 erected on the north end of the island for the purpose of 
 preventing a descent from the continent* To be in readi- 
 ness for the execution of this plan, General Greene marched 
 with a detachment of continental and state troops, and some 
 militia, to Tiverton, which lies on the east side of the East 
 Channel : but considerable delay was occasioned by the slow 
 arrival of the reinforcements of militia, which were deemed 
 essential to the security of the enterprise ; but as the militia 
 of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire, who were princi- 
 pally volunteers, approached, Sullivan joined General 
 Greene at Tiverton, and it was agreed that the fleet should 
 enter the main channel immediately, and that the descent 
 should be made the succeeding day. 
 
 Accordingly, on the eighth of August, all the prepara- 
 tions being completed, and the wind favourable, the French 
 squadron entered the harbour of Newport, and coasting 
 the town, discharged their broadsides into it, and received 
 the fire of the batteries on shore : but little execution was 
 done on either side. — The militia not arriving precisely at 
 the time they were expected, Sullivan communicated to the 
 French admiral the necessity of postponing the attack yet 
 another day; but, finding next morning, that the British 
 troops on the north end of the island had been recalled 
 during the night, and fearful that they would return to them, 
 he determined to take immediate possession of the works 
 which had been abandoned. In conformity with this reso- 
 lution, the wh(Jle army crossed the Sea-connet passage, at 
 Rowland's Ferry, on the ninth of August, and landed on the 
 north end of Rhode Island. 
 
 On receiving information of this movement, D'Estaing 
 highly resented the indelicacy supposed to have been com- 
 mitted by Sullivan, in landing before the French, and with- 
 out consulting him. In addition to this cause of discontent. 
 
vJARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. <j 1 
 
 some previous difficulties, on subjects of mere punctilio, 
 had been created. The Count D'Estaing was a land, as 
 well as sea officer, and held the rank of Lieutenant-Gene- 
 ral in the French service. Sullivan, being only a Major- 
 General, he had endeavoured to avoid a misunderstanding 
 on this delicate point, by agreeing, in the first conference, 
 that the Americans should land first, and afterward the 
 French, to be commanded by D'Estaing in person. Either 
 his own reflections, or the suggestions of others, afterward 
 made the Count dissatisfied with this arrangement, and he 
 insisted that the descent should be made on both sides of 
 the island precisely at the sarn'o moment, and that one wing 
 of the American army should be attached to the French, 
 and land with them. He also declined the command in 
 person, but requested that Lafayette should take charge of 
 the French troops, as well as of the Americans attached to 
 them. — The conduct of D'Estaing, on this occasion, was 
 captious and assuming. As the command of the combined 
 forces had been tendered to him, he ought to have accepted 
 it, or not insisted on dictating with respect to that of the 
 right wing. Although the high standing, unbounded popu- 
 larity, and real merit of the Marquis de Lafayette, made 
 every one willing to concede what he could with honour, 
 yet D'Estaing's punctilious pretensions ought to have made 
 him respect the rights and feelings of others. All conceded 
 the propriety of delegating the command of the French 
 troops to Lafayette ; but when D'Estaing insisted that an 
 entire division of the American army should act with them, 
 and the command of the whole be given to the Marquis, he 
 certainly carried his pretensions too far for one who had de- 
 clined the chief command. At length, the French admiral 
 was, with difficulty, prevailed on to consent that his demand 
 should be reduced from one wing of the American army, to 
 one thousand militia. — When, afterward. General Sullivan 
 crossed over to the island before the time to which he had 
 
6:2 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 himself postponed the descent, and without giving previous 
 notice to the Count of this movement, some suspicions were 
 excited that the measure was taken with other views than 
 those which were assigned. The French admiral was so 
 much offended that he refused to answer Sullivan's letter : 
 the day which ought to have been appropriated to action, 
 was passed in discussion ; and this delicate and magnified 
 point probably proved, in the end, the destruction of the 
 whole expedition. 
 
 After reaching the island. General SulUvan hoped that the 
 attack would be no longer delayed, when, on the same day, 
 the squadron of Lord Howe appeared, which after commu- 
 nicating with General Pigot, came to an anchor off Point 
 Judith. After a careful examination of the position of the 
 French ships, the British admiral concluded, from various 
 concurring causes, that he could entertain no hope of suc- 
 couring the town. From the same causes, if the French 
 admiral had been disposed to persist in the concerted plan 
 of attack, and had not abandoned his station until he had 
 afforded to General Sullivan all the co-operation in his 
 power, there is good reason to believe that the town of New- 
 port would have fallen into the hands of the aUies. But the 
 Count D'Estaing, full of ardour and impatience, took ad- 
 vantage of a favourable change of wind to sail out of the 
 harbour, in order to attack the enemy. Previously to his 
 leaving port, he informed General Sullivan that, on his re- 
 turn, he would land his men as that officer should advise. 
 Having stood out to sea, with the advantage of the weather- 
 gage, which Lord Howe did not think it prudent to concede, 
 the whole day was spent in manceuvering. On the suc- 
 ceeding day, when on the point of engaging, the two fleets 
 were separated and dispersed by a violent tempest, which 
 lasted forty-eight hours, and rendered them both unfit for 
 action. The British squadron returned to New- York, for 
 
JlARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 6^ 
 
 the purpose of refitting ; and the French regained the har- 
 bour of Newport. 
 
 In the mean-time the militia had joined the army of Sulh- 
 van, which now amounted to ten thousand men. But Gene- 
 ral Lafayette objected to the commencement of any opera- 
 tions before the return of D'Estaing. He argued, that if 
 measures were taken against the enemy without his co-ope- 
 ration, he would once more feel himself aggrieved ; and 
 therefore advised that the army should be advanced to a 
 position in the neighbourhood of Newport, but not break 
 ground until the Count should be in readiness to act in con- 
 cert with them. Although it was extremely desirable to 
 avoid whatever might give offence to the ally on whose 
 assistance so much depended, yet time was considered of 
 so much importance to an army which could not be long 
 kept together, that this advice was over-ruled, and it was 
 determined to open the trenches, and commence the siege 
 immediately. 
 
 After surmounting the obstacles created by bad weather, 
 and delay in the arrival of his stores and artillery. General 
 Sullivan moved towards the lines, and encamped within two 
 or three miles of the town of Newport. The succeeding 
 morning, being the fifteenth of August, the siege was com- 
 menced, and continued, without any material circumstance, 
 for several days. But the abandonment of D'Estaing had 
 placed the American army in a very critical situation, be- 
 cause reinforcements might now be thrown, without inter- 
 ruption, into Newport, and not only defeat the enterprise, 
 but render their retreat dangerous. On the evening of the 
 nineteenth, their anxieties vrere momentarily relieved by 
 the reappearance of the fleet. 
 
 The French admiral, however, immediately crushed the 
 flattering hopes of the army, by communicating to General 
 
64 Hl^'fOKV OF 'IHt 
 
 Sullivan his intention, in pursuance of orders from the king, 
 and with the advice of all his officers, of taking the fleet to 
 Boston to refit. Success without the aid of the fleet, could 
 not be hoped for ; and the Americans had counted, with 
 almost absolute certainty, on a brilliant termination of the 
 enterprise. General Sullivan, reduced almost to despair 
 by this determination, added entreaties to remonstrances, in 
 order to dissuade D'Estaing from so fatal a measure. The 
 Marquis de Lafayette and General Greene were directed to 
 wait on him, with a letter from General Sullivan, remon- 
 strating against the resolution he had formed, and to exert 
 their utmost endeavours to induce him to change it. They, 
 accordingly, besought him not to abandon the interests of 
 the comm >n cause ; they represented to him the importance 
 to France, as well as to America, of the enterprise com- 
 menced ; they urged the certainty of carrying the garrison, 
 if he would only co-operate with them for two days ^ that it 
 could not be relinquished in its present stage without cast- 
 ing shame and reproach on the French and American arms, 
 because the latter, confiding in the promised co-operation of 
 the French fleet, had undertaken it with alacrity, and made 
 incredible exertions to provide the requisite stores ; that to 
 be deserted in so critical a moment would have a very per- 
 nicious influence on the minds of the American people, and 
 afford a triumph to the disaffected, who would not fail to 
 exclaim against French faith, and animadvert on the 
 fruit of such an alliance. They also urged the danger o( 
 carrying the fleet, in its present shattered condition, through 
 the difficult navigation over the shoals of Nantucket ; that 
 it could be repaired more conveniently at Newport than at 
 Boston ; and that its present station afforded advantages 
 over the harbour of Boston for distressing the enemy. 
 Finally, they entreated the admiral, if any personal indis- 
 cretions had appeared in conducting the expedition, not to 
 permit them to operate to the prejudice of the common 
 cause. All was fruitless. The Count continued immove- 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 66 
 
 able in the determination he had formed, and, on the 
 twenty-second of August, set sail for Boston. 
 
 It was the opinion of Greene and Lafayette, that the 
 principal officers on board the fleet were the enemies of 
 D'Estaing, who, as a landsman, was unpopular among them 
 as commandant in the navy. They therefore determined 
 to thwart his measures, and prevent his achieving any bril- 
 liant exploit that might redound to his reputation. Hence, 
 being unable, according to his instructions, to act in opposi- 
 tion to their unanimous opinion, he sailed from the island, 
 although he would not otherwise have probably remained 
 deaf to the arguments, and inexorable to the solicitations, 
 of the commissioners. 
 
 When Greene and Lafayette returned to the army, uni- 
 versal indignation and dismay were excited ; and the deser- 
 tion of the French made a violent impression, and created 
 loud clamours, throughout America. Sullivan, chagrined 
 beyond measure, made yet another effort to retain the fleet, 
 hy despatching Lieutenant-colonel Laurens, in a swift 
 privateer, to overtake the fleet, and deliver a letter to 
 D'Estaing, remonstrating against his withdrawing from the 
 enterprise, and pressing him, in any event, to leave his land 
 forces. He was also charged with a protest, signed by all 
 the general officers of the American army in Rhode-Island, 
 except the Marquis De Lafayette, remonstrating against his 
 departure in terms of great earnestness. D'Estaing was much 
 displeased with the protest, and continued his voyage to 
 Boston. 
 
 Sullivan now saw the fair prospect of acquiring distinc- 
 tion, and of rendering service to his country, escape from 
 his grasp, by the desertion of his allies. The militia, who 
 with so much zeal had hastened to join him, almost entirely 
 disbanded, and the number of his army was reduced, in a 
 
 9 
 
66 HISTORY OF THt; 
 
 short time, from nearly ten thousand men to about half that 
 number, while the force of the enemy consisted of six 
 thousand veterans. It was, therefore determined to raise 
 the siege of Newport, and to retire to the north end of the 
 island, there to wait for events. He was thus anxious to 
 hold the ground which he had gained, in the hope that 
 D'Estaing might yet return in time to accomplish the object 
 of the expedition. To endeavour to prevail on him to adopt 
 this course, Generals Hancock and Lafayette set out for 
 Boston ; — the former to expedite the repairs of the vessel, 
 and the latter to use the influence which his high rank and 
 character gave him with the admiral. — The camp before 
 Newport was broken up in great silence, in the night, and 
 the army retired unobserved towards the works on the north 
 end of the island. Early on the morning of the twenty- 
 ninth, the retreat was discovered by the enemy, who im- 
 mediately followed in two columns. A very warm action 
 ensued, in which the English were repulsed with admirable 
 resolution. The next day a cannonade was kept up by 
 both parties, but neither thought proper to attack the other : 
 the British were waiting for the reinforcements expected 
 from New- York, and Sullivan had determined to withdraw 
 his troops from the island. The American general, having 
 received certain information that a large body of troops had 
 sailed from New- York for the rehef of Newport, crossed 
 over his whole army to the main land, on the night of the 
 thirtieth, without having created in the enemy, such were 
 the judicious measures which he had taken, the slightest 
 suspicion that he had contemplated the movement which 
 was now completed. — Never was there a more fortunate 
 retreat. The next day, Sir Henry Chnton arrived with his 
 reinforcements, and with ships of war, which would probably 
 have entirely cut off the retreat to the continent. 
 
 During this time the Marquis De Lafayette was in Boston, 
 endeavouring to conciliate the French admiral, and secure 
 
MARtltJiS UK LAt'AYETTK. 67 
 
 the return of liis fleet as soon as it should be repaired ; but, 
 by great personal exertions, he rejoined the array just in 
 time to have the charge of the rear guard, and to view the 
 unfortunate issue of an expedition, undertaken not only 
 with the fairest prospect of success, but which had been 
 carried to the very threshold of a brilliant termination^ 
 The rapidity with which he travelled to the scene of danger 
 as soon as he learned the retrograde movements of Sullivan, 
 and the skill and bravery which he displayed in covering the 
 retreat without the loss of a single man, elicited the appro- 
 bation of Congress, who, on the ninth of September, 1778^ 
 adopted the following resolutioi:i : 
 
 " Resolved, That Mr. President be requested to inform 
 the Marquis De Lafayette, that Congress have a due sense 
 of the sacrifice he made of his personal feelings in under- 
 taking a journey to Boston, with a view of promoting the 
 interest of these States, at a time when an occasion was 
 daily expected of his acquiring glory in the field, and that 
 his gallantry in going on Rhode Island, when the greatest 
 part of the army had retreated, and his good conduct in 
 bringing off the pickets and out-sentinels, deserve their 
 particular approbation." 
 
 Mr. Laurens, the then president of Congress, transmitted 
 this flattering testimonial to Lafayette, with the following 
 remarks : 
 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 13, 177t!. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I experience a high degree of satisfaction in fulfilling the 
 instructions embraced in the enclosed act of Congress, of 
 the ninth instant, which expresses the sentiments of the re- 
 Dresentatives of the United States of Aroerica, relative to 
 
68 HlaTollV OF THL 
 
 your excellent conduct during the expedition recently un- 
 dertaken against Rhode Island. 
 
 Receive, Sir, this testimonial on the part of Congress, as a 
 tribute of respect and gratitude, offered to you by a free 
 people. 
 
 I have the honour to be, with very great respect and es- 
 teem, &;c. 
 
 Henry Laurens. 
 
 To this well-merited communication, General Lafayette 
 replied as follows : 
 
 Cmnp, Sept, 23, 1778. 
 
 Sir. 
 
 I have just received the letter of the thirteenth instant, 
 with which you have favoured me, and in which you com- 
 municate the honour that Congress has been pleased to con- 
 fer by the adoption of its flattering resolution. Whatever 
 sentiments of pride may be reasonably excited by such marks 
 of approbation, 1 am not the less sensible of the feelings of 
 gratitude, nor of the satisfaction of believing that my efforts 
 have, in some measure, been considered as useful to a cause, 
 in which my heart is so deeply interested. Have the good- 
 ness. Sir, to present to Congress my unfeigned and humble 
 thanks, springing from the bottom of my heart, and accom- 
 panied with the assurances of my sincere and perfect at- 
 tachment, as the only homage worthy of being offered to the 
 representatives of a free people. 
 
 From the moment that I first heard the name of America, 
 1 loved her : from the moment that I learned her struggles 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTK. 69 
 
 ibr liberty, I was inflamed with the desire of shedding my 
 blood in her cause ; — and the moments that may be ex- 
 pended in her service, whenever they may occur, or in 
 whatever part of the world I may be, shall be considered as 
 the happiest of my existence. I feel more ardently than 
 ever, the desire of deserving the obliging sentiments with 
 which I am honoured by the United States, and by their re- 
 presentatives ; and the flattering confidence which they have 
 been pleased to repose in me, has filled my heart with the 
 liveliest gratitude, and most lasting affection. 
 
 The desertion of Count D'Estaing, at the moment when 
 Newport was about to fall into the power of the combined 
 armies, greatly irritated the minds of the American commu- 
 nity, and many began to entertain a loathing towards allies 
 who seemed to forget all interests except their own. Gene- 
 ral Sullivan, goaded by chagrin and disappointment, of a 
 temperament somewhat warm, and under the influence of a 
 deep and just sense of injury, manifested the state of his 
 feelings in the general orders issued on the twenty-eighth of 
 August. " While," he remarked, " the General wishes them 
 (the army) to place a proper confidence in him as their 
 commander-in-chief, whose business it is to attend to their 
 safety, he yet hopes the event will prove America able to 
 procure that by her own arms, which her allies refuse to as- 
 sist in obtaining." These expressions being understood to 
 impute to the French nation an indisposition to promote 
 the interests of the United States, wounded the feelings of 
 the French oflicers, and added in no small degree to the re- 
 sentments of the moment. The Count D'Estaing addressed 
 a communication to Congress, in which his chagrin and irri- 
 tation were but ill concealed, and in which he endeavoured 
 to justify his conduct. 
 
 The discontent in New-JIngland generally, but particu- 
 larly in Boston, where the independent companies and mi- 
 
%■ 
 
 70 HiSTORY OF THt 
 
 litia had returned in excessive ill-humour, was so great as to 
 inspire fears that even the means of repairing the French 
 ships would be unattainable ; and it was, in some degree, 
 to guard against the mischief to be apprehended from the 
 prevalence of such a temper, that Generals Lafayette and 
 Hancock had repaired from camp to Boston. Congress, 
 together with Washington, and every thinking man in the 
 community, foresaw the fatal consequences that would ensue 
 from an irreparable breach with their new ally, and took 
 the most judicious and persevering measures to allay the 
 ferment and restore confidence and harmony. That body 
 directed General Washington to make every effort in his 
 power to prevent the unwise protest of the officers of Sulli- 
 van's army from being made public, and General Greene, 
 by his timely personal interference, arrested the despatches 
 when on the point of being publicly submitted by the speaker 
 to the assembly of Rhode Island, which General Sullivan 
 had addressed to the Governor of that state, in the first mo- 
 ments of vexation and disappointment, and which complained 
 bitterly of the conduct of D'Estaing, in terms calculated to 
 increase the general discontent. 
 
 The Marquis de Lafayette experienced extreme anguish, 
 which he communicated to Washington, at the injuries he 
 supposed to be offered to his country, by the expressions of 
 resentment which fell from the officers of the American army. 
 But, in the expression of these feelings, while he showed his 
 gieat sensibility wherever France was concerned, he also 
 manifested the most unlimited attachment to the com- 
 mander-in-chief. Washington laboured iiidefatigably to pre- 
 vent the evils to be apprehended from the prejudices and 
 resentments arising from the conduct of D'Estaing; and 
 particularly exerted himself to calm the growing animosities 
 found among the French and American officers. " I have 
 not now time," he remarked in a letter to General Greene, 
 " to take notice of the several arguments which were made 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 71 
 
 use of, for and against the Count's quitting the harbour of 
 Newport and saiHng for Boston. Right or wrong, it will 
 probably disappoint our sanguine expectation of success ; 
 and, which I deem a still worse consequence, I fear it will 
 sow the seeds of dissension and distrust between us and our 
 new allies, unless the most prudent measures be taken to 
 suppress the feuds and jealousies that have already arisen. 
 I depend much on your temper and influence to conciliate 
 that animosity, which, I plainly perceive by a letter from the 
 Marquis, subsists between the American and French oflScers 
 in our service. This, you may be assured, will extend itself 
 to the Count, and the officers and men of his whole fleet, 
 should they return to Rhode-Island, unless a ' econciiiation 
 shall have taken place. The marquis speaks kindly of a 
 letter from you to him on this subject. He will, therefore, 
 take any advice from you in a friendly way ; and if he can 
 be pacified, the other French gentlemen will of course be 
 satisfied, since they look up to him as their head. The 
 Marquis grounds his complaint on a general order of the 
 twenty-fourth of August, and upon the universal clamour 
 that prevailed against the French nation." 
 
 But notwithstanding the conciliatory measures adopted 
 by the authorities of America, as well as by Count D'Estaing 
 himself, the tide of popular feeling could not be entirely 
 restrained. The conduct of the French officers, and even 
 of the common sailors, at Boston, was truly exemplary. 
 But this extreme circumspection did not prevent the occur- 
 rence, on the thirteenth of September, of a violent affray 
 between some Americans and the French, which resulted in 
 the death of the Chevalier dc Saint Sauveur. The select- 
 men of the town, to allay the resentment of the French, 
 showed themselves very solicitous to punish the offenders, 
 and declared that the tumult was fomented by English sai- 
 lors who had been made prisoners, and deserters from the 
 avrnj of Burgoyne. Tranquillity was restored: the Count 
 

 :2 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 D'Estaing made no further inquiry into the affair; no offen- 
 der was discovered ; and the government of Massachusetts 
 decreed a monument to be erected to Sant Sauveur. — The 
 night of the sixth of the same month had witnessed a scene 
 far more serious, at Charleston, South Carohna, between 
 the French and American sailors. It terminated in a formal 
 battle. The French were driven out of the city, and forced 
 to take refuge on board their ships, from which they fired 
 with artillery and musketry against the town. The Ameri- 
 cans, on their part, fired upon the French vessels, from the 
 adjoining wharves and stores. Many lives were lost on both 
 sides. A reward of a thousand pounds sterling was offered 
 to whoever should discover the authors of the tumult, but 
 without effect. — Thus ended the riots of Boston and of 
 Charleston, which were attributed, if not with truth, at least 
 with prudence, to British artifice and instigation. Nothing 
 can more clearly demonstrate the instability of public opi- 
 nion than the occurrence of these disgraceful scenes. A few 
 weeks before, the whole continent resounded with praises 
 and gratitude to the king of France, as the saviour of the 
 liberties of America, and now, by the conduct, whether right 
 or wrong, of one of his officers, these favourable feelings 
 were instantaneously converted into hatred and irritation. 
 
 At length, provident and temperate measures triumphed, 
 and a breach which threatened very serious consequences, 
 was entirely made up. General Greene was successful in 
 exerting his personal influence with Lafayette, which could 
 be done more with the freedom and familiarity of a friend 
 than that of Washington, although it certainly did not possess 
 the same parental weight. Their combined endeavours were 
 crowned with the success which was anticipated. The 
 American officers, after the first ebulhtion of passion, were 
 easily pacified ; for theirs was a system of sacrifice for the 
 good of the country.* 
 
 * Foi- accounts of the expedition against Rhode Island, &c. &c. vide 
 Marshall'? Washington, vol. Jii. ch. 9.— .Journals Cong:ress. vol, iv. p. 
 
MAH*itiS UK LAFAYE.'i"i'E. 73 
 
 The failure of the plan of Congress for the invasion of 
 Canada, to be conducted by the marquis De Lafayette, did 
 not change the wishes of that body, and after the commence- 
 ment of hostilities between France and Great Britain, the 
 subject was again taken up. Towards the autumn of 1779, 
 and about the time that Lafayette obtained permission to 
 return to France, a plan was completely matured for a com- 
 bined aittack, to be made by the allied forces of France and 
 ^he United States, on all the British dominions on the con- 
 tinent, and on the adjacent islands of Cape Breton and New- 
 foundland. That nobleman was directed to transmit it to 
 Doctor Franklin, the minister of the United States at the 
 court of Versailles, with instructions to induce, if possible, 
 the French cabinet to accede to it. Great reliance was also 
 placed on the influence of the Marquis with his own govern- 
 ment. Accordingly, this very extensive plan, prepared 
 entirely in the cabinet, without consulting a single military 
 character, was, for the first time, transmitted to General 
 Washington, in October, with a request that he would 
 enclose it by the Marquis de Lafayette, accompanied with 
 his observations, to Doctor Franklin. 
 
 Washington was immediately and forcibly struck with the 
 absolute impracticability of executing the magnificent plan 
 already decided on by Congress, and in a very long and very 
 serious letter to Congress, apologized for not obeying their 
 orders in delivering the plan, with his observations on it, to 
 Lafayette. He entered into a perfect investigation of all 
 its parts, and demonstrated the mischiefs and dangers with 
 which it was replete. Men recede slowly from favourite 
 projects. Hence it was decided that eventual measures, at 
 least, ought to be taken for the expedition. Besides which. 
 
 378 ; — Johnson's Life Greeue, vol. i, p. 110 — lib — Memoiies Hist. sUf 
 Jkl. de Lafayette, p. 6, 7, 36, 38, 40. — Botta's War ladependenca vol. ii,p. 
 •143- 
 
 10 
 
J4 HlSTORk OF THt 
 
 Congress probably felt, in some degree, committed by the 
 conversations which had been held on the subject with La- 
 fayette, and the minister of France. That body, there- 
 fore, directed General Washington to write to the Marquis, 
 who had now departed for France, and to the American 
 minister in Paris, relative to the adoption of eventual mea- 
 sures, in case an armament should be sent from France to 
 Quebec. The Commander-in-Chief, however, whose objec- 
 tions to the proposed plan remained in full force, resolved 
 not to open a correspondence for the purpose of soliciting 
 the concurrence of France in an expedition to which he was 
 firmly opposed. Requesting, therefore, a personal confer- 
 ence, he laid before them such satisfactory reasons for the 
 opinions which he had adopted, that the expedition against 
 Canada was entirely given up. — Thus was General Lafa- 
 yette relieved from the necessity of urging to the French 
 government the adoption of a plan, which promised little 
 hopes of success, and left entirely free to pursue his solicita- 
 tions for aid in a manner better adapted to promote the 
 cause of independence. 
 
 In the month of January, 1779, the Marquis de Lafayette 
 epibarked at Boston, on a voyage to France, in the conti- 
 nental frigate Alliance. Ambitious of fame on another the- 
 atre, and anticipating a war on the continent of Europe, 
 he was desirous of tendering his services to his king and his 
 own country. But another principal object was to exert 
 his influence in favour of the United States at tlie court of 
 Versailles. He had witnessed and felt the mortifying em- 
 barrassments which environed the active promoters of the 
 revolution, from a combination of causes, which could be 
 best explained in personal and reiterated interviews with 
 those who directed the policy of the French cabinet. Some 
 f€tar, also, was entertained that unfavourable results might 
 jxroceed from the fracas which occurred at Rhode Island, 
 jmjl fhe cons'efiuent (Excesses committed in Boston antJ 
 
MARCiUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 75 
 
 Charleston. — General Washington, from motives of real 
 friendship, as well as political reasons, was very desirous of 
 preserving Lafayette's connexion with the army, and of 
 strengthening his attachment to America. He, therefore, 
 in the following letter to the president of Congress, ex- 
 pressed his wishes that Lafayette, instead of resigning his 
 commission, might have unlimited leave of absence, to rec- 
 tum when it should be convenient to himself 5 and might 
 carry with him every mark of the confidence of the go- 
 vernment. 
 
 Head Quarters, October &, 1778. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 This letter will be presented to you by Major General La- 
 fayette. The generous motives which formerly induced 
 him to cross the ocean, and serve in the armies of the United 
 States, are known to Congress. The same praise-worthy 
 reasons now urge him to return to his native country, 
 which, under existing circumstances, has a claim to lois 
 services. 
 
 However anxious he was to fulfil the duty which he owes 
 to his king and country, that powerful consideration could 
 not induce him to leave this continent, while the fate of tlue 
 campaign remains undecided. He is, therefore, determined 
 to remain until the termination of the present campaign, 
 and takes advantage of the present cessation from hostilities, 
 to communicate his designs to Congress, so that the neces- 
 sary arrangements may be made at a convenient season, 
 while he is at hand, if occasion should offer, to distinguish 
 himself in the army. 
 
 At the same time, the Marquis, being desirous of pres^r- 
 vin^ his connexion with this country, and hoping fljact Jbp 
 
T6 HISTOllY OF THE 
 
 may enjoy opportunities of being useful to it, as an Ame- 
 rican officer, only solicits leave of absence, for the purpose 
 of embracing the views which have been already suggested. 
 
 The pain which it costs me to separate from an officer 
 who possesses all the military fire of youth, with a rare ma- 
 turity of judgment, would lead me, if the choice depended 
 on my wishes, to place his absence on the footing which he 
 proposes. I shall always esteem it a pleasure to be able to 
 give those testimonials of his services to which they are 
 entitled, from the bravery and conduct which have dis- 
 tinguished him on every occasion ; and I do not doubt that 
 Congress will, in a proper manner, express how sensibly 
 they appreciate his merits, and how much they regret his 
 departure. 
 
 T have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 George Washington. 
 
 Some time after this flattering communication, the Mar- 
 quis addressed a noble and generous letter to Congress on the 
 same subject. 
 
 Philadelphia, October 155, 1778. 
 
 Sib, 
 
 However attentive I ought to be not to employ the pre- 
 cious moments of Congress in the consideration of private 
 affairs, I beg leave, with that confidence which naturally 
 springs from aflfection and gratitude, to unfold to them the 
 circumstances in which I am, at present, situated. It is im- 
 possible to speak more appropriately of the sentiments 
 which attach me to my own country, than in the presence 
 of citizfens who have done so much for their own. Ro long 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 17 
 
 as I have had the power of regulating my own actions, it 
 has been my pride and pleasure to fight beneath the banners 
 of America, in the defence of a cause, which I may dare 
 more particularly to call ours, as I have shed my blood in 
 its support. 
 
 Now, Sir, that France is engaged in war, I am urged both 
 by duty and patriotism, to present myself before my sove- 
 reign to know in what manner he may be pleased to employ 
 my services. The most pleasing service that I can render, 
 will be that which enables me to serve the common cause, 
 among those whose friendships I have had the happiness to 
 obtain, and in whose fortunes I participated, when your 
 prospects were less bright than they now are. This mo- 
 tive, together with others which Congress will properly 
 appreciate, induce me to request permission to return to my 
 own country in the ensuing winter. 
 
 So long as a hope remained of an active campaign, I 
 never indulged the idea of leaving the army ; but the pre- 
 sent state of peace and inaction leads me to prefer, to Con- 
 gress, this petition. If it should be pleased to grant my re- 
 quest, the arrangements for my departure shall be taken in 
 such a manner, that the result of the campaign shall be 
 known before they are put in execution. I enclose a letter 
 from his excellency. General Washington, consenting to the 
 leave of absence which I wish to obtain. I flatter myself 
 that you will consider me as a soldier on leave of absence, 
 ardently wishing to rejoin his colours, as well as his beloved 
 comrades. If, when I return to the midst of my fellow 
 citizens, it is believed that I can, in any manner, promote 
 the prosperity of America, — if my most strenuous exertions 
 can promise any useful results, I trust. Sir, that I shall 
 always be considered as the man who has the prosperity of 
 
78 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 the United States most at heart, and who entertains for 
 their representatives the most perfect love and esteem. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 Congress acceded, without hesitation, to the wishes oi 
 the Marquis. They knew that the confidence of America in 
 him was well placed, and that he would use all his influence, 
 at the court of Versailles, in her favour. Never, indeed, 
 did a foreigner, whose primary attachments were to his own 
 country, feel more anxious solicitude for the welfare of 
 another, than was unceasingly manifested by this young 
 nobleman for the United States. — On the twenty-first of 
 October, Congress, in addition to the leave of absence which 
 had been required, adopted the most flattering resolutions : 
 
 Resolved, That the Marquis De Lafayette, major-general 
 in the service of the United States, have leave to go to 
 France ; and that he return at such time as shall be most 
 convenient to him. 
 
 Resolved, That the president write a letter to the Marquis 
 De Lafayette, returning him the thanks of Congress for that 
 disinterested zeal which led him to America, and for the 
 services he hath rendered to the United States, by the exer- 
 tion of his courage and abilities on many signal occasions. 
 
 Resolved, That the minister plenipotentiary of the United 
 States of America at the court of Versailles, be directed to 
 cause an elegant sword, with proper devices, to be made 
 and presented, in the name of the United States, to the 
 Marquis De Lafayette. 
 
 A draught of a letter of recommendation to hi» most 
 
aiARftUla UE LAFAYETTE. f^ 
 
 Christian majesty, the king of France, in favour of La- 
 fayette, was also reported and agreed to. 
 
 According to the second resolution, these honourable 
 evidences of the high character which he enjoyed in the 
 estimation of the American community, were conveyed to 
 the Marquis with the following observations, by the presi- 
 dent of Congress : 
 
 Philadelphia, October 24, 1778. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I had the honour to communicate to Congress, your letter 
 soliciting leave of absence, and I am authorized by that 
 body to express to you its thanks for the zeal you have 
 shown in defence of the just cause in which it is engaged, 
 and for the disinterested services you have rendered to the 
 United States of America. — As a testimonial of the high 
 esteem and affection which the people of these States en- 
 tertain towards you, and as an acknowledgement of the 
 bravery and military talents which you have displayed on 
 many signal occasions, the representatives of the people, in 
 Congress assembled, have directed the American minister at 
 the court of Versailles, to present you with an elegant 
 sword. 
 
 Enclosed you will find an act of congress, of the twenty- 
 first instant, authorizing these declarations, and granting you 
 permission to return to France, and extending the leave of 
 absence at your will. 
 
 I pray the Almighty to bless and protect you, and to guide 
 you in safety to the presence of your friends, and to a h^ippy 
 meeting with your noble family. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &:c. 
 
 Henry Lauren's. 
 
30 HISTORY OF 'iHE 
 
 To this communication, the Marquis de Laiayette made 
 the following reply : 
 
 Philadelphia, October 26, 1778. 
 
 fciiB, 
 
 I have received your excellency's obliging letter, contain- 
 ing the several resolutions which Congress have done me the 
 honour to adopt, and the leave of absence which it has been 
 pleased to grant : nothing can afford me more happiness 
 than the belief that my services have obtained its approba- 
 tion. The glorious marks of confidence and satisfaction 
 which I have received, at different times, from the represen- 
 tatives of America, although greater than my merits, cannot 
 surpass the feelings of gratitude which they have occasioned. 
 I consider the noble present which has been made to me in 
 the name of the United States, as a most flattering honour, 
 and my most ardent desire is speedily to employ that sword in 
 their service, against the common enemy of my country 
 and of its faithful and beloved allies. 
 
 May liberty, abundance, and concord, for ever reign in the 
 United States : this is the ardent wish of a heart overflowing 
 with unbounded zeal, love, and devotion, for this country, 
 and with the highest respect and most sincere affection for 
 its representatives. 
 
 Be pleased, Sir, to present to them my tlianks, and ac- 
 cept for yourself the assurance of my respectful attach- 
 ment. 
 
 1 have the honour to be. 
 
 With profound veneration, k.c. &lc. 
 
 Lafayette, 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 81 
 
 Oft the voyage to France, General Lafayette was exposed 
 to new and unexpected dangers. It was found difficult, in 
 Boston, to procure the necessary complement of men ne- 
 cessary for the frigate Alliance, the national vessel appro- 
 priated to convey him to his own country : hence more tiian 
 half the crew was composed of English sailors who had 
 been made prisoners. Eight days before their arrival in 
 Europe, a conspiracy was formed among the foreigners on 
 board, the execution of which was prevented by the merest 
 accident. Mistaking an American for one of their own 
 countrymen, the English conspirators entrusted him with 
 their secret, and offered him the command of the vessel, 
 which, according to the proclamation of the King of Great 
 Britain, (containing more policy than morality,) became the 
 property of the mutineers. But the honest American re- 
 vealed the plot to the officers only an hour previous to the 
 time appointed for their general massacre. During this 
 conspiracy and consequent confusion, the French and Ame- 
 rican sailors, without exception, made common cause against 
 the English. 
 
 Thus this gallant nobleman returned to France, the leader 
 of armies, the counsellor of statesmen, and the friend of 
 philosophers, at the premature age of twenty-two years ? 
 The court and the people alike came forward to receive and 
 welcome the young hero, who had reflected such credit on 
 his country ; who united the gay, gallant, fearless spirit of 
 ancient chivalry, to the modern principles of philosophical 
 liberty- 
 
 During this visit Doctor Franklin presented to him the 
 sword ordered by Congress previous to his departure from 
 America, which he accompanied with the following letter: 
 
 IL 
 
S'rZ HI>TOKV or THE 
 
 Passy, August 24, '1770^ 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The Congress, sensible of your merit towards the Unite<^ 
 States, but unable adequately to rcioard it, deterntiined to 
 present you with a sword, as a small mark of their grateful 
 acknowledgment. They directed it to be ornamented with 
 suitable devices. Some of the principal actions of the war. 
 in which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and 
 conduct, are, therefore, represented upon it. These, with 
 a few emblematic figures, all admirably well executed, make 
 its principal value. By the help of the exquisite artists 
 Prance affords, I find it easy to express every thing but the 
 sense we have of your worth and our obligations to you. For 
 this, figures, and even w^ords, are found insufficient. — I- 
 therefore, only add, that, with the most perfect esteem and 
 respect, I have the honour to be. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 B. Fhankhn. 
 
 This sword was presented to the Marquis, at Havre, by 
 the grandson of Doctor Franklin. On the four sides of the 
 coquUle are engraved representations of the battle of Mon- 
 mouth, of the affair of Gloucester in New Jersey, and of 
 the retreat from Barren Hill, and from Rhode Island : on 
 one side of the handle, the Marquis is represented as wound- 
 ing the British lion ; and on the other as receiving a branch 
 of laurel from America, under the form of a female, whose 
 chains are broken. The pommel is, on one side, ornamented 
 with the arms of Lafayette, and on the other with an emblem 
 of America, represented by a crescent enlightening a half- 
 civilized and half-cultivated country. On this part of the 
 sword is also a figure of Fame bearing the arms of France, 
 and a representation of the vessel in which he first came 
 
to America. The bow of the hilt bears the foilowing in- 
 scription : 
 
 Presented by Congress to M. ie Marquis de Lafayette. 
 
 The ardent zeal displayed by him in his solicitations to 
 the French court in favour of the United States, merits the 
 warmest gratitude of every American bosom. His tempo- 
 rary absence did not in the slightest degree diminish that 
 passionate ardour for the promotion of American indepen- 
 dence, which the aft'ectionate attentions he had received, 
 the enthusiasm of a soldier in the cause of those for whom 
 he had made his first campaign, and by whom he had been 
 highly distinguished, combined with a consciousness that 
 he was substantially promoting the permanent interests of 
 France, were all so well calculated to inspire in a young and 
 generous mind, in favour of an infant people, struggling for 
 liberty and self government, with the hereditary rival of his 
 government. Being received at Versailles with every mark 
 of distinction and favour, he employed all the interest he 
 had acquired in impressing on the cabinet, the importance 
 and policy of granting succours to the United States. His 
 success was equal to the noble motives by which he was 
 actuated. The court, governed by political expediency, 
 endeavoured to feed the flame which consumed the strength 
 of Great Britain ; and little dreamed that from that flame 
 a spark would proceed, which would eventually kindle the 
 inflammable mass collected within its own bosom.*" 
 • 
 
 Without any regular authority from Congress, the Mar- 
 quis, taking upon himself the entire responsibility of those 
 measures, employed himself assiduously in soliciting assist- 
 ance in men, money, and clothing. In this favourite ob- 
 ject, he was aided by the representations of the minister of 
 
 '■' Lady Morgan's France, book viii.-^Marsh. Washinglou, vol, iv, ch,5 
 
84 HISTORV OF THt 
 
 France at Philadelphia ; and the succours which he procured 
 were varioire and important. He prevailed on the French 
 court to embark heartily in the cause, and obtained from it 
 a promise to despatch a formidable fleet and army to the 
 ports of the United States. An extract from a letter written 
 on the fifth of March, 1 780, by Doctor Franklin to General 
 Washington, will serve to show the estimation in which he 
 was held by that sagacious philosopher and statesman : " I 
 received but lately the letter your excellency did me the 
 honour of writing to me, in recommendation of the Mar- 
 quis de Lafayette. His modesty detained it long in his own 
 hands. We became acquainted, however, from the time of 
 his arrival in Paris ; and his zeal for the honour of our 
 country, his activity in our affairs here, and his firm attach- 
 ment to our cause and to you, impressed me with the same 
 regard and esteem for him that your excellency -s letter 
 would have done, had it immediately been delivered to 
 me.'"* 
 
 Having succeeded in his primary object, and finding no 
 probability of active employment on the continent of Eu- 
 rope, Lafayette renounced the continued triumph afforded 
 him by the universal homage and admiration of his country- 
 men, and once again crossed the ocean to resume his career 
 of glory. In the latter part of April, 1780, he arrived at 
 Boston in the royal frigate Hermione, Captain Le Touche. 
 The day of his landing was one of public rejoicing. The 
 inhabitants flocked to the shore to receive their generous 
 defender, and he v/as conducted, amid the roar of Gannon, 
 the ringing of bells, and the enlivening strains of military 
 music, to the house which the municipal authorities had 
 prepared for his accommodation. The day was concluded 
 by a brilliant display of fire-works in the public places. He 
 escaped, as soon as possible, from the scenes of festivity, 
 and the manifestations of public joy, which this cheering in- 
 telligence had occasioned, and hastened to head quarters. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. Qd 
 
 where he arrived on the twelfth of May. He was received 
 with open arms, by General Washington, whose heart needed 
 some such balm, for the affairs of America were not then in 
 a prosperous train. The joyful news brought by his illus- 
 trious friend, buoyed up the spirit of the father of America. 
 He brought with him the welcome tidings, that large rein- 
 forcements were immediately to be forwarded to the French 
 army and navy. He announced that the troops were al- 
 ready embarked, and the ships that bore them on the point 
 of sailing for America. 
 
 Congress received the noble Marquis with those marks 
 of distinction and regard, to which his constant and indefa- 
 tigable zeal in the support of their cause, as well as this last 
 signal service, gave him such just pretensions. Having 
 offered his services to that body on the thirteenth of May, 
 the following resolution was immediately adopted : 
 
 ^^ Resolved, That Congress consider the return of the 
 Marquis de Lafayette to America, to resume his command, 
 as a fresh proof of the disinterested zeal and persevering at- 
 tachment which have justly recommended him to the public 
 confidence and applause ; and that they receive with plea- 
 sure a tender of the further services of so gallant and meri- 
 torious an officer." 
 
 The intelligence brought by him, gave a new impulse both 
 to Congress and the state legislatures ; and the lethargic slum- 
 ber in which they seemed to be sinking, yielded to resolu- 
 tions of the most vigorous complexion. His very return 
 was grateful to the American people, and especially re- 
 doubled the ardour of the soldiers, who mutually incited 
 each other to show themselves worthy of the allies they ex- 
 pected. They declared aloud that eternal reproach would 
 be their portion, if, through a base and unmanly apathy, 
 they should lose the glorious occasion now offered to them 
 
yt> HISTORY Of THK 
 
 by this powerful co-operation of France. The Congress, 
 and all the estabhshed authorities, as well as influential pri- 
 vate citizens, neglected no means that could cherish and 
 propagate this new enthusiasm ; and their efforts had, in 
 some measure, the desired effect. Thus the arrival of La- 
 fayette was the signal of restoring confidence, of arousing 
 the flagging spirit of the nation, and of reviving the authori- 
 ty, and giving fresh vigour to the measures, of Congress.* 
 About the middle of June, the Count De Rochambeau ar- 
 rived at Rhode Island from Brest, with between five and six 
 thousand select troops, and the Chevalier de Tornay with 
 seven ships of the line, and several frigates. 
 
 Soon after the return of General Lafayette, he was ap- 
 pointed to command the van of Washington's army. His 
 division was selected from the different corps : the first 
 brigade was commanded by General Hand, with Colonels 
 Van Courtlandt, Ogden, and Stewart; — the second by 
 General Poor, with Colonels Shephard, Swift, and Gimat. 
 There was also a troop of horse attached to it, commanded 
 by Colonel Henry Lee, as well as a major's command of 
 artillery. Of all these officers then animated with the 
 prospect of glory, and glittering in martial pomp, it is 
 believed that all have descended to the tomb, but Generals 
 Lafayette and Van Courtlandt.t In 1780, the Marquis De 
 Chastellux, during his travels in America, visited the camp 
 of Lafayette, in New Jersey, which he found placed in an 
 excellent position. It occupied two heights separated by a 
 
 =? For accouuts of his visit to France in 1779-1780, vide Mem. Hist, sur 
 Lafayette. — Toulongeon, Hist, de France, tome i, appendix, p. 97. — Lady 
 Morgan's France, p. 316.— Port Folio, vol. xix, p. 501, 2.— Botta's War In- 
 dopend.vol. iii,p. 194. — Hist. France, vol. iii,p.|211. — Marsh. Life Wash- 
 ington, vol. iii, 531 : iv, 237. — Thacher's Journal, p. 533. — Journal Con- 
 gress, vol. iv. 446 : vi. 49. 
 
 t We are, however, ignorant as it respects Colonel Gimat and the mafor 
 <."oramanding the artillerv. • 
 
f 
 
 MARQUIS »K LAFAYETTE. 87 
 
 smali bottom, but with an easy communication between 
 them. The river Totowaw, or Second River, protected its 
 right ; and the principal part of the front, and al l tli f>-fp.f> 
 flank, to a great distance, were covered by a rivulet flowing 
 from the town of Paramus, and falling into the Totowaw. 
 It was only twenty miles distant from York island. This 
 vanguard consisted of light infantry, or what is the same 
 thing, of a corps selected from the army. His troops niade 
 an excellent appearance. They were better clothed than 
 the rest of the army ; the uniform of both officers and sol- 
 diers, which was principally furnished at the expense of the 
 Marquis, had a neat and military appearance, and each sol- 
 dier wore a helmet made of hard leather, with a crest of 
 horsehair. The officers were armed with espontoons, and the 
 subalterns with fusils ; the former were provided with short 
 and light sabres, brought from France, and presented to 
 them by General Lafayette. This select corps, he formed 
 and modulated, according to his own wishes, and infused 
 among them a spirit of pride and emulation. They were 
 the pride of his heart ; — he was the idol of their devotion. 
 Deserving the highest confidence, and pronounced, by Euro- 
 pean veterans, to be equal to any corps in any country, they 
 panted for some signal achievement, worthy of their own 
 character, and worthy of the name of their illustrious com- 
 mander. His dragoons were extremely well mounted, and 
 did not shrink from meeting those of Great Britain, over 
 whom they had gained several advantages ; but they had 
 never been numerous enough to form a solid and perma- 
 nent body. Tarleton, indeed, discovered a vast difference 
 between Lee's dragoons, and a surprised party of ill armed 
 infantry and countrymen. But his fortt was in the latter 
 species of warfare: a forced march, a surprise, and a bloody 
 gazette, are the records of his glory.* 
 
 When the first division of the French reinforcements 
 arrived in July, 1780„they found the American force unpre- 
 
 * Chastellux's Trav. vol. i. 101—3, 123, 
 
.':.u HISTORY OF TUT' 
 
 pared ibr active and offensive co-operation. Yet it vi'as 
 necessary for General Washington to communicate to the 
 Count De Rochambcau, the system adopted for the residue 
 of the campaign. The advanced state of the season 
 forbad the idea of waiting for new levies, to execute his 
 plan against New- York. Both the engagements of Congress 
 and the interests of the United States, determined him im- 
 mediately to forward to the French general and admiral : 
 definitive proposals of co-operation, and pressed on all sides 
 by a chain of difficulties, he resolved to hazard much, rather 
 than forego the advantage to be derived from the aid afforded 
 by France. The naval superiority of the French being as- 
 certained, the general outlines of a plan for attacking New- 
 York were drawn up, in which the fifth of August was 
 named as the day on which the French troops should re-em- 
 bark, and the American army assemble at Morrisania. This 
 plan was committed to General Lafayette, who was authori- 
 zed to explain fully to the Count De Rochambeau, the 
 situation of the American army, and the views of the com- 
 mander-in-chief 5 and to go more into detail, respecting the 
 enterprise proposed, and others which were contemplated. 
 
 The arrival of Admiral Greaves at New- York, with six 
 ships of the line, however, entirely reversed the superiority 
 at sea, and this change of circumstances, of course pre- 
 vented any other than an eventual plan for the campaign. 
 The practicability of De Ternay's acquiring the naval su- 
 periority now depended on the arrival of the second divi- 
 sion of his squadron from Brest, or a reinforcement from 
 Count De Guichen, who commanded the French fleet in the 
 West Indies. In the mean-time, Sir Henry Clinton and Ad- 
 miral Arbuthnot, formed a plan to attack the French fleet 
 and army at Newport. Arbuthnot proceeded to Rhode Is- 
 land and cruised off the harbour, while Clinton embarked 
 six thousand chosen troops for the purpose of attacking 
 Newport by land. But tb^ir designs could not elude the 
 
MARQUIS DE I-APAYE-fT^E^ 8,9 
 
 penetration of Washington. As it was impracticable to 
 reach Rhode Island in time to unite the American troops 
 with those of their ally, he resolved to collect all the force 
 he could assemble, and making a rapid movement to New- 
 York, attack that place during the absence of Sir Henry 
 Clinton. Rapidly crossing the North River, he was in full 
 march towards Kings-bridge with nearly ten thousand men, 
 exclusive of militia, v/hen the sudden return of Sir Henry 
 Clinton, who had abandoned the expedition on learning the 
 improved state of the fortifications on Rhode Island, defeated 
 the hopes which had been formed of finding New- York 
 weakly defended. The American army, accordingly rfep 
 crossed the Hudson, and took post near Orangetown. 
 
 Intelligence was now received that the second division of 
 the fleet designed for the service of the United States, had 
 been stopped by a British squadron which completely block- 
 aded the port of Brest, and that the Count De Guichen, in- 
 stead of coming to the American coast, had sailed for Eu- 
 rope. Admiral Rodney also arrived, in September, with 
 eleven ships of the line and four frigates. This reinfercje* 
 ment completely disconcerted all the plans of the allies, and 
 terminated the sanguine hopes which had been formed at 
 the opening of the campaign. 
 
 In the mean-time, the hostile armies in the neighbour- 
 hood of New- York continued vigilantly to observe eacli 
 others motions. But while the British commander ap- 
 peared sunk in supineness, he meditated a deep and dark 
 scheme, which, could it have taken effect in its full extent^ 
 would probably have brought the war to a conclusion, and 
 have extinguished. Tor a time, the Independence of Ame- 
 rica. General Arnold had distinguished himself in the early 
 attack on Quebec, and afterward maintained the high repu- 
 tation which he had acquired there by a series of hold and 
 enterprising exertions. Plunged by his prxtfu^n fttp pje- 
 
 n 
 
•90 HISTORY or TKlE 
 
 cuniaiy distresses, he endeavoured to extricate himself, by 
 engaging in speculations which proved unfortunate, and 
 taking a share in privateers which were unsuccessful. Pos- 
 sessing neither the strength of principle, nor the correctness 
 of judgment, necessary to withstand the seductions to which 
 his high station, as the commander of Philadelphia, ex- 
 posed him, he committed gross extortions on the citizens, 
 and peculated on the funds of the continent. Brought to 
 a court martial, at the instigation of the executive of Penn- 
 sylvania, he was sentenced, on the twentj-sixth of January, 
 1779, to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. This 
 Censure alienated his unprincipled rnind from the United 
 States ; entrusted with the most important command of 
 West Point, in 17 CO, he basely permitted his pecuniary em- 
 barrassments, or resentments, to triumph over his fidelity, 
 and entered into a close correspondence with the enemies 
 of his country. — The particulars of this treacherous at- 
 tempt, the unfortunate escape of Arnold, and the capture of 
 Major Andre, are well known. Maledictions were heaped 
 upon the former, and praises upon those who had arrested 
 the latter. A board of general officers was convened to de- 
 termine the fate of the gallant and unfortunate Andre: 
 among its members, besides many distinguished American 
 officers, were the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron Steuben, 
 and they were called upon to determine in which character 
 the prisoner was to be considered, and to what punishment 
 he was liable. 
 
 To the feeling and generous heart of Lafayette, the stern 
 performance of this distressing duty occasioned many severe 
 pangs. The candour, openness, and magnanimity of Andre, 
 made upon his mind the most favourable impressions ; but 
 he found himself compelled to unite in the decision which 
 condemned to a disgraceful death, a young, brave, and ac- 
 complished officer, who united the polish of a court, and the 
 refiunemfnts of education, to the heroism of a soldier. Th«^ 
 
court-martiai, with the deep regret that was excited by .his 
 frank and noble demeanour, determined that he was a spy, 
 and ought to suffer death. The general officers which com- 
 posed it, lamented the sentence which the usages of war 
 compelled them to pronounce ; and perhaps on no occasion 
 of his life, did Washington obey with more reluctance, the 
 stern mandates of duty and of policy. The sympathy ex- 
 cited among the American officers by his fate, was as uni- 
 versal as is unusual on such occasions. On the second of 
 October, 1780, the unhappy victim was executed at Tappan. 
 When brought to the foot of the gibbet, he exclaimed, " And 
 must I die thus !" He was answered, that it could not be 
 otherwise. He did not dissemble his proud grief, and having 
 past a few moments in prayer, he pronounced these words, 
 which were his last ; " Bear witness that I die as a brave 
 man ought to die." Such was the just, but melancholy fate 
 of a young man, deserving, in so many respects, a better 
 destiny. Andre died with fortitude and dignity, his last 
 hours soothed with every mark of attention and regard, and 
 his execution accompanied by the tears of the very judges 
 who pronounced it. Arnold lived " a recreant and most 
 degenerate traitor," branded with infamy, the loathsome 
 object of scorn, and regarded with contempt and detesta- 
 tion by the honourable, the generous, and the brave, who 
 could never forget that he was a sordid villain, first the slave 
 of his rage, then purchased with gold, and finally secured 
 from the gallows by the blood of one of the most accom- 
 plished officers in the British army. 
 
 The events of the campaign of 1 780, although by no 
 means adverse, had disappointed the sanguine expectations 
 which attended its commencement. But although unmarked 
 by any memorable event, the American General had suc- 
 ceeded in keeping the enemy shut up in New- York. This 
 state of inactivity little accorded with the martial spirit and 
 desire of distinction, which animated the Marquis de La- 
 
9:i HlSTOfll^ OF TH£ 
 
 feyettc* In October, 1780, when Greene was appointed 
 to the command of the southern department, many gallant 
 spirits earnestly solicited to be enrolled under his banners. 
 Among these were Colonel John Laurens, literally the 
 '^ chevalier sans peur el sans reproche^'' Colonel Christopher 
 Greene, the hero of Red Bank, Doctor M 'Henry, then aid 
 ti/General Washington, Major Lee, the celebrated partisan, 
 and finally, Lafayette. On the tenth of November, 1780^ 
 (he Marquis addressed the following letter to General 
 G^eOxe: — 
 
 Mv DEAR FRIEND, 
 
 As seon as your letter from head-quarters came to hand, I 
 hastened to make an answer to the several articles it con- 
 tained, and was greatly disappointed to hear yt>u were gone 
 before it could reach you. For my friends, my dear Sir, I 
 have no different feelings from those which I experience for 
 myself* 1 therefore feel for you as I would on my own ac- 
 count, were I appointed to command the southern army. 
 Y«u will, 1 confess, have great difficulties to struggle with, 
 the worst of them all will, I fear, be the article of provisions. 
 But, on the other hand, defeats are expected from that quar* 
 tar. It was yet more the case before Ferguson's affair.* 
 Could it have been properly agreeable for the public wel- 
 fare, I wish this affair had been postponed. Indeed, my 
 friend, if I feel for you on account of the obstacles which 
 you will have to encounter, I, on the other hand, cannot help ' 
 fpreseeing a great deal of personal glory which you are en- 
 titled to hope. But whatever might have been hereafter the 
 case ; whatever bad chances, (and in our profession chance 
 is something,) a malignant fortune might throw in your way. 
 
 ••■• Majcn- Fel-gust)Ti was defeated by a body of militia, at King's Motlii- 
 tilin on the seventh of October. Upwanis of eight hundred British were 
 nnJtte prisoners, and two hundred and twenty-five Jdli«d or wdunded'. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 93 
 
 believe me, my dear Sir, my friendship as well as my esteem 
 for you, are founded upon such a basis as cannot be shaken 
 by any run of good or ill luck, which may subject you to the 
 praise or the blame of common opinions. In all cases, I 
 am heartily willing to have my fate united to yours ; and by 
 this junction of stars, to have my little share in any thing, 
 good or bad, that may happen to the troops under your 
 command. 
 
 As soon as we enter into winter quarters,*! shall the more 
 freely ask the General leave to join you ; as, by that time, 
 letters from France will have convinced us that my pre- 
 sence at head-quarters is not, for some months, useful to his 
 purpose of co-operation. By the first of January, at fur- 
 thest, and sooner, I hope, I intend to be with you, and to 
 consecrate to the country I early loved, under a General I 
 have long marked out as my friend, the efforts of my zeal, 
 and of any thing, by nature or acquisition, I may be worth 
 in the military service. Hamilton has told me that you have 
 conversed with him on the manner of being employed that 
 you thought most agreeable to me.* Though by my temper 
 and principles, I am bound to accept of any thing, and 
 cheerfully to act upon any scale that a superior officer thinks 
 fit for me, I cannot help acknowledging your kindness, and 
 frankly tell you, you arc not mistaken in believing that the 
 command of a flying camp, composed of the horse and 
 light infantry of your army, will better please me than the 
 honourable, but less active command of a wing. As I am 
 sure that my friend Lee will apply for being attached to me, 
 I beg leave to support the motion of that officer, whom I 
 love, and in whom I greatly confide, both for counsel and 
 execution. 
 
 * This letter was writtfen by the Marquis in Englisij. 
 
94 HISTORY 01)' THL 
 
 In case the dispositions of the enemy make you wish that 
 1 should repair to such or such any particular place, I will, 
 on the least hint from you, ask leave from the General to fly 
 there with the greatest despatch. 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 On the twenty-ninth of December, General Greene com- 
 municated to the Marquis the deplorable situation in which 
 he was placed, and the little prospect of distinction which 
 existed in the southern department. " It is now," he said, 
 "within a few days of the time you mentioned of being 
 with me. Were you to arrive, you would find a few rag- 
 ged, half starved troops, in the wilderness, destitute of 
 every thing necessary for either the comfort or convenience 
 of soldiers." " Indeed my dear Sir, the department is in a 
 most deplorable condition, nor have I a prospect of its 
 mending. The country is almost laid waste, and the inha- 
 bitants plunder one another with little less than savage fury. 
 We live from hand to mouth, and have nothing to subsist 
 on but what we collect with armed parties. In this 
 situation, 1 believe you will agree with me that there is 
 nothing inviting this way, especially when I assure you 
 our whole force, fit for duty, that are properly clothed, and 
 properly equipped, does not amount to eight hundred men." 
 •'Your professions and assurances of friendship are very 
 flattering and soothing to my feelings. 1 wish my situation 
 and future prospects afforded something more inviting and 
 worthy your attention, that I might have an opportunity to 
 indulge your wishes and gratify your feelings. But I fear 
 this department is to be the great Sarbonian bog to the 
 American armies, and particularly to the general ofticers. 
 
 The distresses and privations which awaited him in the 
 south produced no effect whatever on the resolution which 
 
>IAR<4UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 36 
 
 Lafayette had adopted. But he did not reach the southern 
 army. After obtaining the permission of the commander- 
 in-chief, he had proceeded as far as Philadelphia on his 
 way to join General Greene, when he was called upon to 
 assist in the negotiation then going on with the French 
 minister to forward the concerted co-operation of the 
 French fleet in the West Indies, which finally resulted in 
 the capture of Cornwallis. After terminating this impor- 
 tant affair, he immediately resumed his journey, and had 
 advanced as far as Petersburg, when he was recalled to take 
 the command of the expedition against Arnold in Virginia. 
 
 In the month of December, 1780, the traitor Arnold, 
 now a Brigadier-General in the British service, was des- 
 patched from New- York, with about sixteen hundred men. 
 and landed at Westover on the fourth of January, which is 
 distant on James River, about one hundred and forty miles 
 from the Capes of Virginia. The next day he entered 
 Richmond, where he ravaged both public and private pro- 
 perty. Afterward, proceeding slowly down the river, 
 followed by Baron Steuben, he destroyed several mills on 
 his way, and established himself on the twentieth at Ports- 
 mouth, where Steuben, finding himself unable to force the 
 position, stationed his troops in such a manner as to confine 
 him to the narrowest possible limits. During this expedi- 
 tion, devastation had been extended, under Arnold's direc- 
 tion, until even his greedy appetite was cloyed, and his re- 
 vengeful heart sated. As if he coveted to couple the name 
 of bandit with that of traitor, he carried fire and sword 
 wherever he went. Washington, not less surprised than 
 mortified at the tidings from Virginia, bestowed his immedi- 
 ate attention upon that quarter. He addressed himself to 
 Rochambeau, commanding the land forces of his Most 
 Christian Majesty, and to Monsieur Destouches, admiral of 
 his squadron in the American seas, urging them to seize the 
 present moment for inflicting a severe blow on the common 
 
36 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 ene^ny. Providentially, the French possessed, at this mo- 
 ment, the superiority on the sea, the British having suffer- 
 ed severely in a storm off Long Island. The Prench 
 Admiral sent an inefficient force to the Chesapeake under 
 M. de Tilly, who, discovering his inability to execute the 
 expected service, immediately returned to Newport. 
 
 In the mean-time, General Washington had detached the 
 Marquis de Lafayette, with a corps of twelve hundred light 
 infantry, drafted from the lines of New-England and New- 
 Jersey, for the purpose, of marching to the head of Elk, 
 there to embark for that part of Virginia which was become 
 the theatre of action, under convoy of a French frigate 
 which he expected to obtain from the admiral. The com- 
 mander-in-chief himself hastened to Newport to use his 
 personal exertions to facilitate the execution of the enter- 
 prise ; and it was determined that a detachment of the 
 French army, then in readiness, should be embarked under 
 the Count de Viominil. Two days after the fleet had sailed, 
 it was followed by the British admiral, and a partial engage- 
 ment ensued off the Capes of Virginia, which continued 
 about an hour. A council of war was called the next day, 
 and it being decided that it was unadviseable to renew the 
 action, the French vessels returned to Newport. 
 
 During these operations. General Lafayette had embarked 
 his detachment at the head of Elk, and proceeded with it to 
 Annapolis, in Maryland, where he waited for a frigate from 
 the French squadron to convoy it to Virginia. The ren- 
 contre of the fleets, and the return of the French admiral 
 to Newport, having rendered the object of the expedition 
 unattainable, Lafayette re-embarked his detachment, and 
 returned to the head of Elk, where he received orders to 
 join the southern army. 
 
 Thus Arnold escaped from, probably, the most imminent 
 danger in which he had ever been involved. Had tire 
 
MARCiUIS UE LAFAVETTE. 97 
 
 French forces reached the Chesapeake unopposed, the 
 British must have fallen, and the American traitor would 
 have expiated his atrocious crime on a gibbet. So persua- 
 ded was Washington that this was now the probable ter- 
 mination to his infamous life, that he instructed the Mar- 
 quis de Lafayette not to admit any stipulation, in his sur- 
 render, for his safety, and forbade the smallest injury to 
 the person of Arnold ; his object being to bring him to 
 public punishment, agreeably to the rules and regula- 
 tions established by Congress for the government of the 
 army. 
 
 Sir Henry Clinton, sensible of the vulnerable condition 
 of Arnold, hastened the Embarkation of a considerable 
 body of troops, under Major General Phillips, consisting of 
 two thousand men. This powerful reinforcement debark- 
 ed at Portsmouth on the twenty-sixth of March to the 
 great joy of Arnold, whose apprehensions during the pre- 
 ceding three weeks had been unceasing and excruciating. — 
 General Phillips, on his arrival, took command of all 
 the British troops in Virginia, and had the decided su- 
 periority over any force that could be brought against 
 him. Having occupied himself in completing the fortifica- 
 tions of Portsmouth, as soon as that object was effected, he 
 prepared for offensive operations. 
 
 The arrival of Phillips changed the destination of La- 
 fayette, to whom the defence of Virginia was now commit- 
 ted. At the head of Elk, he received an express from 
 the commander-in-chief, announcing the sailing of Phillips, 
 directing him to proceed to Virginia to take the command 
 of the troops collected and collecting for its protection, 
 and urging him to prevent, if possible, the meditated de- 
 scent of that general or his junction with Cornwallis. He, 
 accordingly, prepared to execute these orders, and as the 
 command of the bay by the British rendered it hazardous 
 again to attempt the passage to Annapolis, the line of march 
 was taken up for Baltimore, ascending the east side of the 
 bay. 
 
 13 
 
96 UISXORV OF THE 
 
 The troops under his command had been taken chiefly 
 from the eastren regiments, and had imbibed strong pre- 
 judices against a southern chmate. The service on which 
 they were detached, was not expected to be of long du- 
 ration, and they were consequently unprepared for a cam- 
 paign in a department where no relief from the most 
 pressing wants could be procured. When they marched 
 from the head of Elk, it was the early part of the month 
 of April, and the north winds still blew keen. The half 
 naked soldiers became sullen and intractable. The states 
 on whom the duty devolved had neglected to clothe them, 
 and the United States had neither money nor credit to 
 supply the deficiency. In a letter to General Greene, the 
 Marquis gave an interesting and exculpatory account of the 
 sufferings of his soldiers, whom he was obliged to punish 
 with one hand, and relieve with the other. Such had been 
 the necessity for secrecy and despatch, when they were or- 
 dered off from New Windsor in the state of New -York, 
 that they were hurried away under an impression that they 
 were proceeding on a march of a few days. The conse- 
 quence was, that even the officers were destitute of money, 
 clothing, and every thing that could contribute to clean- 
 liness and comfort. When they arrived at Trenton, they 
 were crowded on board of shallops, and passing down to 
 New Castle, were landed and marched across the isthmus 
 to the head of the Elk. Here they began to take a de- 
 liberate survey of their situation, and, at this time, their 
 murmurs were suppressed only by the suggestion of a short 
 and rapid expedition against Arnold. On their retrogade 
 march, they were still contented, for they were approach- 
 ing the depository of their wives, and of the few httle 
 comforts which their encampment had afforded them. — 
 Money had also been transmitted to head quarters by 
 the State of Massachusetts, for the pay of her troops ; 
 and present sufferings were forgotten under the enliven- 
 ing prospects of approaching enjoyments. But every 
 hope was blighted when the co;^ntem)anding orders ar- 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 99 
 
 rested their progress. Without tents, — for many, even 
 of the officers, slept in the open air ; — their shoes worn 
 out, — their hats lost in their repeated voyages ; — in a state 
 (as the Marquis expresses it,) " of shocking nakedness." — 
 not the least particle of baggage attending their march, — 
 no provision made for a protracted absence from their 
 wives and families, many of whom had joined them and 
 been left at their winter quarters ; — murmuring at being 
 thus hurried off, without notice to prepare for the service 
 they were entering upon ; — reasonably fearing that their 
 destination was to serve in a climate which they dreaded, — 
 and supported by the general pity which their case ex- 
 cited ; — such was the temper of his army, that many of 
 the officers assured the Marquis, that it would speedily 
 be reduced to one half by desertion. Facts supported 
 the assertion, for thirteen out of one company deserted 
 in a single day. — To add to the general distress, a nau- 
 seous and contagious disease generally produced, and 
 always aggravated, by a want of cleanliness, had near- 
 ly overspread the whole camp ; and naked and exposed 
 and kept in motion, as the soldiers were, the ordinary 
 remedies could not be applied for their cure, with safe- 
 ty to their general health. Desertion cannot, for any 
 cause, be pardoned in an army : but it is impossible to 
 view such a complication of distresses in a camp, without 
 admiring tlie passive merit which could resist the impulse 
 to desert. 
 
 But the firm and generous spirit of the Marquis de La- 
 fayette triumphed over these difficulties, and his energetic 
 appeals to the honourable principles of his soldiers, — prin- 
 ciples on which the feelings of his own bosom taught him 
 to rely — were crowned with success. His purse was as 
 open as his heart. As unmindful of money as he was am- 
 bitious of fame, he resolved, by a noble and generous act, 
 tq conciliate his troops, and strengthen them in tlie good 
 disposition of the moment. Such were his zeal and public 
 
100 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 spirit, — such the confidence and respect of the people, — 
 that at a time, when the credit of Congress was so low 
 that nothing could be obtained on its promises, he was 
 able to borrow, on his private credit, ten thousand dollars 
 from the merchants of Baltimore, with which he purchased 
 shoes, linen, spirits, and other articles of immediate ne- 
 cessity, for his detachment : And it is not unworthy of 
 notice, that every fair hand in Baltimore was promptly 
 set in motion, in preparing his purchases for immediate 
 use. 
 
 The following extract from a letter to General Greene 
 from Mr. M'Henry, the president of the Baltimore board of 
 war, exhibits the arduous situation and noble liberality of 
 the Marquis at this time : 
 
 "Baltimore, April 16, 1781. 
 
 " While I admire your policy, I have more than once 
 pitied the Marquis'* situation. His troops passed here 
 yesterday, discontented almost to general desertion ; — des- 
 titute of shirts, and proper equipments, and~ in most re- 
 spects, unprovided for a march. You know the Marquis : 
 He has been with us but two days ; but, in this time, he 
 adopted an expedient to conciliate them to a degree, 
 which no one but himself would have thought of To- 
 day, he signs a contract, binding himself to certain mer- 
 chants of this place, for above two thousand guineas, to 
 be disposed of in shirts, overalls, and hats, for the detach- 
 ment. Without these the army could not proceed; and 
 with these, he has managed to reconcile them to the ser- 
 vice. He is also bent upon trying the power of novelty on 
 their minds, by giving to the march the air of a frolic. His 
 troops will ride in wagons and carts, from Elkridge landing 
 
 * In speaking of Lafayette, the compreliensive term '■'■ the Marqtdf," 
 was universally used, and as universally understood. 
 
MARt^UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 101 
 
 to the limits of this state, and how much further he will 
 continue this mode of movement, depends on Virginia." 
 
 In a letter from the Marquis to General Greene, on the 
 same subject, he observes : " As our brave and excellent 
 men (for this detachment is exceedingly good,) are shock- 
 ingly destitute of linen, I have borrowed from the mer- 
 chants of Baltimore a sum on my credit, which will amount 
 to about two thousand pounds, and will procure a few hats, 
 some shoes, some blankets, and a pair of linen overalls, to 
 each man. I hope to set the Baltimore ladies at work for 
 the shirts, which will be sent after me, and the overalls will 
 be made by our tailors. I will use my influence to have the 
 money added to the loan which the French court have 
 made to the United States, and in case I cannot succeed, 
 bind myself to the merchants for payment, with interest, in 
 two years." 
 
 Great and just was the eclat acquired by the Marquis 
 De Lafayette on the occasion. His cotemporaries ap- 
 peared at a loss which most to admire, his ingenuity, 
 magnanimity, decision, or engaging urbanity. By these 
 happy expedients, tranquillity and discipline were once 
 more restored to his command ; and every wagon or 
 cart that could be procured, being put in requisition, 
 the troops were rapidly hurried forward to Richmond, 
 The novelty and relief pleased the soldiers ; the in- 
 creasing distance from their homes diminfshed the fa- 
 cility of desertion ; the baggage and artillery were left 
 to follow on ; and the time thus gained was barely suffi- 
 cient to check the advance of General Phillips. As La- 
 fayette entered Richmond, the British army made its ap- 
 pearance at Manchester, on the opposite bank of James 
 River.* 
 
 During this time, the inroads of Philips and Arnold into 
 
 * Johnson's Life Greene, Vol. II. chap. 12, p. 38 — 51. MTsh. Wash- 
 ington—Vol. IV. chap. VIII, p. 323, 424. 
 
102 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Virginia were signalized by devastation and pillage.* Em- 
 barking about two thousand five hundred men, Philips 
 had ascended James River and landed below Petersburg. 
 The next day he occupied that city, after some slight 
 skirmishing with a body of militia under Baron Steuben, 
 amounting to only one thousand men, and pursuing the 
 usual marauding system, he burned the ware-houses sto- 
 red with tobacco, and all the vessels lying in the river. 
 Every thing valuable was destroyed, and the wealth of 
 this flourishing town, in a few hours disappeared. Prose- 
 cuting this war of devastation, the gallant commanders 
 separated in search of tobacco-houses, and re-united their 
 divisions on the route to Manchester, a small village south 
 of James River, and within view of the metropolis. — 
 Here the tobacco-war was renewed, great quantities of 
 that article being found in the ware-houses. Nothing now 
 remained on the south side of James River, below the 
 falls, for the firebands of these ruthless invaders ; all the 
 tobacco, and every thing else that was valuable, within 
 reach, were burnt, or conveyed on board their ships. — 
 It was necessary to cross to Richmond, or lay aside the 
 torch. 
 
 But the opportune arrival of General Lafayette, on 
 the preceding evening, after a forced march of two hun- 
 dred miles, put an insuperable bar to the project of taking 
 the capital, and Richmond, in which a great proportion 
 of the military stores of the state were then collected, 
 was saved for the present, from the desolations of the ene- 
 my. At this place the Marquis formed a junction with 
 the Baron Steuben, and found himself at the head of about 
 one thousand regulars, two thousand militia, and sixty dra- 
 goons, while the British force consisted of nearly four thou- 
 sand veteran troops. A singular coincidence now presented 
 itself to the public eye. The father of Lafayette had fal- 
 
 7 During these predatory excursions, the destruction, in the single 
 article of tobacco was enormous ; it amounted to about ten thousand 
 liogsheads. 
 
MARCiUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 103 
 
 len at the battle of Minden, by a shot from the artillery, 
 then commanded by General Philips. This fact is noticed 
 by the Marquis De Lafayette in a letter to General 
 Greene, touching his continuance in the command of 
 Virginia. " I will now only mention, that General Phi- 
 lips' battery, at Minden, having killed my father, I should 
 have on objection to contract the latitude of his plans." 
 At the same time General Lafayette modestly solicited 
 to be confirmed in his command. As the direction 
 of the military operations in Virginia had been delega- 
 ted to Steuben, while Lafayette was designed for a com- 
 mand in the main army, the Baron had expressed the 
 most serious chagrin at being superseded, at the very 
 moment when an opportunity presented itself for active 
 service. To give umbrage to either of two officers 
 whom he valued so highly, would have been, to Gen- 
 eral Greene, the subject of very great regret : all his 
 address was necessary to manage so as to continue 
 Lafayette in command, without disgusting a man whose 
 zeal and fidelity had rendered him such important ser- 
 vices. But Steuben had become unpopular in Virginia, 
 and every thing was to be expected from the strong 
 public partialities in favour of Lafayette, and the high 
 opinion justly entertained of his capacity as a soldier. 
 Greene addressed the Baron as a friend, a man of un- 
 derstanding, and a zealous advocate of the cause and the 
 latter submitted with a magnanimity and self denial, 
 which furnish not the least of his claims to the gra- 
 titude of America.* 
 
 Not thinking it advisable to attempt the passage of 
 the river, Philips marched back to Bermuda Hundred, 
 a point of land at the confluence of the James and 
 Appomattox rivers, destroying in his way property to an 
 immense amount. At that place he re-embarked his 
 troops, and fell down as far as Hog Island, which he 
 
 * Johnson's Greene, Vol. 11. p. 52- 
 
104 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 reached on the fifth of May. The Marquis de Lafay 
 ette followed cautiously on the north side of the river, 
 until he reached the head waters of the Chickahominy, 
 one of the branches of James River, behind which he 
 took post, at the distance of eighteen miles from Rich- 
 mond : — here he remained until Philips, by the command 
 of Cornwallis, began to re-ascend the river, for the pur- 
 pose of forming a junction at Petersburg. 
 
 General Lafayette now hastened back to Richmond ; 
 but having, on his arrival, been informed that Lord Corn- 
 wallis was marching northward, and that General Philips 
 was again disembarking his army at Brandon, the seat of 
 Benjamin Harrison, Esq. on the south side of the river, he 
 was persuaded that ajunctionof the two armies was intend- 
 ed, and hastened to take possession of Petersburg before 
 Philips could reach that place. In this design, however, 
 he was anticipated. The British general advanced with 
 equal rapidity, and being nearer to Petersburg, reached it 
 first. Disappointed in this design, Lafayette encamped a 
 few miles below Richmond, where he exerted himself 
 to increase the ability of his army, by diminishing his 
 baggage, establishing system and punctuality in its seve- 
 ral departments, and introducing throughout the most rigid 
 discipline. 
 
 The taking possession of Petersburg on the ninth of 
 May was the last exploit of General Philips. He had 
 been attacked by a fever some days before, the pro- 
 gress of which was so rapid, and its symptoms so malig- 
 nant, that it baffled all medical exertions, and put a peri- 
 od to his life on the thirteenth of May. As an officer, he 
 was universally admired ; and his military career, previous 
 to his command in Virginia, had been filled with glory. 
 But the friends of his fame have great reason to re- 
 gret that he did not die three weeks sooner. By this 
 event the command of the army devolved on Ar- 
 nold. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAVKTTE. 105 
 
 Lord Cornwallis had moved from Wilmington on the 
 twenty-fifth of April, and proceeded toward Halifax on 
 the river Roanoke, preserving, as a brilliant contrast to 
 the maraudings of Philips and Arnold the country from 
 devastation, and private property from spoliation. Du- 
 ring the tedious progress from Cape Fear to the Roanoke, 
 he met with no interruption, and reached Halifax without 
 at all disturbing the general torpor which prevailed through- 
 out the country. At this place the restrained licentious- 
 ness of the unprincipled burst forth in shocking outrage 
 upon the defenceless citizens, alike disgraceful to the 
 British arms, and degrading to the name of man. But 
 Cornwallis, on learning these enormities, acted according to 
 his natural humanity and moderation, and commanded 
 Colonel Tarleton to dismount his dragoons, (who, with cha- 
 racteristic ferocity, had been the fit actors in the atrocious 
 outrages that had been committed,) and to form them in such 
 order as might be convenient for the inspection of the 
 inhabitants who were requested to designate the principal 
 villains. A sergeant and one private being pointed out, 
 and accused of rape and robbery, they were conducted 
 back to Halifax, tried by martial law, condemned to death, 
 and immediately executed. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis, leaving Halifax, passed the Roanoke, 
 and detached Colonel Tarleton with his legion to the Meher- 
 rion, to take possession of the fords across that river ; — 
 Lieutenant General Simcoe, with the queen's rangers 
 being at the same time sent forward by Arnold to the Not- 
 toway, for the like purpose. No interruption was attempted 
 against either detachment, all the force assembled for the 
 protection of the State being with Lafayette in his po- 
 sition near Richmond ; and Lord Cornwallis, passing those 
 rivers, entered Petersburg on the twentieth of May, when 
 he took the general command of all the British forces. 
 
 The British General now determined on a vigorous 
 plan of offensive operations. After being reinforced by 
 14 
 
106 HISTORY OF TH£ 
 
 two British regiments, and two battalions of Anspach troops 
 from New-York, under General Leslie, his immediate object, 
 with his overwhelming superiority, was to bring the Marquis 
 De Lafayette to an action, which could not fail to ter- 
 minate in his defeat. The field-force under Cornwallis 
 was not less than eight thousand ; more than double of 
 that acting under Lafayette, Besides which, his strength in 
 horse, amounting to four hundred dragoons, and seven or 
 eight hundred mounted infantry, added vastly to his superi- 
 ority. Lafayette's force, in the camp below Richmond, 
 did not exceed four thousand, of which three-fourths were 
 militia. Baron Steuben, with six hundred levies, was or- 
 dered to the point of the fork, the depot of most of the re- 
 maining military stores ; and Brigadier General Wayne, 
 with the Pennsylvania line, now reduced to eight hundred, 
 was on his march from the northern army to unite with 
 Lafayette. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis, for the purpose of bringing his enemy 
 to action, immediately put his troops in motion on the 
 twenty fourth of May, and passing the James River at West- 
 over, attempted, by turning the left flank of the American 
 army, to get in its rear. Lafayette was in no condition 
 to risk an engagement. The native ardour of his temper, 
 and the reluctance with which he exposed himself to the 
 charge of giving up the country without even an attempt 
 to save it by an action, required all the vigilance of 
 his judgment, to restrain him from hazarding more than his 
 present situation would justify. The main and immediate 
 objects which it was now his duty to effect, were the secu- 
 rity of the public stores, the preservation of his small army 
 for future service, and a junction with the Pennsylvania 
 line. As Lord Cornwallis passed James River, the Marquis 
 De Lafayette abandoned Richmond, after removing all the 
 most valuable military stores, and fell behind the Chicka- 
 hominy river, in the direction toward Fredericksburg, for 
 the double purpose of favouring the contemplated junction 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 107 
 
 with General Wayne, and of covering the manufactory 
 of arms in the vicinity of Falmouth. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis followed with zeal and rapidity, and 
 crossing the Chickahominy at Bottom Bridge, manifest- 
 ed his determination to force Lafayette to battle before 
 his junction with General Wayne. He was so entirely 
 confident of success against his young antagonist, that 
 he imprudently remarked in a letter, which was inter- 
 cepted, " the hoy cannot escape me." But a combination 
 of talents and skill defeated all the energies of physical 
 power, and the gallant " boy" escaped to give new evi- 
 dences at Yorktown, of his generosity and modesty, by 
 declining to receive the sword of the captured Cornwallis 
 himself 
 
 Lafayette moved with so much celerity and caution as to 
 convince Lord Cornwallis of the impracticability of over- 
 taking him, or of preventing his junction with General 
 Wayne. Before the British army reached the Chickahominy, 
 he had passed the Pamunkey, the southern branch of York 
 River. Finding that the distance between his adversary and 
 himself daily increased, Cornwallis halted, and turned his at- 
 tention to objects of less magnitude. He accordingly, made 
 two considerable detachments from his army while encamped 
 in the county of Hanover ; one for the purpose of destroying 
 the magazines at the Point of Fork, then under the protec- 
 tion of Baron Steuben with his raw levies, and the other, 
 for seizing the members of the general assembly convened 
 at Charlotteville, a small town on the western bank of the 
 Rivannah, a northern branch of James River. Simcoe, who 
 commanded the first, by the rapidity of his march, as well 
 as the precipitate retreat of the Baron, succeeded in destroy- 
 ing the military stores ; and Colonel Tarleton, who led the 
 detachment against Charlotteville, was equally successful in 
 destroying the stores at that place : but nearly all the mem- 
 bers of the legislature made their escape. In the mean-time, 
 Lafayette continued to retreat, and to keep up his com- 
 
108 HiSTOnV Of THE 
 
 munication with the north, passed the Rapidan, tne south- 
 ern branch of the Rapahannoc. The movements of 
 the two armies had thrown Lord Cornwaliis completely 
 between Marquis de Lafayette and the military stores 
 which had been transported from Richmond up James 
 River, and deposited principally at Albemarle old court- 
 house. The British general therefore directed his march 
 toward that place. 
 
 Lafayette had now effecteda junction with the Pennsylvania 
 line, consisting of eight hundred men under General Wayne. 
 Emboldened by this reinforcement, he lost no time in recross- 
 ing the Rapidan, and moving toward the enemy. He arrived 
 and encamped within a few miles of the British army, when 
 they were yet more than a day's march from their point of 
 destination. Cornwaliis was willing that his antagonists 
 should proceed on the experiment of preserving the stores at 
 Albemarle old court-house, and continued in his position con- 
 venient to his adversary's presumed route, with a detach- 
 ment to fall upon him in his progress. Thus, in the opinion 
 of Cornwaliis, he was effectually cut off from the route by 
 which alone he could reach the objects which he was ha- 
 zarding every thing to secure. Never was disappointment 
 more complete than that of the British commander, when, 
 on the morning of the fifteenth of June, he found his youth- 
 ful foe in his front, strongly reinforced, and occupying a 
 position from which he could not be easily forced, and would 
 not be tempted. Lafayette's discernment and activity had 
 completely baffled his views. He discovered, and opened 
 in the night, a road which was nearer to Albemarle, but had 
 long been disused, and crossed the Rivannah before Corn- 
 waliis was acquainted with his having reached it. Then, 
 taking post behind Mechunck's creek, he sat down on the 
 direct route from the British camp to Albemarle, The fol- 
 lowing is the modest account given of this masterly move- 
 ment, by the author of it : " In the mean-time, the British 
 army was moving to the Point of Fork, with intention to 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 109 
 
 strike our magazine at Albemarle old court-house. Our 
 force was not equal to their defence ; and a delay of 
 our junction would have answered the views of the enemy. 
 But on the arrival of the Pennsylvanians, we made 
 forced marches toward James River, and on our gain- 
 ing the South Anna, we found Lord Cornwallis en- 
 camped some miles below the camp of Fork. A sto- 
 len march, through a difficult road, gave us a position 
 upon Mechunck creek, between that of the enemy and 
 our stores, where, agreeably to previous appointment, 
 we were joined by a body of riflemen." 
 
 The expedition against Albemarle was now relinquish- 
 ed, and the British General drawing in his van corps, 
 fell back, on the ensuing day, toward, Richmond. This 
 movement was the means of exciting considerable surprise, 
 as, notwithstanding the junction of Wayne, and the suc- 
 ceeding reinforcement of riflemen under Lord Cornwallis 
 continued to possess a decided superiority of force, both 
 with respect to quality and number. By some it was at- 
 tributed to the difficulties which he apprehended near the 
 mountains, when even a victory might be attended with 
 no decisive consequences : hence he chose to transfer 
 the war to the lower country, the face of which appeared 
 more favourable to his views. But the change in his con- 
 duct is now known to have been owing to orders from his 
 superior. 
 
 Fabius Maximus Quintus, when warring against Hanni- 
 bal, avoided open action, but successfully and continually 
 harassed him by counter-marches and ambuscades and 
 all those difficult manoeuvres which distinguish the expe- 
 rienced and calculating commander. There is no other 
 mode by which an inferior force can act with efficacy 
 against an enemy both numerically and scientifically su- 
 perior. Hannibal sent word to Fabius, that " If he was 
 as great a captain as he would be thought, he ought to 
 come into the plain and give him battle." Fabius coolly 
 
110 HISTORY or THE 
 
 replied, that "if he was as great as he would be thought, 
 he would do well to force him to fight." Such were pre- 
 cisely the relative situations of the Marquis de Lafay- 
 ette and the enemy. The former gained every thing 
 by avoiding a general action, which would inevitably 
 have resulted in his total destruction, while the latter 
 found himself incessantly harassed, his power to destroy 
 restricted, and his progress retarded and endangered by 
 the rapid movements, indefatigable vigilance, and master- 
 ly military skill of General Lafayette. 
 As soon as the retreat of Lord Cornwallis was ascertained, 
 General Lafayette put his army in motion, and followed 
 with undiminished circumspection, taking care to keep 
 the command of the upper country, and to avoid a 
 general engagement. He held his main body between 
 twenty and thirty miles in the rear of the foe, and 
 explored his front and flanks with his cavalry and 
 riflemen. On the fifteenth of June, the British general 
 reached Westham, without making a single effort to 
 strike his following enemy, and on the subsequent day, 
 entered Richmond, where he halted. General Lafayette 
 took a strong position on Allen's creek, in the county 
 of Goochland, twenty-two miles from Lord Cornwallis. 
 After a few days, the latter resumed his march, and 
 entered Williamsburg on the twenty-fifth of June. 
 
 On the eighteenth of June, while in his camp above Rich- 
 mond, the Marquis de Lafayette was joined by Baron Steu- 
 ben with his corps of levies, amounting to between five and 
 six hundred. His army was now increased to four thousand 
 men, of whom two thousand one hundred were regulars ; 
 but only one thousand five hundred were veteran troops. 
 Still, however, Cornwallis was superior in number by a third, 
 and his army was composed entirely of veterans furnished with 
 a powerful and well mounted cavalry, who had spread terror 
 as well as desolation through the country, and had greatly 
 intimidated the militia. 
 
MAJiqUIS DE LArkVETTE. Ill 
 
 During the retreat of the enemy to Williamsburg, no at- 
 tempt was made by either general to disturb the other; 
 a game, of all others, the most to be desired bj General 
 Lafayette, as the campaign appeared to be wasting without 
 any improvement by his superior foe. He merely caused 
 his light parties to press on their rear, which was cov- 
 ered by a strong corps under Major Simcoe. That officer 
 was overtaken by Colonel Butler about six miles from 
 Williamsburg, to which he was proceeding from the des- 
 truction of a few boats and stores on the Chickahominy. 
 A sharp action ensued which was attended with loss on both 
 sides ; but the Americans were compelled to retire by 
 the approach of the whole British army, which had moved 
 on hearing the first fire, to shield Simcoe. Lafayette 
 claimed the advantage in this recontre, and stated the 
 enemy's loss amounted to sixty killed, and one hundred 
 wounded. 
 
 After this skirmish, the Marquis encamped about twenty 
 miles above Williamsburg, in a secure position near James 
 River, interposing the Chickahominy between him and the 
 enemy. 
 
 Intercepted letters had disclosed to Sir Henry Clinton 
 the designs which were meditated against the seat of the 
 British power in the United states, and he, becoming 
 alarmed for the safety of New-York, required the return of 
 a part of the troops in Virginia. Lord Cornwallis, sup- 
 posing himself too weak, after complying with this requi- 
 sition, to remain at Williamsburg, resolved to pass James 
 River and retire to Portsmouth. He accordingly left that 
 city on the fourth of July, having decided to cross at James 
 City Island, and encamped along the river, having his right 
 covered by a pond, and the centre and left by swamps. 
 On the fifth and sixth, a small number of troops, and all 
 the baggage, artillery, and munitions, were transported 
 across the river, and Cornwallis intended to have passed his 
 army on the seventh. 
 
112 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The morning after the evacuation of Williamsburg, La- 
 fayette put his army in motion, with the intention of 
 falling upon the rear of the enemy, when a major part 
 of his army should have passed, or was passing the river. 
 Crossing the Chickahominy, he pushed his best troops 
 within eight miles of the British camp. On the morning of 
 the sixth he prepared to advance, believing that th" hour 
 was at hand for striking the meditated blow, as he had 
 been accurately informed of the passage of troops on the 
 fourth, and the continued crossing and recrossing of the 
 boats ever since. All the intelligence which was received 
 by General Lafayette concurred in the representation that 
 the greater part of the British army had already passed over 
 into the island of Jamestown, in the night, and every ap- 
 pearance was calculated to countenance the opinion that 
 had been formed. 
 
 But Lord Cornwallis suspected the design of Lafayette, 
 and was confident that the opportunity afforded by his 
 crossing James river, would be seized with ardour by 
 his youthful antagonist. He heard with pleasure that the 
 American forces were drawing near, and adopted proper 
 measures to encourage their advance. The B'ritish light 
 parties were all drawn in, their troops were held compact, 
 covering as little ground as possible in their march and in 
 camp, and the piquets, which lay close to the encampment, 
 were ordered to fall back with the appearance of alarm 
 and confusion, as soon as they should be seriously at- 
 tacked. 
 
 General Lafayette had detached some riflemen and mili- 
 tia to harass the outposts of the enemy, while he advanced 
 at the head of the continental troops, in order to cut off 
 their rear, should the intelligence he had received of the 
 passage of the main body, be well founded. The enemy's 
 piquets were briskly attacked, and losing some of their men, 
 killed, wounded, and taken, fell back in confutiion upon the 
 legion-horse, drawn up in their rear. Emboldened by this 
 
MARtiUIS DE LAFAYfiTTE. 115} 
 
 successful onset, the Americans continued to advance, and 
 took post in a ditch, under cover of a rail-fence. After a 
 keen conflict of some minutes, they fell back upon general 
 Wayne, who was formed in close order in an adjacent wood. 
 That brave officer, who commanded the van-guard, now dis- 
 covered the whole British army in order of battle, moving 
 out against him. A retreat was impossible, and the boldest, 
 had become the safest measure. Advancing rapidly, he 
 made a gallant charge on the British line, with his small de- 
 tachment, not exceeding eight hundred men, and the warm 
 action which ensued, was kept up with great spirit for seve- 
 ral minutes. 
 
 Lafayette, who arrived a little before sun-set, began soon 
 to apprehend that the expected covering party would turn 
 out to be the British army, and determined, by reconnoitring 
 to judge of the enemy's strength from his own observation. 
 He soon became convinced that his apprehensions were well 
 founded, and immediately hastened to draw off his troops. 
 On his return, finding Wayne closely engaged, and his Hanks 
 nearly enveloped, he directed him to retreat, and form in a 
 line with the light infantry, then drawn up about half a mile 
 in the rear. This was instantly executed through the favour 
 of a dark night, with the loss of two field pieces, the horses 
 attached to them being killed. The whole army then re- 
 treated the distance of six miles, when Lafayette, finding 
 that the enemy did not pursue, encamped for the night. 
 
 No pursuit was even attempted by Cornwallis, who return- 
 ed, immediately after the battle closed to his camp. The 
 night, the nature of the country, broken with woods and 
 marshes, but especially the suspicion that the retreat was a 
 stratagem of the American general, to draw him into an am- 
 buscade, induced the British commander to decline all pur- 
 suit. In the course of the night he crossed over into the is- 
 land, and soon after proceeded to Portsmouth, in order to 
 embark the troops, which Chnton expected at New York. 
 Lafayette retired with the greater part of his army, having 
 
 15 
 
114 History of Tut 
 
 dismissed all his militia, to the forks of York river, where it 
 was permitted to repose itself, all active operations having 
 ceased. During the action near Jamestown, his person was 
 greatly exposed, and he had a horse killed under him.* 
 
 Thus terminated the summer campaign of lord Cornwal- 
 lis, in Virginia. He was at the head of an army completely 
 fitted for the arduous scenes of war, warmly attached to 
 their commander, proud in its knowledge of its own ability, 
 and ready to encounter every difficulty and danger. On 
 the other hand, the inferiority of Lafayette in numbers, in 
 quality, in cavalry, in arms and equipment, was very great 
 and well known. — Although, says Marshall, no brilliant ser- 
 vice was achieved by this young nobleman, the campaign in 
 Virginia enhanced his military reputation, and raised him in 
 the general esteem. That, with so decided an inferiority of 
 effective force, and especially of cavalry, he had been able 
 to keep the field in an open country, and to preserve a great 
 proportion of his military stores, as well as his army, was 
 believed to furnish unequivocal evidence of the prudence 
 and vigour of his conduct. 
 
 The omission of lord Cornwallis to compel Lafayette, 
 manoeuvring in his face in an open country, to battle, is in- 
 explicable. Such an event, with his vast superiority of force, 
 would have proved the ruin of the American army, which 
 was frequently and unavoidably in situations where no mili- 
 tary skill could have prevented a general engagement. The 
 American general, says an actor in those scenes, had great 
 difficulties to surmount, as well as to guard against his formi- 
 dable foe, pressing him on his retreat. Wayne, directing his 
 most efficient aid, was far to his right ; and the baron Steu- 
 ben, with the Virginia levies, was as far on his left. The 
 public stores were deposited in several magazines accessible 
 to the enemy ; and the great body of the inhabitants below 
 
 * For accounts of this action, Vide, Marshall's Washington, Vol. IV, 
 p. 440, 1, 2. Botta's American War.Book XIII. H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol. 
 II, 222—231. Ramsay's Revolution, p. 550. Mom Histor. sur. M. de 
 Lafayette, p. ]8. Thacher's Journal, p 530 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 115 
 
 the mountains were flying from their homes, with their wives, 
 their children, and the most valuable of their personal pro- 
 perty, to seek protection in the mountains. The state autho- 
 rities, executive and legislative, like the flying inhabitants 
 had been driven from the seat of government, chased from 
 Charlotteville ; and, at length, compelled to interpose the 
 Blue Ridge between themselves and the enemy, to secure a 
 resting place at Staunton. 
 
 In this period of gloom, of disorder, and of peril, Lafay- 
 ette was collected and undismayed. With zeal, with cour- 
 age, and with sagacity, he discharged his arduous duties, 
 and throughout his difficult retreat, was never brought even 
 to array, but once, in order for battle. Invigorating our 
 councils by his precepts ; dispelling our despondency by his 
 example ; and encouraging his troops to submit to their many 
 privations, by the cheerfulness with which he participated 
 in their wants, he imparted the energy of his own mind to 
 the country, and infused his high toned spirit into his army.* 
 His efforts were crowned with success, and the young French- 
 man, with the judgment, skill, and prudence of a veteran, 
 seared the laurels of that British general, who, in the north 
 and in the south, in the cabinet and in the field, had stood 
 pre-eminent, — the bulwark of great Britain- — the terror of 
 America. 
 
 No American ought to pass over the interesting occur- 
 rences of this period without reflecting, that the defence of 
 the great state of Virginia, and with it, of all the states in the 
 Union, was conducted with consummate fidelity and skill, by 
 two foreigners, whom the voice of Providence had called to 
 our aid from countries almost unknown to us, and from na- 
 tions which, until that time, we had regarded only with feel- 
 ings of hostility.t 
 
 Cornwallis, when he reached Portsmouth, proceeded with 
 diligence to embark the troops destined for the defence of 
 
 * H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol. II, page 233. 
 f Johnson's Life Greene, Vol. II, p. 58. 
 
IIG HISTORY OF THE 
 
 New- York : in the meantime, however, he received coun- 
 termanding order?, directing him to return to Williamsburg, 
 to retain all the troops he had witli him, and instead of Ports- 
 mouth, to estahlish the intended post at Old Point Comfort. 
 The principal causes which determined general Clinton to 
 embrace tliis new resolution, were the arrival from Europe 
 of a re-enforcement consisting of three thousand Germans, 
 and his desire to open a passage by way of Hampton and 
 the James River, toward that fertile and populous part of 
 Virginia which lies between the James and York rivers : 
 The report of the engineer and navy officers, appointed to 
 examine Old Point Comfort, was unfavourable, and lord 
 Cornwallis, coinciding in the same opinion, selected York 
 and Gloucester, not far above the mouth of York River, in- 
 stead of the former place. 
 
 York town is a port of entry, and post-town, of Vii^inia, 
 and the capital of York county. It is agreeably situated on 
 the south side of York River, which is here contracted to 
 the breadth of a mile, and confined by very high banks, close 
 under which vessels of the largest burden may ride with safe- 
 ty. On the opposite, or left bank, of tlie river is situated 
 Gloucester, a smaller town, built upon a point of land pro. 
 jecting into the river. A mai-shy stream flowing on the right 
 of Yorktown ; and in front of the place, for the distance of 
 a mile, the ground is open and level. As the spot which 
 proved the terminating scene of the revolution, its name 
 will be revered by posterity, while hberty has an advocate, 
 and reason and humanity, a friend. 
 
 Before the twent)'-third of August, 1781, tlie whole Brit- 
 ish force had concentrated in tlie position of York and Glou- 
 cester. With a regular army of more than seven thousand 
 men, lord Cornwallis had retreated to the sea-coast before 
 one of not more than two thousand, three hundred, regulars ; 
 he had first crowded tlie transports which had been sent 
 from New- York, with his troops, then re-landed them, and 
 finally, breaking up from Portsmouth and Norfolk, took up 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFATETTE. 117 
 
 his head-quarters at York-town. Upon this ground, he ap- 
 plied his attention to intrench himself in the strongest possi- 
 ble manner, and pressed forward, with zeal and assiduity, 
 the completion of his fortifications. 
 
 As soon as Lafayette received intelligence of the new 
 position taken by Cornwallis, he re-crossed the Pamunkey, 
 and took post in the county of New-Kent. He had no inten- 
 tion of attacking the enemy, because, at that period, his force 
 did not admit of it ; but he was disposed, at least, to harass 
 them, to repress their excursions, and to prevent their fora- 
 ging in the country. In the defence of Virginia, with which 
 he had been entrusted by Washington, he had acquitted him- 
 self in the most satisfactory and masterly manner ; sometimes 
 by his manoeuvres, holding the greatest British general in 
 America, in check, — sometimes combating him with vigour — 
 he had now conducted him to a place, where he might hope 
 to be assisted by the powerful French fleet that was expected 
 on the American coast. 
 
 At a conference held between Washington and Rocham- 
 beau, the siege of New York had been resolved upon by the 
 two generals, who agreed that it was necessary to wrest from 
 the English that shelter which, from the commencement of 
 hostilities to the present hour, had been so favourable to 
 their interests. All the movements of the combined armies 
 were, from that time, directed toward this object. — But it is 
 not our province particularly to detail the causes which led 
 to the relinquishment of that plan, and transferred the prin- 
 cipal scene of war to the state of Virginia. Suffice it to say, 
 that the arrival of the German re-enforcements at New York, 
 the great strength of the garrison, the failure of the states in 
 filling up their battalions and embodying their militia, and, 
 especially, recent intelligence from the count de Grasse, that 
 his destination was fixed to the Chesapeake, made a total 
 change in the plan of the campaign. General Washington 
 had entertained apprehensions, early in the month of August, 
 that he would be unable to accomplish his favourite object, 
 
118 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and took the precaution of placing himself in the most con- 
 venient condition to march to Virginia, should he be com- 
 pelled to abandon the design on New- York. — Never was a 
 game better played when the commander-in-chief at length 
 made his final decision to march against Cornwallis. Not- 
 withstanding he had changed his plan, he resolved to nourish 
 the fears of his adversary for New- York, by a series of the 
 most spirited demonstrations, so that he might not penetrate 
 his real design, and throw obstacles in the way of its accom- 
 plishment. The various stratagems practised to deceive sir 
 Henry CUnton perfectly succeeded ; and that general, full 
 of apprehensions for the safety of New- York, was indefatiga- 
 ble in multiplying its defences. 
 
 The change in the plan of operations, which had before 
 been suggested to Lafayette as probable, was now commu- 
 nicated to that nobleman, as certain ; and he was requested 
 to make such a disposition of his army as should be best cal- 
 culated to prevent lord Cornwallis from saving himself by a 
 sudden march to Charleston. He also addressed the gover- 
 nor of Virginia, urging him to exert all his powers in prepa- 
 ring certain specified aids of men, provisions, wagons, and 
 implements, which the conjuncture demanded. The most po- 
 sitive intelligence was soon received by Lafayette, that lord 
 Cornwallis intended to penetrate, with his army from York 
 to South Carolina, by land, and that in consequence of the 
 arrival of the French fleet, he was about moving from York 
 to James River, and was getting his boats across from 
 Queen's creek to the College-landing, to go from thence to 
 James-town, and then crossing James River to Cobhams, to 
 proceed from that place to South Carolina. These indica- 
 tions of a movement to the south were immediately commu- 
 nicated to general Greene, who, in order to counteract it, 
 crossed the Santee river on the twelfth of September, and 
 despatched orders in every direction for the collection of re- 
 enforcements. General Lafayette and governor Burke had 
 been long on their guard against this movement. The for- 
 
MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 119 
 
 mer moved to the bank of James River to counteract it ; 
 and Muhlenburg was thrown across the river to place himself 
 in lord Cornwallis' front ; — not with the hope of resisting him 
 in his progress, but with a view to precede him, and by de- 
 stroying all the means of subsistence and transportation, to 
 impede his progress until he could be overtaken by a force 
 competent to cope with him.* 
 
 Upon the first intelligence of this movement of Cornwallis, 
 the most animated measures were adopted by governor 
 Burke, to co-operate with Muhlenburg. Every boat on the 
 Roanoke, Neuse, and Meherrin, were secured under guard 
 or destroyed ; every crossing place guarded, and crossed by 
 abatis; and »the militia were ordered out en masse. The 
 whole state of North Carolina, from the Dan to the sea- 
 coast, appears to have been set in motion by this active go- 
 vernor. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis had provided a number of boats, trans- 
 portable on wagons, in the nature of pontons ; and the rea- 
 sons which led to the relinquishment of his project of retreat 
 southwardly, are easily deducible from the occurrences of 
 the day. The French fleet arrived in the Chesapeake on 
 the first of September ; a few days after, the British fleet, 
 under admiral Greaves, made its appearance, and count de 
 Grasse stood out of the Chesapeake, and engaged him, having 
 first furnished an accession of strength to Lafayette, which 
 put it in his power to advance upon, and alarm, his adversa- 
 ry. This was the period of the attempt of lord Cornwallis 
 to escape into Carolina, and also of its relinquishment. The 
 arrival of the French fleet suggested the movement ; its de- 
 parture delayed it, until he found himself environed with dif- 
 ficulties. Below him, he saw the whole country in arms to 
 oppose his retreat, whilst Greene, waited in the south to re- 
 ceive him on the point of the bayonet ; above him, Lafayette 
 watched his opportunity of striking when he should expose 
 
 ' Johnson's Life Greene, Vol. II. cbap. XVI, p. 243. et seq. 
 
129 HISTOKY OF THE 
 
 his flank : toward the ocean, the face of the bay was cover- 
 ed with the fleets of France, and Washington was advancing 
 to seize him in his toils. Yet, it was not until the thirtieth 
 of September, that he found himself entirely hemmed in on 
 the south, and compelled to cover himself beneath the shield 
 of his entrenchments. 
 
 On the thirtieth of August, the count de Grasse arrived in 
 the Chesapeake with twenty-eight sail of the line and, seve- 
 ral frigates. As soon as he anchored, he was boarded by an 
 officer from Lafayette, announcing his situation, and that of 
 the enemy. In consequence of this information, he imme- 
 diately detached four ships of the line to block up York Ri- 
 ver, and employed some of his frigates in conveying the land 
 forces, brought from the West Indies under the command 
 of the marquis de St. Simon, up James River, to form a 
 junction with Lafayette at Williamsburg. These troops 
 were principally drawn from the garrison of St. Domingo, 
 and amounted to three thousand, two hundred men. Gene- 
 ral Lafayette was extremely gratified by being re-enforced 
 with so considerable a number of his own countrymen, and 
 at the increasing prospect of being able to render important 
 services to a cause in which he had engaged with such no- 
 ble and inextinguishable ardour. He had, moreover, felt 
 some disquietude relative to his position. He was appre- 
 hensive that Cornwallis, perceiving the circle that was tra- 
 ced around him, would profit of the superiority which he 
 still possessed, and by falling upon, and overwhelming him, 
 escape into the Carolinas. — On the twenty-fifth of August, 
 the count de Barras sailed from Newport, Rhode Island, with 
 eight ships of the line, and fourteen transports laden with 
 heavy artillery and military stores, proper for carrying on a 
 siege, and formed a junction with de Grasse on the four- 
 teenth of September, in the Chesapeake. 
 
 On the fifth of September, a British fleet, commanded by 
 admiral Greaves, appeared off the Chesapeake bay. Orders 
 were immediately given by de Grasse for the ships to slip 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 121 
 
 their cables, and leaving their anchorage ground, severally 
 to form the line as they should come up. An indecisive en- 
 gagement took place, and neither admiral could claim the 
 victory. For five successive days, tlie hostile fleets conti- 
 nued in view of each other, and as the French generally 
 maintained the wind, it was in the power of de Grasse at 
 any time to renew the engagement. But the capture of the 
 British army in Virginia, was an object of too much impor- 
 tance to be put in hazard by an action, which might have 
 lost the command of the Chesapeake. He was sensible of 
 his advantages, and would not refer to the caprices of for- 
 tune, the decision of events which he considered himself as 
 already certain of controlling. He fought for the undis- 
 turbed possession of the Chesapeake, and this was yielded 
 by the enemy's return into port. A chief object, moreover, 
 was to cover the fleet of count de Barras, expected from 
 Rhode Island, whom, on his return, he found safely anchor- 
 ed in the Chesapeake, having passed the British squadron 
 in the night.* 
 
 In the mean time general Washington prepared to execute 
 the new plan of operations which he had formed. On the 
 nineteenth of August, the whole American army was put in 
 motion, and on the twentieth and twenty -first, the troops 
 crossed the Hudson, and proceeded by forced marches 
 through New Jersey, to Trenton upon the Delaware. The 
 allied army pressed its march with all possible despatch ; and 
 the van division, when it reached Elkton on the northern 
 extremity of the Chesapeake bay, embarked in transports 
 collected for its conveyance. The centre division continued 
 its march to Baltimore, where it also embarked ; and the re- 
 mainder of the troops, and some of the baggage, proceeded 
 by land through Alexandria and Fredericksburg. 
 
 General Washington, attended by the count de Rocham- 
 
 • Botta's American War, Vol- III, Book XTII, p. 382, 3. H. Lee's 
 Memoirs, Vol. II. Chap. XXXIV. p. 317—320. Marshall's Washington, 
 Vol. IV. Chap. rX, p. 470—472. 
 16 
 
122 THE HISTORY OF THE 
 
 beau and the chevalier de Chastelleux, reached Williams- 
 bui^, the head-quarters of Lafayette, on the fourteenth of 
 September, and proceeding immediately to Hampton, went 
 on board the Ville de Paris, where the plan of the siege was 
 concerted with count de Grasse. — The gallant Lafayette 
 now had a fresh opportunity of exerting his personal influ- 
 ence in favour of the land in defence of whose liberties he 
 had shed his blood. De Grasse, having received informa- 
 tion that six ships of the line, under the command of admiral 
 Digby, had reached New York, considered it certain that 
 the British fleet would be induced, by this addition to its 
 strength, to attempt every thing for the relief of lord Com- 
 wallis. Thinking his present situation unfavourable for a 
 naval combat, he designed to change it ; and communicated 
 to general Washington his intention to leave a few frigates, 
 to block up the mouths of James and York rivers, and to put 
 to sea with his fleet in quest of the enemy. If they should 
 not have left the harbour of New York, he proposed to 
 block them up in that place. The commander-in-chief was 
 exceedingly alarmed at this communication. Such a mea- 
 sure would have exposed to the caprice of fortune, an event 
 of infinite importance, which was now reduced to almost cer- 
 tain calculation. The marquis de Lafayette was according- 
 ly despatched on board the Ville de Paris, with a letter dis- 
 suading count de Grasse from so dangerous a measure : but 
 it is believed that, without the interference and personal ap- 
 plication of the marquis, the French admiral would have per- 
 severed in carrying into execution a design, which might 
 have given to the enemy, during his absence, a temporary 
 naval superiority in those waters, and the army of Cornwallis 
 might then, with the loss of his artillery, and a few men, have 
 been placed in perfect security. When we consider that the 
 capture of Cornwallis sealed the destinies of the union, — 
 that his escape would have protracted the war, and entirely 
 changed the prosperous aspect of public affairs — and that a 
 Ibng series of bloodshed and desolation would have been 
 
MARftUIS UE LAFAYETTE. 123 
 
 thereby renewed, — ^we must regard this happy exercise of 
 personal influence and persuasive talent, as one among the 
 brightest acts in his American career of glory. 
 
 The last division of the allied army landed in the neigh' 
 bourhood of Williamsburg, on the twenty-fifth of September, 
 ^pd the whole force being now collected, it moved, on the 
 twenty-eighth, in four columns, toward York-town, and sat 
 4own ^bout two miles in front of the enemy. The next day 
 the right wing, consisting of Americans, extended further to 
 the right, and occupied the ground east of Beaver-dam creek ; 
 while the left wing, consisting of the French, was stationed 
 on the west side of that creek. In the course of the night, 
 lord Cornwallis withdrew within his inner lines, and the sub- 
 sequent day, the abandoned ground was occupied by Wash- 
 ington, ready to open trenches, whenever the ordnance, and 
 other requisite implements, arrived at camp. Notwithstand- 
 ing his indefatigable exertions, their transportation was not 
 completed before the sixth of October. In the mean time a 
 rigid blockade of the post of Gloucester was instituted by 
 general Choise, after a sharp skirmish, which resulted in tlie 
 defeat of the British. S^ 
 
 On the night of the sixth of October, the first parallel wai5= 
 commenced within six hundred yards of the British lines, 
 and as every man observed profound silence, no discovery 
 of the operation took place before the return of daylight, by 
 which time the trenches were in such forwardness as to co- 
 ver the men. Before the tenth, several batteries and re- 
 doubts were completed along the fosse, rtiany of them mount- 
 ed, which, opening in succession, dismounted and silenced a 
 number of the enemy's guns, and demolished their works in 
 djySerent places. When all the batteries on the first parallel 
 were completed, the fire, on the eleventh and twelfth, became 
 so heavy, that it tore in pieces most of the enemy's batteries, 
 dismounting their ordnance in every direction. The shells 
 and red hot balls reached even the ships in the harbour, 
 
124 HISTORY Of THE 
 
 where the Charon, of forty-four guns, and three transports, 
 were entirely consumed. 
 
 Washington now continued to urge his operations, and, on 
 the night of the eleventh, opened his second parallel, withia 
 three hundred yards of the British lines. The same order 
 was given, commanding silence, which was strictly observed, 
 and the trench was nearly completed before the dawn of 
 day. Notwithstanding the unexampled rapidity with which 
 the siege was conducted, and the unexpected condition in 
 which he now found himself involved, lord Cornwallis, rely- 
 ing on succour from New- York, determined, with unappalled 
 courage, to maintain his lines. He endeavoured to arrest the 
 progress of the besiegers by a deluge of bombs and balls, and 
 during the three succeeding days, which were devoted to the 
 completion of the second parallel, and of the batteries con- 
 structed in it, the fire of the garrison became more destruc- 
 tive than at any other time. 
 
 Two redoubts, advanced three hundred yards in front of 
 the enemy's works, flanked the second parallel, and directed 
 their fire with severe effect. It was necessary to possess 
 these redoubts, and Washington determined to silence them 
 with the bayonet. To avail himself of the spirit of emula- 
 tion existing between the troops of the two nations, the at- 
 tack of the one was committed to the Americans, and of the 
 other, to the French. The American detachment composed 
 of light infantry, was commanded by the marquis de Lafay- 
 ette, who conducted the assault in person, and the baron de 
 Viominil led the grenadiers and chasseurs of France, against 
 the redoubt, which, being farther toward the British right, ap- 
 proached rather nearer to the French lines. Major Camp- 
 bell, with sixty men, defended the first, and lieutenant-colonel 
 Johnson, with one hundred and seventy men defended the 
 latter, redoubt. On the fourteenth of October, as soon as it 
 was dark, the two detachments marched with equal firmness 
 to the assault. The attack was extremely impetuous. On 
 its sijccps? depended, in a great measure, that of the siege. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 126 
 
 Relying entirely on their bayonets, the Americans advanced 
 with unloaded arms, and rushed to the charge with so much 
 ardour, that they did not allow the sappers time to remove 
 the abatis and pallisades. Passing over them, they assaulted 
 the works with irresistible impetuosity on all sides at once, 
 and entered them with such rapidity, that their loss was in- 
 considerable, and the enemy, astonished at so much audacity, 
 was instantly overpowered. Major Campbell, a captain, an 
 ensign, and seventeen privates, were made prisoners ; eight 
 privates were killed, and a few escaped* On the part of the 
 Americans, one sergeant and eight privates, were killed; and 
 one lieutenant-colonel, four captains, one subaltern, one ser- 
 geant, and twenty-five rank and file wounded. — The redoubt 
 upon the left made a more formidable resistance ; but the in- 
 trepidity of the assailants was irresistible, and it was carried 
 with the bayonet. The commandant escaped ; eighteen men 
 were killed ; and forty-two, among whom were a captain and 
 two subaltern officers, were made prisoners. The loss of 
 the assailants was very severe, being about one hundred in 
 killed and wounded. 
 
 The humanity of the conquerors was equal to their cou- 
 rage. Notwithstanding the recent horrid and barbarous out- 
 rage committed at Fort Griswold, in Connecticut, where 
 the greater part of the garrison was murdered in cold blood 
 by a detachment under the command of the apostate Ar- 
 nold, who reduced the town of New-London to ashes, and 
 where the sword surrendered by the commanding officer of 
 the fort, colonel Ledyard, was immediately plunged into his 
 bosom, — notwithstanding these diabolical deeds, the^ irri- 
 tation which they produced had not so far subdued the hu- 
 manity of the American character as to induce retaliation. 
 Not a man was killed except in action. " Incapable," said 
 colonel Hamilton in his report, " of imitating examples of 
 barbarity, and forgetting recent provocation, the soldiery 
 spared every man that ceased to resist." Nevertheless, Mr. 
 Gordon, in his Historv of the American war, states, that or- 
 
126 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ders were given by Lafayette, with the approbation of Wash- 
 ington, that every man in the redoubt, after its surrender, 
 should be put to the sword. This charge is absolutely false. 
 These sanguinary orders, so repugnant to the character of 
 Washington, and of Lafayette, were never given. There is 
 no trace of them among the papers of the commander-in- 
 chief; and colonel Hamilton, whose participation in the en- 
 terprise assures his perfect knowledge of every material oc- 
 currence, has publicly contra4icted the statement.* 
 
 Washington was highly gratified with the splendid termi- 
 nation of this double assault, which was no less useful to the 
 allies than it was honourable to their arms. He remarks in 
 his diary, that "the bravery exhibited by the attacking troops 
 was emulous and praiseworthy. Few cases have exhibited 
 greater proofs of intrepidity, coolness, and firmness, than 
 were shown on this occasion." The orders of the succeed- 
 ing day expressed a high sense of the judicious dispositions 
 and gallant conduct of both the marquis de Lafayette and 
 the baron de Viominil, and conclude in the following man- 
 ner: ■' The general refiects, with the highest degree of plea- 
 sure, on the confidence which the troops of the two nations 
 must hereafter have in each other. Assured of mutual sup- 
 port, he is convinced there is no danger which they will not 
 cheerfully encounter, — no difficulty which they will not 
 bravely overcome." 
 
 Nothing could exceed the vigour with which Washington 
 now urged on his operations : before daylight the two re- 
 doubts were included in the second parallel ; and by five in 
 the jifternoon some howitzers, which had been placed in 
 them, were opened on the besieged. 
 
 The situation of Cornwallis was now become desperate : 
 he perfectly foresaw that when the besiegers should have 
 opened the fire of the batteries of their second parallel, all 
 means of resistance would be at an end. The greater part 
 
 • Marshall's Life Washington, Vol. IV, Chap. IX, p. 486. note. Gar- 
 den's Anecdotes, p. 308. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAtAVETTE. 127 
 
 of his artillery was dismounted, broken, or otherwise disa- 
 bled ; the walls were crumbled into the ditches, in a word, 
 almost all the defences were razed. He therefore resolved 
 by a vigorous sortie, to retard, as much as possible the com- 
 pletion of the batteries in the second parallel. A detach- 
 ment, accordingly, sallied from the town, on the night of the 
 sixteenth of October, who made themselves masters of two 
 batteries, guarded by French troops. But they were furiously 
 charged by the Vicomte de Noailles, who drove them before 
 him into the town, and the few cannon which they had has- 
 tily spiked, were soon rendered fit for service. 
 
 Cornwallis now found himself reduced to the alternative 
 of surrendering, or of attempting his escape. Incapable of 
 submitting so long as such an event could possibly be avoid- 
 ed, he proposed, with profound secrecy, to pass his army in 
 the night to Gloucester, garnishing the works with his con- 
 valescents, and leaving behind his baggage of every sort, his 
 sick, wounded, shipping, and stores. He intended, after cut- 
 ting to pieces, or dispersing the troops which invested Glou- 
 cester, to force his way through Maryland, Pennsylvania, 
 and New-Jersey, and form a junction with the army in New 
 York. In prosecution of this bold and desperate attempt, 
 he passed over, early in the night, the first division of his 
 army to Gloucester, the other division being ready to em- 
 bark for the same shore as soon as the boats returned. But 
 the decree of Providence rendered his plan abortive. A 
 violent storm of wind and rain suddenly arose, and forced 
 the returning boats down the river, considerably below the 
 town. Day appeared before they reached their destination ; 
 and the forenoon was occupied in bringing back the troops 
 which had passed. 
 
 On the seventeenth, the second parallel was completed, 
 and the besiegers opened a tremendous fire from all their 
 batteries, showering the bombs copiously, even into the riv- 
 er. The enemy's defences were every where falling under 
 the destructive fire ; and Gornwallis, being sensible that his 
 
128 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 position was no longer tenable, and preferring the lives of 
 his brave troops to the honour they might have acquired in 
 a murderous and desperate assault, sent a flag to Washing- 
 ton, proposing a cessation of arms for twenty-four hours, and 
 that commissioners might be appointed on both sides for set- 
 tling the terms of capitulation. Two hours only were grant- 
 ed ; and this armistice resulted, after a series of negotia- 
 tions, during which the suspension of hostilities was pro- 
 longed, in the final surrender by lord Cornwallis, on the 
 nineteenth of October, 1781, of the posts of York and 
 Gloucester Point, with the garrisons which had defended 
 them, and the shipping in the harbour with their seamen, to 
 the land and naval officers of America and France.* 
 
 It is stated! that Cornwallis, struck with the persevering 
 skill and gallantry of Lafayette, of which he was a feeling 
 and competent judge, requested, as a favour, that he might 
 treat with, and surrender his army to him alone ; but gene- 
 ral Lincoln was appointed to receive the submission of the 
 royal army, precisely in the same manner as his own had 
 been conducted, about eighteen months before. 
 
 General Lafayette, ranked among tlie most active and in- 
 trepid of the general officers at the siege of York-town, and 
 promoted with unceasing perseverance the completion of 
 the glorious scheme, to which his efforts had so long been 
 directed. In the orders issued the day after the capitula- 
 tion, he was particularly mentioned by the commander-in- 
 chief : and when we consider the long series of dangers and 
 skilful manoeuvres, by which he finally conducted Cornwal- 
 lis into the toils of Washington, we must justly bestow upon 
 the youtliful warrior, a large portion of the glory which at- 
 
 * The articles of capitulation were digested by lieutenant colonel 
 Laurens, and the viscount de Noailles, of the allied army, and colonel 
 Dundas, and major Ross, on the part of the British. It is remarkable, 
 that while colonel Laurens was drawing up these articles, his father 
 was closely confined in the Tower of London, of which lord Cornwal- 
 lis was constable. By this singular combination of circumstances, his 
 lordship became a prisoner to the son of his own prisoner. 
 
 t Mem. Histor. et Pieces Authent. sur M. de Lafayette, p. 8, 9- 
 
MARQUIS BE LAfA¥£Tli:. 129 
 
 tended the extermination of the British flag from the shores 
 of the Union. 
 
 The news of this glorious and important victory created 
 transports of joy from one extremity of the Union to the 
 other. The remembrance of past evils was universally lost 
 amid the most brilliant anticipations. The firm establishment 
 of independence was no longer doubted ; and every one 
 looked forward with confidence to the fast approaching ter- 
 mination of their toils and privations. In all parts of the 
 United States, solemn festivals and rejoicings celebrated the 
 triumph of American fortune, and the downfall of that of the 
 enemy. The names of Washington, — Rochambeau,— de 
 Grasse,— ^Lafayette, — resounded every where. The provin- 
 cial assembUes, the universities, the literary societies, ad- 
 dressed to them, the sincere homage of their felicitations 
 and admiration. — Congress united the authority of its de- 
 crees to the unanimous acclaim of the people. It addressed 
 thanks to the generals, as well as to the officers and soldiers 
 of the victorious army. It ordained that a marble column 
 should be erected at York-town, adorned with emblems of 
 the adliance between the United States and the king of 
 France, and inscribed with a succint narrative of the sur- 
 render of Cornwallis. Nor did they stop here. Desirous 
 that the chiefs of the allied forces should carry with them 
 into retirement, some of the trophies of their prowess, they 
 presented to Washington, two of the standards taken from 
 the enemy ; to admiral de Grasse, two field pieces ; and a 
 like number to general Rochambeau. They repaired in a 
 body to the Dutch Lutheran Church, to return thanks to 
 Almighty God, for the recent victory ; and issued a special 
 proclamation appointing the thirteenth day of December, as 
 a day of general thanksgiving and prayer, on account of so 
 signal an interposition of divine Providence* 
 
 * For accounts of the siege and surrender of York, vide IVf arshall's 
 Washington, Vol- IV, Chap- IX, p. 405 — 498. Ramsay's Revolution, p. 
 659 — 562. Thacher's Journal, p. 536. Johnson's Greene, Vol. II, p. 64, 
 66, 243, 6. H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol II. p. 245 '24,6, 307, 376. Andrew's 
 
 17 
 
130 HISTORY OF TH£ 
 
 Soon after the surrender of York, the personal influence 
 of Lafayette was again called in requisition by the comman- 
 der-in-chief In a letter addressed to the count de Grasse, 
 Washington had urged every argument to prevail on him to 
 give his aid to an expedition against Charleston. To enforce 
 the representations contained in his letter, he repaired on 
 board the admiral's ship, the Ville de Paris, in company with 
 Lafayette ; and on his return, left that nobleman for the pur- 
 pose of using his influence in support of the request which 
 had been made. But all was unavailing ; and de Grasse 
 conclusively replied, that " the orders of his court, ulterior 
 projects, and his engagements with the Spaniards, rendered 
 it impossible for him to remain on the coast, during the time 
 which would be required for the operation. " The marquis, 
 however, obtained his consent to convoy a detachment of 
 two thousand Americans to Wilmington, and to cover their 
 landing. This corps, which was destined to re-enforce the 
 army of general Greene, was put under the command of La- 
 fayette, with orders to possess himself of Wilmington, situ- 
 ated fifteen miles up the Cape Fear, which was still held by 
 the British, and thence to march to the southern head-quar- 
 ters. As the time of embarkation approached, the admiral 
 found it necessary to recede from this engagement, from the 
 necessity of being in the West Indies at a certain time, and 
 the American commander was thus deprived of the advan- 
 tage to be derived from the facile and expeditious convey- 
 ance of his re-enforcement as at first arranged.* 
 
 Preparations were accordingly made for marching them by 
 land. But Lafayette was once more arrested in his south- 
 ern progress. Negotiations for peace soon demanded his 
 
 American War, Vol. IV. 194, 5. Stedman's American War, Vol. II. 
 Notice Biograph. p- 6. Garden's Anecdotes, p. 307, 308. Botta's Amer. 
 War, Vol. Ill, p. 374, 401, Port Folio, Vol. XIX, p. 502. Toulongeon, 
 History de France, Vol. I, Append, p- 97. Mem. Hist, sur M. de La- 
 fayette, p. 8, 9. 20, 34. 
 
 * H Lee's Memoirs, Vol. IT, p. 370, 1. Marshall's Washington, Vol. 
 IV. p, 500. 1. 
 
MARQUIS D£ LAFAYETTE. 131 
 
 presence in Europe, to lend to the American cause the aid 
 of his industry and zeal. Apprehensions wqjre entertained 
 • that France was not ardent in her wishes for peace ; and the 
 influence and intelligence of the marquis, it was thought, 
 would contribute to the support of the American negotiation. 
 Previous to his departure from York-town, he issued his last 
 affectionate orders to his favourite corps of infantry, in 
 which are contained the following expressions : " In the mo- 
 ment the major-general leaves tliis place, he wishes once 
 more to express his gratitude to the brave corps of light in- 
 fantry, who, for nine months past, have been the companions 
 of his fortunes. He will never forget, that with them alone, 
 of regular troops, he had the good fortune to manoeuvre be- 
 fore an army, which, after all its reductions, is still six times 
 superior to the regular force he had at that time." 
 
 In the month of November, 1781, general Lafayette pro- 
 ceeded to Philadelphia, where he was hailed with joyful ac- 
 clamations, and received the most flattering marks of grati- 
 tude and respect from the inhabitants. To whatever quar- 
 ter he directed his steps, he was accompanied with the ad- 
 miration and applause of the people ; and his journey was 
 one perpetuated scene of joy and festivity. 
 
 The field for military operations was now very much con- 
 tracted; important negotiations were pending in Europe, 
 both with regard to supplies and peace ; and the marquis, 
 believing that he might more effectually serve the cause of 
 America by his presence beyond the Atlantic, again obtain- 
 ed leave to embark for France. The credit which he pos- 
 sessed at the court of France, and the use which, from his 
 avowed attachment to the United States, he would probably 
 make of it, induced congress to add to the resolutions which 
 expressed their sense of his meritorious services, others, re- 
 questing their ministers in Europe to confer with him on the 
 situation of American affairs, and to employ his assistance 
 in accelerating such supplies as might be afforded by his 
 
132 MISTORy OP THE 
 
 most christian majesty. In granting his request for leave of 
 absence, congress, on the twenty-third of November, 
 
 Resolved, That major-general the marquis de Lafayette 
 have permission to go to France ; and that he return at such 
 time as shall be most convenient to him. 
 
 That he be informed, that on a review of his conduct 
 throughout the past campaign, and particularly during the 
 period in which he had the chief command in Virginia, the 
 many new proofs which present themselves of his zealous 
 attachment to the cause he has espoused, and of his judg- 
 ment, vigilance, gallantry, and address, in its defence, have 
 greatly added to the high opinion entertained by congress of 
 his merits and military talents. 
 
 That he make known to the officers and troops whom he 
 commanded during that period, that the brave and enterpri- 
 sing services with which they seconded his zeal and efforts, 
 and which enabled him to defeat the attempts of an enemy 
 far superior in numbers, have been beheld by congress with 
 particular satisfaction and approbation : 
 
 That the secretary of foreign affairs acquaint the minis'^ 
 ters plenipotentiary of the United States, that it is the de- 
 sign of congress that they confer with the marqtiis de Lafay- 
 ette, and avail themselves of his information relative to the 
 situation of public affairs in the United States : 
 
 That the secretary for foreign affairs further acquaint the 
 minister plenipotentiary at the court of Versailles, that he 
 will conform to the intention of congress by consulting with, 
 and employing the assistance of, the marquis de Lafayette, 
 in accelerating the supplies which may be afforded by his 
 most christian majesty, for the use of the United States : 
 
 That the superintendant of finance, the secretary for for- 
 eign affairs, and the board of war, make such communica- 
 tions to the marquis de Lafayette, touching the affairs of their 
 respective departments, as will best enable him to fulfil the 
 purpose of the two resolutions immediately preceding : 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 133 
 
 That the superintendant of finance take order for discharg- 
 ing the engagements entered into by the marquis de Lafay- 
 ette, with the merchants of Baltimore, referred to in the act 
 of the twenty-fourth of May last.* 
 
 Ordered, That the superintendant of finance furnish the 
 marquis de Lafayette, with a proper conveyance to France : 
 
 That the secretary for foreign affairs report a letter to his 
 most Christian majesty, to be sent by the marquis de Lafay- 
 ette. 
 
 In addition to these testimonials of the love, gratitude, 
 and confidence, of the national legislature, he was furnished 
 by the great Robert Morris, superintendant of finance, with 
 a most flattering letter to his excellency, Benjamin Frankhn, 
 minister in France, dated the twenty-seventh of November, 
 1781, of which the following is an extract: 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " The marquis de Lafayette who is about to sail for France, 
 will have the honour to deliver this letter, and, consistently 
 with the acts of congress of the twenty -third instant, I must 
 request you to communicate it to him ; and, from time to 
 time, to take his aid in the prosecution of the business which 
 I must recommend to your particular attention. The aiSairs 
 
 * This resolution refers to the supply of shoes, &c. procured by the 
 marquis on his private credit in Baltimore, in the month of April. On 
 the twenty-fourth of May, 1781, congress adopted the following resolu- 
 tions : 
 
 Resolved, That congress entertain a just sense of the patriotic and 
 timely exertions of the merchants of Baltimore, who so generously sup- 
 plied the marquis de Lafayette, with about two thousand guineas, to 
 enable him to forward the detachment under his command : 
 
 That the marquis de Lafayette be assured that congress will take 
 proper measures to discharge the engagements he has entered into with 
 the merchants. 
 
 From these resolutions, it would appear that the marquis merely act- 
 ed as the agent of congress ; and no one would imagine from their 
 tenor, that that body had not sufl5cient credit to procure the loan, and 
 that Lafayette, accomplished it on his private responsibility. — It would 
 have been more noble to have acknowledged the obligation, and voted 
 to the marquis the thanks which he deserved. It might have wounded 
 the self-pride of members, as individuals, but would have exalted the 
 national legislature. 
 
134 HISTOKY OF THE 
 
 of my department are of a nature not to require concealment ; 
 but even if- that were not the case, I have such perfect con- 
 fidence, as well in the prudence of the marquis, as in his at- 
 tachment to this country, that, the acts of congress out of the 
 question, I should feel a pleasure in making him acquainted 
 with my views and wishes. Indeed, I expect that his zeal 
 and activity will go far in smoothing the way towards the 
 accomplishment of those objects which your excellency has 
 to solicit." 
 
 In the month of December, 1 78 1 , he embarked for Europe, 
 accompanied by the affections and regrets, and loaded with 
 the gratitude, of the American people. 
 
 The affection which the marquis bore toward the illustri- 
 ous Washington was as pure and as holy, as that of a lover 
 towards his mistress. Far from presuming to endeavour to 
 scale the height upon which Washington stood, — a height 
 inaccessible to any other man ; — far from attempting to di- 
 vide with him the wonder and veneration of the world ; — he 
 looked up to him only as a father and a friend, and as a model, 
 which though he would never equal, he might yet copy at a 
 distance. During the intrigues that were in agitation against 
 his revered patron, in the year 1778, which had for their ob- 
 ject the deposition of the commander-in-chief, Lafayette, 
 like another Patroclus, buckled on his armour in defence of 
 his Achilles, who disdained to notice the malignant attacks 
 of those restless spirits, whose only aim was the aggrandize- 
 ment of themselves and their friends at the expense of oth- 
 ers. As to general Conway, who was the. most busy actor 
 in the cabal, and one of the most wily and inveterate in- 
 triguers that had passed from Europe to America, the mar- 
 quis de Lafayette, and, led by his example, all the other 
 French officers of distinction regarded him with contempt, 
 and seldom deigned to notice him at all. This Conway, 
 after puffing himself off as an officer of great consequence, ob- 
 taining, by the lowest artifices, the appointment of major- 
 general, displaying his total want of military science— ex- 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. i35 
 
 hibiting his cowardice by skulking into a farm-house atthe bat- 
 tle of Germantown, — and resigning his commission because 
 he was too much despised to be employed — was shot in a duel 
 by general Cadwalader, for having dared to indulge too 
 freely in unbecoming expressions regarding the commander-in- 
 chief Believing his wound to be mortal, he retracted, in a letter 
 to general Washington, dated the twenty-third of July, 1778, 
 all the falsehoods which he had circulated against him ;• but, 
 recovering from his wound, he returned to France, covered 
 with ignominy. The whole junto were soon desirous of bu- 
 rying their ambitious schemes in oblivion. — The most affec- 
 tionate attachment indeed existed between general Lafay- 
 ette and the commander-in-chief, beneath whose banners it 
 was his delight to serve. The language of Washington, res- 
 pecting his adopted son, was, " this nobleman unites to all 
 the military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judg- 
 ment." 
 
 The influence, the fortune, and the blood, of the marquis 
 de Lafayette, were all devoted to the service of America. 
 He was engaged in her cause, either in a political or mili- 
 tary capacity, during almost the whole course of the war. 
 When he was not animating his brave followers in the field 
 of battle, or disciplining them in the camp, he was unfolding 
 the comprehensiveness and soundness of his understanding 
 in the cabinet, or pressing, at the court of France, with all 
 his influence and eloquence, the policy and necessity of sup- 
 porting the efforts of struggling America. His very soul 
 burned with the spirit of enterprise ; and he manifested a 
 disinterestedness and devotion in the cause of freedom, 
 which should ever be admired and applauded by a grateful 
 people. Possessed of unshaken patriotism, integrity, and hu- 
 manity, and of those cardinal virtues which characterise real 
 greatness of soul, he always discovered, both in design and 
 execution, those traits of genius, and that intuitive knowledge 
 of tactics, which designate the great man, and the successful 
 wariior. It was no ordinary mind that could lead its pos- 
 
136 iiisxoKY oy Tui; 
 
 sessor, in the very outset of life, in the spring-tide of worldly 
 joy, to sacrifice all the common charms of existence, to the 
 higher claims of a laudable ambition. Many of those who 
 flocked to our shores were tempted by the hope of gain : but 
 the principles which guided Lafayette from all the comforts 
 of life to the wilderness of the western world, were as pure as 
 the cause, in support of which, his sword now leaped from its 
 scabbard. Congress was elated, encouraged and flattered by an 
 auxiliary of such high rank, of so much spirit, and such great 
 promise, and were not deceived in the expectations which 
 they formed of the future services of this " noble phaenome- 
 non." — The perseverance of the marquis through so many 
 discouraging vicissitudes, and his noble generosity in seasons 
 of peculiar distress, show him in a great and elevated point 
 of view, having few parallels in history. Had he arrived on 
 our shores, a poor and needy adventurer, a ready hireling in 
 any cause where pay and plunder might have been expect- 
 ed, — had he merely, with a fleeting enthusiasm, hastily en* 
 gaged in the American cause as a quixotic crusader, for some 
 momentary feat of chivalry, — he would have ranked with the 
 ordinary class of adventurers, found in all ages and countries 
 in time of war. As such, he would have shrunk from the 
 appalling scenes exhibited by a starving, naked, and retreat- 
 ing army ; — he would have fled from the delays and vexations 
 attending the tardiness of the different states in supplying 
 their quota of men and money ; or probably, joined in the 
 mutinies and desertions so frequent during the revolutionary 
 war. But he was governed by motives too exalted and pow- 
 ful to be depressed even by disastrous campaigns, unremit* 
 ted vigilance, and arduous service, from year to year, in 
 watching and opposing a well disciplined and powerful ene- 
 my.* His love of liberty burned too fiercely to be extin- 
 guished or diminished, either by perils or privations. 
 
 ' On seeing the marquis," says Chastelleux, " one is at a 
 
 « Short Biography, Lafayette, p. ii. 
 
iUAR<iUlS DE LAFAYETTEj tZf 
 
 loss which most to admire, that so young a man should have 
 given such eminent proofs of talents, or that a man so tried, 
 should give hopes of so long a career of glory." He was the 
 true disciple of Washington, gifted with those rare endow- 
 ments, and that pre-eminence of character, which distin- 
 guished the heroes of antiquity. He endured calumny with 
 the caln^ness of a stoic, and sustained misfortune with the re-* 
 signation of a christian, and the firmness of a man. His cou- 
 rage was only equalled by his humanity ; and he gained uni- 
 versal praise for his benevolence and compassion, in visiting 
 and administering relief to the wounded soldiers. Although 
 arms were his vocation, his professional duties were always 
 tempered with humanity ; and he preferred the lives of his 
 brave soldiers, to the chance of decorating his brows with 
 blood-stained laurels. When he was re-enforced, in Vir- 
 ginia, by three thousand, two hundred Frenchmen, under 
 the marquis de St. Simon, he was strongly urged by that no- 
 bleman, and admiral de Grasse, to attack lord CornwaHis. 
 But he steadfastly resisted their entreaties, and declined the 
 opportunity of covering himself with the glory which a vic- 
 tory would have obtained. Wishing that blood might be 
 spared, he quietly awaited the arrival of generals Washing- 
 ton and Rochambeau from the north, with a force adequate 
 to look down the opposition of despair itself 
 
 From his easy, affable, and engaging manners, Lafayette 
 was particularly endeared to the officers and soldiers under 
 his command ; they admired, loved, and revered him, as their 
 guide and support when in peril, and their warmest friend 
 when in perplexity and trouble. He was beloved, indiscrim- 
 inately, by the whole army, not only for that amiable dispo- 
 sition, and those charming manners, but for his great gallan- 
 try, and ardent attachment to his country. The confidence 
 and affection of the troops, were, to him, invaluable posses- 
 sions, and well acquired riches, of which no one could, and 
 no one desired, to deprive him ; and he always expressed, 
 by his air and countenance, that he was happier in receiving 
 
ld& HISTORY OF THE 
 
 his friends at their head, than at his estate in Auvei^ne. 
 The influence and consideration which he acquired among 
 the poUtical, as well as the nvilitary body, were highly flat- 
 tering to a young man of his age ; and it is confidently assert- 
 ed that his private letters have frequently produced more 
 effect in arousing the lethargy of some of the states, than 
 the strongest exhortations of Congress. In short, he pos- 
 sessed, in so high a degree, the character of an accomplished 
 and perfect soldier, as to gain the confidence of his superiors, 
 the affection of his equals, and the respect and veneration 
 of all who served under him. It is no trifling compliment 
 to say, that next to the commander-in chief, and the intrepid 
 Greene, no general stood higher in the public favour, or 
 more constantly commanded the admiration of the army 
 than Lafayette. 
 
 Nor did his solicitude for the public welfare of America 
 bound his exertions ; for he was ever ready to aid our fellow 
 citizens when distressed in Europe ; and oftentimes even 
 w^ithout being called upon. Some he rescued from poverty, 
 by opening to them his purse ; others, he counselled and de- 
 fended. His protecting arm stretched itself beyond the Py- 
 renees and snatched the indiscreet American, either from 
 the fangs of the officer of the customs, or from the dark and 
 unforgiving tribunals of the inquisition. His succour un- 
 happily came too late on one of these melancholy occasions ; 
 and his letter, on that subject, to the late Samuel Breck, 
 esquire, dated in Paris, second June, 1785, is an additional 
 evidence of the correctness of his feelings and the goodness 
 of his heart : 
 
 " As soon as your letter came to hand," the marquis writes, 
 " I addressed the count de Florida Blanca, the Spanish prime 
 minister, in behalf of Mr. H. Enclosed you will find his 
 answer, and also the copy of an account given to Mr. Car- 
 michael, whereby I was much affected to hear poor Mr. H. 
 is no more. For fear of disgusting the minister with the 
 application, I had, in some measure, refrained from expo- 
 
MARqtfIS DE LAFAYETTE. 139 
 
 sing the horror I feel for the helHsh tribunal ; but it was su- 
 perfluous ; and I beg you will assure Mr. H's friends that I 
 am heartily sorry not to have it in my power to give them a 
 more agreeable account."* 
 
 On the twentieth of April, 1787, a fire was discovered in a 
 malt-house, in Beach-street, Boston, which consumed about 
 one hundred buildings, sixty of which were dweUing houses : 
 in fact, the greater part of the south end of the town was de- 
 stroyed. As soon as the melancholy news reached Paris, 
 the benevolent Lafayette desired his friend and correspon- 
 dent, the late Samuel Breck, esquire, of Boston, to draw up- 
 on him for three hundred pounds sterling, and to distribute 
 that sum among the indigent sufferers. This noble charity, 
 so characteristic of the munificence and goodness of that ex- 
 cellent man, was of the greatest benefit. It served to give 
 bread and shelter to many reduced and houseless families, 
 and, coming in aid of other donations, was one of the prin- 
 cipal means of restoring them to their lost comforts. Boston 
 did not then, as at the present day, abound in men of wealth. 
 The alms of its inhabitants were limited by their narrow 
 means ; and that town, which now contains so many secure 
 and magnificent edifices, was then built of such combustible 
 materials, that almost every accidental fire ended in a de- 
 structive conflagration.! This donation deserves more par- 
 ticular notice, on account of the final adieu which Lafayette 
 had, in all probability, bade to America ; as well as from the 
 circumstance, that all his affection for this country was ac- 
 cidentally awakened, amid the great public concerns of 
 France, which then demanded and engrossed his attention by 
 the perusal of a newspaper containing an account of the de- 
 struction and distress occasioned by the fire. 
 
 The benevolent perseverance with which he pursued the 
 claim of the widow of a revolutionary ofticer, for the long^ 
 period of eight years, is not only an evidence of his attach- 
 ment to this country, and more especially to those who la- 
 
 /3 
 
 » Port Folio, Vol. XKE, p. 504- 
 t Port Folio, Vol. 3U»rP- S04 
 
 /3 
 
140 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 boured with him in the cause of independence, but bespeaks 
 a heart not given to every man. It is gratifying to add, that 
 the claim was brought, by his unremitting and voluntary ex- 
 ertions, to a final and favourable close. — The natural bias of 
 bis mind is even developed in the names of his children. His 
 only son bears the distinguished name of George Washing- 
 ton, and his only daughters, in remembrance of " the theatre 
 of his toils and of his glory," those of Virginia and Carolina. 
 
 At La Grange he was always accessible to Americans ; 
 and his eye kindled whenever he spoke of America. " Why 
 cannot you come and live among us," said a visiter, — " to 
 lay down your bones among a people who owe you so much, 
 and whose latest descendants, will venerate your ashes ?" — 
 Lafayette pointed to his grandchildren around him — he made 
 no other reply. They were among the strongest ties which 
 bound him to France. 
 
 " You are now in America," he said once to an intelligent 
 Virginian. — "America?" — "Yes; this room is what I call 
 America." His guest looked around him, and beheld every 
 where scattered the tokens of his country : maps of the dif- 
 ferent states — the portraits of our distinguished men, — of 
 Washington, Franklin, Henry, &c. &;c. — American books — 
 and the electrical machine, with which the great Franklin 
 had made so many experiments, and which he had given, as 
 a mark of his respect, to this noble Frenchman. 
 
 The people of the United States, fully apprised of the 
 high obligations which they owe to Lafayette,* have prac- 
 tically and triumphantly refuted the pretended dogma of the 
 ingratitude of republics, not only by the spontaneous effusion 
 of affection and veneration which has burst forth from the 
 whole mass of the people, but by the more formal acts of 
 their representatives. On the third of March, 1803, the 
 national legislature passed " an act to revive and continue 
 in force, an act in addition to an act, entitled an act in ad- 
 
 * A grand dianer was given to general Lafayette, at the University, 
 Charlottesville, Virginia, on the fifth ot November, 1824. On this oc- 
 casion, an address, by the venerable Mr. Jefferson, was read, which. 
 
/MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYIiTTE. 141 
 
 dition to an act regulating the grants of lands appropriated 
 for military services, &c. &:c." 
 
 Section 4th. And be it further enacted, that the secretary 
 of war be, and he is hereby, authorised to issue land- warrants 
 to major general Lafayette, for eleven thousand, five hun- 
 dred, and twenty acres, which shall, at his option, be located, 
 surveyed, and patented, in conformity with the provisions of 
 an act, intituled an act regulating the grants of land appro- 
 priated for military services, and for the society of the Uni- 
 ted Brethren for propagating the gospel among the heathen, 
 or, which may be received, acre for acre, in payment for any 
 of the lands of the United States, north of the river Ohio, 
 and above the mouth of Kentucky river." 
 
 The name of Lafayette will continue to be preserved not 
 only in the hearts, but in the laws of the American people : 
 as given to various portions of our territory, it will serve to 
 recall to remembrance the services of him who bore it, when 
 century upon century have been buried in the " dark back- 
 ward and abysm of time," and when the deeds and virtues 
 of their forefathers shall appear to our posterity, like the 
 bright glories of Rome in her best days, to those who now 
 dwell upon the earth. In all parts of the union, we find the 
 name of Lafayette mingled with the very existence of the 
 republic. In North Carolina, there is a district, one hun- 
 dred miles in length, and fifty in breadth, called Fayette, in 
 
 contaias the following remarks. From his oflScial station at the court 
 of France, he is uodoubtedl}' the best judge, nonliving, of the value of 
 tbe marquis' services at the period of which he speaks: — "I joy, my 
 friends, in your joy, inspired by the visit of this our ancient and distin- 
 guished leader and benefactor. His deeds in the war of Independence, 
 you have beard and read. They are known to you, and embalmed in 
 your memories, and in the pages of faithful history. His deeds, in the 
 peace which followed that war, are perhaps not known to you ; but I 
 can^attest them. When I was stationed in his country, for the purpose 
 of cementing its friendship with ours, and of advancing our mutual in- 
 terests, this friend of both was my most powerful auxiliary and advo- 
 cate. He made our cause his own, as in truth it was that of his native 
 country also- His influence and connexions there, were great. All 
 doors of all departments were open to him at all times ; to me, only for- 
 mally, and at appointed times. In truth, I only held the nail,— he drove 
 it. Honour him, then, as your benefactor in peace, as well as in war." 
 
142 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 which is situated the flourishing town of Fayetteville. In 
 Pennsylvania, tliere is a county called Fayette, thirty-nine 
 miles long, and twenty-nine broad ; and there is another in 
 Kentucky of the same name. There are, also, the town of 
 Fayette in Kennebeck coimty, Maine, and the township of 
 Fayette, in Alleghany county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 The mark of respect and honour shown to the marquis by 
 the legislature of Pennsylvania, in giving to a newly erected 
 county, the name of Fayette, was communicated to him in 
 the following letter from the governor of the state : 
 
 "Sir, 
 
 " The general assembly has lately erected a considerable 
 part of this state into a county, under the name of Lafayette ; 
 and the government of it is about to be organized under this 
 new denomination. 
 
 " The proclamation of this law has caused me the liveliest 
 satisfaction, as a testimonial of the respect in which you are 
 held by my fellow citizens. My satisfaction will be greatly 
 increased when I learn, that this evidence of the general 
 feeling which your talents and conduct have inspired, has 
 proved agreeable to you. — As governor of this state, it might, 
 perhaps, be proper for me, at this time, to detail to you the 
 reasons that have induced the legislature to award this extra- 
 ordinary mark of their esteem ; — ^but common language 
 would be inadequate to express my feelings. Moreover, the 
 high idea which we entertain of your character will not per- 
 mit me to dwell upon that subject. Let the world judge of 
 the merits of your deeds, and the justice of our gratitude. 
 
 You have been the defender of our liberty : and " the le- 
 gislative assembly, while they enjoy that liberty, congratulate 
 themselves with the idea, that your name will be henceforth 
 inscribed on the various judicial acts which will continue to 
 be the record, and evidence, of its existence." 
 
 To this flattering communication, Lafayette returned the 
 following reply : 
 
marquis d£ lafayette* 143 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I received your excellency's letter of the sixth of March 
 a short time previous to my departure from France ; and I 
 congratulate myself on the prospect of having the honour of 
 personally presenting the tribute of my gratitude to the le- 
 gislative assembly of this state. The slightest marks of its 
 consideration could not fail to prove extremely flattering to 
 me ; but the honour which it has deigned to confer, by giving 
 my name to one of the counties of the state, is so distinguish- 
 ed a proof of its esteem, that I want words to express my 
 gratitude. 
 
 " So long as I have had the happiness to be acquainted 
 with this state, its civil and political rights have been dear to 
 me ; and I confess that I am sensibly aifected with the thought 
 that my name will be united to the administration of laws, 
 whose spirit is so favourable to the rights of human nature, 
 
 " I pray your excellency to present to the legislative as- 
 sembly, the tribute of my Uvely gratitude and profound res- 
 pect, and, at the same time, to receive my particular acknow- 
 ledgments, for the polite and obliging manner in which you 
 have been pleased to communicate the honour which that 
 body has conferred upon me." 
 
 General Lafayette arrived in the beginning of the year 
 1 782, in his native country, where he was received with uni- 
 versal respect and admiration. His reception at court was 
 extremely flattering ; and wherever he went he was greeted 
 with the same enthusiasm and popular favour that always 
 accompanied his steps in America. The heroic wife of the 
 marquis participated in the homage universally offered to 
 her illustrious consort ; — a homage which, from her subse- 
 quent conduct, could not have been too affectionate and re- 
 spectful. Instar omnium : a short time before his death, 
 Voltaire was invited to a numerous party at the house of the 
 duke de Choiseul, where he was received with the usual ap- 
 plause which attended him wherever he went. Perceiving 
 the marchioness de Lafayette among the ladies, he kneeled 
 
144 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 down at her feet, and bestowed the most flattering eulogiuins 
 on her husband, who was then in America : madame receiv- 
 ed this homage with affecting modesty, and embarrassment, 
 mingled with joy. The venerable old man, at the close of 
 his life, experienced the happiness and honour of announcing 
 the return of M. de Lafayette to his native country.* After 
 remaining a short time in Paris, honoured and respected by 
 the court, and almost idolized by the people, he visited his 
 estates in Tourraine ; and afterwards proceeded to the 
 courts of many of the German princes, where he received 
 extraordinary marks of the admiration which his political 
 and military conduct had diffused over Europe. He brought 
 even to the court of the Caesars, as he had done to the pavi- 
 lions of Versailles, the spirit of a pure and antique attach- 
 ment to liberty, with the graces of a gallant soldier, and ac-* 
 complished gentleman ; and he was received by Joseph the 
 second, and Frederick the Great, with flattering distinction. 
 
 In September, 1782, Lafayette arrived at Pottsdam, anx- 
 ious to behold the great man who had so long attracted the 
 attention of the world. When Frederick was advised of the 
 arrival of general Lafayette, he invited him to Sans Soucie 
 without delay, where the despot and the defender of liberty, 
 frequently entered into long and interesting conversations. 
 The stern, unbending, and tyrannical Frederick, not only ex- 
 pressed his admiration of Washington and Lafayette, but 
 presented the marquis with , his miniature set in diamonds ; 
 on this occasion, he remarked, that he hoped this trifling 
 memento would sometimes recall him to recollection. It was 
 in accompanying the king of Prussia to his reviews , that he 
 had an opportunity afforded him of close observation of the 
 military genias of that royal tactician, with which he doubt- 
 less enriched his own experience. 
 
 From the time of his landing in Europe, Lafayette had in- 
 cessantly continued his customary exertions in favour of 
 
 » Mem. Historiques, p. 1 Ifi, \l^. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAVETIE. 146 
 
 America, and he was extremely anxious to accelerate the 
 ratification of the treaty between Great Britain, France, and 
 America, provisional and preliminary articles for which, had 
 been signed, with regard to America, on the thirtieth of No- 
 vember, 1782, and, as they respected France, on the twen- 
 tieth of January, 1 783. At the same time, he strenuously 
 represented to the French government, the evils which might 
 flow from a relaxation in their exertions, and the necessity 
 of compelling Great Britain to consummate a peace, by giv- 
 ing greater and renewed aid to the American cause. His 
 exertions in favour of this country, which he considered a 
 paramount duty, were so valuable and unceasing, as to call 
 forth the particular approbation of congress. On the tenth 
 of April, 1783, it was "Resolved, That congress are satisfied 
 with the reasons which have prevailed with major-general 
 the marquis de Lafayette, for his stay in Europe, and his 
 consequent absence from his command in the army of the 
 United States ; and have a high sense of the new proofs he 
 has exhibited of his zeal in the cause of the said states, and 
 of his constant attachment to their interests and welfare." 
 
 In a long and feeling letter to general Washington, written 
 immediately after his return from the north of Europe, La- 
 fayette exhibits at once his warm affection for the " man of 
 the age," his correct view of the political situation of the Uni- 
 ted States, and the necessity of a more stable and efficient 
 form of government. In communicating the occurrences at 
 the courts he had visited, and especially at that of Prussia, 
 whose aged and distinguished monarch, uniting the acquire- 
 ments of the scholar, with the most profound skill in the art 
 of war, could bestow either literary or military fame, he 
 dwelt with enthusiasm on the plaudits which were univer- 
 sally bestowed on his military patron, and paternal friend. 
 " I wish," he remarked, ' the other sentiments I have had 
 occasion to discover with respect to America, were equally 
 gatisfactory with those that are personal to yourself, I need 
 not say (hat the spirit, the firmness with which the revolution 
 19 
 
146 HJSTORY OF THE 
 
 was conducted, have excited universal admiration ; that eve- 
 ry friend to the rights of mankind is an enthusiast for the 
 principles on which those constitutions are built ; — but I have 
 often had the mortification to hear, that the want of powers 
 in the congress, of union between the states, of energy in 
 their government, would make the confederation very insig- 
 nificant." " By their conduct in the revolution," he added, 
 " the citizens of America have commanded the respect of 
 the world ; but it grieves me to think they will, in a measure, 
 lose it, unless they strengthen the confederation ; give con- 
 gress power to regulate their trade ; pay off their debt, or at 
 least the interest of it ; establish a well regulated militia ; and, 
 in a word, complete all those measures which you have re- 
 commended to them. '* — Such were the opinions of the best 
 and wisest men of the time ; and they resulted in the forma- 
 tion of one of the noblest, and, I trust, most durable monu- 
 ments of human sagacity and political wisdom to be found 
 in the records of history. 
 
 Cabinet negotiations, although, from a sense of duty, so 
 long patiently endured, could now no longer restrain the en- 
 terprising courage and spirit of Lafayette. He had been ap- 
 pointed adjutant general to count d'Estaing, an officer grown 
 grey in naval combats, who commanded the French fleet at 
 Cadiz, on board of which were eight thousand French and 
 Spanish troops destined for America. He immediately pro- 
 ceeded to Cadiz, to join this powerful expedition, and was 
 about to set sail in quest of new triumphs, and fresher glo- 
 ries, when the sailing of the fleet was arrested by the news 
 of peace. 
 
 As soon as he received this welcome intelligence from Mr. 
 Carmichael, minister of the United States (although not 
 then acknowledged,) at the court of Madrid, the noble heart- 
 ed Lafayette, with characteristic benevolence, resolved to 
 adopt the most effectual measures to prevent the unneces- 
 
 * Marshal's Life of Washington^ Vol. V. p. 73. 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 147 
 
 sary effusion of blood. He immediately applied to the count 
 d'Estaing, requesting him to furnish a fast sailing vessel for 
 the purpose of conveying his despatches, containing the in- 
 telligence of the conclusion of the treaty of peace, to Ame- 
 rica. This request was complied with ; and the good ship 
 Triumph was soon cleaving her way over the waters of the 
 Atlantic, bearing, to a lacerated country, the healing balm 
 of peace. It was on the afternoon of Sunday, March twenty- 
 third, 1783, when the Triumph cast anchor before the city 
 of Philadelphia, and great and joyful was the sensation which 
 spread itself over the city on the evening of that day. She 
 arrived before the official, or any other account of the peace 
 had been received. The humanity of giving the earliest 
 possible advice of this event — the lives that were saved by 
 the consequent cessation of hostilities, greatly enhances the 
 debt of gratitude due to Lafayette, from the people of the 
 United States.* — The letter of the marquis to congress da- 
 ted fifth February 1783, accompanied by a copy of an order 
 from the count d'Estaing, directing the cessation of hostili- 
 ties by sea. Congress according to the following abstract 
 from the journals, proceeded, without delay, to take these 
 important communications into consideration : 
 
 "Monday, March 24th, 1783. 
 
 " A letter of February fifth, from the marquis de Lafay- 
 ette, announcing a general peace, and a copy of orders giv- 
 en by the count d'Estaing, vice-admiral of France, to the 
 chevalier du Quesne, commander of the corvette Triumph, 
 despatched from Cadiz the sixth of February last, for the 
 purpose of putting a stop to all hostilities by sea, being laid 
 before congress and read ; 
 
 " Resolved, That the agent of marine be, and he is hereby, 
 directed, immediately to re-call all armed vessels cruizing 
 under commissions from the United States of America." 
 
 * This strong claim upon oar gratitude has not been noticctl in the 
 commeodations so deservedly bestowed on the marquis. 
 
}48 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 At a subsequent period, a bust of the marquis was placed, 
 by the legislature of Virginia, in a niche of the wall of a spa- 
 cious area in the centre of the capitol of that state, near the 
 fine marble statue of his adopted father. 
 
 No sooner was the independence of America established, 
 and tranquillity once more restored to Europe, than the mar- 
 quis applied himself with increased attention, to the com- 
 mercial relations of France and America, which had for 
 some time occupied his thoughts. His exertions in 1 783 and 
 1 784, principally related to certain free ports in France, in 
 favour of American vessels, a grant, which he endeavoured 
 successfully to prove to the French government, would be 
 equally beneficial to both countries. The perseverance and 
 ability with which he prosecuted this scheme, insured its 
 success, and its precise nature may be gathered from the 
 following letter of the minister de Colonne, in answer to a 
 memorial on the subject : 
 
 Versailles, January/ 9tk, 1784. 
 Sir, 
 
 ^ I have communicated to the king, the observations con- 
 tained in the memorial which you transmitted to me, rela- 
 tive to the commerce of America, and those which you made 
 at our last conference. 
 
 I am authorised to announce to you, that it is the intention 
 of his majesty to grant to the United States, the ports of 
 L'Orient and Bayonne, as free ports, and besides these, those 
 of Dunkirk and Marseilles ; the first of which enjoys abso- 
 lute freedom, and the other is restrained in the exercise of 
 that freedom, only with regard to tobacco, which is there 
 subjected to a duty. The Americans may, from this mo- 
 ment, send their vessels to those four ports, where they will 
 not meet with any kind of difficulty. You niay, if neces- 
 sary, explain what is meant by free ports, agreeably to the 
 signification thereof, given by M. de Vergennes, in his letter 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 149 
 
 of the twenty-ninth of June last.* The Americans will find 
 above all at Dunkirk, all the facilities they can desire for 
 the sale of their leaf tobacco, their rice, their timber, and 
 other merchandise, as well as for tlie purchase of what they 
 want, such as linens, woollens, brandy, &;c. It is proposed 
 to establish stores and magazines there, which shall be well 
 supplied, on terms very advantageous for their commerce. 
 I have given orders to the farmer general to treat, in prefer- 
 ence, and at a reasonable price, for the purchase of the to- 
 baccos of North America ; and, moreover, the United States 
 will be as much favoured in France, in matters of commerce, 
 as any other nation. The complaints which they may make 
 to you, or which Mr. Franklin, and the other American min- 
 isters, which I would be very glad to see, may transmit to 
 me on their behalf, shall be examined with great attention, 
 and government will not suffer them to experience any kind 
 of vexation. Every possible precaution will also be taken 
 to prevent the sending out bad merchandise, which, if it has 
 hitherto taken place, can only be attributed to the avarice 
 of some merchants of the lowest order. I intend immedi- 
 ately to examine what relates to the customs and duties 
 which are injurious to commerce. This is an important sub- 
 ject and requires great attention. — In fine. Sir, you may rely 
 
 * The following is the letter alluded to by M. de Colonne : 
 
 Versailles, June 29th, 1783. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received the letter you did me the honour to write on the sev- 
 enteenth of this month. You desire to know what is meant by a free 
 port. 
 
 By this term, Sir, we mean a place to which all merchandises, as 
 well foreign as domestic, may he imported, and from which they may 
 be freely exported. You will judge, Sir, by this definition, that all the 
 merchandises of the North, without exception, may be imported into 
 L'Orient, and exported from it, by the Americans. In a word, L'Orieot 
 will be reputed foreign with regard to France, as far as respects com- 
 merce. The prohibitions and duties on foreign merchandises, will take 
 effect only in case any person desires to introduce into the interior part 
 of the realm, the merchandises subjected to the one or the other. 
 I have the honour to be &c- 
 
 De Vergennes. 
 Jtf. the marguis de Lafayette. • 
 
150 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 that I shall be always disposed, as well as Mons. the marshal 
 de Castries, and Mons. the count de Vergennes, to receive 
 and listen with attention, to the demands and further repre- 
 sentations which you shall think proper to make in favour of 
 the commerce of America. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &;c. 
 
 De Colonne. 
 M. the marquis de Lafayette. 
 
 P. S. The ports of Bayonne and L' Orient, will be made 
 similar to that of Dunkirk, with regard to entire freedom. 
 
 The succeeding extracts from the official letters of the 
 superintendant of Finance, not only demonstrate the untir- 
 ing zeal of Lafayette for the service of this country, but the 
 importance that was attached to the commercial privileges 
 which he obtained in her favour: 
 
 Mr. Morris to the president of congress, transmitting the ob- 
 servations of Lafayette on the commerce between France 
 and the United States. 
 
 April 16, 1784. 
 " The masterly manner in which the marquis has treated 
 a subject, certainly foreign to his former habits and views, 
 merits great applause, and will, I doubt not, procure that 
 approbation from Congress, which will be to him a grateful 
 reward, for his zealous and dexterous exertions to promote 
 the interests of America." 
 
 Mr. Morris to the president of Congress, enclosiyxg certain 
 letters from France. 
 
 May 19, 1784. 
 " Congress will see, from these papers, new instances of 
 the affectionate zeal and industry of that nobleman in the 
 service of the United States. The grateful sense which 
 they entertain of these services, will be, to him, a pleasing 
 gratification, and I shall find it my duty, in acknowledging 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 151 
 
 his letters, to assure him of their favourable dispositicms, 
 and to solicit his farther exertions. ' 
 
 Mr. Morris to the marquis ■ : Lafayette. 
 
 September 30, 1784. 
 " Accept, I pray you, my thanks for the services you have 
 rendered to America, and be persuaded of my warmest wishes 
 for success to all your subsequent pursuits." 
 
 Mr. Morris to the president of Congress. 
 
 September 30, 1784. 
 
 " The unexampled attention to every American interest, 
 which this gentleman has exhibited, cannot fail to excite the 
 strongest emotions in his favour, and we must, at the same 
 time, admire the judgment which he has shown in the man- 
 ner of his applications, as well as the industry in selecting 
 proper materials. There can be httle doubt that his inte- 
 rest, at his own court, must always prove beneficial to this 
 country, while the same cordiality shall continue which now 
 subsists between him, and the venerable plenipotentiary now 
 resident at Passy." 
 
 In the beginning of 1784, an interesting correspondence 
 took place between Robert Morris and the marquis de Lafay- 
 ette, relative to the Isle of France, in which the superinten- 
 dant of finance endeavoured to procure the establishment of 
 a free port on that island. It was thought that great advan- 
 tages would accrue to both nations from the adoption of that 
 measure, and that it would be the means of establishing, at 
 that port, the most extensive and useful commerce with In- 
 dia, that had ever before existed. The Americans, it was 
 supposed, would find it particularly beneficial, because they 
 might trade freely and without risk to such port ; — and the 
 French, because they would undoubtedly furnish all those ar- 
 ticles of India goods which American vessels would other- 
 wise go in starch of, to India, or procure from other nations. 
 
152 HlSTOKr OF THE 
 
 " This," said Mr. Morris, " will form an object of near twenty 
 millions of livres annually ; or, calculating both the export 
 and import cargoes, it will amount to about thirty millions ; 
 and, consequently, cannot be less than five millions clear ad- 
 vantage to France. And if it be considered that tliis is so 
 much taken from her commercial rival, we may estimate it 
 as being an object often millions annually." " I consider it as 
 almost certain," he adds, " that America would find it more 
 advantageous to trade with that port, than to go on to India. 
 And hence I draw one very strong inference, that we should 
 not only be, by that means, brought into a closer political 
 connexion with France, but that France would hold a much 
 larger share of all our other commerce, than she would with- 
 out such an establishment." 
 
 The services rendered by Lafayette, and the privileges 
 that he obtained, in relation to the commerce of America, 
 strongly excited the gratitude of her citizens and rulers. 
 Congress, on the third of May, 1784, " Resolved, That a let- 
 ter be written by the president to the marquis de Lafayette, 
 expressing the high sense which Congress entertains of his 
 important services, relative to the commerce of France and 
 these United States, and particularly to free ports ; that there 
 is every reason to expect mutual and permanent advantages 
 from these liberal measures adopted by his most Christian 
 majesty, and that an extension thereof to his West India co- 
 lonies will, in the opinion of Congress, increase those advan- 
 tages, and produce the most salutary effect." 
 
 It is proper, in this place, to notice the benefits conferred 
 by Lafayette on that portion of the American community, 
 engaged in the whale fisheries, during the years 1 784 and 
 1785. Addressing himself to the ministry of Louis XVI, he 
 obtained from them in favour of a company of merchants, to 
 be instituted in Boston, the exclusive privilege of furnishing 
 free of duty, sixteen thousand quintals of oil to M. Sangrain, 
 contractor general for lighting the cities of Paris, Versailles. 
 &ic. &c who agreed to enter into a contract with a company, 
 
MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 153 
 
 to be formed in America, to purchase that quantity of whale 
 oil, of three qualities ; one half of the first quality, one quar- 
 ter of the second, and one quarter of the third, deliverable at 
 Havre, Nantz and Bordeaux ; — the value of each kind to be 
 fixed by the current price of the port, at the time of delive- 
 ry. After the establishment of the price, payment was to be 
 made by M. Sangrain, in articles of the growth and manufac- 
 ture of France, according to invoices to be furnished by the 
 American company's agents, and to the full value of the oil 
 imported ; — the price of these articles to be regulated in the 
 same manner as that of the oil. 
 
 These proposals were signed by M. Sangrain at Paris, oh 
 the seventh of May, 1785, and immediately delivered to, and 
 forwarded by, the marquis, to the United States. He had 
 laboured with great assiduity to procure the total exemption 
 of duties on whale oil, but without success ; because the 
 French government had directed their attention to the en- 
 couragement of the fisheries in vessels of their own nation. 
 The following extract from his letter, however, to Samuel 
 Breck, esquire, of Boston, will show that, with regard to the 
 sixteen thousand quintals already mentioned, he was com- 
 pletely successful ; at the same time, it is an evidence of the 
 singleness of his heart, and the simplicity of his style : 
 
 "Paris, May 13th, 1785. 
 " My dear friend, 
 
 " In consequence of our conversations, I have endeavour- 
 ed to obtain an exemption of duties upon whale oils, but it 
 could not be done, because the French ministry are this very 
 moment encouraging that fishery. I, therefore, took another 
 way, and made a bargain, which you will find the more ad- 
 vantageous, as I have obtained from M. de Calonne, a total 
 exemption of duties, — national — foreign — of every kind what- 
 soever — for the three American vessels who will carry this 
 invoice of oils. You easily can conceive that the favour 
 could not be granted for more than one invoice. It is very 
 important that it be of a good nature ; but I have put in the 
 20 
 
154 HiSTOKV OJb' THE 
 
 bargain that the residue, i. e. the most precious part, migiit 
 be left out. I very much wish Wadsworth and you may un- 
 dertake it, as I think there is a profit to be made. The pass- 
 ports, I will send by the next packet. Mr. Adams is to show 
 you, and Mr. Wadsworth is to send you by express, the copy 
 of the proposals. So much for one time ; but am not so 
 sanguine for the future, except this invoice is very satisfac- 
 tory, and the national attempt does not meet with success. 
 
 " I worked very hard to bring this about ; and am happy 
 at having, at last, obtained a point which may be agreeable 
 to New England, and the people of Boston. I wish they 
 may, at large, know I did not neglect their affairs ; and, al- 
 though this is a kind of private bargain, yet as it amounts to 
 a value of about eight hundred thousand French livres, and 
 government have been prevailed upon to take off all duties, 
 it can be considered as a matter of importance." 
 
 On the twenty-eighth of June, M. de Calonne officially an- 
 nounced to the farmer general and to M. de Lafayette, the 
 total exemption from duty on the specified quantity of oil, 
 if imported previous to the first day of June, 1786 — the pro- 
 ceeds of the oil to be invested in the produce or manufac- 
 tures of France. 
 
 These continued and valuable marks of his affection for 
 this country could not fail to make a general and lasting iin- 
 pression on the minds of the American community. No 
 wonder, then, that his progress through the United States in 
 the year 1784, resembled, in its best features, a Roman tri- 
 umph. We cannot omit, in this place, as connected with 
 the subject which has just been treated upon, the singular 
 mode of testifying their gratitude, adopted by the. inhabitants 
 of Nantucket, who had become extremely impoverished by 
 tlie long war, by which their common means of subsistence 
 had been totally destroyed. This novelty is described in 
 the following letter, dated Nantucket, nineteenth September, 
 1786, and published in the New Plymouth Gazette of the 
 twentv-i?eventh of the same month 
 
;^' 
 
 MARQUIS DB LAFAYETTE. 155 
 
 " Although separated from the continent, the inhabitants 
 of this island have nevertheless, participated with their fel- 
 low citizens, in the just tribute of gratitude which the great 
 services rendered by M. the marquis de Lafayette to the 
 United States have obtained. As wise, as useful, and as en- 
 lightened in peace, as he was brave and skilful in war, he 
 has endeavoured still closer to draw together two nations, 
 already united by policy and reason. To accomplish this 
 object, he has devoted his attention to those commercial ties 
 which might prove mutually advantageous. With the view 
 of establishing our commercial relations on a solid and per- 
 manent basis, and of affording to us the means of paying for 
 the merchandise which we are desirous of exporting from 
 France, he has obtained the privilege that our whale oil 
 (which, with our flocks, constitutes our sole riches) shall pay 
 no other duty than that of the Hanseatic towns : this gener- 
 ous concession on the part of the French government, has 
 conferred upon us an extraordinary benefit, as it revives our 
 discouraged industiy, and establishes us on this island, the 
 land of our fathers, from which the new order of things would 
 otherwise have compelled us to emigrate. Penetrated with 
 gratitude for so signal a service, the inhabitants of Nantuck- 
 et, in corporation assembled, voted and resolved, That each 
 of them should contribute the milk afforded by his cow dur- 
 ing the space of twenty -four hours ; that the whole quantity 
 thus obtained should be manufactured into a cheese weighing 
 jive hundred pounds ; and that the same should be transmit- 
 ted to the marquis de Lafayette, as a feeble, but not less sin- 
 cere, testimonial, of the affection and gratitude of the inhabi- 
 tants of Nantucket."* — We trust that the present generation 
 will not imitate their fathers, by preparing a second grand 
 vaccine jubilee. 
 
 In the summer of 1784, Lafayette urged by his strong pub- 
 lic and private attachments, and by the urgent entreaties of 
 his American friends, prepared again to visit the transatlantic 
 theatre of his toils and glory. He longed once more to em- 
 * Mem. Hist. pp. 117, 118. 
 
156 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 brace his friend and patron, the illustrious Washington, who 
 had earnestly joined in the general invitation, and who, hav- 
 ing retired to the shades of private life, thus feelingly descri- 
 bed his happy situation, to his adopted child. " At length, 
 my dear marquis, I have become a private citizen on the 
 banks of the Potomac ; and, under the shadow of my own 
 vine, and my own fig-tree, free from the bustle of the camp, 
 and the busy scenes of public life, I am solacing myself with 
 those tranquil enjoyments, of which the soldier, who is ever 
 in pursuit of fame,— the statesman, whose watchful days and 
 sleepless nights are spent in devising schemes to promote the 
 welfare of his own, perhaps the ruin of other countries, as if 
 this globe was insufficient for us all, — and the courtier, who 
 is always watching the countenance of his prince in the hope 
 of catching a gracious smile, — can have very little concep- 
 tion, I have not only retired from all public employments, 
 but am retiring within myself, and shall be able to view the 
 solitary walk, and tread the paths of private life, with heart- 
 felt satisfaction. Envious of none, I am determined to be 
 pleased with all ; and this, my dear friend, being the order 
 of my march, I will move gently, down the stream of life, 
 until I sleep with my fathers." 
 
 On the first of July, 1784, the marquis embarked at 
 Havre on board of the packet ship Courier, and arrived at 
 New- York on the fourth of August.* 
 
 * The particulars of Lafayette's tour through the United States in 
 1784, are principally derived from a work, entitled, " Memoires Histo- 
 riques et Pieces Authentiques sur M. de Lafayette, Paris, I'au second 
 (1794) ]2mo. pp. 303;" which contains a mass of miscellaneous matter 
 relative to the marquis. His visit to this country is minutely described, 
 by M. de Crevecoeur, in not less than sixty-three pages, which embrace 
 the various addresses presented to Lafayette, together with his reply to 
 each. We have made these observations and acknowledgments, to 
 avoid the suspicion that we are indebted to the book of general Holstein 
 for our account of the marquis' visit- As the general has published 
 nearly a literal translation from the Memoires Historiques, and no re- 
 ference is made to that work, we might very readily, and, indeed, al- 
 most certainly, without this explanation, have fallen nnderthe imputa- 
 tion of having pilfered from the pages of Holstein. It has been our 
 pleasure to enter more into details, and to alter the phraseology of our 
 authority, but the resemblance is still very apparent. — T'^ide Mem- Hist. 
 p. 51 — 114. 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 157 
 
 The visit of Lafayette to America in 1 784, may be rank- 
 ed among the most interesting events of his hfe. He now 
 crossed the ocean to behold the glorious fruits of the toils 
 and dangers in which he had participated. He had gone 
 forth as a sower to sow : but his seeds fell neither by the 
 way side, where the fowls came and devoured them up ; — 
 nor upon stony places, where they were scorched by the 
 sun and withered away ; — nor among thorns, which sprung 
 up and choked them. But " they fell into good ground, 
 and brought forth fruit, some a hundred fold, some sixty 
 fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him 
 hear." — He found America free, united, and independent, 
 enjoying, after a long, calamitous, and uncertain war, the 
 uninterrupted blessings of peace. Surrounded by his old 
 associates in arms, who had now beaten their swords into 
 plough-shares, and their spears into pruning hooks, he might 
 well have exclaimed, in the language of the psalmist, " Be- 
 hold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
 together in unity : it is as the dew of Hermon, and as the 
 dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion." 
 
 No sooner had the news of Lafayette's arrival spread it- 
 self over the city, than all the officers who had served with 
 him or under his command, and the citizens who were ac- 
 quainted with him during the war, abandoned their usual oc- 
 cupations, and hastened to behold again their fellow soldier 
 and friend, and to welcome him to their shores. The next 
 day, he was invited to a splendid entertainment, where the 
 officers appeared in their uniforms, which had been long 
 cast aside, but were now resumed in honour of the occasion. 
 Uninterrupted joy and cordiality enlivened this friendly and 
 paternal festival ; for it was the first repast that Lafayette 
 made in America, after the acknowledgment and full estab- 
 lishment of her independence. 
 
 Having passed a few days in New-York, he departed for 
 Philadelphia, where he was preceded by the happy news of 
 his arrival from Europe. At some distance from the city, 
 
158 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 he was met by a numerous escort, consisting of the officers 
 who had served in the continental army, the officers of mih- 
 tia, and a great number of citizens who received him with 
 the most ardent tokens of gratitude. The ringing of bells, 
 and the thunder of cannons, announced his entrance into 
 Philadelphia. Not only the streets, but the doors and win- 
 dows of the houses, were crowded with spectators, and all 
 the public places resounded with acclamations — After visit- 
 ing the governor, he was escorted to his rooms in the City 
 Hotel, where he partook of a splendid supper : in the even- 
 ing, a general illumination took place. On the day after 
 his arrival, generals Wayne, St. Clair, and Irwin, were depu- 
 ted by the corps of officers, to congratulate him on his arri- 
 val, and offer him their respects, in the name of the Pennsyl- 
 vania line. But it was not only from his friends, his acquaint- 
 ance, and the different societies of the city, that he receiv- 
 ed the most flattering and energetic addresses. The legisla- 
 ture of Pennsylvania, as soon as they were informed of his 
 arrival, appointed a committee, consisting of one member 
 from each county, to present him with the following 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 The representatives of the freemen of the state of Penn- 
 sylvania, offer you their most affectionate congratulations on 
 your safe arrival in Philadelphia, and welcome you in the 
 nafiie of the state. Enjoying the blessings of liberty and 
 peace, we contemplate, with peculiar delight, those distin- 
 guished characters who braved the dangers of the ocean, to 
 unite in our struggle against oppression, and to aid us in 
 bringing our revolutionary war to a happy termination. We 
 consider you as the first among those illustrious men ; — your 
 example and your zeal, animated and encouraged even our 
 own citizens, and you did not depart from us until the object 
 of our wishes was accomplished. Receive, sir, this mark of 
 our gratitude for the numerous services that you have ren- 
 dered to this country, both in the cabinet and the field. May 
 
?.IAaQ,"Ui3 DE LArAYETTE. 159 
 
 your abode in America be as pleasing to you, as to a nation 
 which can never forget the brilliant conduct, and distinguish- 
 ed talents, of the Marquis de Lafayette. 
 
 To this address the marquis replied in the following terms : 
 
 I deeply feel the flattering testimonial of approbation, with 
 which I am honoured by the legislature of Pennsylvania. My 
 reception in this city, — the remembrance of the great obli- 
 gations which I owe to this state, — the beautiful spectacle 
 created by the return of peace and plenty, — all concur at 
 this time, in augmenting my happiness. — I sensibly acknow- 
 ledge, gentlemen, your goodness in recalling my feeble efforts 
 to your remembrance; — and I, also, recollect the impression 
 which your zeal, your patriotism, and your perseverance, at 
 that time, made upon my mind. 
 
 Now that the great work is accomplished, let us mutually 
 congratulate ourselves on the federal union which the peace 
 has cemented, and upon which, the importance, the power, 
 and the riches of this beautiful country, rest : that union is 
 the bond which will continue to preserve brotherly love and 
 reciprocal friendship among the citizens of the states. — I 
 shall be happy to receive the commands of this republic, at 
 every period of my existence, and in whatever part of the 
 world I may be : my zeal for its prosperity is only equalled 
 by my gratitude and respect.* 
 
 Desirous of speedily accomplishing one of the principal 
 objects of his voyage, and of enjoying the heartfelt happi- 
 ness of again beholding his illustrious patron and friend, he 
 left Philadelphia on the fourteenth of August — slept at Bal- 
 timore the next night — and on the nineteenth arrived at 
 Mount Vernon, and rested beneath the roof hallowed by the 
 presence and the virtues of Washington. 
 
 * These documents being translated from the French, as well as 
 soine others which are to be found in this volume, some variation from 
 the phraseology of the originals, no doubt, exists ; but the sense is in no 
 
 wise altered. Tlie oriarinals were not at hand- 
 
160 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 When we reflect upon the principal events in the lives of 
 these two illustt-ious men ;— the difference in their ages and 
 countries ; — the distance which separated them from each 
 other ; — the circumstances which brought them together ; — 
 the importance of the scenes through which they had passed ; 
 the glorious success of their courageous efforts ; — the mutual 
 anxiety again to embrace each other ; — the tender and truly 
 paternal esteem of the one, and the respect, admiration, and 
 fihal attachment, of the other ; — when we reflect upon all 
 this, we find that every thing contributed to stamp this in- 
 teresting interview with a sublimity of character, which had 
 no prototype in the annals of man.* 
 
 After having passed twelve happy days at Mount Vernon, 
 the remembrance of which have long been faithfully cher- 
 ished by Lafayette, he proceeded to Baltimore, where he ar- 
 rived on the thirty-first of August. One impulse alone ap- 
 peared to animate every mind, and immense crowds flocked 
 to offer to him the tribute of their gratitude and affection. 
 An address was presented to him by a committee consisting 
 of the principal inhabitants, in the name of the citizens of 
 Baltimore ; and he was honoured with a civic festival, at 
 which more than three hundred individuals were present. 
 
 It would be necessary to translate all our thoughts and 
 feelings to the days of the revolution, to abstract ourselves 
 as it were, from the present to the past, — -to be able to ap- 
 preciate the remarkable and almost miraculous ascendency, 
 which this young man, then in his twenty-eighth year, had 
 obtained over the minds of all classes of society. This in- 
 fluence even extended to the allied nations of Indians, with 
 whom he had frequently treated during the war ; and he was 
 so well known to the members of congress, who had just 
 been deputed to negotiate a treaty of peace with those sava- 
 ges at Fort Schuyler, that he was invited to join in their de- 
 liberations, 
 
 * Memoires Historiques, &c. p. 63. 
 
aiARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 161 
 
 In consequence of this invitation, he returned to New- 
 York, on the twelfth of September, wliere he remained three 
 days previous to the continuance of his route to Albany. — 
 The day after his arrival, the corporation of the city unani- 
 mously admitted him to all the rights of citizenship, and ap- 
 pointed a committee to present to him the diploma in a gold- 
 en box, accompanied with a suitable address. Major-gener- 
 al M'Dougal, at the head of the officers of the continental 
 army, also presented him with an expressive and affectionate 
 address, and invited him to a superb entertainment. On the 
 following day, he was placed at the head of a table, around 
 which were seated the greater part of the respectable citi- 
 zens and strangers. 
 
 On the twentieth of September, he embarked on the 
 Hudson, accompanied by numerous individuals who were 
 anxious to witness the approaching ceremony, and proceed- 
 ed to Fort Schuyler, to participate in the " talk" with the 
 Indians. He addressed them with his usual eloquence and 
 skill, pointing out the advantages of peace, and the certain 
 destruction that awaited them, if they persisted in ravaging 
 the frontiers. The words of Kayewla, for such was the In- 
 dian title of Lafayette, were received with satisfaction and 
 gratitude, even by the untutored savage, " Father !" replied 
 one of the Mohawk chiefs, " we have heard thy voice, and 
 we rejoice that thou hast visited thy children, to give to them 
 good and necessary advice : thou hast said that we have done 
 wrong in opening our ears to wicked men, and closing oar 
 hearts to thy counsels. Father ! it is all true ; we have left 
 the good path ; we have wandered away from it, and been 
 enveloped in a black cloud. We have now returned, that 
 thou mayest find in us, good and faithful children. Father ! 
 we rejoice to hear thy voice among us ; it seems that the 
 Great Spirit has directed thy footsteps to this council of 
 friendship, to smoke the calamut of peace and fellowship, 
 with thy long-lost children." 
 
 After returning to Albanv, and visiting the famous battle- 
 21 
 
162 HISTOKY OF IHJi 
 
 ground of Saratoga, Lafayette proceeded toward Boston, in 
 accordance with the pressing invitations that he had receiv- 
 ed. In passing through Connecticut, he was met at some 
 distance from Hartford by a great number of its principal in- 
 habitants, who escorted him into the town, amid the roar of 
 eannon, and the acclamations of the people. The civil au- 
 thorities addressed him on behalf of the citizens, and express- 
 ed the real pleasure which his return had universally pro- 
 duced : they also invited him to a grand public dinner. Some 
 time after, when the town of Hartford was incorporated, the 
 new municipality, at their first meeting, conferred on him, as 
 well as his son, all the rights of citizenship. 
 
 From Hartford, he directed his course to Worcester, in 
 the state of Massachusetts, and from thence to Watertown, 
 about seven miles from Boston, where he was met by the 
 officers of the old continental army, and escorted to the ho- 
 tel. On their march toward Boston, they were met by a 
 body of troops, bearing the flags of America and France, 
 who saluted their distinguished visiter with thirteen guns : 
 soon after, a great number of citizens joined this military 
 escort. The procession was now formed in the following 
 order: 1. The pioneers. 2. A company of artillery and of 
 independents. 3. Drums and fifes. 4. Full military band. 
 5. The marquis de Lafayette, accompanied by the count 
 Grandehain, commander of the royal frigate La Nymphe, the 
 chevalier de Caraman, who attended him from France, and 
 major-general Knox. 6. The officers of the Massachusetts 
 line. 7, M. de Letombe, consul-general of France. 8. Ci- 
 tizens in carriages. 9. Last division of officers. — His ap- 
 proach was proclaimed to the citizens of Boston by the firing 
 of cannon and the ringing of bells, and an immense multitude 
 poured forth to welcome the hero ; the streets through which 
 be passed were filled with spectators, as well as the doors, 
 windows, and even the roofs, of the houses. When he en- 
 tered State-street, a second salute of thirteen guns was fired, 
 and the shouts and acclamations of the multitude were un- 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 163 
 
 ceasing, until he arrived at his lodgings. Having presente4 
 himself in the balcony to gratify the loud and reiterated 
 wishes of the people, he returned thanks to the citizens with 
 his usual affability. The proper authorities relighted the 
 lamps of the city on the evening of this memorable day, for 
 the first time since the conclusion of the war. 
 
 The day after his arrival, general Knox presented him 
 with an address in the name of the continental officers of the 
 Massachusetts line, to which he made a modest and affec- 
 tionate reply. 
 
 The state government, being desirous of affording a dis- 
 tinguished evidence of their gratitude and esteem toward the 
 marquis, selected the nineteenth day of October, celebrated 
 as the anniversary of the capture of Cornwallis, to confer 
 new pubHc honours on their illustrious guest. In conse- 
 quence of previous arrangements, the governor of the state, 
 the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of re- 
 presentatives, the executive council, and the members of the 
 two houses, assembled in the great hall of audience, to con- 
 gratulate him on his happy arrival in America. When M 
 de Lafayette was introduced, the governor, in eloquent and 
 impressive terms, testified the high esteem and gratitude en- 
 tertained for him by the state of Massachusetts, the remem- 
 brance of which could never be effaced. — The report of this 
 ceremony having spread itself over the city, all the neigh- 
 bouring streets were completely crowded with people, and 
 it was with great difficulty that a lane was formed by the 
 military through the multitude, to the City Hotel. When 
 this was effected, Lafayette appeared, accompanied by the 
 governor, the members of the legislature, the old continental 
 officers, the clergymen of different sects, and the principal 
 citizens, who escorted him into the great saloon of the hotel 
 where an entertainment had been prepared for five hundred 
 persons. Thirteen arcades were thrown across the bottom of 
 the saloon, emblematical of the thirteen states of the Union : 
 Lafayette was seated beneath the centre arch, from whicli 
 
164 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 a fleur-de-lys was suspended. After dinner, thirteen pa- 
 triotic toasts were drunk, and each one celebrated by thir- 
 teen guns stationed in the market-place. When the health 
 of general Washington was pronounced, a curtain, placed 
 behind M. de Lafayette, immediately fell, and disclosed the 
 portrait of that great man, encircled with laurels, and deco- 
 rated with the flags of America and France. Lafayette 
 arose, and steadfastly regarded it with a mixture of tender- 
 ness, pleasure, and surprise. For a few moments he gazed 
 in silent admiration, when a voice exclaimed, Long live 
 Washington ! — the effect was electrical ; the name of the 
 gallant chieftain of liberty resounded from all parts of the 
 room, and the shouts of Long live Washington ! were drown- 
 ed amid peals of applause and enthusiastic acclamations. — 
 On the same evening Mrs. Hayley gave a grand ball, accom- 
 panied with splendid ftre-works, in honour of Lafayette, and 
 her house was brilliantly illuminated. The legislative assem- 
 bly granted him the privilege of assisting in their sittings, 
 which he frequently made use of during his stay in Boston. 
 After remaining a few days, he proceeded to visit the 
 towns of Salem, Cape-Anne, Marblehead, Beverly, and New- 
 buryport, and then proceeded to Portsmouth, the capital of 
 New-Hampshire, where a great number of his old military 
 comrades had retired to enjoy repose in the bosom of their 
 families. Wherever he went he was greeted with affection- 
 ate addresses and public entertainments : his entrance into, 
 and departure from, the towns on his route, were announced 
 by the merry ringing of bells, the loud roar of cannon, and 
 the acclamations of grateful multitudes ; and these evidences 
 of national affection and gratitude were the more precious, 
 as they bore the marks of an energetic zeal and friendly sin- 
 cerity, rather than of pomp and ostentation. — When the ad- 
 dress of the inhabitants of Marblehead was concluded, the 
 orator perceiving that M. de Lafayette appeared astonished 
 at the great number of women mingled with the male citizens 
 who had been deputed to offer him their congratulations, re- 
 
AIABqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 165 
 
 marked ; " These are the widows of those who have perish^ 
 ed in the revolutionary war, and the mothers of children for 
 whose liberty you have contended on the field of battle. — 
 They are now here in the places of their husbands, many of 
 whom were once known to you. 
 
 Lafayette now returned to Boston, and, in a few days, 
 proceeded to Providence, where he met with the customary 
 honours. He was invited to a grand entertainment, by the 
 governor, deputy-governor, members of the legislature, and 
 principal citizens, and presented with addresses both by tjije 
 government and the officers of the army. 
 
 After visiting Newport, the scene of his active exertions 
 in the summer of 1778, he returned to Boston, and embark- 
 ed in the royal frigate La Nymphe for the mouth of York 
 River, in Chesapeake Bay. Lafayette now approached the 
 theatre on which he had displayed the full powers of his mili- 
 tary greatness, — where he had united the bravery of youth, 
 with the circumspection of the veteran, — and where he had 
 baffled the manoeuvres, restricted the operations, and finally, 
 entangled in inextricable toils, one of the most brave and 
 celebrated generals of Europe. — The inhabitants of Wil- 
 liamsburg came to the shore to receive the gallant youth 
 who had saved a part of their territory from British devas- 
 tations, and escorted him into the city, where he was receiv- 
 ed with almost indescribable marks of enthusiasm and love. 
 He became the guest of the brave general Nelson ; and, the 
 n^t day, received the congratulations and addresses of the 
 city-corporation. 
 
 On the morning of the eighteenth of November, the mar- 
 quis entered Richmond, where Washington had arrived three 
 days before^ a city which, by a long and extraordinary forced 
 march, he had once saved from pillage and destruction. — 
 Never was reception more cordial, or more demonstrative 
 of affection and respect, than was given to these beloved 
 personages. The house of delegates, immediately on its 
 meeting, came to the following resolution : " The house be- 
 
166 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ing informed of the arrival, this morning, of the marquis de 
 Lafayette in this city. Resolved, nemine contradicente, that 
 a committee of five be appointed, to present to him the af- 
 fectionate respects of this house, to signify to him their sen- 
 sibility to the pleasing proof, given by this visit to the United 
 States, and to this state in particular ; that the benevolent 
 and honourable sentiments which originally prompted him 
 to embark in the hazardous fortunes of America, still render 
 the prosperity of its affairs an object of his attention and re- 
 gard ; and to assure him, that they cannot review the scenes 
 of blood and danger through which we have arrived at the 
 blessings of peace, without being touched, in the most lively 
 manner, with the recollection, not only of the invaluable ser- 
 vices for which the United States at large are so much in- 
 debted to him, but of that conspicuous display of cool intre- 
 pidity and wise conduct, during his command in the campaign 
 of 1781, which, by having so essentially served this state in 
 particular, have given him so just a title to its particular ac- 
 knowledgments. That, impressed as they thus are with the 
 distinguished lustre of his character, they cannot form a wish 
 more suitable, than that the lesson it affords may inspire all 
 those whose noble minds may emulate his glory, to pursue it 
 by means equally auspicious to the interests of humanity." 
 
 And a committee was appointed, of Mr. Henry, Mr. Madi- 
 son, Mr. Jones, (of King George,) Mr. Matthews, and Mr. 
 Brent. 
 
 An address like this, proceeding from an assembly adorn- 
 ed by the virtues, the abilities, and the eloquence, of a 
 Henry and a Madison, could not have failed to impress the 
 heart of the marquis de Lafayette with feelings of almost 
 inexpressible delight. And, accordingly, in his feeling reply, 
 he expressed, in appropriate terms, his thanks for the flat, 
 tering favour which they had conferred on him, and for the 
 constant partiality and unbounded confidence of Virginia 
 towards him, in the most trying times. " I need not add," 
 said he, " what my sentiments must be in Virginia, where 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 167 
 
 step by step have I so keenly felt for her distress, — so eager- 
 ly enjoyed her recovery. Our armed force was obliged to 
 retreat, but your patriotic hearts stood unshaken ; and while, 
 either at that period, or in our better hours, my obligations 
 to you are numberless, I am happy in this opportunity to ob- 
 serve, that the excellent services of your militia were con- 
 tinued with unparalleled steadiness. Impressed with the ne- 
 cessity of federal union, I was the more pleased in the com- 
 mand of an army so peculiarly federal, as Virginia herself 
 freely bled in defence of her sister states. — In my wishes to 
 this commonwealth, gentlemen, I will persevere with the 
 same zeal, that, once and for ever, has devoted me to her. 
 May her fertile soil rapidly increase her wealth — may all the 
 waters, which so luxuriantly flow within her limits, be happy 
 channels of the most extensive trade — and may she in her 
 wisdom, and the enjoyment of prosperity, continue to give 
 the world unquestionable proofs of her philanthropy, and 
 her regard for the liberties of all mankind." 
 
 Washington and Lafayette now returned together to Mount 
 Vernon ; and, for some time, they were fully occupied in 
 honouring with their presence, the entertainments given by 
 the citizens of Alexandria and Annapolis. The house of as- 
 sembly, of Maryland, which met in the latter city, hastened 
 to testify their high respect and gratitude toward such illus- 
 trious individuals, by an eloquent address, that flowed direct- 
 ly from the heart ; and the splendid festival which followed, 
 was rendered yet more interesting, by the presence of Henry 
 Laurens, formerly president of congress. 
 
 At Annapolis, Lafayette received the last embraces and 
 paternal benedictions of Washington : and took an affection- 
 ate farewell of the numerous friends who had assembled in 
 that city. 
 
 After passing through Baltimore and Philadelphia, he ar- 
 rived on the eighth of December at Trenton, where congress 
 was then sitting, to take leave of that body. The next day 
 he received the congratulations, and address, of the le^sla- 
 
168 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 tare of New-Jersey, who appointed a committee to welcome 
 him in the name of the state. On the ninth of December, 
 congress, desirous of manifesting, in the strongest manner, 
 their esteem and regard for their distinguished guest, 
 
 Resolved, That a committee, to consist of one member 
 from each state, be appointed to receive the marquis, and, 
 in the name of congress, to take leave of him. That they be 
 instructed to assure him, that congress continue to entertain 
 the same high sense of his abilities and zeal to promote the 
 welfare of America, both here and in Europe, which they 
 have frequently expressed and manifested on former occa- 
 sions, and which the recent marks of his attention to their 
 commercial and other interests, have perfectly confirmed. 
 That, as his uniform and unceasing attachment to this coun- 
 try has resembled that of a patriotic citizen, the United 
 States regard him with particular aifection, and will not 
 cease to feel an interest in whatever may concern his ho- 
 nour and prosperity ; and that their best and kindest wishes 
 will always attend him. 
 
 Resolved, that a letter be written to his most Christian 
 majesty, to be signed by his excellency, the president of 
 congress, expressive of the high sense which the United 
 States, in congress assembled, entertain of the zeal, talents, 
 and meritorious services, of the marquis de Lafayette, and 
 recommending him to the favour and patronage of his 
 majesty. 
 
 On the thirteenth of December, Mr. Jay, chairman of the 
 committee thus appointed to receive and take leave of the 
 marquis, reported, that on the eleventh instant, they receiv- 
 ed him in the congress chamber, and took leave of him ac- 
 cording to the instructions which they had received ; — that 
 they communicated to him the purport of the resolutions of 
 the ninth, — and that he, thereupon, made the following 
 answer : 
 
mar(iuis de lafayette. 169 
 
 Sir, 
 
 While it pleases the United States in congress, so kindly 
 to receive me, I want words to express the feelings of a heart 
 which delights in their present situation, and the bestowed 
 marks of their esteem. 
 
 Since I joined the standard of liberty, to this wished-for 
 hour of my personal congratulations, I have seen such glo- 
 rious deeds performed, and virtues displayed, by the sons of 
 America, that, in the instant of my first concern for them, I 
 had anticipated but a part of the love and regard which de- 
 vote me to this rising empire. 
 
 During our revolution, sir, I obtained an unlimited, indul- 
 gent, confidence, which I am equally happy and proud to 
 acknowledge ; it dates with the time, when, an unexperien- 
 ced youth, I could only claim my respected friends' pater- 
 nal adoption. It has been most benevolently continued 
 throughout every circumstance of the cabinet and the field ; 
 and, in personal friendships, I have often found a support 
 against public difficulties. While, on this solemn occasion, 
 I mention my obligations to congress, the states, the people 
 at large, permit me also to remember the dear military com- 
 panions, to whose services their country is so much indebted. 
 
 Having felt both for the timely aid of my country, and for 
 the part she, with a beloved king, acted in the cause of man- 
 kind, I enjoy an alliance so well ri vetted by mutual affection, 
 by interest, and even local situation. Recollection ensures 
 it. Futurity does but enlarge the prospect ; and the private 
 intercourse, will, every day, increase, which independent 
 and advantageous trade cherishes, in proportion as it is well 
 understood. 
 
 In unbounded wishes to America, sir, I am happy *<> ob- 
 serve the prevailing disposition of the people to stj^ngthen 
 the confederation, preserve public faith, regulate' trade, and, 
 in a proper guard over continental magazine and frontier 
 posts, in a general system of militia, in foreiseeing attention to 
 the navy, to ensure every kind of safety May this immense 
 22 
 
i70 HISTORY OF TH£ 
 
 temple of freedom ever stand a lesson to oppressors, an exam' 
 pie to the oppressed, and a sanctuary for the rights of man- 
 kind! and may these happy United States attain that com- 
 plete splendour and prosperity, which will illustrate the 
 blessings of their government, and for ages to come, rejoice 
 the departed souls of its founders. 
 
 However unwilling to trespass on your time, I must yet 
 present you with grateful thanks for the late favours of con- 
 gress, and never can they oblige me so much as when they 
 put it in my power, in every part of the world, to the latest 
 day of my life, to gratify the attachment which will ever 
 rank me among the most zealous and respectful servants of 
 the United States. 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 Lafayette now returned to New-York, where the frigate 
 La Nymphe was prepared for his reception, and after remain- 
 ing ten days in that city, he embarked at Whitehall, on the 
 twenty-fifth of December, 1784, accompanied on board by 
 the governor of the state, the officers of the army, the French 
 consul, and a number of the citizens, who now reiterated 
 their aflfectionate adieus. The flag of the United States 
 waved over the forts on the battery, which saluted him with 
 thirteen guns : and the frigate returned the same number, the 
 moment he stepped on board. 
 
 Such was the closing scene of a visit, as novel, as it proved 
 pregnant in instructive truths, and as honourable to the two 
 nations of France and America, as it was to the marquis de 
 Lafayette. 
 
 We have already mentioned th^t George Washington 
 Greene, the eldest son of general Greene, accompanied him 
 to Pi^nce, and pursued his education under the marquis' 
 care, unVJ the revolution broke out in that country. — La 
 fayette also "ook with him a young' Indian, named Otsiguette. 
 prince, and htlr-apparent, of the Oneidas, a nation well 
 known for their persevering attachment • to the American 
 
iMAR<iUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 171 
 
 cause. At this period, he was wholly in a rude and uncul- 
 tivated state : but, after some years instruction in France, 
 his proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the French 
 and English languages, and in other acquirements, promised 
 much usefulness to his nation. But, after his return in the 
 summer of 1788, he soon became dissipated, and more savage 
 than ever, and died in a short time. 
 
 Many of the states enacted laws to naturalize the marquis 
 de Lafayette and his male descendants. In the year 1784, 
 November session, the legislature of Maryland passed an act 
 for that purpose, breathing the warm and strong feelings of 
 those who knew him well, and speaking a language to which 
 the heart of every American responds in sincere and cheer- 
 ful accordance. — Connecticut was the second state in the 
 union, that offered, without solicitation, these noble and flat- 
 tering privileges to a foreigner. The general assembly of 
 Massachusetts also passed a special act of naturalization in 
 favour of the marquis and his family : an honour which is 
 thus acknowledged by him, in a letter to the late Samuel 
 Breck, esquire, of Boston, with whom he enjoyed reciprocal 
 and uninterrupted friendship, until the period of his decease : 
 " To be naturalized a Massachusetts-man, as well as my pos- 
 terity, will be one of the most honourable, and the most 
 pleasing circumstances of a life which is for ever devoted to 
 love and to serve your country." Virginia, and, it is believ- 
 ed, some other states, enacted similar laws, but his unlimited 
 zeal for the glory and prosperity of the United States, and 
 his ardent aflfection for the people, had long before natural- 
 ized him in the heart of every lover of liberty. — During his 
 visit, the colleges of Harvard and Princeton conferred on him 
 the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws ; and he is also a 
 member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the 
 American Philosophical Society, and other learned institu- 
 tions. 
 
 The resolution of the legislature of Virginia, placing the 
 bust of Lafayette in the capitol of that state, has already been 
 
172 UiSTORV OF TUE 
 
 mentioned. The following is an extract of a letter relatujg 
 to that bust, dated seventeenth September, 1786, from Mr. 
 Jefferson, minister plenipotentiary of the United States, to 
 the Prevot des Marchands, and municipality of Paris : "The 
 legislature of Virginia, in grateful acknowledgment of the 
 services of major-general the marquis de Lafayette, have re- 
 solved to place his bust in the capitol of that state. — Their 
 intention of erecting, in the country to which they owe his 
 birth, a monument to those virtues which he possesses, and a 
 memorial of those sentiments with which he has inspired 
 them, have encouraged them to hope that the city of Paris 
 will consent to become the depository of a second evidence 
 of their gratitude. — Charged by the legislature with the exe- 
 cution of the resolution which they have adopted, I have 
 the honour to solicit the Prevot des Marchands, and the mu- 
 nicipality of Paris, to accept the bust of that brave officer, 
 and to place it in a situation where he may ever continue to 
 call forth the homage, and attest the admiration and Jove, of 
 the allies of France." 
 
 Soon after this letter was received, the baron de Breteuil, 
 minister and secretary of state, for the department of Paris, 
 informed the Prevot des Marchands and municipality, that 
 the king, to whom the proposition had been submitted, ap- 
 proved of the erection of the bust by the city. In conse- 
 quence of this permission, the corporation met on the twen- 
 ty-eighth of September, 1786, and Mr. Short, formerly a 
 member of the council of Virginia, (Mr. Jefferson being con- 
 fined by indisposition to his house,) attended at the Hotel-de- 
 Ville, to present to them the bust of the marquis, together 
 with a letter from Mr. Jefferson, and a copy of the resolutions 
 adopted by the legislature of Virginia. M. le Pelletier de 
 Morfontaine, counsellor of state and Prevot des Marchands 
 having stated the object of the meeting, the documents rela- 
 ting to it were read by M. Veytard, the chief clerk ; after 
 which the attorney general, M. Ethit de Corny, a member of 
 the American Cincinatti, pronounced a suitable discourse, in 
 
MARdUlS PE LAFAYETTE. 17$ 
 
 which he depicted, with eloquence and animation, the vari- 
 ous services which M. de Lafayette had rendered in North 
 America, the confidence reposed in him by the army, and 
 the affection of the people toward that celebrated comman- 
 der. By virtue of his official station he gave the necessary 
 directions for the formal acceptance of the bust, which was 
 placed in one of the halls of I'Hotel-de-Ville. — This novel 
 and interesting ceremony produced the most delightful im- 
 pressions on the minds of the spectators : and a gentleman 
 present happily applied to the marquis de Lafayette, the 
 words of T a.cityis, fruitur fama* " Frangas non Jlectasf 
 would have been equally applicable.! 
 
 We have now detailed the services rendered by Lafayette 
 to the United States, the glory which he obtained, and the 
 well-merited honours that were bestowed on him by a grate- 
 ful people. And, while a sentiment of public virtue contin- 
 ues to animate the human mind, the name of LAFAYETTE 
 will be enthusiastically venerated as dear to liberty, to true 
 glory, honour, and humanity. 
 
 Europe now became the theatre on which the marquis 
 de Lafayette continued to devote his time and talents to the 
 accomplishment of those objects, which he believed condu- 
 cible to the happiness and welfare of his fellow-creatures. 
 An indefatigable activity in the cause of all that is great or 
 good, united the efforts of Lafayette to those of Malesherbes, 
 for the amelioration of the condition of the French protes- 
 tants, and he obtained a decree in their favour in the assem- 
 bly of the Notables, in 1787. At the same time he espoused 
 the interests of the Batavian patriots, and devoted his powers 
 and fortune to the gradual emancipation of the blacks. At 
 a subsequent period, fifteenth May, 1791, he demanded, and 
 obtained, a decree permitting men of colour to the rights of 
 citizens. — While the court of Versailles protected the Bar- 
 
 * Mem. Historiques, p.l 14. — 116. 
 
 f This bust was subsequently broken to pieces by the Jacobins or 
 their satellites^ but the original could never be made to bend beneath 
 oppression or tyranny. 
 
174 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 tary corsairs, he opposed the measure at home, and assisted 
 Jefferson in his league against that piratical band, so long' 
 the shame and scourge of Europe. — In this manner did La- 
 fayette unite his philanthropic feelings with those which ex- 
 isted in various and widely separated countries. It is a re- 
 markable circumstance, says Madame De Stael, that through- 
 out the world, wherever a certain depth of thought exists, 
 there is not to be found an enemy to freedom. From one 
 end of the world to the other, the friends of freedom main- 
 tain communication by knowledge, as religious men by sen- 
 timents ; or rather knowledge and sentiment unite in the 
 love of freedom, as in that of the Supreme Being. Is the 
 question, the abolition of the slave trade, or the liberty of 
 the press, or religious toleration ? — Jefferson thinks as La- 
 fayette ; Lafayette, as Wilberforce ; and even they who are 
 now no more, unite in the holy league. Is it then from the 
 calculations of interest, is it from bad motives, that men so 
 superior, in situations and countries so different, should-be 
 in such harmony in their political opinions ? Without doubt, 
 knowledge is necessary to enable us to soar above prejudi- 
 ces ; but it is in the soul also that the principles of liberty 
 arc founded ; — they make the heart palpitate like love and 
 friendship, — they come from nature, — they ennoble the cha- 
 racter. One connected series of virtues and ideas seems to 
 form that golden chain described by Homer, which, in bind- 
 ing man to Heaven, delivers him from all the fetters of ty- 
 ranny.* 
 
 We are now arrived at the commencement of a revolution, 
 which, on the one hand, was hailed as the harbinger of uni- 
 versal freedom, and called " the most stupendous fabric of 
 human wisdom and virtue that ever had been erected," and, 
 on the other, was pronounced " the most tremendous chaos 
 that ever the united wiles and strength of insanity, backed 
 by the profoundest combinations of wickedness, had made 
 
 * De Stael French Revolution, yoL iii. p. 403, 410.— Lady Morg'an's 
 France, p. 317. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 175 
 
 oniuman society ;" and, say the advocates of the last opin- 
 ion, it was the more destructive, because the men who under- 
 took it, if they had not the prudence which knowledge can 
 bestow, had all its ingenuity, and employed their vivacity in 
 more speedy demolition than ever before was imagined by 
 man. — It is not our province, at present, to examine the 
 course and conduct of the French revolution, abstracted from 
 its connexion with the' life of Lafayette. It is, however, pro- 
 per to observe, that the beginning of it bore a character en- 
 tirely distinct from that which marked its subsequent frantic 
 and sanguinary scenes. At the first period of that extraor- 
 dinary event, it was almost universally admired. When the 
 Bastile was destroyed, who did not rejoice at the approach- 
 ing emancipation of the French ? — In considering the affairs 
 of France at that period, we find that four classes of men ex- 
 isted in that country. The first grand division was into roy- 
 alists and republicans ; the royalists were subdivided into 
 those who were advocates for the ancient despotism, and 
 those who were the advocates of a limited monarchy : — the 
 republicans also were divided into those who wished for a 
 popular form of government by a representative assembly, 
 and those who, professing democratic principles, established 
 the tyranny which for a season prevailed. The latter class, 
 deriving all their ideas of government from clubs, soon sunk 
 under the furious tyranny of that authority ; and, without mi- 
 nutely tracing the progress of the revolution, it is only neces- 
 sary to remark, that from it sprung the ruffians who ruled 
 over France, and deluged that unfortunate country with 
 blood. — In which of these classes or descriptions of men, 
 are we to seek for Lafayette ? — Most undoubtedly in that 
 which favoured the estabUshment of a limited monarchy, and 
 of which he was a distinguished member. — The eminent men 
 who exerted themselves in the dawn of the revolution, acted 
 from the most pure and patriotic motives : they were alike 
 the enemies of anarchy and the friends of rational freedom. 
 If their political acts were, in some cases, erroneous, the fault 
 
176 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 was unintentional ; — if they led to fatal results, it arose not 
 from any actual criminality attached to the measures, but 
 from the use that was made of them. It may be admitted 
 that the first constitution of France was so unskilfully made, 
 that it contained principles of self-destruction, and must have 
 terminated as it did ; but then it must be observed that those 
 who formed it, did it from error of judgment ; — that, among 
 them, there were men of the best intentions ; — and that, in 
 forming it, they adopted a wise and efficient plan, although 
 their country had not the good fortune to make it effective. 
 Among the promoters of this scheme, and one of the first in 
 the consideration of the constituent assembly, was the mar- 
 quis de Lafayette. At that time, his principles and actions 
 were consonant with the general feelings of all good men 
 who heard of them : but the course which the revolution 
 took, when guided by the Jacobin party, and the enormities 
 committed under the mask of liberty, soon produced a revo* 
 lution in public sentiment. The re-action was as powerful 
 as the original excitement, and resulted, as usual, in the for- 
 mation of opinions founded in extremes. Every thing that 
 sounded like liberty was now reprobated, every thing crimi- 
 nal was attributed to it, and every actor in its support de« 
 nounced ; — while every thing done by despots was admired 
 and extolled, as if kings alone had an exclusive privilege or 
 patent, to commit crimes. — Many, influenced by the conse 
 quences of the French revolution, viewed with equal enmity 
 those men who, from the most laudable motive, joined in the 
 measures for obtaining a free constitution for France, and 
 those who rendered these measures abortive, by involving the 
 country in anarchy, and drenching it in blood. With equal 
 discernment might Hampden be confounded with Cromwell, 
 or Russell or Sydney with Titus Oates. To charge the dukes 
 of Rouchefoucault and Liancourt, Monsieurs de Lally-To- 
 lendal, Mounier, Clermont-Tonnerre, Malouet, Lafayette, 
 and many others, whose views were to reform the abuses of 
 nn arbitrary government, and establish a limited monarchy 
 
MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 177 
 
 as in any respect accessary to the bloody scenes which were 
 acted in the course of the revolution, is in the highest degree 
 absurd. If such reasoning were admitted, Luther would be 
 proved to be the author of the massacre of St. Bartholomew ; 
 because, unless he had attempted to detect the abuses of po- 
 pery, and brought about the reformation, there would have 
 been no protestants to massacre.* 
 
 But according to the view given by those who, from po- 
 licy or fear, have slandered the character of Lafayette, it 
 would appear that he was a prime instigator of, and prin* 
 cipal actor in, the worst and most atrocious enormities com- 
 mitted during the revolution. It would seem that, almost 
 exclusively to him, the French nation owed the origin of 
 sansculottes — the prostration of religion — the deification of 
 the goddess of Reason — the invention of the guillotine, or 
 " national razor" — the monstrous horrors of feux-de-file, 
 noyadts, aind fusillades ; of " patriotic curtailing," and " lan- 
 terning" — the shouts of Vive la Montague ! Vive la liberie ! 
 Vive la nation ! — A la Force ! A 1' Abbaye ! A la mort I — 
 the curse of domiciliary visits — the massacres of the Sep- 
 tembrisers — the " bonnetsrouges" of the female " furies of the 
 guillotine" — the frantic yells of the regicides, and mangling 
 butchers of madame de Lamballe, the bands of Sangui7iocrats 
 and Montagnards ; — and, in a word, all those many and va- 
 ried horrors which attended the French revolution, and 
 which seemed to be a summary of all that had ever before 
 taken place in the world. But what is the fact ? While these 
 atrocities were committed, Lafayette was immured in the 
 dungeons of a despot, for having dared to endeavour to stem 
 the torrent of Jacobinical fury, and prevent the perpetration 
 of crimes at which human nature revolts : in flying from the 
 fury of self-created tyrants, he fell into the power of legal, 
 but not more merciful, despots. We are prepared not only 
 to show that he had necessarily no agency, direct or indirect, 
 
 * Moore's View of France, vol. i. 288, 9.— Parliament. Chron. vol. 
 ix. 643, 668. — ^Quarterly Review, vol. xxviii. 273, 5. 
 23 
 
IT'S' HISTORY OP THE 
 
 in crimes committed after the insurrection of the populace 
 on the twentieth of June, 1792, but that he uniformly used 
 every exertion, and even risked his life, in the support of or- 
 der and law, previous to that period. On the nineteenth 
 of August, 1792, Lafayette was compelled to abandon an un- 
 grateful country, in order to save himself from the extermi- 
 nating fangs of the Jacobins. The insurrection of the tenth 
 of August, accompanied by a forcible entrance into the 
 Tuileries, the massacre of the king's guards, and the suspen- 
 sion of his power, although it took place previous to the ac- 
 tual retirement of Fayette from the French territory, was 
 totally unknown to, and unsuspected by him, distant as he 
 then was from the capital. The massacres of September, the 
 formal abolishment of royalty, the execution of the royal 
 family, and the long train of judicial murders and monstrous 
 barbarities, committed during the reign of terror, and the 
 complete ascendancy of the Jacobins, all took place subse- 
 quent to his emigration ; and were not less odious to him 
 than to every real friend of virtue and humanity. If we fol- 
 low him in every step he took, from the commencement of 
 the revolution down to the moment that he withdrew himself 
 from the Jacobin club, whom he detested for their popular 
 excesses, and their usurpation of power, we should find in 
 him a steady friend to peace, to order, general tranquillity, 
 and happiness ; a supporter of the existing law ; a fixed foe 
 to anarchy and confusion. We venture to challenge the 
 strictest scrutiny into his conduct during the whole of these 
 trying scenes, in which he was engaged in common with every 
 other Frenchman ; and we are confident that he would be 
 uniformly and constantly found to have been the undeviating 
 friend of the law, as established, and the promoter of the 
 peace and happiness of his countrymen.* 
 
 A variety of causes conspired to shake the foundation of a 
 throne ^jpheld by the veneration of fourteen centuries, and 
 to threateia the downfall of a prince, the successor of sixty 
 
 * Parliament Chron. vol. ix. 643, 644 
 
MARftUlS DE LAPAYETTJe. 179 
 
 eight kings. The grand primary and pre-disposing cause of 
 the revolution, originated in the disorganization of the finan- 
 ces, which excited the clamours of the people ; — the spirited 
 and eloquent protests of the parliaments, the impotent ven- 
 geance of the prince, and finally, an appeal to the states-gen- 
 eral, awakened the multitude from their lethargy, and pre- 
 pared the catastrophe that so speedily ensued Besides these 
 excitements, the liberties and prosperity of England, which 
 flourished under its free constitution, could not be contem- 
 plated without producing a powerful effect. From various 
 causes, the great body of the army, hitherto the bulwark of 
 the monarchy and the scourge of the people, participated 
 also, in some measure, in the general disaffection. The 
 French soldiery were soon taught that they had hitherto mis- 
 taken the object of their glory : they learned to distinguish 
 between the monarch and the monarchy ; they were im- 
 pressed with the great and important lesson, — that allegiance 
 and protection are reciprocal duties, and that true patriotism 
 consists in serving oui' country alone.* 
 
 " The revolution," madame de Stael remarks, " must be 
 attributed to every thing, and to nothing ; every year of the 
 century led to it by every path. ' It is not our duty to 
 tread them. — The American revolution was, without doubt, 
 accessary to that which occurred in France. It is difficult 
 to suppose that so many thousand officers and soldiers had 
 visited and fought in behalf of the rights of America, with- 
 out being imbued with something of a kindred spirit. There, 
 they beheld a new and happy nation, among whom the pride 
 of birth and the distinctions of rank, were alike unknown ; 
 there they, for the first time, saw virtue and talents and cour- 
 age, rewarded ; there they viewed, with surprise, a sovereign 
 people fighting, not for a master, but themselves, and ha- 
 ranguing, deliberating, dispensing justice, and administering 
 the laws, by representatives of their own free choice. On 
 their return, the contrast was odious and intolerable ; — they 
 
 * Wars of the French Rev. vol. i. Tntrod. sect. 5. 
 
180 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 beheld family preferred to merit, influence to justice, wealth 
 to worth ; they began to examine into a constitution in which 
 the monarch, whom they were now accustomed to consider 
 as only the first magistrate, was every thing, and the people, 
 the fountain of all power, merely cj'phers ; and they may 
 well be supposed to have wished, and even languished for a 
 change.* 
 
 In fine, the people being left entirely destitute of redress 
 or protection, the royal authority paramount and unbounded ; 
 the laws venal ; the peasantry oppressed ; agriculture in a 
 languishing state, commerce considered as degrading ; the 
 public revenues farmed out to greedy financiers ; the public 
 money consumed by a court wallowing in luxury ; and every 
 institution at variance with justice, policy, and reason ; — a 
 change became inevitable in the ordinary course of human 
 events ; and, like all sudden alterations in corrupt states, 
 was accompanied with temporary evils and crimes, that made 
 many good men look back on the ancient despotism with a 
 sigh. But, at this period, the cry of liberty resounded in 
 every direction from Paris, the city where the revolution was 
 engendered, to the Alps, the Pyrennees the plains of Flan- 
 ders, the borders of the Channel, and the shores of the Medi- 
 terranean and the Atlantic! 
 
 The heroic Lafayette could not fail to attract the atten- 
 tion of his countrymen at this important period ; — a period 
 pregnant too with men of extraordinary parts. Yet vast as 
 was the genius of many of those who stept forth to regene- 
 rate the ill-fated land, and actuated, as they were, by motives 
 and systems of the most opposite kind, they all united in 
 fixing tlie marquis in the foremost rank. Actuated exclu- 
 sively by the love of his country, his motives have, however, 
 been alike calumniated by the emigrants and the Jacobins ; 
 to whose selfishness and personality, his example and his in- 
 fluence were equally opposed : and, while the family of Louis 
 XVI. rejected his proffered assistance, in distrust of his ex- 
 
 * Wars French Rev. vol. i. Introd. xlii. 
 T Wars French Rev. vol. i. Introd. lir. 
 
MARQ,UIS DE LAFAVETTE. 181 
 
 ertions in the cause of freedom, he was already marked out 
 for destruction by the clubs, for his strenuous attachment to 
 constitutional monarchy. The spirit by which he was go- 
 verned, cannot be better displayed, than in his reply to the 
 eager enthusiasm of the mob, when, in the day of his bright- 
 est popularity, the ever-memorable fourteenth of July, he 
 exclaimed to those who pressed around him, " Aimez les 
 amis du peuple, mais reservez I'aveugle soumission pour la 
 loi, et I' enthousiasme pour la liberie." (Love the friends of 
 the people, but remember submission to the laws, and enthu- 
 siasm for liberty.) When the march of the revolution was 
 interrupted, and its objects frustrated, by the intrigues of fac- 
 tion and the fury of democracy, Lafayette opposed himself 
 steadily to the colossal and disorganizing power of the Jaco- 
 bins : •' Que le regne des clubs," he exclaimed, "aneanti par 
 vous, fasse place au regne de la loi." (May the reign of the 
 clubs, annihilated by you, give place to the reign of the law.)* 
 The minister, De Calonne, fully sensible that the finances 
 of the kingdom could never be placed on a solid basis, but 
 by the reformation of what was vicious in the constitution of 
 the state, was at the same time convinced that something 
 more was necessary to give weight to this reform, than the 
 royal authority. He perceived that the parliament was 
 neither a fit instrument for introducing a new order into 
 public affairs, nor would submit to be the passive machine 
 for sanctioning the plans of a minister, even if those plans 
 were the emanation of perfect wisdom. An assembly more 
 dignified and solemn in its character, and which should con- 
 sist, in a greater degree, of members from the different pro- 
 vinces of the kingdom, was necessary to give force and effi- 
 cacy to his proceedings. The true and legitimate assembly 
 of the nation, the states-general, had not met since the year 
 1614 ; and was, moreover, a meeting which a despotic sove- 
 reign could not but regard with apprehension. Another as- 
 sembly bad been occasionally substituted instead of the states- 
 
 * Lady Morgan's Fraace, p. 317 — Port Folio, vol. six. p. 504. 5. 
 
182 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 general ; and as it consisted of a number of persons from all 
 parts of the realm, chiefly selected from the higher orders, 
 and nominated by the king himself, it had been dignified by 
 the title of the notables. This assembly had been convened 
 by Henry IV, and again by Lewis XIII, and was now once 
 more assembled by the authority of Lewis XVI. The pro- 
 clamation for assembling the notables, who consisted of one 
 hundred and four members, was issued on the twenty-ninth 
 of December, 1786, and that body first met on the twenty- 
 second of February, 1 787, when M. de Calonne submitted his 
 long expected plan of reform. 
 
 The notables were divided into seven different bureaux, 
 or sections, over each of which a prince of the blood pre- 
 sided. Every question was to be decided by the majority of 
 the sections ; and thus the minister contrived that forty-four 
 suflTrages should constitute a majority of the whole ; which, 
 by a skilful disposal of his creatures, he reasonably expected 
 to secure. But all his precautions were in vain; it was im- 
 possible to conceal the monstrous deficit of one hundred and 
 ten millions of hvres.* 
 
 Lafayette was a member of the opposition party. The 
 law prescribed a certain age for the admission of members, 
 but he was elected and admitted, although some months 
 younger than the requisite time, the law being suspended in 
 his favour. In this assembly, he appealed against the mighty 
 mass of abuses in the criminal jurisprudence of the state ; 
 but they were not efiectually attacked until the meeting of 
 the constituent assembly. He was the first to raise his voice 
 for the suppression of state-prisons, and httres-de-cachet, 
 which were described as being the common instruments of 
 concealed views, and private revenge ; the monarchy was 
 stated to be degenerated into actual despotism, through the 
 nefarious abuse of the king's authority by ministers in the 
 application of those lettres ; and it was boldly asserted, that 
 no Frenchman had any security for his liberty, while httrcs- 
 
 * GifFord's History France, 4to, vol iii, 532. 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 183 
 
 de-cachet were permitted to have the effect of laws, and were 
 considered as necessary and essential parts of government. — 
 Lafayette also supported the cause of the protestants, par- 
 ticularly in a memorial presented to the king during the ses- 
 sion of the notables in 1787, which led, in a great measure, 
 to the edict in their favour introduced on the nineteenth of 
 November, 1787, and registered by the parliament on the 
 twenty-ninth of January, 1788. " A portion of our citizens," 
 said M. de Lafayette, " who unfortunately do not profess the 
 catholic religion, find themselves condemned to a kind of ci- 
 vil death. The bureau is too well acquainted with the heart 
 of his majesty not to be convinced that his majesty, (wishing 
 to extend the love of religion among all his subjects, of whom 
 he is the common father, and knowing that truth will support 
 itself, while error alone requires constraint,) unites the be- 
 nevolent spirit of tolerance to the other virtues which have 
 attracted the love of the nation. The bureau, therefore, 
 hastens to present to his majesty its earnest solicitations, 
 that that numerous portion of his subjects may no longer be 
 suffered to groan under a system of proscription, equally op- 
 posed to the general interests of religion, to national indus- 
 try, population, and all the principles of policy and morality." 
 As a powerful opponent of the plans of the minister, he de- 
 manded a reform in the government, and supported his opi- 
 nions by four memorials, which particularly embraced the 
 miserable state of the finances, and the absolute necessity of 
 introducing a more efficacious system of finance, and which 
 he submitted to the bureau, or section, over which M. le 
 Compte D'Artois presided. Much excitement was occasioned 
 by the demands of Lafayette relating to the public economy, 
 and the count D'Artois particularly expressed his disappro- 
 bation of the course pursued by the marquis. The king ha- 
 ving objected to the memorials which, at various stages of 
 their deliberations, had been transmitted to him by the no- 
 tables, because they wanted the signatures of the memorial- 
 ists, M. de Lafayette, whose patriotism was as active and 
 
184 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 pure as his courage and abilities had been useful to America, 
 requested permission to read another memorial signed by 
 himself, at the same time, praying M. the count D'Artois to 
 present it to his majesty, as coming from him alone. The 
 bureau unanimously agreed to hear the memorial, but before 
 it could be read, Lafayette found himself placed in a very 
 delicate situation. The count D'Artois declared that, in the 
 very first phrase, it appeared to him, to be too personal and 
 emphatic. Under these circumstances, it required more 
 than ordinary presence of mind, united with the most disin- 
 terested patriotism, not to be confused or intimidated. M. 
 de Lafayette betrayed no symptoms of fear, but frankly re- 
 plied to his royal highness, that he possessed by birth the right 
 of laying his representations at the foot of the throne. He 
 was promptly supported by M. de Castillon, who addressed 
 Lafayette nearly in the following terms : " I undertake to as- 
 sure you, in the name of the notables of this bureau, what 
 none will, I believe, disavow, that your appeal is just ; — that 
 we all consider it our dijty zealously to support it ; — and that 
 this bureau will unite with you in obtaining a redress of the 
 grievances of which you complain " Another of the mem- 
 bers highly excited by his enthusiasm, exclaimed to Lafay- 
 ette, " Your exploits in America have already exalted you 
 to the rank of heroes ; but it is especially at this time that 
 you merit that glorious title." — M. de Lafayette interrupted 
 these flattering remarks, and addressed himself to the presi- 
 dent, the count D'Artois, in energetic language, condemning 
 the monstrous system of stock-jobbing that had been so fa 
 tally practised ; proposing a close and general examination 
 into the royal receipts and expenditures ; and exhibiting the 
 disorder of the finances, and wanton waste of the public re 
 venue. " I repeat," he concluded, "with renewed confidence, 
 the remark, that the millions which are dissipated, are collect 
 ed by taxation, and that taxation can only be justified by the 
 real wants of the state ; — that the millions abandoned to pe- 
 culation or avarice, are the fruits of the labour, the tears, and 
 
MAItaUIS DE LAFAYETTE. lb)5 
 
 perhcips the blood, of the people; and that the computation 
 of unfortunate individuals, which has been made for the pur- 
 pose of realizing sums so heedlessly squandered, affords a 
 frightful subject of consideration for the justice and goodness 
 which, we feel convinced, are the natural sentiments of his 
 majesty."* 
 
 During the second session of the notables, who met on the 
 sixth of November, 1787, he proposed, and ably advocated, 
 the convocation of the states-general. " Quoi !" said the ti- 
 mid courtier, the count D'Artois, " vousfaites la motion des 
 etats-generaux ?" " Et meme mieux que cela !" (What ! — you 
 make the motion of the states-general ! — And better even 
 than that,) replied Lafayette. — At the earnest entreaty of the 
 new minister of finances, (M. Necker,) the king reluctantly 
 consented to the convocation of the states-general, whose 
 powers and popularity would overshadow his authority, and 
 whose jurisdiction would confine within narrow limits, the 
 ample prerogative he had inherited from his predecessors. 
 The meeting of that celebrated assembly was at length fixed 
 for the first of May, 1 789. The whole nation appeared to be 
 electrified by the event : popular meetings were held, and 
 addresses presented ; and the principles of liberty victo- 
 riously diffused themselves through every part of the king- 
 dom. The attention of all Europe was fixed on this great 
 meeting, and the fifth of May, 1789, on which it actually 
 occurred, after a lapse of one hundred and seventy -five years, 
 will be long memorable in the annals of France : and it was, 
 indeed, a day of festivity to the whole nation. 
 
 Lafayette was chosen deputy to the states-general, without 
 opposition, by the nobility of Auvergne, and he took his 
 seat in that body supported by public opinion. The states- 
 general were composed of three different bodies ; — the no- 
 bility, the clergy, and the tiers-etats, or commons. During 
 the contests which occurred with respect to the mode of vo- 
 
 •■'^ Port Folio, vol xix. 605. — AnaualReg. xxxi.p. 4, 6 — Mem. His- 
 toriq. p. 133 — 151- 
 
 24 
 
186 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ting by orders, or by poll, a question which soon invoiverf 
 the national representatives in faction and dispute, Lafayette 
 held himself in reserve, and, although he fully united with 
 the unanimous voice of the three orders in favour of a con- 
 stitution, liberty, the assumption of natural rights, and the 
 protection pf the public treasure, and afterwards placed him- 
 self in the first rank in constitutional enterprises, he did not 
 then speak on the occasion. 
 
 After a long contest relative to the mode of voting, and 
 after the states-general, at the termination of five weeks, 
 found themselves in the same inactive state as at first, the 
 tiers-etats, or commons, resolved to emerge from this crimi- 
 nal inactivity ; to make a last effort for a union of the orders ; 
 and, should that fail, to form themselves into an active assem- 
 bly for the despatch of business. On the thirteenth of June, 
 they accordingly proceeded to the call of the deputies, inclu- 
 ding those of the privileged classes. Not one of the nobili- 
 ty appeared, and but three of the clergy : the latter were, 
 the next day, followed by five more of their brethren. At 
 length the deputies of the people, finding themselves support- 
 ed by the public opinion, proceeded, on the seventeenth of 
 June, 1789, to the daring step of assuming to themselves the 
 legislative government; and, on that memorable day, they 
 announced themselves to the public by the since celebrated 
 denomination of the national assembly* 
 
 We must now confine ourselves to those parts of the his- 
 tory of the French revolution, in which the marquis de La- 
 fayette was a principal or conspicuous actor. 
 
 The sitting of eleventh July, 1789, drew the public atten- 
 tion still more particularly towards Lafayette, and from that 
 day, may be dated the immense power which he acquired. 
 It was. on that day, that he addressed the constituent assem- 
 bly, and proposed a declaration of rights, nearly similar to 
 that which the Americans placed at the head of their consti- 
 fution, after conquering their independence. The English, 
 
 * Hist Revol. in France, vol. i. p. o6, 7 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAtETTE. 187 
 
 likewise, after excluding the Stewarts, and calling William 
 III. to the crown, made him sign a bill of rights, on which 
 their present constitution is founded. But the American bill 
 of rights being intended for a people where there were no 
 re-existing privileges to impede the pure operation of rea- 
 son, there was a propriety in prefixing a declaration of the 
 universal principles of political liberty and equality, alto- 
 gether in conformity with the state of knowledge already 
 diffused among them. In England, the bill of rights did not 
 proceed on general ideas ; it confirmed existing laws and in- 
 stitutions. — The French declaration of rights of 1789, con- 
 tained the best part of those of England and America ; but 
 it would have, perhaps, been better to have confined it, on 
 the one hand, to what was indisputable, and, on the other, 
 to what would not have admitted of any dangerous inter- 
 pretation. There can be no doubt, says Madame De Stael, 
 that distinctions in society can have no other object than the 
 general good ; that all political power takes its rise from the 
 interest of the people ; and that men are born and remain 
 free and equal in the eye of the law ; — ^but there is ample 
 space for sophistry in so wide a field, while nothing is more 
 clear or undoubted than the application of these truths to 
 individual liberty, the establishment of juries, the freedom 
 of the press, popular elections, the division of the legislative 
 power, the sanctioning of taxes, &c. &;c.* 
 
 The three different plans of a declaration of rights, which 
 principally engaged the attention of the assembly, were sub- 
 mitted by Lafayette, Mounier, and the Abbe Sieyes. Mounier 
 was a literary man, and of great abilities, and his project was 
 preferred ; but, in fact, it was very little different from that 
 first offered by Fayette ; all the originality of it was due to 
 his first speech on that subject. In its clearness and simpli- 
 city the scheme of Lafayette greatly resembled the celebra- 
 ted American declaration. In offering it to the consideration 
 of the assembly, he made the following memorable discourse : 
 
 * Consider. French Rev. vol. i. chap, iii, p. 273, 
 
188 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 " Although my powers have taken from me the right of vo<. 
 ting among you, I ought nevertheless to offer to you my 
 opinion. The labour of making a declaration of rights has 
 been presented to you, as a primary object, — a declaration 
 which is undoubtedly indispensable. It is not founded on 
 ideas merely metaphysical, but on the very basis of society. 
 It is necessary to recognise the rights which are engraven on 
 every heart. — Yet, it appears to me, that this declaration 
 ought to be restricted to the rights of man, and of man liv- 
 ing in society. — I will have the honour of submitting to you 
 the first model of this work ; but I am far from demanding 
 its adoption : I merely request that copies of it may be cir- 
 culated among the different bureaux." He then proceeded 
 to establish two practical advantages which would result 
 from a declaration of rights. The first was to call forth the 
 sentiments which nature had stamped on the heart of every 
 man, but which receive new force when they are recognised 
 by all ; and this development, he maintained, was so much 
 the more interesting, as a nation, to love liberty, only requi- 
 red a knowledge of it ; "to be free," said he, " they have 
 only to desire it." — The second advantage anticipated, was 
 to unfold and declare those truths from which every institu- 
 tion ought to emanate, and to become, in the labours of the 
 national representatives, a faithful guide which would stead- 
 fastly direct their attention toward the true source of natu- 
 ral and social right. — He insisted that the principal merits of 
 a declaration of rights consisted in truth and precision ; that 
 it ought to declare what all the world knew, and felt ; and 
 that that opinion alone had induced him to sketch the digest 
 which he was now about to submit for their consideration, 
 in the hope that it might lead other members to produce bet- 
 ter plans, to which he would willingly give his support. — 
 M. de Lally Tolendal then rose in support of the motion, 
 and observed, " All the principles which it contains are sa- 
 cred,— its sentiments noble and sublime ; and the author of 
 it now speaks as eloquently of liberty, as he has gallantly de- 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 189 
 
 fended it." — The following project of Lafayette, was then 
 read: 
 
 " Nature has made all men free and equal : the distinctions 
 which are necessary for social order are founded alone on 
 public good. 
 
 '• Man is born with inalienable and imprescriptible rights ; 
 such as the unshackled liberty of opinion, the care of his ho- 
 nour and life, the right of property, the complete control 
 over his person, his industry, and all his faculties : the free 
 expression of his opinion in every possible manner ; the wor- 
 ship of the Almighty ; and resistance against oppression. 
 
 " The exercise of natural rights has no other limits than 
 those which are necessary to secure their enjoyments to every 
 member of society. 
 
 " No man can be submitted to laws which he has not sanc- 
 tioned, either himself, or through his representatives, and 
 which have not been properly promulgated and legally ex- 
 ecuted. 
 
 " The principle of all sovereignty rests in the people. No 
 body, nor individual, can possess any authority which does 
 not expressly emanate from the nation. 
 
 " The sole end of all government is the public good. That 
 good demands that the legislative, executive, and judicial, 
 powers, should be distinct and defined ; and that their orga- 
 nization should secure the free representation of the citizens, 
 the responsibility of their deputies, and the impartiality of 
 the judges. 
 
 " The laws ought to he clear, precise, and uniform in their 
 operation, toward every class of citizens. 
 
 " Subsidies ought to be liberally granted ; and the taxes 
 proportionally distributed. 
 
 " And, as the introduction of abuses, and the rights of suc- 
 ceeding generations, will require the revisions of all human 
 institutions, the nation ought to possess the power, in certain 
 cases, to summon an extraordinary assembly of deputies, 
 
190 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 whose sole object shall be to examine, and correct, if it he 
 necessary, the faults of the constitution,"* 
 
 Such was the foundation on which the celebrated decla- 
 ration of rights, passed in the month of August, 1789, was 
 formed. In the course of the long debate which it occasion- 
 ed, M. de Lafayette pronounced that far-famed sentence, 
 which has been so often repeated, and so variously expound- 
 ed, — " Insurrection is the most holy of duties." — It might have 
 been expected that Lafayette would be considered criminal, 
 for wishing to establish not only the freedom of his own 
 country, but universal liberty, by the enemies of all revolu- 
 tions, and by all those who love better quietum servitium 
 quam periculosam lihertatem ; — it might have been especially 
 expected, that foreign governments, which consider their sub- 
 jects as the property of their family, or of their particular or- 
 der, would have distorted the application of this maxim to 
 all cases, instead of restricting it to opposition against unjust 
 oppression ; — but that rational and sensible men should, in 
 order to render the expression reprehensible, have en- 
 deavoured to generalise it, is truly in itself a most unjust, il- 
 liberal, and oppressive act. It is a reproach which ought 
 never to have been uttered in any other place than at the 
 portals of the prison of Olmutz.t — The sentiments of Lafay- 
 ette on this subject, are, in fact, as universal as liberty ; be- 
 cause where they are not cherished, liberty cannot exist. It 
 was especially in Great Britain that this axiom was subject- 
 ed to the vilest opprobrium ; and the political writers of that 
 country continue, in the face of justice and honour, to hold 
 it up in its distorted features, as a lasting blemish upon the 
 character of Lafayette.| What opinion, then, ought such 
 men to form of their own parliamentary representatives who 
 did not pretend to oppose or deny the same axiom, still more 
 emphatically pronounced by Mr. Courtney in the house of 
 
 *Memoires Historiqnes, p. 168—173. f Toulong. Hist, de France, 
 tome i. Pieces Justicatives, page 140- \ Vide Quart. Rev. vol. xxviii- 
 p. W3, &c. 
 
MAR<IUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 191 
 
 commons 1* He justly and eloquently declared, that he con- 
 sidered democratic insurrections as useful ; that they could 
 last but a short time, and, like hurricanes and thunder-storms, 
 they cleared the stagnant atmosphere. " I would rather," 
 he exclaimed, " be tossed about in the wildest blasts and 
 tempests of democracy, than breathe for an hour the still 
 and pestilential breath of despotism." — Happily for the uni- 
 versal cause of liberty, there is now scarcely a bosom that 
 does not respond to these sentiments, from our inland oceans, 
 to the southern verge of America : — and a whole hemisphere 
 is ready to exclaim, in the words, and according to the mean- 
 ing of Lafayette, that Insurrection is the most holy of duties. 
 At this period, the court was making mihtary preparations 
 which seemed to announce the intention of dissolving the 
 assembly by force. Orders had been, for some time, issued 
 to collect a large body of troops ; and as the French soldiery 
 could not now be depended on, foreigners were preferred to 
 the national regiments. Thirty-five thousand men were al- 
 ready cantoned in the neighbourhood of the capital, and 
 twenty-thousand more were expected. These, connected 
 with other formidable preparations, produced a general agi- 
 tation among the citizens of Paris, and excited them to com- 
 mit many outrages. Lafayette now zealously supported the 
 motion of Mirabeau for the removal of the troops, and, on the 
 tenth of July, an address to that effect was presented to the 
 king. On the fifteenth, the sovereign appeared in the assem- 
 bly, and announced that the troops were ordered back : this 
 was the beginning of the emigration. In the course of these 
 proceedings, Lafayette demanded an immediate declaration 
 o( the responsibility of ministers, and the recall of M. 
 Necker ; and the assembly accordingly resolved unanimous- 
 ly ; "That M. Necker, and the rest of the late ministry, car- 
 ried with them the confidence and the regret of the assem- 
 bly ; that they would not cease to insist on the removal of 
 the troops ; that no intermediate power can exist between 
 
 * Parliamentary Chronicle, vol. ix. p. 668. March 17, 1794. 
 
i92 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the king and the representatives of the nation ; that the mi- 
 nisters and agents of authority, civil and military, are respon- 
 sible to the people for their conduct ; that the present mi- 
 nisters and counsellors of his majesty were personally re- 
 sponsible for the impending calamities, and all those which 
 might be the consequences of their advice ; that the assem- 
 bly having placed the public debts under the safeguard of 
 the honour and loyalty of the French nation, no power has 
 a right even to pronounce the word bankruptcy ; that they 
 persisted in all their former decrees ; and that these minuter 
 should be presented to the king, and the late ministry, ant 
 committed to the press. 
 
 From the twelfth to the fifteenth of July, Paris had been 
 the unhappy scene of commotion, of terror, and of bloodshed. 
 The revolution which occurred at this time, was professedly 
 occasioned by the dismissal of M. Necker. The fourteenth 
 of July, although marked by assassinations on the part of the 
 populace, was yet a day of grandeur : the movement was 
 national ; no faction, either foreign or domestic, would have 
 been able to excite such enthusiasm. All France participa- 
 ted in the feelings which, on that day, caused the destruction 
 of the bastile ; and the emotion of a whole people is always 
 connected with true and natural feeling. The most honour- 
 able names, Lafayette, Bailly, Lally, were elevated by pub- 
 lic opinion ; — the silence of a country, governed by a court, 
 was exchanged for the sound of the spontaneous acclamations 
 of all the citizens. The minds of the people were exalted ; 
 but, as yet, there was nothing but purity in their souls ; and 
 the conquerors had not yet had time to contract those haughty 
 passions from which the strongest party in France is scarce- 
 ly ever able to preserve itself* 
 
 The enthusiasm and the fury of the people were so great, 
 that the bastile, the citadel of Paris, with its seemingly im- 
 passable ditches, and its inaccessible towers and ramparts, 
 covered with a powerful artillery, was in a short time car- 
 
 * De Stael, French Revolution, vol. i. p. 239. 
 
MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 193 
 
 ried by storm. Thus fell, in less than four hours, a castle, 
 which had menaced France for nearly as many ages ; and 
 which an army, commanded by the great Conde, had former- 
 ly besieged, in vain, during three-and-twenty days. — The de- 
 molition of this famous fortress was the epocha from which 
 the partisans of French liberty dated their regeneration. — 
 Lafayette largely contributed to the fall of that celebrated 
 engine of tyrannical power. During the laborious sessions 
 of the national assembly which succeeded the disgrace of 
 M. Necker, it was thought that the age and infirmities of the 
 president, the venerable archbishop of Vienne, would scarce- 
 ly allow him to exercise so difficult an office without the as- 
 sistance of a younger person ; and the marquis de Lafayette 
 was, therefore, unanimously nominated vice-president. In 
 this capacity he presided over the sittings of the assembly 
 on the nights of the thirteenth and fourteenth of July. — All 
 lovers of rational freedom, of all nations, rejoiced in the de- 
 struction of the bastile, if they condemned the atrocities 
 which, in a moment of frenzy, were committed by the popu- 
 lace, and which Lafayette did all he could to prevent. The 
 key of the building was afterwards sent by him, as a present, 
 and a pledge of his unshaken principles, to general Washing- 
 ton ; and it is now preserved, in a glass case, in the hall of 
 Mount Vernon. In testimony of his services on the occasion, 
 the contractor who had undertaken to tear down the bastile, 
 presented to him the first stone that was removed ; and not 
 long after, while Lafayette was conducting general Paoli over 
 its ruins, he received from the same hands, the last stone of 
 its dungeons.* 
 
 The appearance of the monarch in the assembly, on the 
 fifteenth of July, his affectionate and concihatory address, 
 his grief at the disturbances which had occurred in the ca- 
 pital, his disavowal of any meditated attack on the persons ol 
 the deputies, and his orders for the immediate removal of the 
 
 ■^ Mem. Hist p. 263— De Stael, French Rev. i. p. 236- Port Folio, 
 vol. xix. p. 505 — Hist French Rev. i. p- 74. 
 25 
 
194 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 troops from the vicinity of the metropoHs, produced the hap- 
 piest results. An expressive silence first pervaded the assem- 
 bly, which was soon succeeded by a burst of applause and 
 acclamation. These feelings became general throughout 
 Versailles, and the people flocked around the palace with 
 shouts of loyalty and exclamations of joy. The assembly 
 immediately appointed a deputation to convey the happy in- 
 telligence which they had received to the metropolis. An 
 interesting spectacle now presented itself to the citizens of 
 Paris. The deputation, consisting of eighty-four of the most 
 distinguished members of the assembly, with Lafayette at 
 their head, approached with the evidences of the sovereign's 
 love toward the people, accompanied by an immense crowd, 
 who covered the road from Versailles to the capital, and 
 loaded them with blessings, and the most unequivocal proofs 
 of affection. On their arrival at the Hotel-de-Ville, the 
 marquis de Lafayette, and other principal members, address- 
 ed the people. From this place they adjourned to the 
 church of Notre Dame, where Te Deum was sung in cele- 
 bration of the happy return of peace* accompanied with li- 
 berty. In the evening the deputies returned to Versailles. 
 
 A further distinction now awaited the disciple of Wash- 
 ington ; and his services to the state, his disinterested patriot- 
 ism, and his abilities, pointed him out to the citizens as the 
 only man fit to be entrusted with the important commission 
 of general, and commander-in-chief, of the national guard. 
 The establishment of a garde nationale was a very great bene- 
 fit derived from the constituent assembly ; because no lib- 
 erty can exist in that country where arms are borne only by 
 soldiers, and not by citizens. The selection of a proper 
 commander was at that time of the greatest importance : a 
 vast army of citizen soldiers gave to Lafayette their united 
 and unsolicited suffrages ; and he was, on the sixteenth of 
 July, elevated to a rank, worthy, as M. Rabaut remarks, of 
 the friend of Washington, and which finally placed him at 
 
 * Hist. French Rev. i. 85. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 195 
 
 the head of a greater bodj of troops than had ever been 
 commanded by one man since the days of Xerxes. To gov- 
 ern the enthusiasm that animated this newly emancipated 
 people, required a temperate conduct ; a middle line of be- 
 haviour, partaking neither of extreme indulgence nor ex- 
 treme severity. Lafayette's disposition and experience both 
 concurred to make him, under these circumstances, at once 
 a popular and efficient leader with the soldiery ; for, when- 
 ever he had to do with them alone, he could execute the laws 
 and prevent excesses : but he was unable at times, to restrain 
 the populace, whose barbarity occasioned disgust and horror. 
 He possessed, at the same time, the entire confidence of the 
 Parisian guard, and the pubhc esteem, which his high quali- 
 ties demanded. The faculty of animating the courage, or 
 rather the hearts, of his soldiers, was natural to him. His 
 simple, popular, and attractive manners, joined with his 
 youthful and animated exterior, to please the multitude. — 
 Better calculated to rule over the tumults of factions, than 
 govern in the cabinet, he possessed all that was necessary 
 for commencing and guiding a revolution ; — the brilliant 
 qualities of military activity, and undaunted courage in pub- 
 lic commotions. — In the important operation of organising 
 the national guard, the plan adopted by him was simple and 
 excellent. He apportioned the city of Paris into six dis- 
 tricts, and a commandant was created for each. The dis- 
 tricts elected their military officers, and the right of electing 
 a commander-in-chief was vested in the districts at large. 
 
 On the seventeenth of July, the king, with a degree of 
 courage and patriotism which does honour to his character, 
 and in spite of the consternation of those who were appre- 
 hensive for his safety, and of others who were apprehensive 
 of their own, resolved to visit Paris, in order, by his presence, 
 to calm the disquietudes of the people. The militia of Ver- 
 sailles composed his only guard until the procession arrived 
 at the Seve, where they were reUeved by the national guard 
 of Paris, with Lafayette at their head. On their arrival at 
 
196 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the Hotel-de-Ville, the king solemnly confirmed the clccliuii 
 of the marquis de Lafayette to the command of the guards. 
 He received, from the hands of the mayor, the national or 
 tri-coloured cockade, which had been instituted by Fayette ; 
 and when he showed himself to the people, decorated with 
 this badge of patriotism, their joy could no longer be restrain- 
 ed : — the shouts of Vive le roi ! which had before been scarce- 
 ly heard among the cries of Vive la nation ! filled the whole 
 atmosphere, and resounded from one extremity of the city ta 
 the other.* 
 
 The royal visit to Paris was the signal for the dispersion 
 of the ministry. But of all who were connected with the 
 court, none was more odious than M. Foulon, who had long 
 been hated by the people, for his unfeeling tyranny, and his 
 insatiable avarice. By rapacity and extortions, he had risen 
 from a very low situation in life, to the acquisition of im- 
 mense riches ; and he had boasted " that if ever it should be 
 his good fortune to be minister, he would make the people 
 live upon hay." He attempted to escape, but was pursued 
 and detected by his own vassals, and on the twenty-second 
 of July brought back to Paris, with a bundle of hay at his 
 back, in allusion to the language which he had employed in 
 expressing his contempt for the people. Judges were ap- 
 pointed to try this miserable victim, but the impatience of 
 the multitude could ill brook the forms of justice ; he was 
 forced from the guards ; the cord of a lantern supplied the 
 instrument of execution ; his body was dragged through the 
 kennels ; and his head, with the mouth full of hay, was car- 
 ried through the streets, to the eternal disgrace of the capi- 
 tal. — M. Berthier, who had married the daughter of M. Fou- 
 lon, was implicated in the fate of his father-in-law. Unhap- 
 pily for him, he arrived in Paris the very evening on which 
 the mob had imbrued their hands in the blood of his relation ; 
 his death was, therefore, inevitable. The head of the unfor- 
 tunate Foulon was thrust into his carriage, and he was com* 
 
 * Hist. French Rev. i. 87, 88. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 197 
 
 pelled to salute it. He was at length dragged to the fatal 
 lamp-iron, where a cord was already prepared for him ; but 
 despair inspired him with courage, and snatching a bayonet 
 out of the hands of one of his guards, he attempted to de- 
 fend himself, if not from death, at least from ignominy, — and 
 fell, pierced with innumerable wounds. His head was alsa 
 cut off, and carried about with that of M. Foulon. 
 
 The murder of these two magistrates has formed the basis 
 of an accusation against Lafayette as ungenerous, as it is false 
 and unjust. He is said not only to have connived at, but 
 participated in, the atrocities committed on that occasion ; 
 not only to have purposely sent the unfortunate victims to 
 prison under a feeble escort, and given orders to that guard 
 " to do no violence to the people," but to have been actually 
 one of the most sanguinary personal actors in their death and 
 mutilation. " Such," says Playfair, " was the commence- 
 ment of the reign of liberty and justice ; such was the begin- 
 ning of the administration of M. Bailly as mayor, and M. de 
 Lafayette as commander ; with such a people, such a mayor, 
 and such a commander, it was not to be wondered if the hu- 
 man character grew worse, and if peaceable men began to 
 wish to be out of the kingdom."* If Lafayette, observes the 
 same writer, sanctified insurrection, the people did it every 
 justice in the execution. — " Never, never," said Mr. Wind- 
 ham, in the house of commons, " shall be forgotten his gross 
 and criminal conduct in July, 1789. What figure did he 
 make at the head of the national guards, when he allowed 
 Berthier to be torn in pieces by the mob, after he had thrown 
 himself under his protection ? It might be said that he acted 
 under the influence of terror : — but why did he yield to such 
 a feeling ? He could not have had a more glorious death than 
 if he had fallen on that day." — On the seventeenth of March, 
 1794, when general Fitzpatrick submitted to the house of 
 commons, a motion in favour of Lafayette, then a prisoner 
 in the dungeons of Olmutz, Mr. Burke remarked that " the 
 
 * Hist. Jacob, vol. i. 176. 
 
198 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 present was the most extraordinary application lie had ever 
 heard of: it was made for the author of so many horrors, 
 which seemed to be a summary of all that had ever before 
 taken place in the world ! — Altera editio multo brevior et 
 emendatior. And of ail these horrors," he continued, " there 
 was no circumstance of barbarity, (except the murder of 
 the king and queen,) more atrocious than the massacre of 
 Foulon." This member had even the effrontery to repeat 
 the mad expressions of the Abbe Foulon, a son of the mur- 
 dered magistrate, — " I'll be revenged of Lafayette ; it was 
 he that had my father murdered ; it was he who tore out and 
 devoured his heart !" — " I would not," concluded the consist- 
 ent statesman, " debauch my humanity in supporting an ap- 
 plication like the present, for such a horrid ruffian." — Other 
 members supported the groundless assertions of their leaders. 
 One of them, (Mr. Jenkinson,) affirmed that he was in Paris 
 at the time, when it was generally acknowledged that he 
 could, if he pleased, have prevented many of the circumstan- 
 ces so much reprobated ; but he was unfortunately followed 
 by Mr. Stanley, who observed, that he also was in Paris at 
 the time, and must, in justice to the unfortunate Lafayette, 
 declare, that he not only did everything in his power to pre- 
 vent the circumstances that had happened, but risked also 
 his own personal safety.* 
 
 Now, it is abundantly testified, that Lafayette endeavour- 
 ed, in vain, to rescue the unfortunate Foulon and Berthier 
 from the murderous grasp of the populace. But his autho- 
 rity, his entreaties, and his tears, were disregarded ; and the 
 laws of the new government, as yet too feeble to restrain 
 these atrocities, were unhappily often violated in his pre- 
 sence, by the licentious inhabitants of the suburbs. In the 
 case of Berthier, it was in vain that M. Bailly, the mayor, 
 opposed his utmost eloquence to the fury of the multitude ; 
 in vain the commander-in-chief, Lafayette, prostrated him- 
 self on his knees to entreat that the popular cause should no 
 * Parliamentary Chronicle, is. 663, 667 : xvi. 406- 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 193 
 
 no more be defiled with blood. " Numerous as the escort" 
 of the unfortunate man was, they were soon dispersed, and 
 he was put to death.* A monster of inhumanity, a dragoon, 
 plunged his hand into his reeking entrails, tore out his heart, 
 fixed it on the point of his cutlass, and carried it about as a 
 trophy. His comrades were so disgusted with his barbarity, 
 that they determined to fight him successively, till by his 
 death they had removed the dishonour which it fixed upon 
 their corps: he fought, and was killed the same evening. — 
 This, doubtless, was the ground-work of the fable, taken by 
 Mr. Burke from the lips of a mad Abbe. 
 
 It was no crime in M. de Lafayette to be unable to re- 
 strain the fury of a Parisian mob ; it was a violent tumult 
 which no exertion could avert. Although his authority some- 
 times proved inadequate, he let no opportunity pass without 
 exerting himself in favour of good order and submission to 
 the law, even at the hazard of his own existence. But it is 
 necessary, in vindicating the character of Lafayette, to afford 
 a true statement of Foulon's case, which the records of the 
 national assembly enable us to do. — When M. Foulon was 
 brought before the assembly, he was accompanied by the 
 mob, who were clamorous for revenge. Several of the mem- 
 bers offered, in vain, to deliver themselves up as hostages, 
 and be personally responsible, for M. Foulon ; and when all 
 means of restraining the impatience and fury of the mul- 
 titude had failed, loud shouts and acclamations announced 
 the arrival of M. de Lafayette. On his entrance, he placed 
 himself by the side of the president, and the late tumult was 
 succeeded by the most profound silence. He immediately 
 addressed the multitude, and it would be difficult to describe 
 the power of his discourse, mingled as it was, with consum- 
 mate skill, and the most simple and energetic traits of elo- 
 quence. " I am known to you all," said he ; " you have ap- 
 pointed me your commander ; a station which while it con- 
 fers honour, imposes upon me the duty of speaking to you 
 
 «Hi9t French Rev. 2 vols, io one. Philadelphia, 1794, vol. i. p- 90. 
 
200 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 with that Uberty and candour which form the basis of my 
 character. You wish, without a trial, to put to death the 
 man who is before you : such an act of injustice would 
 dishonour you ; — it would disgrace me — and, were I weak 
 enough to permit it, it would blast all the efforts which 
 I have made in favour of liberty. — I will not permit it. 
 But I am far from pretending to save him, if he be guil- 
 ty : I only desire that the orders of the assembly should be 
 carried into execution, and that this man be conducted to 
 prison, to be judged by a legal tribunal. I wish the law to 
 be respected ; — law, without which there can be no liberty; 
 law, withoutwhose aid I would never have contributed to the 
 revolution of the new world, and without which I will not 
 contribute to the revolution which is preparing here. What 
 I advance in favour of the forms of law, ought not to be in- 
 terpreted in favour of M. Foulon. I am free from suspicion 
 as it regards him ; and perhaps the manner in which, on se- 
 veral occasions, I have expressed myself with relation to his 
 conduct would alone deprive me of the right of judging. But 
 the greater the presumption of his guilt is, the more impor- 
 tant is it that the usual formalities should be observed in his 
 case : so as to render his punishment more striking, and, by 
 legal examinations, to discover his accomplices. I, there- 
 fore, command that he be conducted to the prison of 
 L'Abbaye St. Germain." 
 
 M. de Lafayette took this popular ground, in urging the 
 detention of the criminal, as the only probable means of 
 rescuing him from the power of the mob. His discourse 
 made a great and favourable impression on those who were 
 within the hearing of his voice ; and they assented, by their 
 tokens of applause, to his being conducted to prison. But 
 this sentiment did not extend to those whose furious cries 
 for vengeance sounded from the extremity of the halL The 
 unhappy Foulon, whether in testimony of his innocence, or 
 by a mechanical movement, clapped his hands in token of 
 approbation, at the proposal of imprisonment, A general 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 201 
 
 exclamation was immediately raised, — " They are conniving 
 at his guilt ; they wish to save him " — The victim attempted 
 to speak, but the following words only could be distinguish- 
 ed ; — " Respectable assembly ! Just and generous people ! — 
 I am in the midst of my fellow citizens — I fear nothing." — 
 These words produced an effect entirely ditTerent from what 
 might have been expected. The frenzy of the people re- 
 doubled its fury : an individual cried out, " Why should you 
 judge a man who has been condemned for thirty years ?" — 
 Three different times did Lafayette harangue the people, 
 and each time his discourse produced a favourable effect. 
 It is impossible now to know what the result would have 
 been, when shouts more terrible than had yet been heard, 
 arose from the square of the Hotel-de-Ville. At the same 
 moment, a number of voices from the extremity of the hall, 
 exclaimed, that the populace from the Palais-Royal, and the 
 faubourg St. Antoine, had arrived to carry off the prisoner. 
 The most horrible cries now resounded through the passages 
 of the Hotel-de-Ville : a fresh mob pressed against that which 
 already filled the hall ; the whole mass moved together, and 
 rushed impetuously toward the chair in which Foulon was 
 seated, without regarding the intercessions of Lafayette, who 
 continued, in a loud voice, to order him to be conducted to 
 prison. — But the miserable man was already in the hands of 
 the populace, who conducted him uninjured from the hall : 
 a few minutes after, it was announced that the mob had hung 
 him to a lamp-iron in front of the Hotel-de-Ville.* 
 
 Is it just to charge Lafayette with this atrocious act, com- 
 mitted by an infuriated mob, in the very presence of the 
 whole national assembly ? — Certainly not ; — and history owea 
 to him this justice, that after the fourteenth of July, when 
 the bastile was destroyed, these two murders were the only 
 ones, during his command, in which public rage could not 
 be suppressed. Many others were personally prevented by 
 
 * Mem. Historiq. p. 184— 9.— Proces- verbal des Seances et Delibera- 
 tions de r Assemb. Nat. &c. 
 26 
 
202 HISTORY Of THE 
 
 him, and in this benevolent object he frequently exposed him- 
 self to great danger ; for the people could not perceive why 
 that which was committed on the fourteenth should not al- 
 ways be permitted ; and they considered all those as enemies 
 who opposed their will. But Lafayette was too brave, too 
 humane, too noble, to think of danger in the performance 6f 
 his duty. For example, an instance of his generous intrepi- 
 dity occurred on the nineteenth of May, 1 790. On that day 
 an unfortunate nian was charged with stealing a sack of oats. 
 Some soldiers of the national guard took him immediately 
 under their protection, and were conveying him as a pris- 
 oner to the Chatelet ; but the populace, wishing to inflict 
 summary justice, tore him from the soldiers, and were in the 
 act of beating him to death with their clubs, when the mar- 
 quis de Lafayette happened to pass by the horrible scene. 
 He plunged instantly into the thickest of the mob, and in de- 
 spite of their outcries and menaces, seized the person who 
 had begun the tumult, and conducted him with his own hands 
 to the Chatelet. He next delivered the unfortunate man 
 from the mob ; and, exhorting them to disperse, and conduct 
 themselves like orderly citizens, had the happiness to see the 
 tumult entirely suppressed, and the people return to their 
 houses, full of the praises of the man who had so intrepidly 
 rescued them from their own frenzy, and prevented their 
 contaminating themselves with human blood.* 
 
 In times of peace, we ought to estimate public men ac- 
 cording to the good which they do ; but in revolutionary 
 storms, we ought also to consider the evil which they pre- 
 vent : and certainly, at that period, Lafayette prevented a 
 great part, we may almost say all, of the evil that was not 
 committed. Moreover, the massacres of Foulon and Ber- 
 thier occurred but a few days after his appointment to the 
 head of the guards, and before he had, or could have, intro- 
 duced a proper system of discipline. — His indignation and 
 i^orrow were extreme, at the commission of acts which sul- 
 
 "^ Hist. French Rev. vol. i. p- 137.— Mem- Hist, p- v65, Pref. p. xiv. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 203 
 
 lied the first moments of his command. Filled with horror 
 and disgust, and exasperated by this contempt of all autho- 
 rity, he determined at once to resign his office of commander- 
 in-chief; and this determination he immediately conveyed, 
 in the following letter, to M. Bailly, mayor of the city of 
 Paris : 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Summoned by the confidence of its citizens to the military 
 command of the capital, I have uniformly declared, that in 
 the actual state of affairs, it was necessary, to be useful, that 
 confidence should be full and universal. I have steadily de- 
 clared to the people, that, although devoted to their interest 
 to my last breath, yet I was incapable of purchasing their fa- 
 vour by unjustly yielding to their wishes. You are aware, 
 sir, that one of the individuals who perished yesterday was 
 placed under a guard, and that the other was under the 
 escort of our troops, both being sentenced by the civil power 
 to undergo a regular trial. Such were the proper means to 
 satisfy justice, to discover their accomplices, and to fulfil the 
 solemn engagements of every citizen toward the national 
 assembly and the king. 
 
 The people would not hearken to my advice ; and the 
 moment when the confidence which they promised, and re- 
 posed in me, is lost, it becomes my duty, as I have before 
 stated, to abandon a post in which I can be no longer useful. 
 I am, with respect, &:c. &;c. 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 On the receipt of this intelligence, universal consternation 
 reigned in the assembly. The members rose en masse, and 
 with M. Moreau de Saint-Mery at their head, proceeded in a 
 body to M. de Lafayette. With a disorder which their 
 highly excited feelings produced and justified, they surround- 
 ed him on all sides, exclaiming with one voice, that the safety 
 of the city depended on his preserving the command. — 
 Lafayette replied, that the public good itself appeared to 
 
204 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 demand his retirement ; that the bloody and unlawful acts 
 of the preceding day, and his total incompetency to prevent 
 them, had too plainly convinced him that he was not the ob- 
 ject of universal confidence ; that he did not possess that 
 authority which could alone prevent or depress such tumults, 
 and which confidence alone could give ; that the flattering 
 and afifecting conduct of the electors was well calculated to 
 shake his resolution ; and that he would attend at the assem- 
 blv, to concert upon the measures best adapted to the exist- 
 ing state of affairs, and to the promotion of the public good. — 
 He at length yielded to the solicitations of his fellow-citizens, 
 and resumed the command, hoping that he might be the 
 means, (as he assuredly was,) of preventing still more dread- 
 ful disorders.* Indeed, it was not long before this hope was 
 realized. On the fifth of August, M. de La Salle, acting un- 
 der the orders of Lafayette, was sought for, and threatened 
 with instant death, by a mob of forty thousand ruffians, from 
 whom he had the good fortune to escape. They were await- 
 ing his return from the country at the Hotel-de-Ville, and a 
 miscreant had mounted the lamp-post with a new rope in his 
 hand, where he remained, while a crew of banditti broke 
 into the Hotel-de-Ville, and ascended even into the clock, in 
 quest of the marquis de Salle. The coolness and serenity 
 of the marquis de Lafayette appeared to increase with the 
 tumult and danger. In the mean time, he gave secret or- 
 ders, and arranged every thing for the public safety, by the 
 agency of a faithful officer. At length, when he was satisfied 
 that every thing was right, he suddenly arose, and addressing 
 himself to the committee who had sat with him the whole 
 evening, he observed, " You are fatigued, gentlemen, and I 
 also am fatigued : — let us retire ; — the Greve is completely 
 free, and I give you my word that Paris was never in a more 
 perfect state of tranquillity." — On looking from the windows, 
 nothing was to be seen of the mob who had so lately filled 
 
 * Mem. Hist, p- 194—7 — Hist. French Revolution, p. 92— Annual 
 Register, vol xxxi. p- 255.— Not. Biog. p. 8. 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 205 
 
 the square ; it was entirely occupied by soldiers of the na- 
 tional guard, drawn up in most excellent order, who had 
 been gradually introduced by the marquis, and by this means, 
 without tumult or trouble, expelled their opponents.* 
 
 On the eighth of September, 1789, Lafayette proposed to 
 the meeting of the commune of Paris, to send a deputation 
 to the national assembly, then sitting at Versailles, to de- 
 mand an immediate reform of the criminal jurisprudence, as 
 far, at least, as respected its most prominent abuses ; to re- 
 quire that the accused should have the assistance of coun- 
 sel ; that the proceedings of the examination should be pub- 
 lic ; that the witnesses should be publicly confronted with 
 the accused ; and that the documents employed against him 
 should be freely communicated.^ — Even this step, although 
 urged by all the influence of Lafayette, was not taken with- 
 out considerable hesitation, so little was public opinion form- 
 ed, at that time, on this important point. It was, however, 
 with these advantages that the baron de Bezensal and M. de 
 Favras met their trial ; and already were the benefits of the 
 change duly appreciated. The fact that, amid all the tu- 
 mults and jealousies of a revolution, the only person put to 
 death for political offences from this period to the tenth of 
 August, 1792, that is to say, before the proscription of the 
 author of the fact, will stand as an imperishable monument 
 to the memory of Lafayette. — At that time the use of torture 
 still subsisted : the king had indeed abolished only the rack 
 before trial; but punishments, such as straining on the wheel, 
 and torments similar to those which, during three days, were 
 inflicted on Damiens, were, in certain cases, still admitted. 
 Urged by the influence of Lafayette and his party, the con- 
 stituent assembly abolished even the name of these judicial 
 barbarities. M. de Lafayette, from the time that he was 
 placed at the head of the armed force of Paris, declared to 
 the magistrates of that city, that he could not take upon him^ 
 self to arrest any one, unless the accused were to be provi- 
 * History of the French Revolution, i. p. 116. 
 
206 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ded with counsel, a copy of the charge, the power of confront- 
 ing witnesses, and pubUcity given to the whole procedure. 
 And it was in consequence of this demand, equally liberal 
 and rare on the part of a military man, that the magistrates 
 asked and obtained from the assembly, that those precious 
 securities should be in force, till the establishment of juries 
 should prevent all anxiety about the equity of decisions.* 
 
 The fifth and sixth of October, 1789, were two of the 
 most memorable days of the revolution, when the populace 
 marching from Paris to Versailles, compelled the king and 
 royal family to remove to the capital. Nor is the epocha 
 less important in the life of Lafayette, because, if the accu- 
 sations which have been heaped upon him relative to his 
 conduct during that insurrection, were not susceptible of en- 
 tire refutation, he would indeed appear on the page of his- 
 tory, as the " horrid ruffian" which Mr. Burke pretended to 
 consider him. — An unfounded report that the king was about 
 to remove to Metz; — his refusal fully to sanction the proceed- 
 ings of tlie assembly which had overturned the feudal system ; 
 an ill advised entertainment given in the castle of Versailles, 
 denounced by Petion under the name of a plot : — and par- 
 ticularly, and more immediately the scarcity of bread in the 
 metropolis ; — were the principal causes which produced the 
 sanguinary and disgraceful scenes of the fifth and sixth of 
 October. The commotion began among the women, and the 
 progress of discontent was rapid and frightful. Hundreds of 
 the most licentious and daring of the rabble, chiefly women, 
 collected from the markets and public halls, armed with 
 staves, pikes, and every weapon that their blind fury could 
 supply, poured from their dark and secret lurking places. 
 They surrounded the Hotel-de Ville with fearful cries, forc- 
 ed open the doors, and possessed themselves of the arms 
 Their numbers were soon swelled to several thousands, by 
 successive and motley groups of both sexes, furnished with 
 
 » Lady Morgan's France, Appendix, i. p. xiii- — De Stael's Consid. 
 Tol. i. ch. iv. p. 275, R. 
 
MARCIUIS D£ LAFAYETTE. 207 
 
 fusils and pistols, swords and poniards, lances and hatchets, 
 and dragging two pieces of cannon. At length they took the 
 road to Versailles, compelling all whom they met to enlist 
 under their banners. Terror and dismay preceded their van ; 
 and the frantic crowd, intbxicated with rage and liquor, pre- 
 cipitated themselves on Versailles. Presenting themselves 
 with loud cries and imprecations at the doors of the assembly, 
 they were permitted to enter, and the benches were instantly 
 occupied by a crowd of women, covered with dust and sweat, 
 deaf to reason, inflamed with liquor, and insatiate of blood. 
 With menacing gestures, and tumultuous cries, they demand- 
 ed bread for themselves, and for Paris ; and the assembly, dis- 
 mayed by the imperious voice of the insurgents, sought only 
 to avert destruction by the most degrading compliances. — A 
 deputation, consisting of the president, fifteen deputies, and 
 twelve women of the dregs of Paris, entered into the royal 
 presence, and described the distress of the capital. The 
 monarch answered in the language of sensibility, and with 
 every assurance of prompt and effectual succour. The re- 
 port of the female deputies was far from satisfying their im- 
 patient companions, and the ferocious multitude directed 
 their disorderly steps toward the castle, where the garde-du- 
 corps, from the defection of the militia of Versailles and the 
 regiment of Flanders, beheld themselves alone, and without 
 resource, exposed to the headlong torrent. The hostile fury 
 of the mob soon burst upon them, and many of them were 
 severely wounded — About ten o'clock at night, Lafayette 
 arrived, at the head of the national guards of Paris, amount- 
 ing to eighteen thousand men. He first presented himself to 
 the national assembly, and assured the president both of his 
 own pacific intentions, and of those of his followers. He 
 then passed to the royal presence, where he repeated the 
 same assurances, and after making the necessary arrange- 
 ments, he again returned to the castle, and communicated to 
 the king the welcome tidings of public tranquillity. It was 
 now about two o'clock in the morning, and his majesty, op- 
 
208 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 press€d by fatigue, prepared to retire to rest. The marqui*^ 
 impressed by the deceitful quiet that prevailed, then hastened 
 to the national assembly, and assuring them of his reliance 
 on the fidelity of his army, he retired for the purpose of pro- 
 curing the repose so much needed after the exertions which 
 he had made. — But sleep seemed to have recruited the 
 strength without allaying the rage of the insurgents. About 
 six o'clock in the morning, the frantic crowd rushed, with 
 discordant cries, and sanguinary menaces, on the hotel of the 
 gardes-du-corps. The doors were forced ; fifteen of the 
 guards were made prisoners by the multitude ; and the rest 
 fled to the palace, eagerly pursued by their blood-thirsty ene- 
 mies. The courts of the royal residence were filled with the 
 banditti, and two of the body guards were murdered near the 
 iron-railing : a third was slaughtered on the marble stair-case; 
 and the resistance made by the household troops being over- 
 come, the insurgents rushed forward to the apartments of 
 the queen, who escaped almost naked through a private 
 passage. On the first intelligence of these events, Lafayette 
 hastened to the scene with the rapidity of lightning ; the 
 militia of Paris rallied at the well known voice of their 
 commander ; they flew to his support ; and their united 
 efforts wrested from the populace several of the gardes- 
 du-corps, whose fate had been deferred to render it mote 
 lingering and cruel. He also introduced into the castle a 
 considerable body of the national troops, and by his well- 
 timed and noble exertions, preserved the lives of the royal 
 family, and restored peace to the palace. By his advice, 
 the king consented to the demand of the multitude for his 
 removal to Paris, and appeared with the queen, in an open 
 balcony, to signify his acquiescence. On the same day, the 
 royal family departed from Versailles for Paris, accompanied 
 by a crowd of frantic women, still staggering under the de- 
 bauch of the preceding night, and still stained with the blood 
 which they had wantonly shed. These were surrounded by 
 a host of men, the refuse of a vast and luxurious capital, two 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 209 
 
 of which, with their arms naked and bloody, displayed aloft 
 on their pikes, the heads of two of the gardes-du-corps, whom 
 they had inhumanly massacred. The royal family followed, 
 continually exposed to the insults of a licentious rabble, who 
 incessantly reproached them as the authors of that scarcity 
 which the hand of Providence had inflicted.* 
 
 The whole conduct of Lafayette on tliis memorable oc- 
 casion, both at Paris and at Versailles, has been employed 
 by his enemies, or, what is the same thing, by the enemies 
 of free principles, to vitiate his character; and it becomes our 
 duty to defend it. — It is said that he did not adopt proper 
 precautions in Paris to allay the ferment; and that, " what- 
 ever were his motives," he contented himself with simply 
 haranguing the soldiery, and recommending patience and 
 forbearance, when they demanded to be led to Versailles. 
 " The national guards," says a late writer, " who had lately 
 chosen Lafayette for their commander, assembled ; and in- 
 sisted upon being led to Versailles, to fetch the king to the 
 capital. Lafayette, unprepared for this demand, hesitated ; 
 but the municipal council ordered him to march. He obeyed. 
 Never was there such conduct as this, on the part of a man 
 who professed himself an apostle of honest liberty. He 
 consulted a body that had no legal authority in the state ; 
 and, by their orders, he led, against his sovereign, a band of 
 disorganised troops who had openly declared their intention 
 of making him their captive. It may be said that there was 
 danger in disobedience. But had not M. Lafayette learned 
 in America that danger is honourable ? and did he march 
 with his soldiers, as their prisoner, or their chief? — as the 
 minion, or the slave, of faction ?"t " Lafayette," says Mr. 
 Playfair, "went literally guarded as a prisoner by his own 
 troops, and apparently with the greatest reluctance. Two 
 American gentlemen, friends of Fayette, met this caval- 
 cade : he seemed to them to be in a state of great consteraa- 
 
 * History of France, 3 vols. vol. iii. p. 468 — 489. 
 I Quarterly Review, vol. xxviii. p. 289, for 1823. 
 27 
 
210 HISTOKk O* THE 
 
 tion, and having stopped his horse only an instant as tiiey 
 passed by, one of the national soldiers took him by his bridle 
 instantly, and with an oath, forced him to advance. "* — But 
 if the conduct of Lafayette, according to his calumniators, 
 was factious and cowardly in Paris, at that time, it was after- 
 wards savage and ferocious : and, as the projector of, and 
 accomplice in, the insurrection, he well deserves the execra- 
 tions of every honest man. It has been asserted, where 
 Lafayette's services to the royal family could not be denied, 
 that the principle on which those services were performed, 
 was self, and his own particular aggrandisement ; that every 
 other consideration was secondary in his mind ; and that he 
 had ambition enough to wish, and to endeavour, to be the 
 first man in the kingdom, and resolution enough to stick at 
 nothing to procure him this pre-eminence ; — affecting the 
 maxim of a tyrant borrowed from a poet, " that if wrong and 
 robbery were excusable, it was on the score of empire." 
 "The proof of these charges," says the same writer, "is 
 drawn chiefly from the general tenor of Lafayette's conduct ; 
 and from a design which he had planned of seizing the go- 
 vernment, on the fifth and sixth of October, 1789, with the 
 aid of monsieur D'Orleans, who, as the tool of Lafayette, it 
 was intended should have murdered the royal family at Ver- 
 sailles, by his myrmidons, and then be put to death in his 
 turn by the commander-in-chief at the head of the national 
 guards, who were to revenge the king's murder. The field 
 would then have been open for Lafayette, to have proclaim- 
 ed himself protector. Two things are, it is said, certain ^ 
 that the duke of Orleans was at Versailles on the fifth, in 
 disguise, and that Lafayette, after having promised to protect 
 the king, retired to a corner incognito, on a pretext of wri- 
 ting to the national assembly."! This undoubtedly was a 
 very magnificent, very ambitious, and very bloody plan on 
 the part of general Lafayette : and it actually wants no other 
 
 * Playfair's History of Jacob, i. p. 203, and Note. 
 + Letters from Paris in 1792, vol. ii. 292—3. 
 
MAR(iUIS D£ LAFAYETTE. 211 
 
 quality but truth, to make it very decisive : but other writers 
 will not even allow him the credit of being able to conceive 
 it. " The duke of Orleans," say the quarterly reviewers, 
 " was unquestionably the principal mover, of the insurrec- 
 tion ; but how far another agent, Lafayette, was concerned 
 in it, though none can doubt the wicked part he played, is 
 more difficult to determine. That the duke of Orleans as- 
 pired at being appointed lieutenant-general of the kingdom, 
 and eventually at the crown, is what cannot now be doubted ' 
 " Of a different character was Lafayette, both in disposition 
 and intention. This nobleman, descended from an ancient 
 family of Auvergne, exhibited a lamentable disproportion be- 
 tween his faculties and his ambition. All the errors of his 
 life are derived from an overrated apprehension of his own 
 abihties. With unbounded desires and contracted views, an 
 imagination always exaggerated, yet always barren ; a judg- 
 ment always unsound, yet always confident ; he thought that 
 great ends could be attained by petty means, and that po- 
 litical perfection could be accomplished by such agents as 
 himself Of all the men of the revolution, the duke of 
 Orleans not excepted, he possessed the least understanding ; 
 and, with the exception of Necker perhaps, he attributed to 
 himself the greatest talents. The same defect was in his 
 heart, as in his mind, and the same misconception of its pow- 
 ers; for, with the utmost chilliness of soul, he conceived him- 
 self to be enthusiastic, and almost imagined that he felt. In 
 the war for American independence, he had shown himself 
 the knight-errant of republicanism ; and the necessity which 
 he thought incumbent upon him, to maintain the reputation 
 he had acquired there, imposed upon him duties which he 
 had not the faculty to support. He had been the friend of 
 Washington; indeed the first foreign friend which the cause 
 of liberty had given him. He had reaped some reputation, 
 and the renown of his exploits, which certainly did not sur- 
 pass the average of those performed by any gallant officer, 
 outstripping his return to France, unfortunately represented 
 
212 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 him as a hero. But his fame was too much for him to sus- 
 tain ; and happy had it been if he had prudently submitted 
 to sink under it. Rather than this, however, he chose the 
 fatal honour of introducing into a nation long corrupted, 
 long monarchical, long luxurious, the notions he had im- 
 bibed, with little comprehension, among a people newly 
 created, agricultural, laborious, and thinly dispersed over a 
 wide territory. In America, he might still have been re- 
 spected as the pupil of a great and good man. In Europe, 
 he appeared only as the awkward imitator of a patriotism 
 which he did not understand. The justness of his political 
 views may be appreciated by the perseverance with which 
 he endeavoured to introduce Pennsylvanian simplicity under 
 the arcades of the Palais-Royal. He was most happily 
 named by Mirabeau, a Grandison-Cromwell. Lafayette 
 could never have aspired to the crown — neither would he 
 have consented to assist the duke of Orleans in his project 
 of usurpation. Visionsof popularity still more abstract than 
 those of Necker, tormented him ; and he became a steady 
 opponent of the court, without enrolling himself under the 
 same banners with Mirabeau and Sieyes. Hence it was that, 
 although the Orleanists, as well as Lafayette, were great 
 agents on these days, their motives were unlike ; and while 
 both tended to one object, the destruction of the power 
 of the sovereign, both laboured with ditferent views and 
 hopes."* To the truth of this tirade of abuse, we oppose 
 the whole life and character of Lafayette, drawn as it is, 
 from authentic and creditable sources. Bare assertions from 
 such a quarter do not particularly demand refutation ; but 
 we expose their fallacy the more willingly, as it affords the 
 opportunity of placing new laurels in the chaplet of his fame 
 — To proceed with our extracts : a historian remarks that 
 " from the reputation he had hitherto enjoyed, vigilance and 
 activity were at least to be expected ; and from the military 
 power vested in his hands, and from the confidence which 
 
 » Quarterly Review, vol. xxviii. p. 285 — 7. 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 2l3 
 
 had been fondly attached to his conduct, he alone was capa- 
 ble of restraining the bhnd fury of the populace. Yet," he 
 continues, " whether from contempt or design, he seemed to 
 persevere in supine indifference : we have already observed 
 with what inattention he received the address of the grena- 
 diers ; and though their disposition promised consequences 
 the most fatal, yet no precautions were taken, no orders 
 given, no posts occupied. It appeared as if the marquis was 
 willing to enhance the merit of his services, and to suffer 
 Versailles to be reduced to the last extremity before he ap- 
 peared to its relief"* — Mr. Windham, (then secretary at 
 war,) observed, in the British parliament, that Lafayette's 
 conduct on the memorable fifth and sixth of October, in 
 which there was clear and evident matter of condemnation, 
 with the fate that subsequently attended him, ought to be an 
 eternal lesson to all those who, actuated by similar motives 
 of guilty ambition, would bring ruin on their country. " When 
 at the head of the national guards," said he, " did he lead them 
 as was his duty, to the relief of his king? If he had not done 
 so, what excuse could be offered for him ? Would it be said 
 that he acted under the impression of terror for himself? — 
 If so, would they insist upon that as an excuse ? or would 
 they say, that he ought not to have risked his life ? A soldier, 
 honoured with such rank and favour, commanding the guards, 
 could not have fallen in a nobler cause. He ought, even 
 though certain of death, to have encountered it in discharge 
 of his duty, and expiated, in some sort, the great calamities 
 his ambition had occasioned. His own excuse was, that he 
 had no command over the guards ; but what could be said 
 of a man, who, having declared that he had no command over 
 troops, continued nevertheless along with them. He should 
 have retired, and in repentance endeavoured to atone for 
 the ruins he had made. But no : — it was well understood 
 what part he played, and what end he had in view."t 
 
 » Hist. France, 3 toIs. vol. iii. p. 480 — !• 
 
 I Pari. Chron. vol. xvi. p. 406, December 16, 1796. 
 
214 HISTORY OF THE, 
 
 The proceedings of the marquis at Versailles, his inat- 
 tention to the safety of the royal family, and his shameful 
 neglect of duty, also afford abundant food for the palates of 
 the malevolent. " After having amused the king," said Wind- 
 ham, " with a promise that there was no danger, which threw 
 him off his guard ; after the palace had been forced, and the 
 royal family in danger ; — he appeared. Lulled into security 
 by his promises, the king and queen had gone to rest ; the 
 mob burst so suddenly into the palace, that her majesty was 
 obliged to escape undressed. Lafayette said, that no farther 
 violence would be otfered ; but when called for, was not in 
 town. For how much mischief was he not answerable ?" 
 Mr. Windham " would not say, for he did not believe it, that 
 Lafayette wished entirely to destroy the king, or to erect a 
 republic in the place of the monarchy, but that he wished 
 to lower the king to a state of dependence on himself, and 
 to be like Trinculo in the Tempest, vice-roy over him."* 
 " On the first intelligence of these disastrous events,'' (the 
 attack of the palace,) says a prejudiced writer, " the marquis 
 de Lafayette quitted his bed, and endeavoured to atone by 
 his activity, for his former credulity and negligence : his 
 splendid promises of security were now converted into re- 
 proaches ; and shame succeeded to misplaced confidence. 
 As he pressed with hasty steps toward the castle, he beheld 
 on every side, the fatal effects of his own imprudence."! — 
 " The first step of Lafayette, on arriving at Versailles," accor- 
 ding to the Quarterly Review, whose principles are properly 
 appreciated in this country, "was to tranquillize the assembly, 
 on the presence of the national guards, since he was at their 
 head ; and afterwards to offer his services to the king, to 
 whom he said, ' Sire, votre majeste n'a pas de plus fidele ser- 
 yiteur que moi ? (Sire, your majesty does not possess a more 
 faithful servant than myself) These exploits achieved, the 
 hero of French liberty diffused the like tranquillity among 
 meaner mortals ; and like Morpheus, shook his poppies over 
 
 * Pari- Chron. vol. xvi. p. 407. 
 
 t History of France, 3 vols. vol. iii. p. 486. 
 
MAR<IUIS DU LAFAYETTE. 215 
 
 all he saw. After sending the king and royal family to sleep, 
 he sent the vigilant Mounier to sleep, together with the whole 
 national assembly, and every man who should have waked ; 
 and then retired to rest himself Was this treachery ? Was 
 it imbecility, in the man who had bivouacked with Wash- 
 ington ? And did he suppose that the duke of Orleans, with 
 his sixty thousand mad and drunken partizans, was sleeping 
 by his side ? — Be that as it may, the assault began just two 
 hours after this faithful and intrepid commander of the na- 
 tional guard had distributed his opiate. One of the gates of 
 the castle had been unaccountably left open. A small por- 
 tion of the mob introduced themselves, through this passage, 
 to the staircase leading to the queen's apartments ; and 
 shortly afterwards, the attack became general."* " Again ; 
 as soon as the king learned that the wish of his subjects was 
 that he should go to Paris, he resolved upon complying. The 
 king announced his compliance from the balcony ; and the 
 queen herself confirmed it, by giving her hand publicly to 
 Lafayette, who, after allowing sufficient leisure for the per- 
 petration of much evil, had, some time before, fortunately 
 started from his ominous repose. "t 
 
 Those charges, which are worthy of observation, may be 
 arranged under three general heads. First, the conduct of 
 Lafayette in Paris, previous to the march of the militia to 
 Versailles ; secondly, his neglect of duty, and criminal su- 
 pineness at Versailles ; and lastly, his agency in planning 
 and fomenting the insurrection, with the duke of Orleans 
 and others. We believe that we are able, considering the 
 Hmits to which we are now restricted, to produce a refutation 
 of all these charges, so true and triumphant, as to baffle even 
 the crafty sophistry of the Quarterly Review. 
 
 In the first place, the conduct of Lafayette in Paris was 
 precisely that which every man of principle, placed in his 
 situation, would have adopted. Could his voice alone re- 
 strain the simultaneous movement of the whole population 
 * Quarterly Review, 1823, vol. xxvi. p. 289, i Ibid 290. 
 
216 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 of the city ? Could he singly have opposed a famished and 
 ferocious mob, much less the whole militia of Paris, of whom 
 he was, indeed, the commander, but who unanimously re- 
 solved, with, or without a leader, to proceed to Versailles ? 
 Without a single soldier of the regular army at his command, 
 was he alone to stem a torrent, which the royal, and consti- 
 tuted, authorities, together, were unable to resist? Would it 
 have benefitted his own fame, or his country, if he had madly 
 rushed on ruin, and sacrificed his life, at a moment when its 
 preservation was of the last importance to the very existence 
 of the royal family ? — These are questions which, when truly 
 answered, serve to reflect additional honours on the charac- 
 ter of Fayette ; and in so doing, we do not rest on mere as- 
 sertions, but on the testimony of those whose credit is not to 
 be impeached, and who, as eye-witnesses of the events which 
 they describe, have rescued the fame of Lafayette from the 
 calumny of factions, and the false aspersions of political 
 foes. 
 
 At the commencement of the insurrection, when the nu- 
 merous mob, composed chiefly of women, repaired to the 
 Hotel-de-Ville, where a few of the committee of the Commune 
 were assembled, M. Gouvion, aid to general Lafayette, and 
 lieutenant-general, endeavoured, at the head of the national 
 guard, to prevent their entrance ; but the soldiers, swayed 
 either by gallantry, humanity, or disaffection, gave way, and 
 permitted them to pass. They then, with horrid impre- 
 cations, demanded bread and arms ; exclaimed with violence 
 against the pusillanimity of the men ; and threatened the 
 lives of the whole committee, and particularly of M. Bailly, 
 and the marquis de Lafayette. Having penetrated the ma- 
 gazine of arms, the universal clamour was to proceed to 
 Versailles, and all endeavours to resist the fury of the mob 
 were vain ; and for the best of all reasons, the want of means. 
 Unfortunately the fanaticism was communicated to the gre- 
 nadiers, who formed a part of the national guards. They 
 not only declared that " they would not turn their bayonets 
 
MARt^UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 217 
 
 against the poor women who came to ask for bread, " but in- 
 timated an inclination themselves to proceed to Versailles. 
 Their spokesman declaimed loudly against the committee of 
 subsistence, against the gardes-du-corps, and concluded, "that 
 the people were miserable, and the source of evil was at Ver- 
 sailles ; that they must go and find out the king, and bring 
 him to Paris." The marquis de Lafayette reasoned, insisted, 
 and threatened, but the tumult increased from all quarters : 
 at length, though the national guard appeared not in the most 
 tractable disposition, the mayor and municipality conceived 
 it to be the only means of preventing mischief at Versailles, 
 to permit their departure, with their commander at their head. 
 The marquis, therefore, received an order to depart for Ver- 
 sailles.* — Experience had shown with what rapidity all Paris 
 was inflamed, up in arms, and embodied, when the citizens 
 imagined that pubHc safety was endangered. No power 
 could resist an assemblage of women, and the dreadful de- 
 clarations of mothers, that they had not bread to give to their 
 children. This, in fact, was the spring which put in motion 
 all the deeds performed that day. " Meanwhile," says M. 
 Rabaut de Saint-Etienne, an actor in, and victim of, the re- 
 volution, " the citizens also were desirous of bringing the king 
 to Paris. Assembled in arms, they expressed their wishes in 
 a manner which showed that they were determined to be 
 obeyed. In vain did M. de Lafayette, who seemed astonish- 
 ed at the idea of doing violence to the king, endeavour to 
 allay this fermentation ; he himself became the object of their 
 menaces. He required an order from the city council ; the 
 order was given, and he sat out."t Playfair, an inveterate 
 enemy both to Lafayette and his liberal principles, remarks, 
 that he;' hesitated to obey those whom he expected to com- 
 mand, but was forced to comply by the unanswerable argu- 
 ment of the lantern, which was just ready within a few yards 
 of his house, and which, it is not to be doubted, would have 
 
 »Hist. Rev. in France, 2 vols, in one, vol. i. 133—4, Philad. 1794. 
 \ Hist. Rev. in France, by St. Etienne, p. 95—6. Transl. Dublin 1792. 
 
 2R 
 
2io MISTOKV Of THE 
 
 been employed, '* After the first body of insurgents had de- 
 parted frc^m Paris, " a second army of Amazons," says ano- 
 ther writer, " was preparing to follow the first, who were 
 with much difficulty dispersed by Lafayette, the national 
 guards telling their general that they could not fire upon, 
 or use any force, against their fellow-citizens who were 
 asking for bread. At the same time, the rage for going to 
 Versailles was now become general, and so strongly infected 
 the national troops, that they rather commanded than desired 
 their officers to lead them thither. Upon this occasion, some 
 of the grenadiers told Lafayette, without reserve, that under- 
 standing the king was an idiot, there was no doubt but mat- 
 ters would go on much better by the appointment of a coun- 
 cil of regency. Lafayette, who seemed astonished at even 
 the idea of offering any violence to the king's person, or lay- 
 ing any restraint upon his inchnations, with respect to resi- 
 dence, endeavoured to allay this fermentation, and tempo- 
 rized with the troops as long as possible ; but they becoming 
 every instant more outrageous, and at length directing their 
 menaces againet ';imself, he and his principal officers were 
 compelled to t^bmit to the demands of the soldiery : but, in 
 order to legalize his proceedings as much as he could, he first 
 required and obtained an order from the mayor and council 
 of Paris, to lay before the king the uneasiness of his people, "t 
 
 " At the very first alarm," says Toulongeon, " Lafayette 
 repaired to the Hotel-de-Ville, where the grenadiers of the 
 guards vehemently urged him to conduct them to Versailles. 
 His long resistance was useless ; and six grenadiers, deputed 
 from the six companies of grenadiers, addressed him as fol- 
 lows ; ' General, we do not believe you to be a traitor, but 
 that you are betrayed by the government. Our committee 
 of subsistence are either guilty of malversation, or incapable 
 of executing their functions, and they ought to be changed. 
 The people are miserable, and the source of the evil is at 
 Versailles. It is necessary to bring the king to Paris. We 
 
 * History Jacob, vol. i. p. 50.?. f Annual Reg. 1790, vol. xxxii. p. 48. 
 
MARQUIS DE I.AFAYfeTTE. 219 
 
 cannot turn our arms against women who are demanding 
 bread. We are determined to go to Versailles, and exter- 
 minate the gardes-du-corps, and the regiment of Flanders, 
 who have dared to trample under foot the national cockade.' 
 M. de Lafayette, having said and did every thing that he 
 could, to prevent their departure, at length requested orders 
 from the civil authority : and it is important to observe that 
 he expressly received them as " cedes a la force des circon- 
 stances. ' (Obeyed from necessity, owing to circumstances.)* 
 
 The whole of Lafayette's conduct, both at this time and 
 previous to it, proves his sincerity in endeavouring to allay 
 the popular ferment. When a riot was excited, some time 
 before this period, by a very turbulent and seditious man of 
 the name of St. Huruge, who proposed this very measure, 
 that the king and the national assembly should be appointed 
 to reside in Paris, it was greatly owing to the spirited exer- 
 tions of Lafayette, that the mob which this man had assem- 
 bled was dispersed, and St. Huruge himself, with several 
 other agitators, seized and sent to prison ; and " there can be 
 no doubt," says Moore, " that the present insurrection would 
 have had a similar termination, if the national guards had 
 been equally obedient on this occasion as on the former. ' 
 The national guards assembled before the Hotel-de-Ville, 
 were so determined on this expedition to Versailles, and so 
 irritated at Lafayette's persevering endeavours to dissuade 
 them, that a large body of them declared that they would no 
 longer have him for their commander, and actually proposed 
 to M. Dogni, Intendant-des-postes, to accept the chief com- 
 mand instead of Lafayette, and to lead them to Versailles, 
 declaring that they would follow his orders in all respects. 
 He, however, positively refused. Seeing that, at all events, 
 they were decided on going, and being utterly unable to op- 
 pose their decision by force, M. de Lafayette at length said, 
 that if the municipality would give him an ord^r for that 
 purpose, he would go at the head of the national guards to 
 
 * Hist, de Prance, par Toulongeon, tome i. page 134, Paris, 1801. 
 
220 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 comniunicate to the king the distresses of the capital, and 
 the grievances of which they complained. Having obtained 
 the order, he set out for Versailles, four or five hours after 
 the motley band of males and females had taken the same 
 route.* V 
 
 Happy, indeed, was it, as we shall now proceed to show, 
 that Lafayette was thus induced, from circumstances to alter 
 his determination. Had not his all-commanding voice been 
 heard at Versailles, the royal family would, beyond all doubt, 
 have fallen victims to the ferocity of the mob. No other 
 man could have guided the national guards, for no other man 
 possessed so large a share of their confidence and affection. 
 Whatever threats they may have uttered, and however ready 
 some of them may have been, in the frenzy of the moment, 
 even to immolate their commander, yet every other of their 
 actions in which he was personally interested, during the 
 period of his command, when ruled by reason, demonstrated 
 the ardent love they bore him. If the Parisian guard, as in 
 case of his refusal they certainly would have done, had 
 marched to Versailles without Lafayette at their head, they 
 would have, if not actually joined the mob, at least like the 
 Versailles guard, remained passive : and in either event the 
 destruction of the royal family, and the massacre of its few 
 but brave defenders, would have been inevitable. 
 
 However insubordinate the Parisian guards may have 
 been previous to their departure from the capital, it is clearly 
 demonstrated by subsequent events, that they afterwards sub- 
 jected themselves fully to the orders of their beloved com 
 mander. He now appeared to them in a new character ; 
 not as the opponent of their designs, but as the bearer of 
 their complaints from the commune of Paris to the king. — 
 The policy of this measure is too obvious not to satisfy, with 
 respect to his motives, all those who are not interested in 
 defaming Lafayette. It was an easy and pretty plausible as- 
 sertion, taking care, however, to omit the rationale, that the 
 
 * Moore's View French Rev. vol. i. 287-9 
 
MARQUIS BE LAFAYETTE. 221 
 
 general headed the insurgents as the organ of communicat- 
 ing their grievances to the sovereign : while, in fact, it was 
 only done so as to regain the confidence which rage had mo- 
 mentarily weakened, and as the lesser evil, to assure himself 
 of obedience from those under his command, and to prevent 
 greater evils by restraining a spirit which his presence alone 
 could effect. That he possessed perfect command over his 
 troops, is proved by his causing them, on the route, to swear 
 fidelity to the king and to the laws. For, notwithstanding 
 the absurd tales of Mr. Playfair, and the arithmetical calcu- 
 lations of others, whereby the time necessary to administer 
 an oath to so large an army, and the number of square feet 
 necessary for the said army to stand upon while 'undergoing 
 the ceremony, are nicely computed, the fact is not the less 
 true.* Indeed, while some inimical writers deny it altogether 
 as affording too strong a proof of the marquis' power over 
 the soldiery, and especially of his pacific and loyal intentions, 
 others adduce it as an evidence of his guilt, and of his de- 
 sire to procrastinate the arrival of succour to Versailles ! — 
 " The national guard," says De Stael, " marched with order, 
 was obedient to its commander, and expressed no wish but 
 that of bringing the king and the assembly to Paris. "t 
 
 It was midnight when the Parisian army arrived at Ver- 
 sailles; and whatever alarm an expedition, the object of 
 which they knew not, might have occasioned in the breasts 
 of the deputies, it was soon removed by the conduct of La- 
 layette, who presented himself to the national assembly with 
 every appearance of respect and submission. He lamented 
 the disorders and jealousies which had compelled him, against 
 his judgment, to march at the head of the national guards to 
 Versailles ; expressing at the same time his hope and belief, 
 that an apology from the gardes-du-corps, and their adoption 
 of the national cockade, would produce an oblivion of the 
 
 • Toulong. Hist, de France, vol i. p. 135 — Ann. Reg. vol. xxxii, p. 
 51-2.— Hist, of France, a vols. vol. iii. p. 482. 
 t Consider- French Rev. vol. i. p. 340 
 
222 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 past, and a good understanding in future. — The weather was 
 cold ; and it continued to' rain with violence. The soldiers 
 took refuge in taverns, eotfee-houses, under porticos, wher- 
 ever they could rest, and find shelter. Refreshments were 
 distributed among them ; and an appearance of good humour 
 inspired hopes that all danger of tumult was over for that 
 night at least. When Lafayette perceived this, he gave such 
 an account of this apparent tranquillity that the king and 
 queen retired to rest. After having made the necessary ar- 
 rangements, appointed ditFerent guards, and placed sentinels 
 where he deemed it necessary, he again entered the national 
 assembly, apd gave them the same assurances that he had 
 given the king. The members accordingly dispersed, con- 
 vinced of the general pacific disposition ; and, at about five 
 in the morning, the marquis himself, aftei having visited all 
 the posts, and found every thing perfectly quiet, retired to 
 his quarters to write to the municipality of Paris, and to 
 snatch a few hours repose.* — Madame De Stael, who was 
 not only in Versailles, but in the palace, at the time, observes 
 that " M. de Lafayette entered the palace, and crossed the 
 hall where we were, to go into the king. Every one sur- 
 rounded him with ardour, as if he had been the master of 
 events, while the popular party was already stronger than its 
 leader. M. de Lafayette," she continues, " seemed perfectly 
 calm ; he has never been seen otherwise ; but his dehcacy 
 suffered by the importance of the part he had to act: — to 
 insure the safety of the palace, he desired to occupy the posts 
 of the interior ; — the exterior posts only roere given to him. 
 This refusal was natural, as the body-guards ought not to be 
 removed ; but it had almost been the cause of the greatest 
 misfortunes. — M. de Lafayette left the palace, giving us the 
 most tranquillizing assurances. At five in the morning, he 
 thought that all danger was over, and relied on the body 
 guards, who had answered for the interior of the palace. A 
 
 ♦Moore's View, vol ii. p. 9, 10— Etienne's Rev. p. 99.— Hist French 
 Rev. 2 vols, in one, vol- i. p- 159. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 223 
 
 passage which they had forgotten to shut, enabled the aseas- 
 sins to get in. A similar accident proved favourable to two 
 conspiracies in Russia, at times when vigilance was at its 
 height, and when outward circumstances were most tranquil. 
 It is, therefore, absurd to censure M. de Lafayette for an 
 event that was so unlikely to occur. No sooner was he ap- 
 prized of it, than he rushed forward to the assistance of those 
 who were threatened with an ardour which was acknowledged 
 at the moment, before calumny had prepared her poison."* 
 
 " It has been asserted by M. Lafayette's enemies," says 
 Moore, " that he affected to retire to rest, knowing that the 
 palace was to be attacked, that he might not be thought to 
 have any part in the horrid attempt which took place during 
 his absence. But whatever blame he may be charged with 
 for not taking more effectual means for guarding the palace, 
 or for giving way to the desire of rest at such a period, the 
 excessive fatigue, both of mind and body, which he had un- 
 dergone, precludes the suspicion of affectation ; and his con- 
 duct, from the moment he was awaked, as well as his general 
 behaviour and character through life, must satisfy the candid 
 and impartial, that (he accusation is unjust, and that he had 
 not the least notion when he retired, that the castle would 
 be attacked. — Notwithstanding some scenes of confusion 
 which no activity could prevent, the manner in which he 
 suppressed the great insurrection in the Champ-de-Mars, on 
 the seventeenth of July, and the state of tranquillity in which 
 Paris was kept during the whole time that M. Lafayette had 
 the command of the national guards, compared with the hor- 
 rid scenes that were acted there after it was entrusted to 
 others, afford reason to believe, that it would have been for- 
 tunate for the royal family, and for France, that he had con- 
 tinued in that command ; in which case, the insurrection of 
 the tenth of August would not have happened ; or, if it had, 
 the issue would probably have been different, and the mas- 
 sacres in September would certainly have been prevented. "1 
 » Consider. French Rev. vol. i. p- 340, I .-+ Moore's View. vol. ii. p. 10.1 1 . 
 
224 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The palace was attacked soon after day-break, on the sixth 
 of October, and it was evident that the orders of Lafayette, 
 in guarding the external courts, were ill-obeyed. It is of the 
 first importance to repeat, that he had required the com- 
 mand over the posts of the interior, which request was re- 
 fused. The internal regulations of the castle would not ad- 
 mit of his interference : — the day before the attack, it would 
 have been universally condemned as an abuse of his power. 
 This etiquette was so sacred, that no one even entertained 
 the idea of permitting any innovation.* The national guards 
 were merely permitted to occupy the exterior posts ; the 
 Swiss guards occupied all the posts toward the gardens ; and, 
 by express order, the gardes-du-corps alone were reserved 
 for the interior posts of the castle. It was impossible for 
 Lafayette to change these orders, without employing an au- 
 thority which, owing to circumstances, would have been con- 
 sidered as an abuse of power. On the evening of the fifth, 
 none of the events of the sixth could have been expected 
 except by those who planned them ; and it is still more pro- 
 bable that the enterprise was concerted during the night. — 
 In fact, order was so little established in the interior of the 
 castle, — the event was so little expected, — and every thing 
 was so little changed from tiie usual system, that, according 
 to daily custom, the posts of the gardes-du-corps were merely 
 commanded by the brigadiers or quarter-masters in ordi- 
 nary.! 
 
 Thus was the marquis de Lafayette actually excluded 
 from the palace, which, say his enemies, ought to have been 
 his post during the night. This apparent neglect of a duty 
 which he was not permitted to fulfil, is the only point of blame, 
 that has ever, on this occasion, been urged against him with 
 any degree of confidence. " The truth was," said general 
 
 * The respect in which it was held may be gathered from the follow- 
 ing anecdote : — When Lafayette arrived, during the tumult, and after 
 rapidly passing through the apartments, arrived at the entrance of the 
 king's chamber, he was stopped by the proper oflficer, who observed, 
 " le roi vous accorde les grandes entrees." 
 
 + Toulong. Hist, tome i. Pieces Justif- 120-1 
 
MARQ.UiS DE LAFAYETTE. 225 
 
 Fitzpatrick, " that having conceived an opinion that he had 
 perfectly restored tranquilHty, and provided for the safety of 
 the royal family, and having been sixty hours without sleep, 
 and fifteen actually on watch, worn by the weather and the 
 turbulence of the multitude, and exhausted with fatigue, he 
 suffered himself to be persuaded to throw himself, undressed 
 as he was, on a bed, to get some repose for an hour or two. 
 The mob, during this interval, renewed their attack ; and 
 his enemies asserted, that he had retired with a view to suf- 
 fer this renewal ; — a calumny which every circumstance 
 tended to refute. Instantly upon his being informed of this 
 second outrage, he again went to repress their violence, and 
 succeeded. If we look at him afterwards, we constantly 
 see him the defender of good order and the law, the opposer 
 of tyranny and oppression, from whatever quarter it arose."* 
 
 As soon as the marquis de Lafayette heard of the attack, 
 he started from his bed, mounted his horse, and having sum- 
 moned a company of grenadiers, conjured them to accom- 
 pany him to the palace, and save the royal family from as- 
 sassination, and the French name from lasting infamy. They 
 arrived as the ruffians were attempting to force this king's 
 apartment, to which the queen had fled for safety. Nothing 
 but instant death was expected by the royal company. Sud- 
 denly, however, the tumult seemed to cease — every thing 
 was quiet ; and a moment after, a gentle rap was heard at 
 the door. The gardes-du-corps refused to open it : " Admit 
 us," cried the grenadiers, " we have not forgotten that you 
 saved us at Fontenoy." In an instant the apartment was 
 filled with the Parisian guard, who grounded their arms. — 
 " We come," said their commander, " to save the king ;" — 
 and turning to such of the gardes-du-corps as were in the 
 apartments — " We will save you also, gentlemen ; let us from 
 this moment be united."t 
 
 Unfortunately the national guard arrived too late to pre- 
 
 * Pari. Chron vol. ix. p. 645. 
 
 t Toulong. Hist, tome i. p. 144.— Hist Rev. France, vol. i. p. 140 — 
 Moore's View, vol- ii. p. 12. 
 29 
 
226 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 vent all the mischief. Two of the gardes-du-corps were 
 murdered by the mob, before the troops could be rallied. — 
 From the first moment of the alarm, the marquis de Lafay- 
 ette had even exceeded his usual activity. He appeared in 
 every quarter : — " Gentlemen," he exclaimed to the Parisian 
 soldiers, " I have pledged my word and honour to the king, 
 that nothing belonging to him shall receive injury. If I 
 break my word, I shall be no longer worthy to be your com- 
 mander." Animated by him, the Parisians forced their way 
 in every part, through the almost impenetrable mass, sur- 
 rounded the gardes-du-corps, and placed them in safety un- 
 der their own colours.* — Fifteen of these body-guards, who 
 having opposed the first entrance of the mob into the palace, 
 had been surrounded and overpowered, were still in the 
 hands of those savages, who were preparing to put them to 
 death. " Grenadiers .'" cried Lafayette to his soldiers, ' 'souf- 
 frierz-vous done que de braves gens soient ainsi lachement 
 assassines ?" (Grenadiers ! will you then suffer those brave 
 men to be assassinated in so cowardly a manner ?) — The 
 victims were rescued, and immediately conducted into the 
 palace, while Lafayette endeavoured to soothe and molHfy 
 the populace.! This glorious act was performed in the courts, 
 and beneath the windows of the palace. In the record of 
 those moments of murder and rage, it is delightful to recite 
 deeds which are an honour to humanity.| " In the next hall," 
 says madame de Stael, describing the scene at the castle, 
 " the body guards were embracing the national guards, with 
 that warmth which is always inspired by emotion in great 
 emergencies : they were exchanging their distinctive marks, 
 the national guards putting on the belt of the body-guards, 
 and the body-guards the tri-coloured cockade. All were then 
 exclaiming with transport, Vive Lafayette ! because he had 
 saved the lives of the body-guards, when threatened by the 
 populace. "§ 
 
 * Hist Rev. France vol. i, p. 141 — t Moore's View, ii, 13 — J Tou- 
 lon^- Hist. i. Pieces Justif. p. 121. 
 
 t Consider. French Rev. vol. i, 342- 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 227 
 
 Thus, with his own hand did the gallant general rescue 
 fifteen of the king's guard, whom the populace had marked 
 for destruction. And no fact can be more clearly established 
 that it was to Lafayette that all the royal family of France 
 owed their existence for one hour after the attack on the 
 castle. For some time after that event, before their passions 
 had gained the mastery over recent recollections, all parties, 
 without exception, agreed, that, at that dreadful period, the 
 king, his family, and the whole court, owed their safety to 
 the devoted zeal with which Lafayette fulfilled his numerous 
 duties. The evidence of this fact is overwhelming ; it can- 
 not be overthrown ; it proceeded from the lips of the queen 
 herself, who at least could not be suspected of partiality in 
 favour of the services rendered by Lafayette, on that day ; 
 she never afterwards refused to acknowledge the obligations 
 which gratitude exacted ; and she never contradicted, nor 
 denied the truth of, her triumphant expression, " Jious lui 
 devons la vie ce jour-la." (On that day we owed our lives 
 to him.*) 
 
 The king's mind was greatly affected with the death of 
 the guards who had fallen in his defence ; and, notwithstand- 
 ing all the assurances of Lafayette, while he walked through 
 his palace accompanied and protected by the general, he was 
 making continual inquiries respecting them. The king, ac- 
 companied by the queen, with the dauphin and princess 
 royal at her side, having shown himself in a balcony, loud 
 cries of Le roi a Paris ! — le roi a Paris ! (the king to Paris !) 
 mingled with menaces, arose. His majesty retired, and after 
 having conferred with Lafayette, re-appeared, and signified 
 his intention of going immediately to the capital. In fact, 
 he had no choice left : it would not, perhaps, have been in 
 the power of M. de Lafayette himself, to have saved the 
 
 * Toulong. Hist, tome i. Pieces Justif 121— 2— Parliament Chron. 
 vol. ix. 645. The "queen," said general Fitzpatrick, "had publicly 
 declared that it was to him she owed her life ; of this there are in Lon- 
 don, at this hour, persons ready to bear testimony they heard that un- 
 fortunate princess say so."-Ibid! vol- xvi, 4l5.-Moore's.View. ii. p. 12, 13. 
 
228 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 lives of the royal family, had he refused. — The acquiescence 
 of the king in their demand was received with shouts of joy 
 by the people. At tliis moment, Lafayette approached the 
 queen, and inquired with respectful hesitation, if it was her 
 intention to accompany the king. " Yes," she replied, " al- 
 though I know the danger." " Madame," said he, " are you 
 resolved ?" — " I am." — " Condescend, then, to appear in the 
 balcony, and permit me to accompany you." — " Without the 
 king, —have you observed the threats?" — "Yes, madam, 
 but venture to confide in me." — Lafayette then conducted 
 her majesty to the balcony. It was a delicate and danger- 
 ous step ; — but the danger was less, than to permit the queen 
 to depart for Paris without reconciling her to the people. — 
 The noise and agitation of the mob would not permit the 
 voice to b^ heard ; it was necessary to speak to the eyes of 
 the multitude. Lafayette approached, and kissed the hand 
 of the queen, in the sight of all the people. This action 
 first created general astonishment ; but it was soon interrupt- 
 ed, and the silence was broken by loud acclamations, and 
 cries of Vive la reine ! Vive le general ! — The king in a 
 state of apprehension, had followed the queen, and remained 
 in the back ground : observing the success of her appearance 
 he said to Lafayette, cannot you do something for my guards ?" 
 " Sire ! " replied the hero, " command one of them to ad- 
 vance." He did so ; and Lafayette, taking off his own cock- 
 ade, placed it in the cap of the guard, and embraced him. 
 In a moment the air resounded with loud cies of " Vive 
 les gardes-du-corps."* 
 
 The royal family proceeded to Paris ©n the same day, 
 and the tokens of joy manifested by the citizens on their re- 
 turn, was, in a great degree, owing to the exertions and po- 
 pularity of Lafayette. 
 
 From the detail which has been faithfully and necessarily 
 given, it is not absolutely requisite to disprove further, the 
 assertion, that M. de Lafayette was connected with the duke 
 
 * Moore's View, ii, p. 15 To\ilong. Hist, tome i- p. 146-7. 
 
.MAUQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 229 
 
 of Orleans in fomenting the insurrection. The ill terms on 
 which he was with D' Orleans is sufficient of itself to clear 
 him of this accusation. No two men were less hkely to be in 
 intimacy with each other. Their characters were directly 
 opposite : Lafayette was indefatigable in the pursuit of re- 
 nown ; disinterested, brave, and generous : — qualities never 
 attributed to the character of the duke D'Orleans. Even 
 Playfair admits, in exaggerated language, that "Lafajette 
 was become his mortal enemy." The sending of the duke 
 of Orleans out of the kingdom, by- Lafayette, is also a tri- 
 umphant vindication from the charges of his enemies. It 
 must be remembered that nothing could exceed the indig- 
 nation of Lafayette, at the unexpected disobedience which 
 he experienced from his troops on the fifth of October. All 
 the mutual ties which should unite a general and his army, 
 seemed at once dissolved. He well knew that their disobe- 
 dience and mutiny did not originate with themselves, but 
 were produced by the machinations of the cabal, of which 
 Mirabeau was, at least, the ostensible head, and the duke 
 D'Orleans the real father. Against the latter, therefore, he 
 justly directed his indignation : for, whatever his private 
 political views might have been, there certainly was nothing 
 farther removed from them, or which he abhorred more, even 
 in idea, than that the duke of Orleans, through any convul- 
 sion, or change of circumstances, or under any denomination, 
 of regent or otherwise, should ever be placed at the head of 
 public affairs. The views of the cabal were now thoroughly 
 seen through, and they had consequently lost all influence, 
 weight, and confidence, in the assembly ; and rumours were 
 circulated which represented the duke of Orleans as harbour- 
 ing criminal designs upon the crown, or the regency at least. 
 M. de Lafayette had for some time perceived that the na- 
 tional guards were not so ready and cheerful in their obe- 
 dience to his orders, as formerly. The rabble, also, were 
 uncommonly tumultuous. The duke of Orleans was strongly 
 suspected of being the author of these excesses, arid of the 
 
i230 lilSTOKY OF THE 
 
 mutinous disposition of the national guards. He was not more 
 odious to the court than to Lafayette, and would have been 
 arrested, had it not been judged imprudent to venture on so 
 decisive a measure, in the present circumstances. Another 
 plan less likely to create popular commotion, but which, it 
 was thought, would have all the good effect of arresting him, 
 was adopted. M. de Lafayette settled the business like a 
 soldier with little ceremony, but peremptory effect. In a 
 short and sudden conference with the duke, he informed him, 
 in a few words, that his presence in France was, at this junc- 
 ture, incompatible with the good of the nation ; that England, 
 where he was well acquainted, was deemed the country most 
 fitting for him to retire to ; that a passport from the king was 
 ready for him ; and that, to cover the matter, he should be 
 apparently sent to execute a private commission from his 
 majesty. The mandate was so peremptory, delivered with 
 such firmness, and accompanied with an air of such decisive 
 authority, that the duke, surprised and subdued, shrunk un- 
 der its effect ; and, every thing being prepared, was des- 
 patched to England. " There was probably something," 
 says Moore, " very powerful in M. Lafayette's manner, which 
 convinced the duke so suddenly of the expediency of this , 
 journey ; for, in the expressions he used, there appears to 
 have been nothing very persuasive." It is stated by others, 
 that the duke made some objections to the measure, and that, 
 at a meeting on the subject held at the office of the minister 
 for foreign affairs, he remarked to Lafayette, "My enemies 
 pretend that you possess proofs against me." — " They are ra- 
 ther my enemies who say it," replied the general, " If I were 
 capable of producing proofs against you, you would have 
 already been arrested."* 
 
 We have deemed it a duty to transgress our limits in de- 
 scribing the part acted by the marquis de Lafayette, on the 
 fifth and sixth of October, and to particularize a conduct 
 
 *Toulong. Hist, tome i. Pieces Justif. p. 122. — Consid. French Rev. 
 i. 349, 350.— Hist. Rev. i. 146— Etienne's Rev. 102. Annual Reg. xxxii. 
 61,62~Moore's View, vol. ii. p. 89, 90. 
 
MARQ,U1S DE LAFAIETTE. 231 
 
 which, SO far from deserving the opprobrium which has been 
 cast upon it, is a beautiful and brilUant display of the noblest 
 qualities of a noble soul.* In the official report subsequently 
 made to the Commune of Paris, the committee observed, 
 that " it was their duty to commence with the highest eulo- 
 giums on the commander-in-chief, not only on account of 
 his well known courage, prudence, and firmness, but also of 
 his patriotic devotion, which caused him to brave murmurs 
 and menaces, in order to restrain the multitude within the 
 bounds of duty, and guide with wisdom an impetuous torrent 
 which had burst from its banks. "t The princess Elizabeth 
 also joined her testimony in favour of Lafayette. Nearly 
 two years after the sixth of October, she heard it remarked, 
 that, in case of a counter-revolution, it was intended to pro- 
 duce against Lafayette, a letter written by him on that day 
 Warmed with indignation at so unjust a design, she caused 
 him to be made acquainted with it, and advised him to with- 
 draw the document from the Hotel-de-Ville, where it was 
 deposited. Lafayette, touched with the generosity of the 
 princess, replied, " that he had written nothing which he 
 feared to make public. "J 
 
 The national assembly soon followed the king to Paris, 
 and on the day of their first sitting were waited on by the 
 mayor, and Lafayette, at the head of a deputation from the 
 municipality, with the congratulations of the capital ; in re- 
 turn for which M. Baillyand Lafayette received a unanimous 
 vote of thanks from the assembly, for the zeal, vigilance, 
 activity, and patriotism, which had distinguished their con- 
 duct during the late troubles. In the answer to their ad- 
 dress, the president observed, in allusion to Lafayette, — 
 " That hero is a philosopher whom the interests of mankind 
 
 * As an additional proof that Lafayette had no participation whatever 
 in creating this insurrection, it is stated, that letters from him to D'Es- 
 taing, dated in September, indicative of some approaching, or appre- 
 hended danger, were communicated to the municipal committee of Ver- 
 sailles, who accordingly demanded an additional regiment to protect the 
 town — Annual Reg. vol. xxxii. p. 42. 
 
 + Mem Hist. p. 190. \ Touloag. Hist. Pieces Justif p. 121. 
 
232 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 alone called into the field of glory, and who, beneath the 
 banners of an illustrious warrior who can never be forgotten, 
 seemed like him, to prize the lessons of a modern Lycurgus, 
 as much as, and perhaps more than, the laurels of the tri- 
 umphs which founded the liberty of Philadelphia."* 
 
 Towards the close of the year 1789, the marquis de Fav- 
 ras was accused of a conspiracy, the object of which was to 
 massacre M. de Lafayette, M. Bailly, and M. Necker, and 
 convey the king, with or without his consent, to Peronne. 
 He was subsequently condemned, and executed on the nine- 
 teenth of February, 1 790 ; and the first day of his trial af- 
 forded another opportunity to the commander-in-chief, in the 
 display of his duty. The mob then endeavoured riotously 
 to assemble ; but they were dispersed by the masterly con- 
 duct of Lafayette, and the city was thereby restored to per- 
 fect tranquillity. 
 
 In the month of January, 1790, the baron de Bezenval, 
 the Swiss general, was tried and acquitted by the court of 
 chatelet ; but before the sentence had been declared, noth- 
 ing could exceed the rage and indignation of the populace, 
 when they became convinced of the certainty of his acquit- 
 tal. They resolved to exercise the right of summary and 
 executive justice, by forcing the prison in which Bezenval 
 was confined ; and exhibiting in his person a memorable and 
 bloody instance to mankind, of that inexorable justice by 
 which they were guided. The twelfth of January was fix- 
 ed on for the execution of this design ; and the expectations 
 and cruel hopes of the rabble were elevated to the highest 
 pitch. But they were not able, in their present state, to con- 
 duct schemes of this nature with that secrecy which is so 
 necessary to their success. Bailly, Lafayette, the chatelet, 
 the national assembly, and, in a word, every part of govern- 
 ment, became masters of the whole design, and all adopted 
 such measures as seemed best calculated for its prevention 
 or defeat. Lafayette, in particular, acted with great vigour, 
 
 * Mem. Hist. p. 165-6 7. 
 
MARQ,UiS DE LAFAyETTE. 233 
 
 diligence, and effect. But, although the immediate designs 
 of the plotters were thus overthrown, yet the capital con- 
 tinued in a state of great disorder for two or three days. — 
 Cabals and meetings were continually taking place, and all 
 the past indications of mischief were renewed, and seemed 
 to appear in stronger colours than usual. Mischiefs of every 
 kind, and accompanied with every degree of horror and ruin, 
 were generally expected ; and even those who were best in- 
 formed, anticipated some great, and probably dreadful event. 
 But Lafayette, by a vigorous act of exertion put an end to 
 the combustion in Paris. With his militia, he suddenly sur- 
 rounded, at night, a body of eleven hundred of the insur- 
 gents, who were assembled in the Champs Elysees, of whom 
 he made two hundred prisoners ; the rest being so terrified 
 that they seemed to consider themselves fortunate in escaping 
 with their lives. This put a stop for the present, to noctur- 
 nal meetings, as well as to riots by day.* 
 
 On the twenty-second of May, 1790, after a long and 
 stormy debate during several sittings, the national assembly 
 decreed that " war could not be declared but by a decree of 
 the legislative assembly, predicated on the formal and neces- 
 sary proposition of the king, and afterwards sanctioned by 
 his majesty." On this occasion, which brought forward all 
 the talents of the assembly, M. de Lafayette opposed the ab- 
 solute right of the king to declare war, but maintained that 
 a division of the power would be more conformable to the 
 true constitutional principles of liberty and monarchy, more 
 calculated to keep at a distance the scourge of war, and 
 more advantageous to the people. — In concludinghis opinions 
 on this subject, which were of course less popular than those 
 which vested the whole power in the legislative assembly, 
 Lafayette made the following Boble remark ; — " I have be- 
 lieved that I could not better pay the immense obhgations 
 which I owe to the people, than in not sacrificing to the fleet- 
 
 j^ Ann Reg. vol. xxxii, p. 124-5, 6 — Toulong. Hist. vol. i, p. 187 
 30 
 
234 HiaxoKV OF the 
 
 ing popularity of a day, the opinions which I considered as 
 most useful in promoting their good."* 
 
 On the seventh of June, general Lafayette afforded a sig- 
 nal proof of the disinterestedness of his principles, when 
 some anxiety was either felt, or feigned, at his command 
 over so vast an army as the whole national guard of the king- 
 dom. He mounted the tribune, and proposed a decree that 
 no individual should command more than one department 
 of the national guards at a time ; and this, too, when four- 
 teen thousand deputies of four millions of armed citizens 
 were about to entreat him to become their chief It is such 
 traits in the life and character of a man which ought espe- 
 cially to be recorded.! 
 
 Lafayette had, since its establishment, uniformly declared 
 himself against the Jacobin clubj and its projects. With 
 Bailly, the mayor of Paris, he had organised an opposing 
 club, and the victory between the two parties was doubtful 
 for more than a year and a half The position in which La- 
 fayette was placed during the contest, was extremely embar- 
 rassing and dangerous. He was obliged to oppose the un- 
 principled purposes of the Jacobins, without retreating to- 
 ward the principles of the ancient despotism ; and it is 
 greatly to his honour, that he did it most faithfully and con- 
 sistently. When, therefore, on the twentieth of June, 1790, 
 a proposition was suddenly made in the convention to abolish 
 all titles of nobility, La Fayette,. true to his principles, rose^ 
 to second it. This proposition emanated from a member of 
 the minority of the noblesse. A short discussion followed. 
 Lafayette observed that the suppression of titles was a ne- 
 cessary consequence of the constitution which had been 
 adopted. " What !" exclaimed M. Foucault, who opposed the 
 motion, " would you deprive man of the most powerful, and 
 the most noble motive, of emulation ? — What would you 
 
 * Mem. Hist. p. 197-8, 9.— Toulong. Hist, i, 208- 
 
 + Biog. Not. p. 9— Tqulong. i. 214 — Mem. Hist. Pref. xv- 
 
 1 The first meeting of this club was held 6n the sixth of October, 1789. 
 
MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. '235 
 
 t\o, for instance, if there were no titles, with the man whom 
 Henry II. created, according to the words of the patent, 
 " noble and count, for having saved the state ?" " I would 
 omit,'' replied Lafayette, " the words created a count, and 
 insert only that he had saved the state." — It was attempted 
 to preserve the title of seigneurs for the princes of the 
 reigning family, but Lafayette opposed it, in the same genu- 
 ine spirit of liberty which had dictated his first opinion. — 
 From this time, Lafayette renounced the title of marquis, 
 and has never since resumed it. Since the restoration of 
 the Bourbons, indeed, and the revival of the ancient nobility, 
 there has been sometimes an affectation among the ultra roy- 
 alists of calling him by his former title ; but he has never re- 
 cognised it, and is still known in France only by the address 
 of general. At least, if he is sometimes called otherwise 
 there, it is not by his friends. On the seventh of February, 
 1824, he was summoned as a witness in the trial of madame 
 Chauvet, the wife of a person condemned to death, as an ac- 
 complice with general Berton, but who fled to England.-^ 
 After the accusation was read, the first witness called was 
 the " marquis de Lafayette. " General Lafayette immediately 
 rose, and observed, that since the decree of the constitu- 
 tional assembly, of June, 1790, he had ceased to bear the 
 title of marquis. The clerk of the court, by the order of 
 the president then called M. de Lafayette, the father, and 
 M. de Lafayette, the son, who had been also summoned.* 
 
 At length the constitution of a representative monarchy, 
 which Lafayette's exertions had, from the first opening of 
 the assembly, been consistently devoted to establish, was pre- 
 pared ; and all were desirous that it should be received and 
 recognised by the nation in the most solemn manner. A 
 ^reat public ceremony was, therefore, resolved on, and the 
 •Jay selected as most appropriate for the occasion was the 
 fourteenth of July, 1 790, the anniversary of the destruction 
 
 « North Am. Rev. No. xlvi. p. 160.— Hist- French Rev. i. 192. — Ton- 
 long. Hist. i. 217 — Nat. Gaz. March 17, 1824. 
 
236 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 of the bastile. The king, the national assembly, and the> 
 people, were then to take an oath to maintain the cause of 
 liberty and the constitution ; for although the latter was not. 
 yet completed, yet the principles which it declared sacred 
 had obtained universal assent. The Champ-de-Mars, in 
 front of the military school, was chosen for the grand na- 
 tional solemnity. In the midst of this extensive plain, an 
 altar was erected, for the purpose of administering the civic 
 oath ; and round it, an immense amphitheatre was thrown up, 
 of a league in circumference, and capable of containing four 
 hundred thousand spectators. The entrance into the Champ- 
 de-Confederation, (as it was now called,) was through tri- 
 umphal arches : the king's throne was placed under an ele- 
 gant pavilion in the middle, and on each side of it were seats 
 for the members of the national assembly. Two thousand 
 workmen were employed upon this immense labour : but 
 the citizens of Paris, fearing lest the preparations should not 
 be completed at the appointed period, flocked from every 
 quarter to assist in the undertaking. Not only the military 
 but the clergy, and even the ladies, lent their cheerful assis- 
 tance. Women of the first rank were seen joining the crowd 
 of voluntary labourers ; and young women of every denomi- 
 nation were daily seen tripping to the field with their gowns 
 tucked, and belts of the national ribbon aroilnd their waists. 
 There the lover wrought by the side of his mistress, enliven- 
 ed by her smiles, and encouraged by the tune of Ca Ira.* 
 
 The day preceding the intended celebration, a deputation 
 from the whole of the national guards in the kingdom, paid 
 their homage to the national assembly and the king. M. de 
 Lafayette was at its head. In addressing the national assem- 
 bly, Lafayette, among other things, remarked, that the na- 
 tional guards of France now came to offer the homage of 
 their respect and gratitude ; that the nation desired liberty 
 and demanded a constitution ; but that they might have ex 
 
 • North Am. Review, No. xlvi. p. J6Q-I — Moore's View vol. ii p 
 90:-l — Hist French Rev. vol. i. J 95- 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 237 
 
 pected it in vain, if the enlightened will of the assembly had 
 not created the power entrusted to the national guards, and 
 if their united and harmonious efforts had not reinstated the 
 order which the first movements of liberty had destroyed. 
 " Gentlemen," he exclaimed, " you well knew the necessities 
 of France, and the will of Frenchmen, when you destroyed 
 the gothic fabric of our government and laws, and respected 
 only their monarchical principle : Europe then discovered 
 that a good king could be the protector of a free, as he had 
 been the ground of comfort to an oppressed, people. — The 
 rights of man are declared ; the sovereignty of the people 
 acknowledged ; their power is representative ; and the bases 
 of public order are established. Hasten, then, to give energy 
 to the power of the state. The people owe^tj? you the glory 
 of a new constitution : but they require and expect that peace 
 and tranquillity which cannot exist without a firm and effec- 
 tual organization of government. — We, gentlemen, devoted 
 to the revolution, and united in the name of liberty, the 
 guarantees alike of individual and common rights and safety ; 
 we. called by the most imperative duty from all parts of the 
 kingdom, founding our confidence on your wisdom, and our 
 hopes on your services, — we will bear, without hesitation, to 
 the altar of the country, the oath which you may dictate to 
 its soldiers. — Yes, gentlemen, our arms shall be stretched 
 forth together, and at the same instant, our brotncs from all 
 parts of France, shall utter the oath which will unite them 
 together. May the solemnity of that great day be the signal 
 of the conciliation of parties, of the obHvion of resentments, 
 and of the establishment of public peace and happiness. — 
 And fear not that this holy enthusiasm will hurry us beyond 
 the proper and prescribed limits of public order. Under the 
 protection of the law, the standard of liberty shall never be- 
 come the rallying point of licentiousness and disorder. Gen- 
 tlemen, we swear to you to respect the law which it is our 
 duty to defend, — we swear, by our honour as freemen ; — 
 and Frenchmen do not promise in vain." — The address of 
 
238 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Lafayette to the king evinced the same regard to royal, and 
 national rights. " Sire," said he, " in the course of those 
 memorable events which have restored to the nation its im- 
 prescriptible rights, and during which the energy of the 
 people, and the virtues of their king, have produced such 
 illustrious examples for the contemplation of the world, we 
 loved to hail, in the person of your majesty, the most illus- 
 trious of all titles, — chief of the French, and king of a free 
 people. — Enjoy, sire, the recompense of your virtues, and let 
 that pure homage, which despotism could not command, be 
 the glory and reward of a citizen-king. You have desired 
 that we should possess a constitution founded on Hberty and 
 public order. All your wishes, sire, shall be accomplished ; 
 liberty we havt^^ecured, and our zeal is the guarantee of 
 public order." Lafayette concluded with these remarkable 
 words : " The national guards of France swear to your ma- 
 jesty, an obedience which shall know no other limits than 
 those of the law, and a love which shall only terminate with 
 their existence." The reply of the king was extremely cir- 
 cumspect and affectionate ; " Repeat to your fellow- citizens, 
 that it would have been my desire to speak to them all, as I 
 now speak to you. Say to them, that their king is their fa- 
 ther, their brother, their friend, that he cannot be contented 
 without their prosperity, great without their glory, rich with- 
 out their property, nor unhappy without they are afflicted."* 
 The day of vast and universal expectation at last arrived. 
 The king, the court, the clergy, the national assembly, a de- 
 putation of military from the eighty-three departments, and 
 a body of people amounting to above four hundred thousand 
 souls, were assembled in the magnificent amphitheatre of the 
 Champ-de-Confederation. The king had been appointed, for 
 that day only, supreme and absolute commander of all the 
 national guards in France. He named Lafayette as his de- 
 legate to perform the functions ; so that he was not only 
 commander-in-chief of the national guards of Paris, but high 
 *Toulong. p. 219, 220— Mem. Hist- p- 203,207- 
 
MARCtUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 239 
 
 constable of all the armed men in the kingdom; which was, 
 probably, a greater number than had ever before been in any 
 kingdom in the world. At this time he occupied a most im- 
 portant station indeed ; the eyes of the whole, world were 
 fixed upon him. Having the military command over six 
 millions of men, and holding in his hands the power of the 
 monarchy, a boundless influence, and a devoted army might 
 have carried him successfully to the highest grade of power. 
 In a word, on him reposed the destinies of France. This 
 was the crisis of his reputation ; and from his course at that 
 time, his friends and enemies imbibed their opinions of his 
 character. There was but one course for Lafayette to pur- 
 sue, and that was the support of liberty, of constitutional mo- 
 narchy, and of public tranquillity ; and he always held, as it 
 were, a magnanimous neutrality between the different par- 
 lies, when their projects went beyond the laws of justice and 
 moderation. After mass was celebrated by M. de Talleyrand, 
 then bishop of Autun, M. de Lafayette dismounted from his 
 white charger, and approached the king to receive his orders, 
 who delivered to him the form of the oath prescribed for the 
 national troops "Is it not Tacitus who remarks," says a 
 writer of that period, " speaking of Agricola, that nothing 
 heightens the brilliancy of a throne more than to see bend- 
 ing before it, the person of a man who possesses a bold and 
 noble soul, and who, although yet in his youth, can boast of 
 many triumphs ?" M. de Lafayette, as the representative of 
 the nation, tool| the oath first, at the altar which had been 
 erected in the midst of the arena. When he left the foot of 
 the throne, where he had for some time stood, and moved 
 toward the altar, the trumpets began to sound, and while he 
 ascended its steps, a vast band of martial music continued to 
 play. Every eye of the immense mass was turned on him ; 
 every hand was raised to join in the oath he uttered. It was, 
 no doubt, one of the most magnificent and solemn ceremonies 
 the world ever saw ; and, perhaps, no man ever enjoyed the 
 sincere confidence of an entire people more completely than 
 
240 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Lafayette did, as he thus bore the most imposing part in these 
 extraordinary solemnities. — In the view of the multitude who 
 tilled the immense circus around, he laid the point of his 
 sword upon the bible which was on the table of the altar, 
 and raising his hand toward heaven, the music ceased; a 
 universal stillness ensued ; and he pronounced the oath : 
 " We swear to be for ever faithful to the nation, to the law, 
 and to the king ; to maintain, to the utmost of our power, 
 the constitution decreed by the national assembly, and ac- 
 cepted by the king." The conclusion of this ceremony was 
 announced by the discharge of artillery, the reiterated shouts 
 of Vive le roi ! vive la nation ! the clanging of arms, and the 
 flourishes of warlike instruments ; — and the immense mul- 
 titude, who witnessed the oath, united in it with loud and 
 long acclamations. — Similar oaths were then taken by the 
 president of the national assembly, and the king.* 
 
 Lafayette was, on this day, the grand object of popular 
 affection : he inspired the national guards with an exalted 
 devotion. The oath, and the man who pronounced it, ex- 
 cited a strong feeling of confidence. The spectators felt an 
 intoxication of delight : the king and liberty seemed to them, 
 at that time, completely united. For Lafayette, it was an 
 epoch pregnant with difficulties. The part he played caused 
 him to be closely watched by all parties ; but his conduct 
 removed all cause for uneasiness, and preserved to him his 
 high rank and consideration. The throne feared him ; and 
 he had been useful to the throne ; but confidence could ne- 
 ver be established between him and the kmg ; and mutual 
 advantages were lost, because they never dared to assist each 
 other. — But, if the political opinion of Lafayette had been 
 different, his power would have fallen to the ground if he 
 had ventured to oppose the feeling of the day. Ideas, not 
 individuals, were then all-powerful. A limited monarchy 
 has always been the true wish of France, but, as madam 
 
 * Stael. Consid. Rev. i. 376— Hist- French Rev. i- 194.— Moore's View- 
 ii. 93-5 — Toulong. Hist- i- 222,3, 4 — Mem. Hist 199. 203, 207.— North 
 /-^rican Review, No. xlvi p. 161, 2. 
 
MARftUlS DE LAFAYETTE. 241 
 
 De Stael has well observed, the last movement of a truly 
 national enthusiasm was displayed at this federation of 1 790. 
 The Jacobins were constantly gaining power, and the revo- 
 lution was faUing more and more into the hands of the popu- 
 lace. Notwithstanding the good intentions of many who 
 took the oath, the ceremony has been considered as the grand- 
 est and most extensive act of perjury that heaven and earth 
 have ever witnessed. But Lafayette himself, under all cir- 
 cumstances, remained strictly faithful to his oaths ; and now 
 defended the freedom of the king, as sincerely as he had 
 ever defended the freedom of the people. Every subsequent 
 act proved his sincerity : every day his situation became more 
 dangerous. He might have taken great power to himself, 
 and so have been safe. He might have received the sword 
 of constable of France, which was once worn by the Mont- 
 morencies, but he declined it ; or he might have been gener- 
 alissimo of the national guards, who owed their existence to 
 him, but he thought it more for the safety of the state that 
 no such power should exist.* 
 
 Previous to the confederation, the duke of Orleans desir- 
 ed leave to return and assist at this august ceremony, adding, 
 that if the assembly should not think it necessary to deliber- 
 ate on the subject, he should consider that as a permission 
 for his return. The assembly immediately cast their eyes 
 toward Lafayette, who ascended the tribune and explained 
 his motives for having advised the departure of the duke. — 
 The reasons, he added, in his opinion, did still exist, though 
 he saw nothing to make him apprehensive, at present, for the 
 public safety. The assembly then passed to the order of 
 the day, which was construed into a permission, for his re- 
 turning to Paris, where he accordingly arrived on the elev- 
 enth of July, and after tirst renewing his civic oath in the 
 national assembly, assisted personally at the confederation.! 
 
 * North American Review, No. xlvi. p. 161 — Consid- French Rer. 
 vol. i. 376.— Toulong. tome i. 227-8. 
 
 t Moore's View, ii. 89, 90 — Hist. French Rev- 1. 196, 196- 
 31 
 
242 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Three days after the federation, Lafayette received a 
 most flattering and affectionate address from the national 
 guards of France, signed by more than twelve hundred com- 
 mandants, captains, officers, and privates, belonging to all 
 departments of the kingdom. " The more," observed these 
 deputies of four millions of soldiers, " you perform for the 
 public benefit, the less you desire to receive rewards ; you 
 have refused the homage about to be offered from the grate- 
 ful hearts of your fellow-citizens ; you endeavour to escape 
 from our zeal and our eulogiums ; and you have afforded 
 the striking example, that a truly great man can never be- 
 lieve that he has performed enough for his country. — The 
 deputies of the national guard of France, retire under the 
 fear that they will be unable to appoint you their chief; 
 they respect the constitutional law which arrests the impulse 
 of their hearts ; and the fact that you yourself originated 
 that law — that you yourself prescribed limits to the expres- 
 sion of our gratitude — ought for ever to cover you with glory. 
 But if you cannot be*our chief, you will ever be our friend, 
 our guide, and our model : accustomed to behold in you, one 
 of'those heroes who have principally contributed to the suc- 
 cess of the revolution, we will never forget the great exam- 
 ple which you have shown us ; and, should it be possible 
 that, at a future day, any attempt shall be made to abuse our 
 love of liberty, — should it be possible that that love, so pure 
 in its principle, shall give any hopes to the partizans of dis- 
 order, — be firm and encouraged : millions of men are armed 
 for the defence of the constitution ; miUions of men to par- 
 take in your dangers. — As representative of the nation, be, 
 sir, always near the legislative assembly, as the pledge of 
 our zeal in the execution of its decrees."* 
 
 It is a pleasing part of the duty of the biographer, to re- 
 cord the numerous examples, which shed so much lustre on 
 the pure and disinterested principles of Lafayette. That 
 truly great man steadily resisted the entreaties of the muni • 
 
 * Mem. Hist. p. 292. 
 
MARCIUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 243 
 
 eipality of Paris, which required him to accept the compen- 
 sation legally granted to him as the commander of the national 
 guard. In September, 1790, the president of the Commune, 
 at length addressed a letter to Lafayette, in which he de- 
 clared and reiterated in the most positive manner, that it was 
 the intention of the assembly no longer to permit him to re- 
 fuse the indemnity which was legally and unavoidably his 
 due, for the immense expenditures which he had been obli- 
 ged to make in the eminent situation which the public voice 
 had entrusted to him : — that the assembly requested, and (as 
 authoritative expressions on their part could not be disagree- 
 able to him who had uniformly supported their authority,) it 
 understood, that he would receive the necessary indemnities. 
 " You may be generous, ' it concluded, " but the city of Paris 
 cannot possibly be ungrateful. You have created its felicity 
 — it cannot involve you in ruin." — To this letter, general 
 Lafayette made the following reply : 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Permit me, while I positively declare that I have received 
 nothing, either directly or indirectly, from the municipality 
 nor the executive, to add, that I receive a sweet and suffi- 
 cient compensation for the trouble occasioned by fulfilling 
 the duties of the distinguished situation to which I have been 
 called by the voice of the people, in the kind and flattering 
 professions with which you have ever deigned to honour me. 
 I do not affect a false generosity, in persisting in my refusal : 
 I would be disposed, not only to accept, but to demand, to 
 solicit, from the people, in whose cause I have devoted my 
 fortune and my life, indemnity for my expenditures, if my 
 fortune did not raise me above want. — It was considerable j 
 it has sufficed for two revolutions ; and if a third should oc- 
 cur, for the benefit of the people, it shall belong wholly to it. 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 A deputation was then appointed to wait on the comman- 
 der-in-chief : he remained firm, but respectful in his refusal. 
 
244 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 His second reply contains sentiments ennobling to human 
 nature. " I will observe, gentlemen," said he, " that in this 
 moment of troubles, it is difficult to regulate the expenditure 
 of the commander-in-chief If my personal situation required 
 pecuniary aid, I would have demanded it : and I beg you to 
 believe, that I do not attach more importance to refusing, 
 than to accepting it. But, at a time when so many citizens 
 are in want, and so many expenses are necessary, it is repug- 
 nant to my feelings uselessly to increase them. My fortune 
 is sufficient for the rank I hold. — After this declaration, gen- 
 tlemen, I confine myself simply to the request, that the one 
 hundred thousand Hvres added for the current year, to the 
 forty thousand crowns, may contribute to the comfort and 
 relief of those who have most severely suffered for their 
 country." In the same communication, he declared that the 
 compensation of the commander-in-chief, fixed at one hun- 
 dred and twenty thousand livres, was excessive, and ought to 
 be diminished.* 
 
 The society of Jacobins, one of the most powerfnl engines 
 recurred to during the French revolution, was now beginning 
 to dictate laws to the assembly itself " From the moment," 
 says madame De Stael, " that we admit into a government, 
 a power that is not legal, it invariably ends by becoming the 
 strongest." The Jacobin clubs, (for there were no less than 
 twenty thousand affiliated clubs in France,) were organised 
 as a government more than the government itself : they pass- 
 ed decrees ; they were connected by correspondence in the 
 provinces, with other clubs not less powerful; and, finally, 
 they could be considered only as a mine, always ready to 
 blow up existing institutions, when opportunities should offer. 
 But its incendiary motions and outrageous proceedings, and 
 the equivocal characters of many of the ruling members, had 
 cast an indelible stain on a society which, after efficaciously 
 and usefully counterbalancing the influence of the court, was 
 now likely, at no distant period, to endanger the fabric of 
 
 * Mem. Hist. p. 178—184. 
 
MARQUIS DB LAFAYETTE. ^45 
 
 national liberty. M. de Lafayette and his partizans would 
 not, therefore, consent to go to a club, whose leaders scarcely 
 concealed their wishes to dethrone the king, and either no- 
 minate a new dynasty to the throne, or erect a republic on 
 its ruins. To balance the influence of the Jacobin club, 
 they instituted a rival society under the name of the " club 
 of 1789," in which the friends of order and liberty were ex- 
 pected to meet. The principal leaders of this club, on its 
 establishment, were Lafayette, Talleyrand, the dukes de 
 Rouchefoucault, and Liancourt, the two Lameths ; and many 
 other celebrated orators, patriots, and politicians. When 
 they became more numerous, they were better known by the 
 title of Feuillans, from the convent of that name, in which 
 they assembled. Their former associates, the Jacobins, per- 
 ceiving them to be formidable, affected to wish for a reunion, 
 and accordingly sent a deputation for that purpose ; but the 
 Feuillans decidedly rejected the proposition ; a circumstance 
 which their rivals well knew how to turn to their advantage, 
 and soon found means not only to render them suspected by 
 the people, but even, at length, to annihilate them as a deli- 
 berative body. These two formidable societies evinced a 
 rooted hatred to each other. The friends of order and of the 
 constitution, were unable to resist the intolerant spirit which 
 soon involved France in blood and calamity; and when, at 
 last, the monarchy was dissolved, the blood of the advocates 
 of liberty flowed on the same scaffold that had received the 
 victims of aristocracy ; and the founders of the republic be- 
 gan to proscribe each other with an envenomed rancour, 
 that admitted neither of compromise nor of mercy. Lafayette 
 himself became the victim of Jacobinical fury, and of the free 
 and rational principles, which caused him steadily to oppose 
 the growing power of the Jacobin society.* 
 
 In the beginning of the year 1791, the spirit of sedition 
 seemed to augment every moment, and would no doubt have 
 
 *. Consid. French Rev. i. 398— Stephen's Hist Wars French Rev. i. 
 Introd. cix< — ^x. 
 
246 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 produce^ very dreadful effects, had it not been for the steady 
 conduct of Lafayette, and the national guards acting under 
 his orders. It is impossible to unfold the motives of every 
 insurrection which occurred during the revolution. Some, 
 which were begun in consequence of premeditated plans, 
 failed, from the error or weakness of the conductors : some 
 arose from mere accident, independent of any regular scheme, 
 and became formidable from being considered as the result 
 of profound design and extensive conspiracy. On the twenty- 
 eighth of February, 1791, the jealousy and dissatisfaction of 
 the public were unfortunately increased by a rumour which 
 prevailed, that the castle of Vincennes was intended to re- 
 place the Bastile. It is uncertain whether this idea origi- 
 nated with the rabble, or was suggested by men who had 
 some view in it, which afterwards failed : but, on the day 
 mentioned a large body of men set out from the Fauxbourg 
 St. Antoine, with the avowed intention of destroying the 
 castle of Vincennes. This mob was led by Santerre, a 
 brewer of that suburb, who had endeavoured to supplant 
 Lafayette in the good graces of the people : indeed, being a 
 coarse, rough, man, he seemed more fit for the confidence 
 of men, whose professed aim it was to level all distinctions, 
 and who, therefore, required a commander who was hearty 
 in the cause of anarchy. Santerre commanded a division of 
 the national guard, and the riot of Vincennes served to show 
 the two parties in their proper colours. Lafayette, the su- 
 perior officer, opposed himself to the demolition, and Santerre 
 opposed himself to Lafayette. A detachment of national 
 guards which had been immediately sent to the spot, and 
 drawn up for the protection of the castle, became, from their 
 artful remonstrances and entreaties, more disposed to assist 
 than to repel the rioters. Lafayette, having heard that the 
 work of destruction was begun, and the troops passive, re- 
 paired in person to Vincennes, expostulated with the soldiers, 
 and brought them to a sense of their duty. He then ordered 
 them to attack the rabble without firing on them. Sixty were 
 
MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 247 
 
 seized, and the rest dispersed. Many of the latter hastily 
 repaired to the Fauxbourg St. Antoine, exciting the populace 
 to rescue the prisoners. Lafayette, being told that it would 
 be dangerous to march through that quarter of Paris, as the 
 people were in insurrection, placed the prisoners in the mid- 
 dle, some field-pieces in front, and marched his troops^ 
 (with some municipal officers at the head of the column,) 
 directly through the Fauxboui^ St. Antoine to the Hotel- de- 
 Viile ; and, while the mob insulted his troops with their ex- 
 clamations, and even wounded one of his aids-de-camp, and 
 some of the soldiers, by throwing stones, he lodged the prison- 
 ers in the Conciergerie, without farther bloodshed.* 
 
 Lafayette having thus decisively quelled the insurrection 
 of the populace, found, on his return to Paris, that it was a 
 necessary duty to oppose himself to the indiscreet friends 
 of the king, who had created a great disturbance at the Tu- 
 illeries during his absence. He found that the apartments 
 were filled with several hundred armed men, who had been 
 admitted at a private door, by the first gentleman of the 
 king's bed-chamber, and unknown to the national guards on 
 duty at the palace. They declared that, fearing for the royal 
 safety, they had assembled for the defence of the king ; but 
 the latter rebuked their indiscreet zeal ; and, to satisfy the 
 national guard, who were peculiarly irritated at their inter- 
 ference, he ordered that the intruders should be disarmed 
 and dismissed. If this ceremony was performed a little 
 roughly by the national guards, to the great displeasure of 
 many who thought such treatment an ungrateful return for 
 the zeal they had manifested, it must be ascribed to the jeal- 
 ous feeUngs which they had created. Lafayette himself did 
 not arrive at the palace until after the order for disarming 
 the intruders was issued ; but he was exposed to the angry 
 personal attacks directed against him by the suflfering party. 
 A part of the day had been employed in quelling the designs 
 
 * Moore's View, ii. 125, 6, 7.— Hist Jacob, i. 270, 3 — Hist. French 
 Rev. i. 215. 
 
248 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 of the king's enemies, and it was now as necessary to oppose 
 the king's friends. He found himself engaged in a quarrel 
 with those of his own rank ; and, before the eyes of his na- 
 tional guard, it was necessary to show, and even to affect, a 
 rigour and severity which might attach no doubt to his con- 
 duct and opinions. This assemblage in the king's apartments, 
 was variously stated to have been connected with external 
 plans, of which Lafayette alone was ignorant, or, more prob- 
 ably, to have derived its source from the anxiety of some 
 individuals for the king's safety.* 
 
 The singular occurrences of the twenty-eighth of Febni- 
 ary created general distrust, and when the king signified his 
 intention of passing the Easter holidays at St. Cloud, the 
 populace considered it as foreboding the flight of the king, 
 and a counter-revolution. The king, however, persisted in 
 his design, and on the eighteenth of April went into his coach, 
 accompanied by the queen, the dauphin, and the princess 
 Elizabeth. The populace immediately surrounded the car- 
 riage, and clamorously insisted on their majesties' return ; 
 but as they were surrounded by numerous detachments of 
 the national guards, the king ordered the postillions to drive 
 on : instead of keeping off the crowd, the guards closed be- 
 fore the horses, threatened the postillions if they should dare 
 to proceed, and swore they would not permit the royal fa- 
 mily to leave Paris. The king's domestic servants, and 
 other officers of his household, were mal-treated, and the 
 most insulting and abusive expressions were directed against 
 the queen. Bailly, the mayor, hastened to the Tuilleries to 
 suppress the disorder ; — but he was not listened to. La- 
 fayette ordered the national guards to open to the right and 
 left, to clear away the multitude, and allow the king's coach 
 to pass. He was not obeyed. In vain did they oppose this 
 frenzy. A set of orators, better adapted to the ears of 
 the common people, exclaimed, " If the king escapes, there 
 
 » Moore's View, ii. 128-9, I30.—Toulong. Hist, i, 268-9- 
 
MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 249 
 
 will be a civil war, and the streets of Paris will be deluged 
 with the blood of the citizens." The national guard refused 
 to act : " We know," said the grenadiers, " that we are vio- 
 lating the law ; but the safety of the country is the first of 
 laws." — In short, the king and royal family, after having 
 been nearly two hours in the coach, exposed to the insults 
 and derision of the multitude and of the mutinous soldiery, 
 were under the necessity of getting out of the carriage and 
 walking to the palace, amidst the groans, hootings, and hisses 
 of the multitude. Lafayette had arrived, at the first sugges- 
 tion of danger. " If," said he to the king, " this be a matter 
 of conscience with your majesty, we will, if it be necessary 
 die to maintain it ;" and he offered immediately to open a 
 passage by force ; but the king declined a resort to arms.* 
 
 The writers of all parties have done justice to the spirit 
 and propriety which distinguished the conduct of Lafayette 
 on this occasion. Disgusted at the shameful scene on the 
 eighteenth, he sent in his resignation, observing, that since 
 the national guards would no longer obey, he must cease to 
 retain a command which was merely nominal. This event 
 was no sooner known than all Paris was seized with a gene- 
 ral consternation; nor could all the machinations of Lafay- 
 ette's enemies prevent their soliciting, in a body, and under 
 circumstances the most respectful to him, that he would re- 
 assume the command. It then appeared how much he was 
 beloved by the troops which he commanded. All the bat- 
 talions assembled, and appointed deputations to the general, 
 expressing sorrow for their past conduct, and promising im- 
 plicit obedience to his orders in future. They also sent de- 
 putations to the municipality and to the department entreat- 
 ing them to join in soliciting the general to resume the com- 
 mand. — The hotel of Lafayette was filled with these different 
 deputations, from the time that he had given in his resig- 
 nation, until the following morning at five o'clock. The 
 
 • Toulon^. Hist. i. 270— 2.— Hist. French Rev. i. 223-4 — North 
 Am. Rev. No xlvi, !61. oq 
 
260 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 street in which his house stood, was crowded with -the troop.:, 
 all waiting with impatience for the news of his having yield- 
 ed to their entreaties ; but, finding that he still refused, they 
 went in crowds to the Hotel-de-Ville, and begged of the mu- 
 nicipality to use their influence with the general. The mu- 
 nicipality, perceiving that citizens of all the sections joined 
 in this request of the national guards, declared that they 
 would become responsible for the future obedience of the 
 battalions, and entreated the general to yield to the wishes 
 of his fellow-citizens. — Lafayette expressed a proper sense 
 of the honour conferred on him ; adding, that he would not 
 presume to give an immediate answer, but would, the follow- 
 ing day, attend the municipality at the Hotel-de-Ville, and 
 then deliver to them his sentiments. Accordingly, he ap- 
 peared in the common hall at ten o'clock, where he found 
 all the representatives of the common council, with deputies 
 from all the battalions of national guards, assembled, and 
 pronounced a discourse equally distinguished for modesty 
 and good sense. He placed in a strong point of view, the 
 horror which every enlightened citizen must have felt, at be- 
 holding those whose duty it was to support the laws, oppose 
 their execution. He added, that if the capital, which was 
 the cradle of the revolution, instead of respecting and obey- 
 ing the executive powers, should besiege them with tumults, 
 and fatigue them with insults, it would, from being the ho- 
 notired example, become the terror, of the French nation ; 
 and that, in the marks of regard with which his fellow-citi- 
 zens had honoured him, too much attention had been paid to 
 an individual, but not enough to the laws : "In the affecting 
 marks of attachment," said he, " that I have received, too 
 much regard is shovm to me, and too little to the laws. ! am 
 feelingly convinced that my comrades love me ; but I am 
 still to learn, how far they are attached to those principles on 
 which liberty is founded." — And he concluded by refusing to 
 resume the command. 
 
 When the refusal, and the observations, of the general. 
 
MAHUUIS D£ LAFAY£TT£. 251 
 
 became known, it was resolved that each battalion should 
 assemble the following day, and make a declaration of their 
 sentiments on the subject pointed out in his discourse. This 
 was accordingly done by all the different regiments ; and, in 
 their declarations, instead of expressing attachment to their 
 general, and wishes that he should resume the command, 
 they spoke solely of their submission to the law, their zeal 
 for the constitution, and their resolution to obey the com- 
 mander-in-chief, without once mentioning the name of La- 
 fayette. — The municipality, having verified the declarations 
 of the troops, decreed, that the mayor, at the head of a de- 
 putation of eight members of the common council, should 
 wait on the general, and represent to him, that it would en- 
 danger the state if he persisted in his first resolution, and 
 that the greatest proof of patriotism he could give, would be 
 to resume the command. — It was impossible longer to resist. 
 Lafayette returned thanks to the mayor and the deputation 
 in becoming terms : and the day following, having resumed 
 the command, he expressed his sense of the honour done 
 him by the various corps; and, being then on the parade be- 
 fore the Hotel-de-Ville, he proposed, that they should go in 
 a body to the king, taking with them all their comrades 
 whom they might meet, and express their sorrow and re- 
 pentance for what was past, and renew to his majesty, their 
 declaration of allegiance. This proposal was directly adopt- 
 ed : Lafayette conducted them to the Tuilleries ; addressed 
 the king, in the name of all the national guards, in the terms 
 which had been agreed on ; received a gracious reception 
 and answer from the monarch, and, as soon as this was 
 known, the troops expressed their satisfaction by repeated 
 exclamations of "Vive le Roi ! Vive le Restaurateur de la 
 Liberte Francaise ! Vive le Petit-Fils de Henri IV !"* 
 
 This return of the national guards to a sense of their duty, 
 was highly provoking to a set of men who, unhappily for 
 France, were at this time concentrated in the capital, and 
 
 * Moore's View, ii. 167, 171— Hist. French Rev- i. 224. 
 
252 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 who were continually endeavouring to create discord and 
 confusion. The instrumentality of Lafayette in effecting this 
 object, increased the odium in which he was held by the 
 fomenters of anarchy ; and his agency in the dismission of 
 fourteen soldiers of the national guard, who had been par- 
 ticularly active in promoting the mutiny of the eighteenth, 
 gave a fresh and violent impulse to their enmity. The dis- 
 carded soldiers were feasted, and treated as persecuted pa- 
 triots ; while Lafayette was accused as an enemy of liberty 
 and of being bought by the court. Emissaries were also em- 
 ployed to blacken his character and misrepresent his con- 
 duct, among the groups of idlers in the places of public re- 
 sort. Placards were posted up, and pamphlets published 
 against him. At the Cordeliers, some men were heard to 
 declare, that it would be meritorious to assassinate him : and, 
 at the Fraternal Society, a woman, tired by the eloquence 
 of these orators, and intoxicated with the spirit of patriotism, 
 called. him, among other bad names, a second Sisera, and 
 swore that she would take the earliest opportunity of enter- 
 ing his house, and driving a nail into his temples while he 
 was asleep.* 
 
 The capital was now kept in a continual state of agitation 
 by the daring and unprincipled men, who had the direction 
 of the numerous incendiary societies ; until at length, the 
 unhappy monarch, being in dread of the utmost violence 
 from the increasing rancour of his enemies, resolved to en- 
 deavour to escape with his family, out of the kingdom, or, at 
 least, to a garrisoned town on the frontiers. On the night 
 of the twentieth of June, 1791, the royal family left the pa- 
 lace in disguise, by a private issue which communicated with 
 the Carousel, crossed the Pont Royal, and, on the Quai des 
 Theatins, found the carriages which were waiting for them. 
 At Chalons, the king was recognised by the post-master, who, 
 being a royaHst, did not betray him ; but at St. Menehould, 
 the decisive blow was struck. He was there fully known by 
 * Moore's View, ii- 172, 3. 
 
MARCIUIS DB LAFAYETTE. '25 
 
 Drouet, a frantic revolutionist, who instantly determined to 
 prevent his escape : he, however, allowed him to proceed 
 to the next post, but despatched a courier, with the intelli- 
 gence, to Varennes. Here the unhappy prince was arrested, 
 and conducted, amid the most excessive insult and torments, 
 back to his capital. 
 
 The greatest agitation followed the flight of the king, and 
 when this unexpected news was communicated to the as- 
 sembly, Lafayette was accused as the author of the plot; 
 But he was defended by Barnave; and the assembly deputed 
 six commissaries, with orders to rescue him from the hands 
 of the mob, who threatened him with death. Lafayette was 
 not a participator in that ill-judged event ; nor, to such a 
 man, were the powers of six commissaries at all necessary. 
 But it cannot be denied that the general was placed in a 
 most critical situation, and that it required all his popularity 
 to preserve his life. The king not having entrusted any one 
 with his secret, no one felt himself called upon to defend him, 
 and the cote-droit of the assembly, doubly injured by not 
 having been informed of the plan, and by being left exposed 
 to danger, openly complained of the monarch : thus all par- 
 ties endeavoured to excite the spirit of the people, who, not 
 knowing whom to blame, naturally directed their violence 
 against the mayor and commander-in-chief, as negligent or 
 faithless guardians of the pubhc peace. Lafayette was 
 placed in imminent peril : the fury of the populace against him 
 was extreme, and nothing but the long and soUd confidence 
 which they had reposed in him, could have averted the first 
 transports of their rage — The king left the palace about 
 midnight ; but Lafayette was ignorant of his departure until 
 six o'clock in the morning. He immediately wrote to a few 
 friends whom he requested to meet at the Hotel-de-la-Roche- 
 foucalt, and then repaired to the Hotel-de-Ville. The fury 
 of the people subsided, when they perceived the tranquillity 
 and firmness with which he advanced alone, amid the shouts 
 and roarings of a prodigious crowd. But uneasiness and m- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 254 
 
 decision still prevailed, and some observations on the misfor- 
 tune that had happened, which seemed to require an answer 
 from Lafayette, furnished him with the opportunity of say- 
 ing to those who complained, " If you call this event a mis- 
 fortune, what name would you give to a counter-revolution 
 which would deprive you of liberty ?" This observation re- 
 vived the boldness of the discontented ; and several voices 
 cried out, " Let us make Lafayette our king ;" all within hear- 
 ing clamorously repeated this observation. Lafayette, re- 
 garding them with a mingled look of pity and indignation, 
 exclaimed, " / thought that you possessed a better opinion of 
 me. What have I done, that you do not believe me ft for 
 something better ?" Thereupon, the air was filled with loud 
 shouts of " Long live the general /" and confidence and tran- 
 quillity were re-established. At this moment, the six com- 
 missaries arrived to protect him ; but they found him suffi- 
 ciently fixed in the public opinion to refuse any measures 
 for his personal safety. — In the same hour, Lafayette was also 
 attacked in the assembly : a member (Rewbell) remarked, 
 immediately after the six commissaries were despatched to 
 rescue the general, " M. de Lafayette is about to appear, 
 and I request that he may be asked, whether he did not 
 give, a month since, to the officers on guard in the palace, 
 the counter-sign not to permit any one to pass out after mid- 
 night : there must have been some motive for this precaution* 
 
 and we ought to know if ." Here the speaker was 
 
 interrupted by Barnave, who said, " I demand that the as- 
 sembly shall no longer suffer this discourse to be continued, 
 and that it be not permitted to raise injurious surmises re- 
 specting men who have continually afforded proofs of their 
 patriotism. Circumstances may arise, in which it is easy to 
 cast suspicions on the sentiments of the best citizens ; but 
 the conduct of the commander of the national guard, since 
 the commencement of the revolution, is a sufficient pledge 
 that he merits all our confidence. It is our duty to testify 
 it toward him, in the most signal manner." — Never was a 
 
MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 255 
 
 vindication more triumphant, nor more generous. Barnave 
 was at this time, and had long been, on ill terms with Lafay- 
 ette, and the rupture between them was notorious. It had 
 excited considerable interest, and all correspondence had 
 ceased between the parties. It was a truly republican mo- 
 tive which urged Barnave to undertake the defence of one 
 who was absent, and inculpated in so grave an offence, when 
 the defender might have exposed himself to the suspicions 
 which it was attempted to cast on the commander-in-chief. 
 This just and generous action overpowered the assembly, 
 and arrested an accusation, which would doubtless have 
 been repeated, if the first had been received. 
 
 Lafayette was also openly accused by Danton in the Jaco- 
 bin club, of having assisted the flight of the king. He was 
 defended by Lamith ; but, for a long time, vague suspicions 
 rested on the conduct of the general. At that period, one 
 party accused him of holding intelligence with the court ; 
 and the opposite side accused him of duplicity, having, as 
 they said, caused the king to be arrested, aftei having facili- 
 tated his departure. " It is possible and probable," says Tou- 
 longeon, " that he winked at the departure of the queen, and 
 that he was ignorant of that of the king. A great number 
 of the best men desired the removal of the queen, as the 
 only means of saving the king, herself, and the monarchy." 
 It is true that he despatched a messenger after the royal fa- 
 mily ; and he could not possibly do otherwise, circumstanced 
 as he was at that period : had he not done it, Paris would 
 again have been devoted to the most dreadful outrages. His 
 aid-de-camp, however, did not reach Varennes until after the 
 royal fugitives had been arrested. When they returned to 
 Paris, it was principally owing to the zeal, the courage, and 
 the magnanimity of Lafayette, that they were not immedi- 
 ately destroyed. It was owing to him, that Paris was not a 
 scene of horrible confusion : he had the boldness to declare 
 in a debate in the national assembly, " that if any violence 
 was offered to the king, he would, at the head of the national 
 
256 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 guards, proclaim Louis the seventeenth, king ;" and this once 
 more silenced the fury of democracy in Paris, and restored 
 order and submission to legislative authority. If the charge 
 of having instigated the royal family to escape, for the pur- 
 pose of afterwards arresting them, were founded in fact, no 
 odium could be too great, no obloquy could attach a suffi- 
 ciently just«liiprehension, for so cold-blooded a piece of du- 
 plicity But 'the proof of his innocence is so incontrover- 
 tible, so positive and direct, that the mention of it must 
 stamp an indelible impression on the mind of every man, 
 and clear him entirely from so foul a calumny. The test 
 of his innocence was the unfortunate Marie Antoinette, who, 
 being asked on her trial, whether Lafayette had connived at 
 their escape, positively answered, that he was totally igno- 
 rant of it.* 
 
 The assembly was compelled, by the popular ferment, to 
 declare that the king should be kept prisoner in the palace 
 of the Tuilleries, until the constitution had been presented 
 for his acceptance. Lafayette as commander of the national 
 guards, had the misfortune of being doomed to carry this 
 decree into effect. But if, on the one hand, he placed sen- 
 tinels at the gates of the palace, he opposed, on the other, 
 with conscientious energy, the party which endeavoured to 
 pronounce the king fallen from his throne. He employed 
 against those who pressed that measure, the armed force in 
 the Champ-de-Mars ; and he thus proved, at least, that it 
 was not from views of ambition that he exposed himself to 
 the displeasure of the king, as he drew on himself, at the 
 same time, the hatred of the enemies of the throne.! On 
 the motion of Lafayette in the assembly, a general amnesty 
 was subsequently granted to all those who had participated 
 in the king's journey, or committed what could be called po- 
 
 * Stael Consid. French Rev. i. 410-1 1— Hist French Rev. i. 227— 
 233. — Wars French Rev- i. Introd. xcii. — Etienne Rev. 156 — 160. — 
 Senator, ix. 645, 659 — Moore's View, ii. 206— Quart. Rev- xxviii, 305 
 _8.— Toulong. Hist- ii- b- 28, Ap. 59, 115- 
 
 f Stael Consid. i- 423. 
 
MAKQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 257 
 
 iitical offences : he also obtained a decree, enabling every 
 individual to leave France, and return, without a passport. 
 The unanimity which generally prevailed throughout 
 France, from the time of the king's return to his acceptance 
 of the constitution, was interrupted by a short, but dis- 
 graceful, riot at Paris. Several efforts had been unsuccess- 
 fully made by ill-disposed people to disturb the public tran- 
 quillity ; but on the morning of the seventeenth of July, 
 1791, the magistrates were alarmed by the report that a 
 large body of seditious persons were about to assemble in 
 the Champ-de-Mars, the professed object of whom was to 
 petition against the re-establishment of the king, a measure 
 which the Jacobin club had been very active to promote. A 
 great crowd of people flocked to the altar of the federation, 
 which had not yet been removed, there to sign the remon- 
 strance, followed by a declaration that they never would 
 submit to be governed by Louis the sixteenth. At ten 
 o'clock, M. de Lafayette arrived on the spot, and caused the 
 barricades which had been erected, to be destroyed. — A 
 wretch, named Fournier, had the audacity to fire at him, 
 with a pistol, pointed almost at his breast : the man was in- 
 stantly seized, but Lafayette, with a false generosity, per- 
 mitted him to be released, and he afterwards boasted of the 
 act at the bar of the convention. At length, the municipal 
 officers who accompanied the general, obtained a promise 
 from the mob that they would disperse ; and a body of 
 national guards was stationed to prevent their reassembling. 
 Several hours after, the municipality, who had met at the 
 Hotel-de-Ville, were informed that the ferment was increa- 
 sing, and that menacing plans against the national assembly 
 were in agitation. At the same time, it was stated that two 
 unfortunate persons, who had secreted themselves under 
 the altar on which the signatures were received, had been 
 murdered by the mob. Martial law was now formally pro- 
 claimed ; and a red flag was displayed from a window of 
 the Hotel-de-Ville. Lafayette immediately collected th6 
 
258 HISrOKV OF THE 
 
 national guard, and accompanied by the municipal authori- 
 ties, marched to the Champ-de-Mars. They found it crowd- 
 ed by a furious multitude, who, instead of dispersing, in- 
 sulted the troops with loud cries of " A has le drapeau rouge! 
 A has Ics bayonettts /" Stones were thrown at the troops and 
 municipal officers, in volleys. M. Bailly, the mayor, desi- 
 red the troops to halt, and, after the formalities which the 
 law required, Lafayette ordered part of them to fire over the 
 heads of the mob. When they perceived that none were 
 wounded, it confirmed them in an opinion which they had 
 formed, that neither the general nor the mayor had any in- 
 clination to hurt them, and that they durst not fire with ball. 
 From this idea they became more outrageous ; the soldiers 
 and some of the officers of the guards, were wounded ; and 
 they now received orders to fire with ball. Ten or twelve 
 of the mob were killed, and a considerable number wound- 
 ed. — The energy displayed by Lafayette in quelling this 
 commotion, was generally approved of, and heartily so by 
 the national assembly : a greater degree of order and tran- 
 quillity than had been known for some time before in Paris, 
 was the consequence of it.* 
 
 On the thirteenth of September, 1791, the constituent 
 assembly closed, and was succeeded by the legislative as- 
 sembly. Not only Lafayette, but the Lameths, Adrien Du- 
 port, Barnave, and other sincere friends of the constitution, 
 which had now been accepted by the king, could not be 
 members of the second assembly, by that most impolitic de- 
 cree which excluded all who had been members of the first. 
 Lafayette, particularly from the arrest and imprisonment of 
 the king, was become more than ever the object of hatred 
 to the loyalists; and as to the Jacobins, he had already pro- 
 voked all their fury by his conduct toward the duke of Or- 
 leans, and from his causing the companies of the insui^ent 
 regiments at Nanci, who were coming to Paris to raise the 
 
 • Toulon^:. Hist. ii. 53—4 — Hist Frencli Rev. I 236.— Moore's 
 View, ii. 23T. 
 
MAR(IUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 259 
 
 populace, to be arrested. From that moment the Jacobins 
 attacked him with increasing violence : then Corypheus Ma- 
 rat, author of the " Friend of the People," constantly de- 
 nounced him as the traitor Lafayette. The affair of the 
 Champ-de-Mars brought this rage to its height : the repub- 
 lican party which then began to manifest itself, already wish- 
 ed to bring the king to trial, and united with the Jacobins, 
 in opposition to Lafayette and the friends of the constitu- 
 tion. After the open attempt to assassinate their genera], 
 the national guard, especially the old French guard, grew 
 furious : they imprecated the Jacobins, wished to destroy 
 by a cannonade the club, which they called a cavern, and 
 disperse the people who frequented it. But Lafayette con- 
 sistently opposed, and allayed, the ferment. 
 
 When the constitution of 1791, was accepted by the king 
 in the spirit of Washington, he resigned all command, alleg- 
 ing that the emergency which required his services, was now 
 over, and that, as he derived his powers from the revolution, 
 those powers ought to cease with it. His situation in the 
 national guards, which he had now completely organized 
 according to his original project, was filled by temporary 
 commanders. The municipality of Paris caused a medal 
 of gold to be struck in his honour, and presented him with 
 a sword, and a marble bust of Washington. He had sacri- 
 ficed a large part of his fortune for the revolution, but mag- 
 nanimously declined any remuneration for his losses. La- 
 fayette now retired to his estate of Chavagnac in Auvergne, 
 accompanied by the esteem which his generous and disin- 
 terested conduct so well deserved. He was followed, as he 
 had been for many years, by crowds wherever he went, and 
 attended on his way by every form of popular enthusiasm 
 and admiration.* 
 
 Not long after this retirement, a circumstance occurred 
 which served to put in motion the two parties which were 
 
 * Nat. Gaz- Feb. 3, Sep. 13, 1824 — Moore's ViCTV^, ii. 24«.— ToulMg. 
 Hist. ii. 94, Ap. 25— Biog. Notice, p. 10. 
 
260 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 shortly to divide the kingdom, the constitutionalists and the 
 republicans ; and the event might have shown in whose fa- 
 vour the balance was likely to preponderate. The mayor- 
 alty of the judicious and patriotic M. Bailly, terminated in 
 the month of November, 1791 ; and the once popular Lafay- 
 ette appeared as a candidate to succeed him. He was oppo- 
 sed by Petion, a violent Jacobin, and a declared republican, 
 on the one side, and, the king and queen, being prejudiced 
 against him, by the whole influence of the court, on the 
 other. It is almost unnecessary to state the issue of this 
 unequal contest, and to add that Petion was elected mayor 
 of Paris by a great majority. The small number of votes 
 that Lafayette obtained was the source of great surprise to 
 many people, when they considered his ardour in pursuit of 
 the revolution, and his services to the people of Paris, which 
 ought to have entitled him to their peculiar countenance 
 and protection. But melancholy experience had evinced 
 the increasing credit and power of the Jacobins, and it was 
 evident that that pernicious society had not only gained the 
 ascendancy over the minds of the populace, but was enab- 
 led to control even the assembly itself The government, 
 in fact, was in their hands, if that may be called a govern- 
 ment where the people are without control, and called to 
 account for none of their actions ; — a government from 
 which it was time for all honest men to retire.* 
 
 Quid est CatuUe quod moraris emori .'' 
 Sella in curuli struma Nonius aedet, 
 Per consiilatum pejerat Vatinius ; 
 Quid est CatuUe quod moraris emori ? 
 
 From the happy tranquillity to which he now gladly turn- 
 ed, Lafayette was soon called by the war with Austria, de- 
 clared April twentieth, 1792, in which he was, at once, ap- 
 pointed one of the three major-generals to command the 
 .French armies : he soon after obtained the rank of lieuten- 
 
 * Bertrand's Mem. i.259 — Letters from Paris, ii. SOS. —Hist Frencb 
 Rot. i. 263-4 — Toulongeon, ii. 94. 
 
 / 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 261 
 
 ant-general, and finally that of marshal of France, with a 
 red ribband. Having received from the king the command 
 of the army of the centre, destined to cover the frontier of 
 Ardennes, he took the field in the beginning of May, 1792. 
 Lafayette, together with Rochambeau and Luckner, had 
 been previously summoned to Pahs, to consult with the 
 council ; and Lafayette had greatly interested himself in 
 bringing about a reconciliation among the ministers, whose 
 dissensions had an evil effect on the public mind, and were 
 likely to produce fatal consequences to the king. Notwith- 
 standing the infamous combination of tyrants, at the treaty 
 of Pilnitz, and the provocation which had been given to the 
 French nation, Lafayette was one of those who thought it 
 would have been more politic to have been less precipitate, 
 and to have compelled Austria to appear, in every view, in 
 the character of an aggressor. Such was the opinion of a 
 man, whose judgment was in general sound, and whose pa- 
 triotism none but a violent and desperate faction has ever 
 presumed to question. But, placed by the unanimous voice 
 of his country at the head of the arms of France, he pre- 
 pared to repel the invaders. 
 
 Three separate bodies of troops were formed along the 
 frontiers, from Switzerland to Dunkirk, under the direction 
 of three commanders, enjoying not only the reputation of 
 great military talents, but also the confidence of the nation : 
 these were Lafayette, Rochambeau, and Luckner. Lafay- 
 ette, who commanded the army of the centre, fixed his head 
 quarters at Metz, and occupied Nancy, Thionville, and Lune- 
 ville : he had upwards of twenty thousand men at his dis- 
 posal, and was so posted as to continue the line of defence 
 from the Meuse to the Moselle. The general officers under 
 his command were De Wittgeinstein, De Bellemont, Crillon, 
 Parquet, and Defranc. It was a part of the plan concerted 
 in the French cabinet, that all the troops should be in mo- 
 tion about the same time, and form, if possible, a general 
 rendezvous in the centre of the Austrian Netherlands. — 
 Agreeably to this plan, Lafayette was to be at Givet by the 
 
262 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 thirtieth of April ; and, although the orders only reached 
 him on the twenty-fourth, and though he was in most re- 
 spects very ill-appointed, he was, by great exertions, enabled 
 to provide seventy-eight pieces of cannon by the twenty- 
 sixth, and, on the same day, despatched a large body with 
 the convoy of artillery, to penetrate by forced marches to 
 Givet. On the first of May, Lafayette's advance took post 
 at Bouvines, half way to Namur, and every thing appeared 
 to promise success to the expedition. But the failure of 
 the other parts of the grand army rendered it utterly fruit- 
 less, though Fayette continued to retain his post, and even 
 slowly to advance upon the enemy. On the twenty-third 
 of May, his advanced guard, under M. Gouvion, was attack- 
 ed at Hamphine, near Florennes, by a force, as it afterwards 
 appeared, superior to his own, which only amounted to three 
 thousand men. The Austrian advanced guard was twice 
 repulsed ; but M. Gouvion, observing the great superiority 
 of the enemy, effected a retreat with the greatest regularity. 
 The next action in which this army was engaged took place 
 on the eleventh of June, when the Austrians attacked the 
 advanced guard of Lafayette, at Griselle, near Maubeuge ; 
 but M. Gouvion, aware of their design, began a retreating 
 fight, in which his infantry was constantly covered by the 
 hedges, and the enemy's columns suffered considerably from 
 his cannon. As soon as the news arrived at the camp, La. 
 fayette sent M. Narbonne with a considerable reinforcement 
 on the flank of the enemy, while he himself advanced with 
 the main army. The Austrians abandoned the field, and a 
 part of their killed and wounded, to the French, who pur- 
 sued them more than a league beyond the ground of their 
 advanced guard, which again took possession of its former 
 post. Though this action was crowned with victory, it was 
 yet unfortunate for France, as it deprived the nation of one 
 of its ablest generals and firmest patriots ; Gouvion, the bo- 
 som-friend of Fayette both in America and Europe, was 
 killed by the oblique stroke of a reflected ball.* 
 
 "^ Hist. Freacb Rev. ii. 6. 13.— 14.— Bert Mem- ii- 59, ei.—Wari 
 Rev. i. 7, 9, 10— Toulong. Hist. ii. 120. 
 
MARQUIS DB LAFAYETTE. 263 
 
 At this period, the voice of Lafayette was again heard 
 crying out in the cause of justice and humanity. He had 
 commenced a reorganization of the army, improved the dis- 
 cipHne, introduced simpUcity in the mihtary administration, 
 formed bodies of light artillery, established military councils, 
 and courts-martial ; and in a word, he had exerted all his 
 abilities in disciplining his troops, and supplying their neces- 
 sities. But the treatment of prisoners had been such as to 
 call forth his loudest censure, until prisoners of war were 
 placed, by an express law, under the safe-guard of the na- 
 tion. " The infamous conduct," said Lafayette in his des- 
 pat-ches to the minister of war, " which has been exercised 
 toward prisoners of war, demands, sir, exemplary vengeance. 
 It is not the enemy, but the French army, that demands it. 
 The universal indignation which reigns among us, authorizes 
 me to declare, that brave soldiers are unwilling to fight, if 
 their vanquished enemies are to be cast into the fangs of 
 cowardly cannibals."* 
 
 Ai this period, the thread of court intrigue was se ravel- 
 led, that history can hardly follow it : the unhappy king was 
 successively, the object, the tool, and the victim, of it. Too 
 suspicious to abandon himself to any party, and too feeble 
 to master them all, — the Girondists offered him their servi- 
 ces — the Mountain threatened him — the Jacobins openly 
 insulted him — the Feuillans obeyed him with fear and with- 
 out confidence — the secret council of the queen promised 
 to baffle them all — and foreign agents, watching all parties, 
 having spies in all, knowing every thing, and opposing each 
 other, were alone successful in their aim, — to create disor- 
 der and destruction. Open war was declared between the 
 legislative and the executive powers ; and was pushed to 
 such an extremity, that Lafayette, who had now become 
 the butt of every faction, believed it his duty to make a pow- 
 erful effort, and prove the strength of his former popularity. 
 "Violences, of almost every degree of atrocity, were become 
 
 * Touloijgr. Hist. ii. 125, Ap. 7! 
 
264 HISTORY OP THC 
 
 common, and that public order, of which he had never ceas- 
 ed to speak on all suitable occasions, no longer existed. — 
 He felt that, under these circumstances, his silence would 
 be an abandonment of the principles to the support of which 
 he had devoted his life : and, with a courage which few men 
 in any age have been able to show, and with a temperance, 
 which has always kept his conduct on one even line, he 
 wrote the far-famed letter to the convention, dated from the 
 entrenched camp of Maubeuge, sixteenth June, 1792, in 
 which he drew a very formidable picture of the dangerous 
 situation in which the nation was placed by the attempts of 
 its enemies, both foreign and domestic, and plainly and with- 
 out reserve, denounced the growing faction of the Jacobins, 
 and called on the constituted authorities to put a stop to the 
 atrocities which they were openly promoting : " Can you 
 dissemble even to yourselves," said he, "that a faction, (and 
 to avoid all vague denunciations,) the Jacobin faction, have 
 caused all these disorders ? It is that society which I boldly 
 denounce : organized like a separate empire in the metropo- 
 lis, and in its affiliated societies, and blindly governed by 
 some ambitious leaders, this society forms a totally distinct 
 corporation in the midst of the French nation, whose powers 
 it usurps, by tyrannising over its representatives, and con- 
 stituted authorities." In the course of this letter, he dared 
 to say, " Let the royal authority be untouched for it is guar- 
 anteed by the constitution ; let it be independent, for its in- 
 dependence is one of the springs of our liberty ; let the king 
 be revered, for he is invested with the majesty of the nation ; 
 let him choose a ministry which wears the chains of no fac- 
 tion ; and if traitors exist, let them perish under the sword 
 of the law." He, at the same time, addressed a letter to 
 the king, expressive of similar sentiments.* 
 
 There was not another man in France who would have 
 dared to take such a step, at such a time ; and it required 
 
 • Toulong. Hilt, ii- 148—159, Ap. 121 — Hi«t. French Rev. ii. 22 
 North Am. Rev. January, 182S, p> 162—3. 
 
XAlitiUlS D£ LAFAYETTE. 266 
 
 ail Lafayette's vast influence to warrant him in expressing 
 such opinions and feehngs, or to protect him afterwards. — 
 The agitation produced by this letter was extreme, and the 
 proceedings of the disaffected of gloomy portent. At first 
 the Jacobins seemed to shrink from a contest with Lafay- 
 ette ; they had heretofore spared, because they feared, and 
 even hoped to gain, him : hoping no more to be able to tri- 
 umph over his principles, they vowed his destruction ; and 
 their oaths of that description had never been taken in vain. 
 The meeting of the Jacobins on the eighteenth of June, was 
 tumultuous and outrageous in the highest degree. They pro- 
 posed that Lafayette should be sent to Orleans as a traitor, 
 and the most acceptable motion that was made was, that a 
 price should be set on his head, and that chaque citoyen put 
 courir sus ; — that is to say, that any body that pleased might 
 murder him. While such were the debates within doors,, at 
 the hall of the Jacobins, their emissaries without were bu- 
 sily employed in exciting the people to insurrection, and 
 the occurrences of the twentieth of June too plainly evin- 
 ced the success of their endeavours. — When Lafayette's let- 
 ter was read, Vergniaux represented that the remonstrances 
 of a general at the head of an army to the assembly, had 
 the appearance of an attempt to overawe the legislature. — 
 Gaudet ironically remarked, that the letter was so much in 
 the style of Cromwell, that it could not possibly be written 
 by Lafayette. They began, therefore, by denying its au- 
 thenticity ; they declared it, in short a forgery.* 
 
 On the twentieth of June, the excitement produced by 
 the machinations of the Jacobins, broke out in the most dis- 
 graceful manner. Twenty thousand men of the lowest rank, 
 armed with pikes and lances, marched to the Tuilieries with- 
 out knowing why ; — they were ready to commit e\ery crime, 
 or could be persuaded to the noblest actions, according to 
 the impulse of events, and of their leaders. These twenty 
 
 * North Am. Rev. January, 1825, p. 163— Toulong. Hist ii, 150—1. 
 Hist. French Rev. ii. 23.— Moore's Journal, p. 115.— Moore's View. u. 
 280-1. »r > 
 
 34 
 
266 HISl'ORV OF THE 
 
 thousand men made their way into the palace ; and their 
 savage oaths mingled with cries, their threatening gestures 
 and deadly implements, exhibited a frightful spectacle. — 
 Louis XVI. on this day showed all the virtues of a saint, and 
 a degree of courage which had been supposed wholly in- 
 compatible with his character. The time was past for sa- 
 ving himself like a hero ; but neither the threats nor bowl- 
 ings of this insolent mob could humble nor intimidate him : 
 but he was under the necessity of wearing the red cap, the 
 symbol of the Jacobins and the dreadful signal of massacre, 
 which was placed on his head by the hands of a man inebri- 
 ated with liquor, and ejaculating the most terrible oaths. — 
 The assembly, ashamed of its auxiliaries, sent several of the 
 deputies to save the royal family ; and, at length, in conse- 
 quence of a long and animated speech, delivered by Vergni- 
 aud, the populace was persuaded to retire.* 
 
 General Lafayette, indignant at what was passing at Paris, 
 left his army to appear at the bar of the assembly, and de- 
 mand justice for the terrible day of twentieth June, 1792. 
 He was a constitutional general, and whatever prospect of 
 success appeared, it was his duty to take that dangerous, but 
 patriotic step. He passed two days in securing the position 
 of his army during his absence, and set out for Paris. In 
 passing through Soissons, he saw the administrative body, 
 who praised his devotion to the country, predicted its inu- 
 tility, and advised him of his danger. On the twenty-eighth 
 of June, he arrived alone, and alighted at the hotel of La 
 Rochefoucalt, where he was immediately waited on by sev- 
 eral battalions of the national guards. A tree of libert}', 
 ornamented with ensigns and cockades was planted before 
 his door, and every circumstance evinced the return of af- 
 fection in the people to their former friend and benefactor. 
 The news of his arrival gave satisfaction to all the lovers 
 of order and of the constitution, and struck the Jacobins 
 with alarm. It was believed either that his army was in 
 
 * De Stael Consid. vol. ii. 47-8— Wars French Rev. i. 20, 21.-H«t. 
 French Rev. ij. 7',. 
 
MARttUlS DJi LAFA1£TTE. 267 
 
 full march after him, or that he was assured of such sup- 
 port in the capital itself, as would enable him to accomplish 
 the object of his visit. When the king heard of the demand, 
 that he was about to make to the convention, he formed 
 very high expectations relative to the success of that meas- 
 ure : but they were not of long duration. — Lafayette appear- 
 ed at the bar unattended, with that confidence and dignity 
 which integrity alone can give. Had the Girondists at this 
 time joined him and his friends, they might perhaps still 
 have prevented the entrance of foreign troops, and restored 
 to the king that constitutional authority which was his due. 
 The discourse, pronounced by the general, was replete with 
 energy and patriotism, and as strong as the circumstances 
 exacted. He avowed his letter of the sixteenth, and assign- 
 ed as a reason for his appearance among them, the shame 
 and indignation of the army at the outrage of the twentieth, 
 which, he Said, must have increased to an alarming degree, 
 had he not thought it his duty to moderate their resentment 
 against the factions of Paris, by assuring them that he would 
 appear alone before the representatives of the nation, and 
 demand, in their name, that order, obedience, and respect 
 for the laws, should be restored. In the name, therefore, of 
 that army, as well as of all good citizens, he demanded " the 
 punishment of the instigators and executors of the violence 
 of the twentieth, the suppression of the Jacobin societies, 
 and that the assembly would take measures for preventing 
 all attempts against the constitution from internal enemies, 
 while the army was repelling foreign foes from the frontiers." 
 He closed his speech by words which well became him ; 
 " Such are the representations submitted to the assembly by 
 a citizen, whose love for liberty at least, will not be dispu- 
 ted." — His discourse was received with applause, and the 
 president invited him to the honour of a sitting. The con- 
 sternation which prevailed for a short time, was dispelled 
 by Gaudet, who stepped quickly to the tribune, and in a 
 dexterous discourse, inveighed against the general for leav- 
 ing the army, described the distrust which his counsels ought 
 
268 HISTORV or THfi 
 
 to excite in the legislative assiembly, and desired that the 
 minister of war might be questioned whether general Lafay- 
 ette had, or had not, obtained permission to leave his post. 
 This produced a debate ; and several severe speeches were 
 made by those who would have remained over-awed, had not 
 Gaudet began in the bold manner he did. The noise and 
 cry of question now became pretty general ; — when the 
 appeal nominal threw out Gaudet's motion by three hundred 
 and thirty-niue against two hundred and thirty-four.* 
 
 This bold step of Lafayette's was attended with no 
 success : on the contrary, it served to accelerate his down- 
 fall. The Jacobins redoubled their activity in rendering 
 him odious to the populace. The name of Cromwell was 
 echoed from every press ; but when Gaudet revived the recol- 
 lection of the same man, dictating in the name of his army 
 laws to the representatives of his country, the assembly were 
 perfectly aware that they had neither tyrant nor soldier be- 
 fore them, but a virtuous citizen, who could not tolerate 
 crime, under whatever banner it might pretend to range itself. 
 The efforts of the Jacobins with the mob were effectual, and 
 Lafayette, finding, after fruitless efforts to assemble the na- 
 tional guards, that no good was to be effected in Paris, left that 
 city on the thirtieth of June, and returned immediately to 
 his army. Before his departure, he waited on the king, 
 who thanked him for the step he had taken, but did not pro- 
 fit by his further offers of service. His effigy was burnt the 
 same evening at the Palais-Royal ; his conduct was represent- 
 ed in the journals as high treason ; he was called a liberticide 
 and a second Cromwell, with this difference, that he acted 
 in concert with the king against the liberty of the people ; 
 and he was accused of having proposed to march with his 
 army to Paris. 
 
 When Lafayette reached the army, he found that it, also, 
 was now infected : he endeavoured to assure himself of its 
 
 * De Stael Consid. ii. 48, 9 — Toul Hist, ii- 179— Moore's View, ii. 
 228 — Bertrand's Mem. ii. 331— Hist. French Rev- ii. 27.— Lett, from 
 Paris, ii. 58. 
 
MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 269 
 
 fidelity, and proposed to the soldiers to swear anew to the con- 
 stitution. A very large proportion refused, and it imme- 
 diately became apparent, from the movements, both at 
 Paris and in the army, that he was no longer safe. His 
 adversaries, who were determined and interested to ruin 
 him, were his judges; and they belonged to a party, which 
 was never known to devote a victim without consummating 
 the sacrifice. It was not long before Brissot prepared to 
 denounce him to the assembly, and demand against him a 
 decree of accusation ; " I am grieved," he remarked, " at 
 this affair, for no one esteems him more than I do ; but why 
 has he declared himself hostile to the Jacobins ?" The re- 
 sentment of this party appeared, for the present, to be prin- 
 cipally directed against Lafayette. His consistency had 
 mortally offended these factious spirits ; they had tempted 
 him with the highest bribes, and the most splendid promi- 
 ses,— but he proved inflexibly attached to the constitutional 
 party, and determined to fall with the constitution. The 
 spirit which he evinced in his late fruitless journey to Paris, 
 determined them to exert themselves to procure his imme- 
 diate dismission ; their clubs had been employed for weeks 
 in debates on his treason, and innumerable inflammatory ad- 
 dresses were presented to the assembly against him. The 
 decision upon the charges against Lafayette was deferred to 
 the eighth of August, when a long and tumultuous debate 
 took place. The report of the committee concluded by pro- 
 posing a decree of accusation, and was highly applauded by 
 the mob in the galleries. At length the motion for tho 
 decree was rejected by four hundred and six voices against 
 two hundred and twenty-four. It was evident, from this de- 
 cision, that the assembly, weak and incompetent as it was, 
 still preserved some share of decency in its character and 
 proceedings : but the Jacobins had made their party cer- 
 tain; the mob were completely devoted to them, and they 
 hoped to carry, by their force, the boldest measures.* The 
 
 * North American Review, January, 1825,— Hist. French Rev. ii.39. 
 
270 HISTORY Ok- THB 
 
 very day subsequent to the acquittal of Lafayette, (the ninth 
 of August,) the assembly, in consequence of the proceedings 
 of the Jacobins, declared its sessions " no longer free." 
 
 Meanwhile the general was using his utmost efforts in 
 support of constitutional authority. Early in the month 
 of August, he despatched one of his aids-de-camp to Paris, 
 proposing to the king and royal family to take refuge at 
 Compeigne, with he army. This was the best and safest 
 course ; but the persons who possessed the confidence 
 of the king and queen hated M. de Lafayette as much 
 as if he had been an outrageous Jacobin. The aristocrats 
 of that time preferred running every risk to obtain the re- 
 establishment of the old government, to the acceptance of 
 efficient aid under the condition of adopting with sincerity 
 the principles of the revolution ; that is, a representative 
 government. The offer of Lafayette was then refused, and 
 the king submitted to the dreadful risk of awaiting the 
 German troops at Paris.* 
 
 The tenth of August, 1792, soon arrived, a day replete 
 with horror ; a revolution then overthrew the monanhy, 
 and gave a final blow to the power of the constitutional par- 
 ty. The palace was stormed hy a furious mob, the n>ost 
 atrocious murders committed, the king and the royal fa- 
 mily pursued to the national assembly, to which they had 
 fled for safety, where the legislative body was compelled to 
 supersede the king in order to save his life. For many days 
 the phrenzy of the populace raged'with unbounded violence, 
 savage and dreadful in its effects. This absurd rage was 
 not confined to living objects of resentment. They bar- 
 barously demolished every vestige of art which had the re- 
 motest relation to monarchy or aristocracy ; among others, 
 the bust of Lafayette was sought for, with a ridiculous assi- 
 duity, and demolished.t 
 
 • De Stael'a Consid. ii- 56-7— Toulong. Hist. ii. 300.— Bertr. Mem. 
 u,333— 5- 
 
 \ Hist French Rev. ii. 00, &c. 
 
MABQUIS DE LAFATETTE. 271 
 
 The suspension and imprisonment of the king produced 
 great astonishment in the armies ; particularly in that com- 
 manded by Lafayette, who, by the sudden change of his 
 position, appears to have meditated some important project, 
 now rendered abortive by the new revolution. He was 
 posted, at this critical moment, at Sedan, at the head of 
 twenty-eight thousand men. As strenuously opposed to Ihc 
 tyranny of the Jacobins, as he was adverse to the despotism 
 of the court, the general determined to support, with all 
 his enei^ies, the cause of the captive monarch, whose 
 power had been rendered legitimate by the sanction of the 
 constitution, and the oaths of the people. He called a 
 council of war, to which he summoned every officer 
 commanding a battalion, and finding among them a ready 
 assent to the measures proposed by him, he immediate- 
 ly published a proclamation, in which he declared not 
 only his own dissent, but that of the troops under his com 
 mand, to the recent events that had occurred in the capital. 
 But the national assembly had already anticipated the de- 
 fection of Lafayette's army, and recurred to measures calcu- 
 lated either to gain the commander, or induce the troops 
 to desert him. On the night of the twelfth of August, they 
 accordingly despatched three commissioners to the army, 
 to counteract the movements of the general Lafayette 
 was accidentally apprized of these proceedings ; and after 
 stating the facts to the magistrates of Sedan, he advised 
 them, in duty to the king and constitution, to arrest the 
 commissioners, who, on their arrival there, were accordingly 
 imprisoned. — In the mean time Lafayette returned to camp, 
 and immediately distributed among the battalions an ener- 
 getic and decisive letter, declaring the destruction of the 
 constitution by a banditti, and the deposition of the king. 
 "Citizens,'" he concluded, '' you are no longer represented ; 
 the i.ational assembly are in a state of slavery ; your armies 
 are withotit leaders ; Petion reigns ; the savage Danton and 
 his satellites are masters. Thus, soldiers, it is your province 
 
272 HISTORV OF THE 
 
 to examine whether you will restore the hereditary repre- 
 sentative to the throne, or submit to the disgrace of having 
 a Petion for your king." — When this communication was 
 first made to the soldiery, they announced, by their rage and 
 exclamations, that they were actuated by that indignation 
 which their leader was so desirous to excite. Lafayette 
 had every reason to suppose that all the armies participated 
 in this feeling ; but he was mistaken. No sooner were the 
 assembly informed of his defection, and of the arrest of their 
 commissioners, than they immediately deprived him of the 
 command, and nominated Dumourier the commander-in- 
 chief, who received orders to march against the constitution- 
 al general. But this measure was soon rendered unneces- 
 sary : three new deputies had been despatched to procure 
 the liberation of their predecessors, while a great number 
 of emissaries received secret orders to repair to Lafayette's 
 camp, and debauch the fidelity of his soldiers ; in which they 
 were too successful.* 
 
 Lafayette laboured in vain, for some time, to dissemble 
 the critical situation in which he was placed. To have 
 marched directly to Paris, would have exposed the king and 
 his family to certain destruction ; and, in erecting the stand- 
 ard of revolt in the provinces, he would have been opposed 
 hy the other armies, and a civil war must inevitably have 
 followed. In addition to these considerations, France was, 
 at this moment, pressed on all sides by the enemy, and the 
 idea of a capitulation with the presumptuous invaders of 
 his country, struck him with horror. He was resolved, 
 therefore, whatever might occur, neither to leave the fron- 
 tiers destitute of defence, nor to lose his reputation by means 
 of a disgraceful compact. But the oath which he had taken 
 to support the constitutional king, marked out a line of con- 
 duct from which he could not honourably swerve. He 
 formed a plan to rally around him the neighbouring depart- 
 ments, and to form, with some of the members of the con- 
 stituted authorities, a kind of congress, to which he expect- 
 
 * Wars French Rev- i- 45,51— Hist. Kev. ii. 63— Touloug-. Hist. ii. 267. 
 
MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTB. 273 
 
 ed that many opposition members of the legislative body 
 would unite themselves. Supported by the civil power, 
 and seconded by the armies of the Moselle and the Rhine, 
 he might have organized a powerful opposition, and re-estab- 
 lished the constitution. But every circumstance necessary 
 to the success of his project, failed together : the enemy, on 
 the threshold of the empire, concentrated all his power ; the 
 versatile conduct of the king and court destroyed all confi- 
 dence, and rendered all his measures ineffectual ; and the 
 habits of the soldiery, had taught them to know no other 
 power but the decrees of the assembly : every thing con- 
 curred in crushing an enterprise which the rapidity of events 
 had not afforded him time to mature, whose success, if only 
 partial, might have opened the gates of the frontiers to the 
 enemy, and which it was impossible after the events of the 
 tenth of August, completely to effect. His own army now 
 divined the predicament in which he was placed, and a ge- 
 neral consternation began to prevail in his camp. Those 
 regiments which had been loudest in their accclamations, 
 announced by their conduct that their fidelity was beginning 
 to waver ; others murmured at their lot, and lamented their 
 situation. It was also propagated with equal ar*^ and suc- 
 cess, that a decree of accusation had been promulged against 
 their commander ; that disobedience to his orders had now 
 become a duty ; and that to recognise him any longer, was 
 to violate the laws.* 
 
 * Toulong. Hist. France, ii. 269, 70— Hist Wars Fr. Rev. i, 51,2,3. 
 
 " Jfational Assembly, August 17, 1792- 
 " Decree of accusation ag-ainst M. Lafayette. 
 " I. It appears to this assembly, that there is a just ground for accu- 
 sation against M. Lafayette, heretofore commander of the army of 
 the north. 
 
 «' II. The executive power shall, in the most expeditious manner 
 possible, carry the present decree into execution ; and alj constituted 
 authorities, all citizens, and all soldiers, are hereby enjoined, by every 
 means in their power, to secure his person- 
 
 " III. The assembly forbids the army of the north, any longer to ac- 
 knowledge him as a general, or to obey his orders ; and strictly enjoins 
 that no person whatsoever shall furnish any thing to the troops, or [lay 
 any money for their use, but by the orders of JVL Dumourier." * 
 
 35 
 
274 HISTORY Of THE 
 
 Notwithstanding the prevalence of these sentiments, a ge- 
 nerous feehng seemed still to actuate the hearts of an army 
 that had already resolved to abandon its general, and both 
 time and opportunity were afforded him to provide for his 
 safety. In a consultation with his friends, it was on all sides, 
 allowed that it had become impossible to support the vigo- 
 rous measures which they had determined to pursue, as 
 they were abandoned by the whole nation, and even by 
 their own troops. Immediate flight now became necessary 
 to those who had but so lately hoped to decide the fate of 
 an empire. However inevitable the measure, it was with 
 reluctance that Lafayette consented to embrace it : he was 
 not ignorant of the dangers which accompanied it, but he 
 hoped, at all events, to be able to ensure the safety of his 
 companions, and to appear rather unfortunate than culpable 
 in the eyes of mankind. He accordingly resolved on the 
 night of the 19th August, 1792, to set out, before the dawn 
 of day should exhibit once more the discontent of an army 
 formerly so much attached to him, and which still respected 
 his misfortunes. He mounted his horse, accompanied by 
 Latour-Maubourg, the friend of his youth; — Alexandre 
 Lameth, formerly his enemy, but now determined to partici- 
 pate in his fate ; and Bureau de Puzy, three times presi- 
 dent of the constituent assembly. When he arrived at Bou- 
 illon, he sent back his escort, wrote from thence orders for 
 the different posts occupied by his army, so as to secure its 
 safety. None of the refugees attempted to seduce a single 
 battalion to desert, and by such base and inglorious nieans, 
 ensure the favour of the enemy ; on the contrary, it was their 
 sole wish to retire to some distant country, and hope for 
 
 better days.* 
 
 The prime and immediate motive of Lafayette, in retreat- 
 ing from his army, was to avoid the decree of accusation 
 which had converted his adversaries into his judges. He 
 hoped to pass the posts of the enemy without being disco- 
 
 * Toulong. Hist. ii. 371.— Wars, Rev. i. 54 
 
MAUCitilS UE LAFAYETTE. 275 
 
 vered, aud thus gain the territory of the republic of Holland. 
 He was not driven, by the enemies of liberty, from the land 
 on which he had been one of the first to endeavour to confei 
 that blessing ; it was in the name of that very liberty, that a 
 party, rather opposed to him in principles than opinions, and 
 still more in measures than in principles, accused and pro- 
 scribed for having endeavoured to save and defend the part} 
 from whom he had conquered that liberty. His situation 
 was without example in history. Marius fled from the pro- 
 criptions of Sylla, his rival and personal enemy ; the whigs 
 and the tories, the Guelphs and the Gibelins upheld oppo- 
 site and fixed parties and opinions ; — they hated each other, 
 because their efforts were directed to opposite ends ; they 
 were rather adversaries than enemies. In the present case, 
 the question was only a choice of measures, to arrive at 
 the same admitted point, — public liberty ; but, as, in matters 
 of religion, the intolerance of seism is more active and cruel 
 than that of sect, so the rivalry between sections of the same 
 party, was more bitter than between different parties. — The 
 fate of the brave, disinterested, and patriotic Lafayette, is 
 little calculated to exalt our opinions of human nature : on 
 the one hand, we behold him abandoned by the people for 
 whom he had made so many sacrifices ; on the other, op- 
 posed by a combination of kings, while his attachment to 
 the cause of constitutional monarchy was the source of his 
 calamity. If he had erred, his error was the error of a 
 young and ingenuous mind, which, in its ardent zeal for the 
 liberty and happiness of his fellow-creatures, did not permit 
 him to distinguish what was practicable, from what was merely 
 speculative and visionary. 
 
 If, as it has been said, a more temperate and mature 
 judgment would, probably, have led him to oppose that fatal 
 degradation of the executive power, which finally proved 
 the ruin of authority, of government, and of order, in France, 
 still he was no more to blame than the rest of the constitu- 
 ent assembly ; and though in his judgment, he may have 
 
276 HISTORY Of THE 
 
 erred, it must be admitted that he was always consi stent in 
 his principles. Faithful to his oath, to his king, and to his 
 engagements, he was among the first to oppose all seditious 
 designs, and among the most distinguished of those who con- 
 tended for the maintenance of order and civil obedience. 
 To have received with cordiality, the illustrious supporter of 
 regulated liberty, would have been noble and magnanimous ; 
 — to imprison and persecute virtue and valour in distress, 
 was mean and dastardly : but, from Tiberius to the present 
 times, cowardice has been the uniform character of ty- 
 ranny.* 
 
 When Lafayette diminished his escort, he set out with 
 seven companions,! and arrived, after a rapid journey, in the 
 neighbourhood of an advanced guard of Austrians. It was 
 extremely dark, and their horses being greatly fatigued by 
 the march, as well as a heavy rain, they found it impossible 
 to proceed further ; nor could they, from the same cause, re- 
 trace their steps, laying aside the risk of pursuit from the 
 French. It was, therefore, necessary to carry a bold front, 
 and endeavour to obtain permission to pass, without dis- 
 covering their ranks and names. Colonel de Puzy advanced, 
 and requested to speak with the ofiicer commanding 
 at Rochefort. Lieutenant-colonel count D'Harnoncourt, 
 who held the command, wishing to send Puzy, as all 
 emigrants had heretofore been, to the duke de Bourbon, 
 commander of the neighbouring posts, the colonel replied that 
 his companions and himself ought not lobe confounded with 
 the emigrants who bore arms against their country ; that 
 fliey were patriotic officers, attached to the constitutional 
 laws, who had, in fact, left the army, and who demanded per- 
 mission to seek an asylum in a country which was not at war 
 with France. D'Harnoncourt, detaining Puzy, sent orders 
 
 * Toulong. Hist ii. 272, 3 — Hist- Rev. France, li. 67. 
 J- These were Louis and Victor Latour Maubourg, Bureau-de- Puzy, 
 Alexandre Laraeth, Auguste Masson, Rene PUlet, and Cardignan. 
 
MARftUIS DB LAFAYETTE. 277 
 
 to the rest to advance ; which measure was unavoidable. 
 They were conducted to an inn, where Lafayette was im- 
 mediately recognised. The commandant then told them 
 that it would be impossible to depart before the next 
 day ; Puzy, at once, entrusted him with their names, which, 
 however, he already knew, and which, produced nothing but 
 some empty expressions of respect. In the mean time, a 
 number of Austrian hussars arrived, and the commandant 
 informed his prisoners, that, before they could proceed, it 
 was requisite to obtain permission from the commandant at 
 Namur. Puzy accompanied the officer who was despatched 
 to that place. When the commandant heard that Lafayette 
 was taken, he burst forth into the most extravagant expressions 
 of joy, and refused to grant the passports which Puzy de- 
 manded. 
 
 On the twenty-first of August, the prisoners were con- 
 ducted to Namur, where the commandant, the marquis de 
 Chasteler, informed Lafayette that prince Charles had been 
 commissioned by their royal highnesses to converse with him 
 respecting the situation of France; and insinuated that, con- 
 sidering the just cause of complaint he had agaiMst his 
 country, it was expected that he would exhibit some marks 
 of it. " I know not," replied the general, " whether such a 
 commission has been given ; but I do not think that any one 
 will dare to deliver it to me." At that moment, prince 
 Charles entered. His obliging conversation was scarcely 
 replied to by the prisoners ; and when it was requested that 
 the general officers should remain alone together, they be- 
 came entirely dumb. "I think,'' said M. de Chasteler, 
 " that the situation in which we are placed is painful 
 to all parties ; and that this visit had better be closed." 
 And after the usual salutations, the commissioner departed. 
 At Nivelle, they were visited by an Austrian major, 
 commissioned to receive the treasure which, it was supposed, 
 Lafayette had secured, and which, he remarked, would be 
 sequestered in behalf of his Chistian majesty : " All that I un- 
 
27S HISTORY OF THE 
 
 derstand of this strange commission," said Lafayette to the 
 major, " is, that, had he been in my place, M. the duke of 
 Saxe Teschen would have stolen the military chest of the 
 army." Their portmanteaus, however, were searched, and 
 not more than the amount of two months' pay, for each 
 officer, found in them. 
 
 Thus were these distinguished men exposed to the great- 
 est indignities, because they had been the friends of the con- 
 stitution, instead of being treated as prisoners of war, which 
 was the only quality in which they could have been justly ar- 
 rested and detained. A correspondence had taken place 
 with regard to them, between the courts of Berlin and 
 Vienna ; and it was determined that they should be given 
 up to the Prussians, as their fortresses were nearer, and were 
 supposed to be able to receive and guard them more con- 
 veniently. They were accordingly conducted like criminals, 
 in a common cart, to Wesel on the Rhine, where they were 
 insulted in the most savage manner by the populace. Here 
 they were put in irons, and confined in separate cells of the 
 castle : they were attended by non-commissioned officers, 
 who received strict orders never to permit them to remain 
 for a single moment out of sight, nor to answer any questions 
 that were put to them. 
 
 Lafayette, Puzy, and Laubourg, experienced a long series 
 of sufferings, and the most barbarous usage. Transferred 
 successively to Magdeburg, Glatz, Neisse, and Olmutz ; de- 
 prived of the first necessaries of life ; debarred from all com- 
 munication with each other ; — the hatred of their persecu- 
 tors, in the refinement of its revenge, lost sight of policy al- 
 together. It cried aloud, that this excess of barbarity was a 
 warning to all those who maintained similar opinions, that 
 safety depended solely on the power of their arms, and that 
 the implacable passions of kings left no room for negotia- 
 tion. 
 
 During his confinement at Wesel, it was intimated to La- 
 fayette, by order of the king of Prussia, that his situation 
 
MARqCIS D£ LAfAYETTB. 279 
 
 would be meliorated, provided he would draw up plans 
 against France; but Lafayette exhibited, in an energetic an- 
 swer, his scorn of such a proposition. Hence, the rigour of 
 his confinement was increased ; and he, and his companions, 
 were soon after thrown into a wagon, and conveyed to the 
 dungeons of Magdeburg. The most brutal care was taken 
 thai they should learn nothing respecting their families, con- 
 cerning whose fate they experienced the most anxious so- 
 licitude, in consequence of the proscriptions that prevailed 
 in France. They remained during a whole year at Magde- 
 burg, in a dark and humid vault, surrounded by high pal- 
 lisades, shut up by means of four successive doors, fortified 
 by iron bars, and fastened with padlocks. Their fate, how- 
 ever, now appeared to be milder, as they were permitted to 
 see each other, and allowed to walk for an hour each day, 
 OM one of the bastions. 
 
 After having been transported to Glatz, the prisoner? 
 were at length trasferred to Neisse, for the purpose of being 
 delivered up again to Austria : their dungeon was still more 
 dismal and unhealthy than any of those they had previously 
 inhabited. Alexandre Lameth, who was dangerously ill, 
 could not be removed with his companions. His mother ob- 
 tained permission from Frederick William, for him to remain 
 a prisoner in his states ; and finally obtained his liberty. 
 
 The Prussians, at last, became unwiUing to bear the odium 
 of such unlawful and disgraceful treatment of prisoners of 
 war, entitled to every degree of respect from their rank and 
 character ; but especially from the manner in which they 
 had been taken. They, therefore, gave them up to the 
 Austrians, who finally transferred them to dark and damp 
 dungeons in the citadel of Olmutz. The sufierings to which 
 Lafayette was here exposed, in the mere spirit of a barbarous 
 revenge, are almost incredible. He was warned that he 
 would never again see any thing but the four walls of his 
 dungeon ; that he would never receive news of events or 
 persons : that his name would be unknown in the citadel 
 
280 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and that in all accounts of him sent to court, he would be de- 
 signated onl)' by a number; that he would never receive any 
 notice of his family, or of the existence of his fellow- 
 prisoners. At the same time, knives and forks were removed 
 from him, as he was officially informed, that his situation 
 was one which would naturally lead him to suicide.* 
 
 Thus was the patriotism of Lafayette punished by priva- 
 tions and hardships which exceeded the rigours of inqui- 
 sitorial severity. But he was sustained by a firm mind and 
 quiet conscience ; and bore his misfortunes with manly re- 
 signation. His sufferings were of no ordinary magnitude. 
 The walls of his duniJjeon were twelve feet thick ; and air 
 was admitted through an opening two feet square, secured 
 at each end by transverse mas^sive iron bars. A broad 
 ditch was situated directly before these loop-holes, which 
 was covered with water only when it rained ; at other timesi 
 it was a stagnant marsh, constantly emitting a poisonous, 
 effluvium : beyond this, were the outer walls of the castle, 
 so that the slightest breeze could never refresh the mis- 
 erable captives, although the heat was almost insupportable. 
 Sentinels, with loaded muskets, were stationed on these walls, 
 who were prohibited to speak a word with them, and or- 
 dered to shoot them dead, if they attempted an escape. A 
 strong guard was also posted before the door of the prison- 
 ers, who were forbidden, while on duty, either to sing, speak, 
 or whistle. 
 
 Each cell had two doors, one of iron, the other of wood, 
 nearly two feet thick ; and both were covered with bolts, 
 bars, and double padlocks. When the jailer, twice a day, 
 brought their wretched pittance, it was scrupulously ex- 
 amined, to discover if there was any note or communication 
 whatever contained in it. A miserable bed of rotten straw, 
 filled with vermin, together with a broken chair, and an old 
 
 * North American Revievr, January, 1825, p. 164. — Wars Fr. Rev- ii- 
 57-8. Mem — Lafayette, 126.-7. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 281 
 
 worm-eaten table, formed the whole furniture of each apart- 
 ment. The cells were eight or ten paces deep, and six or 
 eight wide ; and when it rained, the water flowed through 
 the loop-holes, and off the walls, in such quantities, that they 
 would sometimes awake in the morning, wet to the skin. 
 When the sun did not shine, which happened very frequent- 
 ly in this wet country, the prisoners remained almost in 
 total darkness during the whole day.* 
 
 After three different attestations on the part of physicians, 
 pointing out the indispensable necessity of fresh air for La- 
 fayette, he was permitted to walk in the fortress. 
 
 His sufferings, indeed, proved almost beyond his strength. 
 The want of air and decent food, and the loathsome damp- 
 ness and filth of his dungeon, brought him more than once 
 to the borders of the grave. His frame was wasted by 
 diseases, of which, for a long period, not the shghtest notice 
 was taken ; and, on one occasion, he was reduced so low, 
 that his hair fell from him entirely by the excess of his suf- 
 ferings. At the same time, his estates in France were con- 
 fiscated, his wife cast into prison, and Fayetteisme, as adhe- 
 rence to the constitution was called, was punished with 
 death.! 
 
 But his friends were not inactive. In June, 1794, they 
 prevailed on Dr. Erick Bollman. whose adventurous 
 and philanthropic spirit easily led him to engage in the 
 affairs of Lafayette, to proceed to Germany, ascertain what 
 had been the fate of the unfortunate patriot, and, if he were 
 still alive, to endeavour to procure his escape. By great 
 address and courage, he affected the escape of count Nar- 
 bonne from France, after the horrible massacres of the tenth 
 of August, 1792, and succeeded in conveying him safely to 
 England. In 1793, he had made an unsuccessful attempt to 
 procure the liberation of Lafayette, by presenting a me- 
 morial to the king of Prussia, which was rejected. 
 
 * Mem. of Lafayette, pp. 127-8, 9. 
 
 t North Americao Review, No. 46, p. 165. 
 
282 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Traversing Germany in the character of a traveller in 
 pursuit of instruction and knowledge, he ascertained that 
 Lafayette had been surrendered to the Austrian government, 
 and taken the route toward Olmutz.* Having reconnoitred 
 the country along the frontier, he selected Tarnowitz, as a 
 place of temporary retreat, in case an opportunity should 
 occur of rescuing the prisoner from captivity. This point 
 determined in his mind, he proceeded toward Olmutz, a 
 strong Austrian fortress in Moravia, on the high road to 
 Vienna, from which it is distant about one hundred and fifty 
 miles. 
 
 At this period, the Austrian police, more rigorous than that 
 of any country in Europe, France, probably excepted, was 
 even more watchful than usual, because the events in France, 
 and those in Poland, where a revolution had just been crush- 
 ed by the united efforts of the surrounding powers, rendered 
 all governments uneasy. Under such circumstances, the 
 utmost caution was indispensable to success, and information 
 became the mpre difficult to obtain, as all direct inquiry 
 would inevitably have led to suspicion. At Olmutz, how- 
 ever. Dr. BoUman ascertained that several state prisoners 
 were kept in the citadel, with a degree of caution and mys- 
 tery, which must have been not unlike that used toward the 
 half fabulous personage in the iron mask. It seemed highly 
 probable that Lafayette was one of them, and acting upon this 
 supposition, the doctor visited the hospital, and endeavoured 
 to form an acquaintance with the first surgeon : he knew that 
 the health of the prisoner was delicate ; that he would not omit 
 seeking medical aid ; and that, of all the medical men in 
 Olmutz, this military surgeon was the most likely to perform 
 that office. 
 
 *The narrative of the unsuccessful attempt to rescue Lafayette, is ia 
 substance, extracted from an account of that noble affair, published in 
 the Port Folio, vol. xxii; p. 93, and written by Dr- BoUman himself: 
 hence its authenticity is indubitable, although it varies from other nar- 
 ratives lately published ia the country- 
 
MARttUlS DE LAFAYETTE. 283 
 
 The surgeon proved to be a man of intelligence, probity, 
 and feeling. After several interviews, when the conversa- 
 tion turned on the effect of moral impressions on the consti- 
 tution, Dr. Bollmann, drawing a pamphlet from his pocket, 
 abruptly said, " Since we are on the subject, you attend the 
 state-prisoners here. Lafayette is among them: his health 
 is much impaired. Show him this pamphlet. Tell him a 
 traveller left it with you, who lately saw in London all the 
 persons named in it, his particular friends : that they are 
 well, and continue attached to him as much as ever. This 
 intelligence will do him more good than all your drugs." — 
 At the same moment, he laid the pamphlet on the table, and 
 perceiving that the surgeon knew not rightly what to reply, 
 changed the conversation, and shortly after left him. 
 
 The manner of the surgeon convinced him that Lafayette 
 was at Olmutz ; and he knew the latter would devise means 
 to improve the opportunity, should he receive the pamphlet. 
 In a few days, the surgeon mentioned, of his own accord, 
 fhat Lafayette wished to learn some further particulars re- 
 specting the situation of one or two of them, whom he named. 
 On hearing this the doctor, appearing to have accidentally 
 about him some white paper, but which, in fact, had been 
 prepared for the emergency, satimmediately down, and wrote 
 a few lines in French, which language the surgeon understood, 
 in reply to the inquiries made, and finished with the sentence, 
 " I am glad of the opportunity of addressing you these words, 
 which, when read with your usual warmth, W\\[ afford to a 
 heart like yours some consolation." The paper had been 
 previously written over with sympathetic ink, a writing in- 
 risible unless brought out by the application of heat. The 
 slight hint conveyed in the last sentence sufficed ; Lafayette 
 became acquainted with his projects ; and his readiness to 
 serve him in any practicable way. But the mode could be 
 pointed out only by the prisoner, as he alone, from within, 
 could judge what might be attempted, with any chance of 
 success, from without. 
 
284, HISTORY OF THE 
 
 To guard against suspicion, the doctor, on the day follow- 
 ing, proceeded to Vienna, where he remained a considerable 
 time, but confided his design to no person whatever. He 
 had a carriage constructed there, in which were contrived 
 convenient places for conveying secretly a variety of arti- 
 cles, such as rope-ladders, cords, a number of tools for cut- 
 ting iron bars< and for similar purposes. These general pre- 
 parations being made, he visited several gentlemen on their 
 estates in Moravia, and took an opportunity of again touch- 
 ing at Olmutz, where he called on the surgeon, who returned 
 him the pamphlet, formerly left for Lafayette. On ex- 
 amining it, he found that the margin had been written over 
 with sympathetic ink, (lime-juice,) and, on applying heat, 
 learned that the captive, on account of his enfeebled state 
 of health, after repeated applications, had at last obtained 
 permission to take an airing, in a carriage, at stated days in 
 the week, accompanied by a military guard; and that by fa- 
 the easiest mode to restore him to liberty, would be to at- 
 tack the guard on one of these excursions and then to take 
 him off. 
 
 Having ascertained for his guidance, that Lafayette, in 
 taking his ride, sat in an open carriage, with an officer by 
 his side, a driver on the box, and two armed soldiers stand- 
 in*' behind, Dr. Bollman returned to Vienna. As it was 
 indispensable to have, at least, one coadjutor, he communi- 
 cated his project to a young American gentleman, by the 
 name of Francis Kinlock Huger, who had often mentioned 
 to him, in conversation, that Lafayette, on arriving in Ame- 
 rica, first landed at his father's house, and there used often 
 to have him on his keees, when a boy. He was a young man 
 of uncommon talent, decision, and enthusiasm ; possessed of 
 a warm heart and a resolute mind ; and he at once entered 
 into the whole design, and devoted himself to its executioa 
 with the most romantic earnestness. 
 
 Having agreed on a plan, they publicly announced their 
 intention of returning to England together; two sadifle 
 horses were purchased, and a steady groom was engaged to 
 
MARsiUIS OE LAFAYETTE. 285 
 
 attend them. Thus, sometimes sending the groom a station 
 or two forward, with the carriage; at others, leaving him to 
 bring up the horses slowl} , while they pushed onward in 
 the carriage, they arrived at Olmutz. 
 
 These were the only two persons on the continent, except 
 Lafa\ette himself, who had the slightest suspicion of any ar- 
 rangements for his rescue, and neither of these persons knew 
 him by sight. When they reached Olmutz, the doctor imme- 
 diately visited the surgeon, and, knowing the day when the 
 marquis was to take his ride, mentioned to him the same day 
 as the one on which he intended to continue his journey. 
 On that day, (eighth November, 1794,) the groom was des- 
 patched, at an early hour, to Hoff, a post-town about twenty- 
 tive miles distant, with orders to have fresh horses in readi- 
 ness at four o'clock. It had been concerted between the 
 parties, that, to avoid all mistakes when the rescue should 
 be attempted, each should take off his hat and wipe his fore- 
 head, in token of recognition. 
 
 Their saddle horses were now ready at the inn, and Mr. 
 Huger feigned some business near the town-gate, in order to 
 watch the moment when the carriage should pass. As soon 
 as he saw it, he hastened back to the inn. Our adventurers 
 mounted, and followed it at some distance, armed only with a 
 pair of pistols, and those not loaded with ball. Their success 
 was calculated on surprise, and, under all the circumstances 
 of the case, to take any person's life would have been unjus- 
 tifiable, useless, and imprudent. 
 
 They rode by the carriage, and then slackening their 
 pace and allowing it again to go ahead, exchanged signals 
 with the prisoner. At two or three miles from the gate, 
 the carriage left the high road, and passed into a less fre- 
 quented tract in the midst of an open country : the plain 
 was covered with labouring people. Presently the carriage 
 stopped. Lafayette and the officer stepped out, and walked 
 arm in arm, probably to give the former more opportunity 
 for exercise The carriage, with the guard, drove slowly 
 
286 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 on, but remained in sight. This was evidently the moment 
 for their attempt. The two companions galloped up ; and 
 the doctor, dismounting, left his horse with Huger. At the 
 same instant, Lafayette laid hold of the officer's sword, but 
 could only half draw it from the scabbard, as the officer, a 
 stout man, had seized it also. The doctor joining, he was 
 presently disarmed ; but he then grasped Lafayette, held 
 him with all his might, and set up a tremendous roaring, not 
 unlike that of Mars in the Iliad. The guard, on hearing it, 
 instead of coming to his assistance, fled to alarm the citadel. 
 The people in the field stood aghast. A scuffle ensued. — 
 Huger passed the bridles of the two horses over one arm, 
 and with the other hand, thrust his handkerchief into the 
 officer's mouth, to stop the noise. The officer, the prisoner, 
 and the doctor came to the ground. The doctor, kneeling 
 on the officer, kept him down while the general rose. 
 
 All would now have been well, but one of the horses, ta- 
 king fright at the scene and noise, had reared, slipped his 
 bridle, and ran off A countryman caught him, and was 
 holding him at a considerable distance. The doctor, still 
 keeping down the officer, handing a purse to the general, 
 requested him to mount the horse left ; and Mr. Huger told 
 him, in English, to go to Hoff. He mistook what was said 
 to him for a more general direction to go off — delayed a 
 moment to see if he could not assist them — then went on — 
 then rode back again, and asked once more if he could be 
 of no service — and finally, urged anew, galloped away, and 
 was out of sight in a minute. 
 
 The officer, recovering from his panic, fled toward 01- 
 mutz. The doctor and Mr. Huger recovered the horse that 
 had escaped, and both mounted him, intending to follow and 
 assist Lafayette. But the animal, less docile and tractable 
 than the other, which had been trained to carry two persons, 
 refused to perform this task, reared, and bounded, and 
 presently threw both. Mr. Huger immediately exclaimed, 
 " This will not do ! The marquis wants you. Push on ; I'll 
 
MARCIUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 287 
 
 take my chance en foot across the country." The doctor 
 pushed forward, and Mr. Huger, who now had Httle chance 
 of escape, was soon seized by the peasants, who had wit- 
 nessed the scene, and conducted to Olmutz. These acci- 
 dents defeated their romantic enterprise. Dr. Bollmann 
 easily arrived at Hoff; but not finding Lafayette there, and 
 being anxious to receive some intelligence of him, although 
 he might readily have secured himself by proceeding to 
 Tarnowitz, he lingered about the frontiers, till the next 
 night, when he too was arrested, by order of the Prussian 
 authority, at the requisition of Austria. 
 
 Lafayette remained unpursued : he had taken a wrong 
 road, which led to Jagersdoflf, a place on the Prussian frontier, 
 and followed it as long as his horse could proceed. He was 
 within a few miles of the boundary of Austrian rule and per- 
 ceiving that his horse could go no farther, he acco&ted a man, 
 whom he overtook on the road, not far from a village, and, 
 under some pretext, endeavoured to prevail on him to procure 
 him another horse, and to attend him to the frontier. The 
 man apparently agreed, and went to the village for the horse. 
 But the general had awakened suspicion by his accent, his ap- 
 pearance, his request, and his money. The man promptly 
 returned from the village, but he came with a force to ar- 
 rest the marquis, and conducted him before a magistrate. 
 During three days, the period of his detention there, his 
 name was at last recognized by an officer from Olmutz, to 
 which fortress he was re-conducted. 
 
 All three of the prisoners were separately confined, without 
 being permitted to know any thing of each other's fate. Mr. 
 Huger was chained to the floor, in a small arched dungeon, 
 about six feet by eight, without light, and with only bread 
 and water for food ; and once in six hours, by day and by 
 night, the guard entered, and with a lamp, examined each 
 brick, and each link of his chains. To his earnest request 
 to know something of Dr. Bollmann, and to learn whether 
 Lafayette had escaped, he received no answer at all. To 
 
288 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 his still more earnest solicitatian to be permitted to send to 
 his mother in America, merely the words " 1 am alive," 
 signed with his name, he received a rude refusal.— ^Dr. 
 BoUman was also put in chains, and conducted to a dismal 
 dungeon, half under ground. Only a faint hght broke into 
 it, through a narrow, oblique aperture, made in a wall up- 
 wards of five feet thick. When he laid down at night, 
 chained to the walls, he was attacked by myriads of fam- 
 ished vermin. Neither candle light, nor books, were allow- 
 ed him, and his food was limited to what could be pro- 
 cured for four cents per day. In this dreadful situation he 
 remained more than two months, without any communica- 
 tion with any person whatever except the jailer, nor did he 
 ever from him learn the fate of Mr. Huger. In fact, at first, 
 every degree of brutal severity was practised against both 
 of them ; but, afterwards, this severity was relaxed. They 
 were placed nearer together, where they could communi- 
 cate with each other ; and their trial, which was protracted 
 during the whole winter, was begun with all the tedious 
 formalities, that could be prescribed by Austrian fear and 
 caution ; for they had dreamed, in Vienna, of a deep-rooted 
 plot, and wide-extended conspiracy, and could not believe 
 that such an attempt would be made merely by two individ- 
 uals, and without any other design than simply that of re- 
 storing a man to freedom and to his friends. — By the pow- 
 erful, but unknown intercessions of many of the personal 
 friends of Dr. BoUman, in Vienna, but particularly through 
 the influence of count Metrowsky, a nobleman living near 
 the prison, the rigour of their treatment was not only great- 
 ly mitigated, but, on the conclusion of their trial, they were 
 merely sentenced to two weeks additional confinement, after 
 having been already imprisoned during eight months. — The 
 doctor and Mr. Huger received many flattering marks of 
 kindness and good will, even at Olmutz, before their de- 
 parture, and their progress through Germany was a kind of 
 triumph, though embittered by the recollection o( the con- 
 
MARQUIS UE LAFATZXTE. 2S\i 
 
 tinued captivity of Lafayette. A few hours after they had 
 left Olmutz, an order came from Vienna, directing a new 
 trial, which, under the management of the ministers, would 
 of course, have ended very differently from the one mana- 
 ged by Count Metrowsky ; but the prisoners were already 
 heyond the limits of the Austrian dominions.* 
 
 Lafayette, in the meanwhile, was thrown back into his 
 obscure and ignominious sufferings, with hardly a hope that 
 they could be terminated, except by death. The irons 
 were so closely fastened around his ankles, that for three 
 month>< he endured the most excruciating torture. During 
 the winter of 1794-3, which was extremely severe, he was 
 reduced almost to the last extremity by a violent fever ; and 
 yet was deprived of proper attendance, of air, of suitable 
 food, and of decent clothes. In this state he was allowed 
 nothing for his bed but a little damp and mouldy straw; 
 round his waist was a chain, which was fastened to the wall, 
 and barely permitted him to turn from one side to the other. 
 No light was admitted into his cell, and he was even refu- 
 sed the smallest allowance of linen. Worn down by dis- 
 ease and the rigour of the season, he became miserably 
 emaciated. To increase his miseries, almost insupporta- 
 ble mental anxieties were added to his physical distresses. 
 He was made to believe that he was only reserved for a 
 public execution, and that his chivalrous deliverers had al- 
 ready perished on the scaffold ; while, at the same time, he 
 was not permitted to know whether his family were still 
 alive, or had fallen under the revolutionary axe, of which, 
 during the few days he was out of his dungeon, he had heard 
 such appalling accounts.! 
 
 Madame de Lafayette, however was nearer to him than 
 he could imagine to be possible. She, together with her two 
 daughters, Anastasia and Virginia, had been confined in the 
 
 * North American Review, January, 1825. 
 f Mem of Lafayette, p- 190 — 192 — North American Review, Jan- 
 iiarj', ir;2y 
 
 .?r; 
 
290 illSTOR-r OF TtiK 
 
 prisons of Paris. The twenty-seventh of July, 1794, (nindi 
 Thermidor,) put an end to the reign of terror, and the greater 
 part of the victims who had been doomed to the scaffold, were 
 released from prison ; but madame de Lafayette was not li- 
 berated for several months after, having been more than a year 
 and a half in confinement. Notwithstanding the bad state of 
 her health, and the earnest solicitations of her friends that she 
 would remain a few months in the country, in order to re-es- 
 tabhsh it, she remained deaf to all their prayers, and inexora- 
 ble in her determination to carry immediate consolation to the 
 dungeon of her persecuted husband. Sending her eldest son 
 (George Washington) for safety, to the care of general Wash- 
 ington in America, she set out, accompanied by her two 
 daughters, in disguise, and with American passports. Anastasia, 
 the eldest, was then sixteen, and Virginia, the youngest, thirteen 
 years of age. 
 
 Passing under the name of Mrs. Motier she landed at Altq- 
 na, on the ninth of September, 1795, and proceeding itifme- 
 diately to Vienna, obtained an audience of the emperor, who 
 gave them permission, as it now seems probable, against tlie 
 intentions of his ministers, to join Lafayette in prison, but abso- 
 lutely refused to liberate him ; observing, " J'ai les mains liees" 
 (My hands are tied.) They went instantly to Olmutz : butbe- 
 Ibre they could enter, they were deprived of whatever they had 
 brought with them to alleviate the miseries of a dungeon, and 
 required, if they should pass its threshold, never again to leave 
 it. They were treated with the greatest inhumanity, and re- 
 fused liberty to hear mass on Sundays, or to have a servant to 
 attend them. Madame de Lafayette's health soon sunk under 
 the complicated horrors and sufferings of her loathsome im- 
 prisonment, and she wrote to Vienna for permission to pass a 
 week in the capital, to breathe purer air, and obtain medical 
 assistance. Two months after this, tlie commandant made his 
 appearance for the first time, and after giving orders that the 
 two young ladies should be confined to a particular chamber, 
 
j«ARQ.UIS DE LAFAVETTE. 291 
 
 informed maclame de Lafayette that no objection would be 
 made to her leaving her husband, but that, if she should do so, 
 she must never return to him. Tliere was a degree of refine- 
 ment in this ingenious mode of heaping afflictions upon the head 
 of the unfortunate, which almost outrivalled in iniquity all thut 
 had ever been v^Titten to depict the oppression of tyrann) . 
 The heroic woman seized a pen, and immediately and formal- 
 ly signed her consent and determination "to share his captivi- 
 ty in all its- details," being " fully determined never again to ex- 
 pose herself to the horrors of another separation." Never af- 
 terwai'ds did she make an effort to leave hmi. After this 
 period, no complaints whatever were heard from the unhappy 
 sufferers, who inhaled in their dungeons, an air thoroughly im- 
 prognated with the most noxious effluvium. The situation of 
 the two lOvely d^'ighters was horrible. — Not allowed to be con- 
 fined with their parents, they were guarded in separate dun- 
 geons ; and, by a confinement of sixteen hours, they purch d 
 the melancholy satisfaction of being with their father and 
 mother during the remaining eight hours, of the day. But, 
 with all diose soft endearments which fall so sweetly from the 
 lips of young and artless women, they helped to assuage, by 
 their touching sympathy, those keener sorrows which refused 
 to yield to the voice of philosophy.* 
 
 " The history of female virtue and female heroism," says 
 M. de Stael, " presents nothing more rare in excellence, than 
 the life and character of madame de Lafayette." Her name 
 will be revered so long as virtue commands respect (?nd 
 admiration. She has, in our days, revived the name of 
 Arria, who devested herself of the weakness of her s-ex, to 
 bear all the oppression A'hich a Claudius or a Nero could 
 inflict. She composed hers, '^ for death in the amis and in 
 the dungeon of her husband ; but his deliverance produced 
 a reprieve to a life so precious. He bore her to her native 
 
 *ParI. Chron. xvi, 378-9, 380, 394.— Wars Rev. i, Note, 59, 60— Port 
 Folio, xix, 509. — North American Review. January. 182". 
 
292 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 France, to her own patrimonial woods of La Grange. Re- 
 vived, not rescued, she Hved to behold the return of her 
 brave son, the reunion of her family, and then sunk into the 
 
 tomb. 
 
 , Another attempt was made to effect the libej'ation of La- 
 fay He. When the emperor of Austria,, in refusing the li- 
 berty of her husband to Madam de Lafayette, told her that 
 "his hands were tied," he could, of course, allude to no law 
 or constitution of his empire, and, therefore, his hands could 
 only be tied by engagements with his allies in the war against 
 France. England was one of those allies ; and, therefore, 
 general Fitzpatrick, in the house of commons, on the seven- 
 teenth March, 1794, and again on the sixteenth December, 
 1796, after a feeling and eloquent introduction, moved, 
 " That an humble address be presented to his majesty, re- 
 presenting to his majesty, that it appeared to that house that 
 the detention of general Lafayette, Alexandre Lameth, Bu- 
 reau de Puzy, and Latour Maubourg, in prison, by order of 
 his majesty's ally, the king of Prussia, was injurious to his 
 majesty, and the cause of his aUies ; and humbly to beseech 
 his majesty most graciously to intercede in such a manner 
 as to his royal wisdom shall seem most proper, for the de- 
 liverance of these unhappy persons." Hp was supported 
 by colonel Tarleton, who had fought against Lafayette in 
 Virginia, by Wilberforce, by Fox, Sheridan, and Grey ; and 
 opposed by Pitt, the chancellor of the exchequer, Burke, 
 Windham, the secretary at war, and Mr. secretary Dundas. 
 Mr, Fox_pleaded the cause of Lafayette with the most im- 
 passioned eloquence. The British parliament heard that 
 sublime speech, and yet the representatives of a free coun- 
 try did not rise in a body to accede to the proposition of 
 the orator, who, on this occasion, should have been ouly 
 their interpreter. The ministers opposed the motions of 
 general Fitzpatrick by saying, as usual, that the captivity of 
 general Lafayette concerned the powers of the continent, 
 and that England, in meddling with it, would violate the 
 
MARaUia DE LAFAYETTE. 29ii 
 
 general principle which forbade her to interfere in the in- 
 ternal administration of foreign countries. Mr. Fox admi- 
 rably coinbalted this wil)' and tva:*ive answer; but, both 
 motions were final!)' lost* One good effect, howtver, fol- 
 lowed from them. A soleuni and vehecneut discu hi, in 
 whicli liie enn.)eror of Austria found no apologist, had been 
 held in the face of ali Europe ; and all Europe Wd!?, of 
 course, informed of the suHerings of Lafayette, in the most 
 solemn and authentic way. 
 
 The illustrious individual who presided over the govern- 
 ment of the United States, did not forget, in the dungeons of 
 despots, the gallant soldier, with whom he had fought, side 
 by side, on the plains of America. During the first year of 
 Lafayette's imprisonment, in 1793, two letters were ad- 
 dressed to the Anierican ministers at London and Paris, re- 
 spectively, at the sole instance of the president, stating the 
 inteiest taken by the president, and people of the United 
 States in the fate of ihe Marquis de Lafayette, and requiring 
 them to avail themselves of every opportunity of sounding 
 the way toward his li eration, which they were to endea- 
 vour to obtain by informal solicitations ; but if formal ones 
 should be necessary, they were to watch the moment when 
 they might be urged with the best prospect of success. In 
 fact, the attachment of these illustrious personages to each 
 other, yielded neither to time, nor to the remarkable vicis- 
 situdes of fortune with which ihe destinies of one of them had 
 been chequered. The extreme jealousy, however, with 
 which the persons who administered t,he government of 
 France, as well as a large party in America, watched the 
 deportment of \YHshinglon teward ai< those whom the fe- 
 rocious despotism of the Jacobips had exiled from their 
 country, imposed upon him the painful necessity of observ- 
 ving great circumspection m his official conduct on this deli- 
 cate subject. A formal interposition in favour of the virtuoiie 
 
 * The motion on seventeenth March, 1794, was lost, 40 to 153.— 
 Pari. Chron. ix, 64'2.- The motion on sixteenth December, 1796, was 
 lost, 32 to 132.— Ibid, xvi- 37,5. 
 
294 HISTORV OF THE 
 
 y 
 and unfortunate victim of their furious passions, would have 
 
 been unavailing VVitho it benefitting the person whom it 
 was designed to aid, it might have produced serious political 
 mischief But, in the year 1796, the American ministers 
 employed at foreign courts, were instructed to seize every 
 fair occasion to express unofficially the interest taken by 
 the president in the fate of Lafayette ; and to employ the 
 most eligible means in their power to obtain his liberty, or 
 to meliorate his condition. A confidential person had been 
 sent to fJerIi , to soli^^jt his disrharge ; but before this messen- 
 ger had reached his destination, the King «ji "rnrsia hnd de- 
 livered over his prisoner to the emperor of Germany. Mr. 
 Pinckney had been instructed, not only to indicate the 
 wishes of the president to the Austrian minister at London, 
 but to endeavour unofficially to obtain the powerful medi- 
 ation of Britain, and had at one time, flattered himself that 
 the cabinet of St. James would have taken an interest in the 
 affair ; but this hope was soon dissipated.* 
 
 After being disappointed in obtaining the mediation of 
 the British cabinet, the president addressed the following 
 letter to the emperor of Germany : — " It will readily occur 
 to your majesty, that occasions may sometimes exist, on 
 which official considerations would constrain the chief of a 
 nation to be silent and passive in relation even to objects 
 which atfect his sensibilitN, and claim his interposition as a 
 man. Finding myself precisely in this situation at present, 
 I take the liberty of writing this private letter to your ma- 
 jesty, being persuaded that my motives will also be my 
 apology for it. 
 
 " In common with the people of this country, I retain a 
 strong and cordial sense of the services rendered to them 
 by the Marquis de Lafayette, and my friendship for him has 
 been constant and sincere. It is natural, therefore, that I 
 should sympathise with him and his family in their misfor- 
 tunes, and endeavour to mitigate the calamities they expe- 
 
 * Marsh. Washington, v. 339, note, 668-9. 
 
MARCtUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 295 
 
 rience, among which his present confinement is not the least 
 distressing. 
 
 " I forbear to enlarge on this delicate subject. Permit 
 me only to submit to your majesty's consideration, whether 
 his long imprisonment, and the confiscation of his estate, 
 and the indigence and disoersion of his family, and the pain- 
 ful anxieties incident to all these circumstances, do not 
 form an assemblage of sufferings which recommend him to 
 the mediation of humanity ? Allow me, sir, on this occasion 
 to be its organ ; and to entreat that he may be permitted to 
 come to this countr> on such c>niiiii<>ns, and under such in- 
 structions, as your majestj? ma^- think it expedient to pre- 
 scribe. 
 
 " As it is a maxim with me not to ask what, under simi- 
 lar circumstances, 1 would not grant, your majesty will do 
 me the justice to believe that this request appears to me to 
 correspond with those great principles of magnanimity and 
 wisdom, which form the basis of sound policy and durable 
 glory." 
 
 This letter, reflecting honour on the feelings and charac- 
 ter of Washington, and expressing sentiments not more deep- 
 ly cherished b) him, than by a whole nation, was transmit- 
 ted to Mr. Pincknev, to be conveyed to the emperor through 
 his minister at London. How far it operated in mitigating 
 immediately the rigour of Lafayette's confinement, or in 
 obtaining his liberty, remains unascertained. 
 
 But the Journal of Congress of third March, 1797, con- 
 tains a record, which will stand for ever as a blemish on the 
 character of our country, although the principles which it 
 exhibits, were, at that time, as odious to almost all the citi- 
 zens of the republic, as they must be to the present genera- 
 tion. But, fint justitia, ruat coelum. On that day, the la- 
 mented orator and statesman, Robert Goodloei Harper, mo- 
 ved, for consideration, a resolution in the following words : 
 " This house, strongly impressed with a just sense of the im- 
 portant and disinterested services rendered to their country, 
 J r-^rr tj^g igtg ^J^J. ]yy tjjgj^ fellow-citizen, major-general 
 
S96 'HUTORY OP THE 
 
 Lafayette, and deeply regretting the sufferings to which he 
 is now subjected from a long and rigorous imprisonment, 
 and which have equally excited their sympathy , and the ar- 
 dent wish of their constituents for his deliverance, do Re- 
 solve, that the president of the Uiu'ed States be informed, 
 that this house will see with the highest satisfaction, any 
 measure? which he may deem expedient to adopt toward 
 ejOfecting the restoration of their said fellow citizen to liber- 
 ty." — Notwithstanding the eloquence of a Harper, this mo- 
 tion was lost by a majority of fifty -two to thirty-two : this 
 result may be attributed to the cold-blooded fear of multi- 
 plying foreign negotiations, the calculating timidity which 
 looked forward to a long train of political disputes, and to 
 the circumstance of the resolution having been brought for- 
 ward at a late hour on the last day of the session.* 
 
 The period at which Lafayette and his afflicted family, 
 were again to ta&te the enjoyments of liberty was i.ow ra- 
 pidly approaching. They owed their liberation, in a great 
 measure, to Napoleon Bonaparte, at that time general-in- 
 chief of the army of Italy ; but the American government, 
 as we shall presently show, ()articipated honourably in the 
 act. At the treaty of Campo-Formio, which was preceded 
 by the negotiation of Leoben and Udine, the young and 
 viciorioijs French genernl msisted, on his own responsibility 
 that the prisoners at Oiinutz should be immediately released 
 from continement. The Austrian mmisters were unwillingly 
 compelltd to relinquish their prey; but attempted to compel 
 Lafayett. (o receive his freedom on conditions prescribed 
 to him : but this he distinctly and decidedly refused ; and de- 
 clared, with a firinness which it is hardly to be believed could 
 have survived such sutlieiings, that he would never accept 
 his liberation in any way that should compromise his rights 
 and duties, either as a Frerichman, or as an American citizen. 
 
 John Parish, esquire, the American consul at Hambui^, 
 had been indefatigable in his exertions, as the agent of the 
 
 * American Senator, iii. 771- 
 
MARQ.tiI3 DE LAFAYETri. 297 
 
 United States, to procure the liberation, or at least improve 
 the situation, of the illustrious sufferer. He had already 
 solicited, and obtained, permission to supply him with small 
 sums of money. At length, the emperor atfected to listen 
 with a friendly ear to the solicitations of the American gov- 
 ernment, and consented to his enlargement, upon condition 
 that Mr. Parish would engage that he should leave Germany 
 in ten days. On the twenty-fifth August, 1797, the consul 
 addressed a letter to the baron de Thurgut, minister of state, 
 containing the following passage : " Mr. Rameuf will have 
 the honour of acquainting your excellency with the dispo- 
 sitions that have been made toward procuring a vessel for 
 the prisoners, on their arrival in this city, (Hamburg,) to fa- 
 cilitate their passage to America. I beg permission for Mr. 
 Rameuf to offer to the prisoners, as well in my own name 
 as in that of the United States, whatever assistance and 
 care they may stand in need of, at the moment of their en- 
 largement." 
 
 To this letter the baron de Thurgut replied as follows ; 
 " The merchant Hirsch has been permitted to furnish, agreea- 
 bly to your desire, the money necessary to defray the ex- 
 penses that the family of Lafayette would be at for matters 
 of convenience and pleasure. The baron de Buol, his ma- 
 jesty's minister plenipotentiary to the princes and state o/ 
 Lower Saxony, will inform you of the particular deference 
 of his majesty to the interest which the United States ap- 
 pear to take in the liberation of this prisoner." The same 
 minister of state, in a letter of the thirteenth of September, 
 1797, to the baron de Buol, speaks in this language : " You 
 will take care, M. Baron, to inform the American consul on 
 this occasion, that his majesty, having made no positive en- 
 gagement with the French respecting the enlar^gement of this 
 prisoner, the motive of the particular interest that the Uni- 
 ted States of America, appear to attach to it, has contribu- 
 ted not a little to engage his majesty in this beneficent ac- 
 tion ; that, for the rest, his majesty will be always happy 
 7 
 
29S HISTOnY OF THB 
 
 in furnishing the United States of America, on all occasions^ 
 real marks of his friendship and benevolence."* 
 
 It may be, that the Austrians were compelled to release 
 Lafayette by the sword of the conqueror of Italy, but were 
 willing to make a merit of it in the eyes of our government. 
 It is not a little remarkable, that his release should have 
 been effected by the co-operation of the two most conspicu- 
 ous men of their age, one the founder of a republic, the other, 
 of a despotism, — George Washington and Napoleon Bona- 
 parte. 
 
 On the nineteenth of September, 1797, the precious light 
 of heaven once more gladdened the heart of the much injured 
 marquis ; Madam de Lafayette and her daughters, having 
 been confined twenty two months, and Lafayette himself, 
 more than five years, in a disgraceful spirit of vulgar cruelty 
 and revenge, of which modern history can atford very few 
 examples. On that day, his fetters were knocked off, and 
 accompanied by his wife and daughters, he left his prison 
 under the escort of an officer, who was to deliver him into 
 the hands of our worthy consul. Mr. Parish relates the 
 manner in which he was received at Hamburg, in a very 
 interesting manner : 
 
 "The marquis's departure from Olmutz," says that gen- 
 tleman, " was notified to M. de Buol and myself, and I con- 
 certed measures for his being delivered over to me in my 
 own house. Every thing was so arranged as to have the 
 ceremony performed as quickly and secretly as possible ; 
 and the fourth of October was fixed for their being conveyed 
 to my house. Mr. Morris and I dined that day with the 
 minister, the Baron de Buol. I left them at four o'clock in 
 order to be at home when they arrived. An immense crowd 
 of people announced their arrival. The streets were lined, 
 and my house was soon filled with them. A lane was formed 
 to let the prisoners pass to my room. Lafayette led the 
 way, and was followed by his infirm lady and two daughters. 
 He flew into my arms ; his wife and daughters clung to me. 
 
 * Port Folio, xix, 509-10, II. 
 
MARftUIS UE LAIAVETTE. 299 
 
 A silence, an expressive silence, took place, It was broken by 
 an exclamation of, " my friend ! my dearest friend ! my deli- 
 ttrtr ! See the work of your generosity ! My poor, poor wife, 
 hardly able to support herself." And, indeed, she was not 
 standing, but hanging on my arm, imbrued with tears, while 
 her two lovely girls had hold of the other. The scene was 
 extremely affecting, and I was very much agitated. The 
 room was full, and I am sure there was not a dry eye in it. 
 I placed the marchioness on a sofa : she sobbed and wept 
 much, and could utter but few words. Again the marquis 
 came to my arms, his heart overflowing with gratitude. I 
 never saw a man in such complete ecstacy of body and 
 mind. — He is a very handsome man, in the prime of life, 
 and seemed to have suffered but little from his confinement. 
 It required a good quarter of an hour to compose him. 
 
 " In the midst of this scene, the minister joined us : I in- 
 troduced the marquis and his family to him, and then re- 
 quested that the ceremony about to be performed, might be 
 in a private room, and desired that the rest of the company 
 might remain where they were. 
 
 " The minister, and his secretary, with the officer of the 
 escort, Mr. Morris, and the prisoner, retired with me to an 
 inner apartment, where M. de Boul, after a very handsome 
 address to the prisoner, stated the particular satisfaction he 
 had in delivering him over to a friend who loved and re- 
 spected him so much : he then addressed me, and after some 
 flattering compliments, reminded me of my engagement to 
 the emperor, to have the marquis removed out of Germany 
 in ten days, which I again promised to fulfil, when he told 
 Lafayette that he was now completely restored to liberty."* 
 
 After causing their rights, both as French and American ci- 
 tizens, to be formally recognised at Hamburg, Lafayette and 
 his family went to Welmoldt, a little town in the territories of 
 Holstein, where, during two years, they lived in retirement 
 and tranquillity. About this period the joys of the happy 
 
 » Port Folio, xix. 511,51?. 
 
300 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 circle were increased by the arrival of George Wauhington 
 Lafayette from Mount Vernon, and by the marriage of Aaas- 
 tasia, the eldest daughter of Lafayette with M. Charlet de 
 Latour Maubourg, brother of the person who had shared her 
 father's captivity. 
 
 Here Lafayette continued to reside, contented and happy, 
 but anxiously observing the progress of events in France, 
 until the revolution of the eighteenth Brumair, tenth No- 
 vember, 1 799, promised for a time, to settle the government 
 of his country on a safe foundation. He immediately return- 
 ed to France, and established himself at La Grange, a fine 
 old castle, surrounded by a moderate estate, about forty 
 miles from Paris, which has ever since been his customary 
 residence. 
 
 Returned to his country, Lafayette remained steady to 
 those principles which had guided him through life, — which 
 had led him to the wilds of America, — which had inspi- 
 red him in the conflicts of revolutionary France, — had 
 shielded him from the corruption of courts, and consoled 
 him in the dungeons of captivity. When he discovered that 
 his opinons of the character and views of Bonaparte were 
 ill-founded, that he who had generously assisted to unlock his 
 own chains, was already engaged in weaving shackles for his 
 country, he broke off all intercourse with him, refused the 
 share offered to him in public affairs, declined the senatorial 
 dignity anxiously pressed on his acceptance, and by his bold 
 restrictive vote, in 1802, against the consulship for life, snap- 
 ped for ever the tie, which, under the paramount influence 
 of gratitude, had for a moment bound him to a man, whose 
 views differed so widely from his own. Bonaparte even 
 went so far as to refuse to promote his eldest son, and his 
 son-in-law Lasteyrie, though they distinguished themselves 
 repeatedly in the army ; and once, when a report of the 
 services of the former in a bulletin was offered him, he era- 
 sed it with impatience, saying, " These Lafayettes cross my 
 path everywhere." Discouraged, therefore, in every way 
 
MARdUIS DE LAFAYETTB. 301 
 
 in which they could be of service to their country, the whole 
 famiij' was at last collected at La Grange, and lived there 
 in the happiest reiirement, so long as the despotism of Bo- 
 naparte lasted. Refusing inflexibly to bow before the sun 
 of imperial power, the noble head of the family gave him- 
 self up exclusively to the endeannenis of domestic life, the 
 pursuits of literature and science, and the interests and im- 
 provements of agriculture.* 
 
 For many years he continued to repose tranquilly in the 
 bosom of his family. The restoration of the Bourbons, in 
 1814, made no change in Lafayette's relations : he remain- 
 ed an inactive spectator of the political changes which took 
 place. He was too honest and too candid, too much an 
 enemy to the anarchy oi the Jacobin factions, and to the 
 despotism of the emperor, to support either, or to be re- 
 ceived into their confidence. The restoration of a Bourbon 
 to the throne might have met his silent approbation, if the 
 throne had been founded in a constitution, fairly admitting 
 the representatives of the people to a share in legislation, 
 and properly defining the extent and the measure of the ex- 
 ecutive authority ; but the views of Louis' friends and aUies 
 were too arbitrary to lead them to expect his approbation 
 and aid. He, however, presented himself once at court, 
 where he was very kindly received ; but the government 
 they established was so different from the representative 
 government vyhich he had assisted to form, that he did not 
 again appear at the palace. 
 
 But great and extraordinary events, once more forced 
 for the moment, this modern Cincinnatus from his plough, to 
 assist in councils which had for their object the fate of an 
 empire, and which brought him before the world, in all the 
 origiual splendour of his long-tried virtue. Napoleon landed 
 from Elba on the first of March, 1815, and reached Paris on 
 the twentieth. His appearance in the capital was like a 
 
 * Lady Morgan's France, p. 319 — North American Review, Jan- 
 uary, 1825. 
 
302 HISTORY OF THK 
 
 theatrical illusion, and his poHcy seemed to be to play all 
 men, of all parties, like the characters of a great drama, 
 around him. Wishing to obtain the powerful countenance 
 and co-operation of Lafayette, he deputed Joseph BonapartCi 
 to whom Lafayette had been personally known, to consult 
 and conciliate him ; but the consistent patriot would hold 
 no communion with the new order of things. He even re- 
 fused, though pressingly solicited, to have an interview with 
 the emperor ; and when the ex-king of Spain observed that 
 his name was placed first upon the list of peers, and urged 
 his acceptance of the peerage, this was his answer ; " Should 
 I ever again appear on the scene of public life, it can only 
 be as a representative of the people." To the Acte Addi- 
 tionel of the twenty-second April, 1815, confirming the prin- 
 ciples of Napoleon's former despotism, but establishing, 
 among other things, a hereditary chamber of peers, and an 
 elective chamber of representatives, Lafayette entered his 
 solemn protest, in the same spirit with which he had pro- 
 tested against the consulship for life. The very college of 
 electors, however, who received his protest, unanimously 
 chose him, first to be their president, and afterwards to be 
 their representative to the Corps Legislatif* 
 
 After a long and cheqtiered interval, Lafayette appeared 
 before his country, with the same immutability of principle, 
 the same energy of spirit and force of eloquence, as was 
 possessed by him to whom America raised statues, ere man- 
 hood had shed its down upon his cheek ; — to whom the mi- 
 litary spirit of France devoted a sword of victory, formed 
 out of the dungeon-bars of the Bastile, which he had broken. 
 As a member of the chamber of deputies, he exhibited to 
 his country, a bright, untarnished, model of the true, pure, 
 incorruptible constitutionalists of 1789, whose views for the 
 liberty and happiness of their country had been successive- 
 ly and effectually frustrated, by the sordid selfishness of an- 
 
 * Lady Morgan's France, 315, 320 — Biog. Not Fay. 13.-^M«m- 
 Fayette^ 106— North Am. Rev. January, 1825. 
 
MARQUIS I>E LAFAYETTE. 303 
 
 tiquated privilege, by the factious intrigues of sanguinary 
 democracy, and by the aspiring views of bold, boundless, 
 and despotic ambition.* 
 
 It was as a representative of the people that he saw Bo- 
 naparte, for the first time, at the opening of the chambers 
 on the seventh of June, 1815. "It is about twelve years 
 since we have met, general ;'' said Napoleon, with great 
 kindness of manner : but Lafayette received the emperor 
 with marked distrust ; and all his efforts were directed, as 
 he then happily said they should be, " to make the chamber 
 of which he was a member, a representation of the French 
 people, and not a Napoleon club." — Notwithstanding all 
 Bonaparte's efforts to procure the nomination of the pre- 
 sident of the chamber, the votes were divided between Lan- 
 juinais, Lafayette, and Flangergues. On the first ballot, the 
 two former had the highest number of votes ; but, finding 
 that the emperor had declared he would not accept Lan- 
 juinais, if he should be chosen, Lafayette used great exer- 
 tions and obtained a majority for him, over himself Bo- 
 naparte was compelled, by circumstances to submit, as well 
 as to recognise Lafayette as vice president of the chamber. 
 From this moment until after the battle of Waterloo, which 
 happened in twelve days, Lafayette did not make himself pro- 
 minent in the chamber. He voted for all judicious supplies, 
 on the ground that France was invaded, and that it was the 
 duty of all Frenchmen to defend their country ; but he in 
 no way implicated himself in Bonaparte's projects, or for- 
 tunes, with whom it was impossible he could have any thing 
 in common.! 
 
 At last, at nine o'clock on the evening of the twentieth 
 June, 1815, Bonaparte arrived from Waterloo, a defeated 
 and desperate man. During his absence from Paris, the 
 different parties in the chambers had not been idle. All 
 agreed that if Napoleon was victorious at the outset of the 
 
 * Morgan's France, p. 320. 
 I North American Review, January, 1825 — Mem. Fayette, 286. 
 
304 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 campaign, any resistance to his government would be vain. 
 Should disgra-^e and defeat attend his first enterprise, many 
 had determined to cast off his joke, and to cause him to ab- 
 dicate the throne which he^ had usurped. Some, with 
 Fouche at their head, hoped to prevent the desolation of 
 France, by making peace with, and recalling the Bourbons. 
 Others, believing that the alHes, according to their declara- 
 tions, would permit them to choose their government and 
 their chief, proposed to oti'er the crown to the duke of Or- 
 leans, who seemed the only one of the Bourbon family, who 
 had imbibed the proper principles of moderation. Another 
 party, whose leader was the virtuous Lafayette, hoped that 
 France might at length be permitted to enjoy some splendid 
 and sublime constitution, approaching to the boasted models 
 of the ancient republics. These three parties formed the 
 decided majority of the deputies, and would all cordially 
 and zealously unite in accomplishing the abdication of Na- 
 poleon.* 
 
 The dissolution of the representative body, and the as- 
 sumption of the whole dictatorship of the country, now oc- 
 cupied the deliberations of Napoleon and his ministers. — 
 Lucien vehemently urged the dictatorship as the only means 
 of averting from his brother, the disgrace which his enemies 
 were preparing, and the only means of' saving the country. 
 Regnaalt warmly supported him, and Decres and Davoust 
 were inclined to the same opinion ; but they were opposed 
 by Fouche, Carnot, and Cambaceres. Napoleon said little. 
 He attentively listened to the arguments of each party, and 
 at length, expressed his firm determination to throw himself 
 on the loyalty of the chambers, and concert with them the 
 measures which the present critical situation of France re- 
 quired. — While the council was deliberating on the form of 
 the message to be delivered to the chambers, the deputies 
 met. Napoleon had ordered a bulletin of their proceedings 
 to be sent to him, by a confidential agent, every quarter of 
 
 * Boyce's France, vol. ii- 110, 117. 
 
MARtlUIS UE LAI'AYEXlfi. 305 
 
 an hour. The first bulletin filled the court party with alarm. 
 Lafayette, had appeared in the tribune. Bonaparte, in great 
 agitation, reiterated the disastrous intelligence, " Lafayette 
 in the tribune .'" while a spoon, with which he was trifling 
 fell from his hand, and his altered countenance betrayed his 
 conviction that "all was over." The council was advised 
 that he had moved that the sittings of the chamber should 
 be declared permanent, and that every attempt to dissolve 
 them should be resisted and punished, as high treason. All 
 question respecting the dictatorship was now at an end, un- 
 less the emperor was resolved to add the horrors of civil 
 war to the calamities which were devastating the frontiers, • 
 and threatened to penetrate to the very heart of France.— 
 The council was, for awhile, lost in astonishment and fear, 
 but the next intelligence recalled them to their recollection, 
 and showed them all the danger which threatened Napoleon 
 and his party. The ministers were ordered to appear in 
 the chamber of deputies, and there answer to any questions 
 which might be put to them. At first they hesitated whether 
 they would obey this unexpected, and peremptory, and un- 
 constitutional summons. Napoleon was indignant at the 
 insult, and even spoke of putting himself at the head of the 
 few troops in Paris, on whose fidelity he was assured he 
 might depend, and marching to the hall, to dissolve the cham- 
 bers by force. No one but Lucien was found sufficiently 
 bold, or faithful, or unprincipled, to second this rash propo- 
 sal. At this moment, a second and more peremptory sum- 
 mons arrived, requiring the immediate attendance of the 
 ministers in the hall of the deputies. The council broke 
 up in dismay, and nothing was determined, except that an 
 extraordinary meeting should be summoned in the evening.* 
 It has been stated that the deputies assembled while the 
 council of the ministers continued their deliberations. La- 
 fayette had obtained intelligence of the subject which en- 
 
 * Boyce's Franee, ii. 134-5, G. — Morgan's France, 321. 
 
30G HISTORY OF THE 
 
 gaged their attention, and which had been so often discuss'ed 
 in the private assembhes at the palace. Two of the coun- 
 cil, Thibaudeau, and Regnault de St. Jean d' Angely, who 
 were opposed to the violent measure of the dictatorship, 
 had even informed him that it would be taken instantly, and 
 that in two hours,the chamber of representatives would cease 
 to exist. There was, of course, not a moment left for con- 
 sultation, or advice : the emperor, or the chamber, must fall 
 that morning. He was sutiiciently experienced in the ma- 
 noeuvres of revolutionary times, to know that not -^ vuuinent 
 was to be lost, and that all depended on striking the first blow. 
 He therefore managed that the chamber should meet at an 
 earlier hour than usual, anu the president had no sooner ta- 
 ken the chair, than he presented himself at the tribune. For 
 the first time for twenty years, he ascended the tribune on 
 the twenty-first of June, 1815, with the same clear courage, 
 and in the same spirit of self-devotion, with which he had 
 stood at the bar of the national assembly in 1792, and utter- 
 ed words which would assuredly have been his death-warrant 
 had he not been supported in them by the assembly which 
 he addressed. He had hitherto taken no share in their dis- 
 cussions. He had kept himself aloof, as if he were con- 
 scious of disgrace in belonging to the government which Na- 
 poleon had instituted. His appearance, therefore, excited the 
 greatest surprise and the most lively expectation, and a pro- 
 found silence reigned throughout the whole assembly. " Gen- 
 tlemen," said he, " for the first time during many years, you 
 hear a voice which the old friends of liberty may yet recog- 
 nise. The country is in danger, and you alone can save it. 
 The sinister reports, which have been circulated during the 
 last two days, are unhappily confirmed. This is the moment 
 to rally round the national colours, — the tri-coloured stan- 
 dard of 1789, the standard of liberty, equality, and public 
 order. It is you alone, who can now protect the country 
 frona foreign attacks, and internal dissensions. It is you 
 alone who can secure the independence and the honour of 
 
MAR<iUIS t)E LAFAYETTE. 
 
 307 
 
 France. — Allow a veteran in the sacred cause of freedom, 
 and a stranger to the spirit of faction, to submit to you some 
 resolutions, which the dangers of the present crisis demand. 
 I am assured that you will feel the necessity of adopting 
 them : — 
 
 " Art. I. The chamber declares that the independence of 
 the nation is menaced. 
 
 " II. The chamber declares its sittings permanent. All 
 attemps to dissolve it, shall be considered high treason. Who- 
 soever shall render himself culpable of such an attempt, shall 
 be considered a traitor to his country, and condemned as 
 such. 
 
 " III. The army of the line, and the national guards, who 
 have fought, and still fight, for the liberty, the independence, 
 and the territory of France, have merited well of the coun- 
 try. 
 
 " IV. The minister of the interior is invited to assemble 
 the principal officers of the Parisian national guard, in order 
 to consult on the means of providing it with arms, and of 
 completing this corps of citizens, whose tried patriotism and 
 zeal offer a sure guarantee for the liberty, prosperity, and 
 tranquillity of the capital, and for the inviolability of the 
 national representatives. 
 
 " V. The minister of war, of foreign affairs, of police, and 
 of the interior, areinvit* d to repair to the hall of assembly." 
 
 No opposition was made to these resolutions, so alarming 
 and so bold. The court party was taken by surprise, and 
 absolutely thunder-struck. Well founded, indeed, were the 
 fears of the emperor, when, he heard that Lafayette was in 
 the tribune, for these motions, which were at once adopted, 
 with the exception of the fourth article, both by the re- 
 presentatives and the peers, substantially divested him of his 
 power, and left him merely a factious and dangferous indi- 
 vidual in the midst of a distracted state. The fourth article 
 was suspended, as conveying an invidious distinction between 
 the troops of the line, and the national guards ; but the latter 
 
308 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 availed themselves of the hint. They immediately assem- 
 bled at their respective rendezvous, and a piquet was sent 
 from every arrondissement, to do duty at the hall of the 
 deputies, and to charge themselves with the protection of 
 the national representation.* 
 
 The resolutions offered by Lafayette decided the fate of 
 Napoleon. All, except himself, predicted the speedy termi- 
 nation of his reign. The ^ay passed over without any event 
 of consequence. The emperor hesitated as to the course 
 he should pursue. The chambers exacted from the minis- 
 ters the most positive and reiterated assurances that no de- 
 signs were harboured against them. The citizens of Paris 
 anxiously awaited the result of the impending struggle. To- 
 ward the beginning of the evening, Napoleon, hoping that the 
 eloquence of Lucien, which had saved him on the eighteenth 
 Brumaire, might be found no less effectual now, sent him, with 
 the three other ministers to the chamber, having first obtained 
 a vote that all should pass in secret session. It was certainly a 
 most perilous crisis : it was a contest for existence, and no 
 man could feel his life safe. Lucien rose, and made a par- 
 tial exposition of the state of affairs, and the projects and 
 hopes he still entertained. A deep and painful silence fol- 
 lowed. At length M. Jay, well known about twenty years 
 ago in Boston, under th-e assumed name of Renaud, as a 
 teacher of the French language, ascended the tribune, and 
 after a long, vehement, and eloquent speech, proposed to 
 send a deputation to the emperor, demanding his abdication. 
 Lucien immediately followed. He never showed more 
 power, or a more impassioned eloquence : " It is not Na- 
 poleon," he exclaimed, " that is attacked ; it is the French 
 people. And a proposition is now made to this people to 
 abandon their emperor ; to expose the French nation, be- 
 fore the tribunal of the world, to a severe judgment on its 
 levity and inconstancy. No, sir, the honour of this nation 
 
 * Boyce's France, ii. ]37— 140."North American Rerievr, Januarv, 
 
 1825. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 309 
 
 shall never be so compromised !" On hearing these words, 
 Lafayette rose. He did not go to the tribune ; but spoke, 
 contrary to rule and custom, from his place. His maiiiier 
 was perfectly calm, but marked with the very spirit of re- 
 buke ; and he addressed himself, itut to tbe president, but 
 directly to Lucien. " The assertion which has just been 
 uttered is a calumny. Who shall dare to accuse the Freuch 
 nation of inconstancy to the emperor Napoleim ? That na- 
 tion has followed his bloody footstep!> through the sands of 
 Egypt, and through the wastes of Russia ; oyer fifty fields 
 of battle, in disaster as faithfully as in victory ; and it is for 
 having thus devotedly followed him, that we now mourn the 
 blood of three millions of Frenchmen." — These few words 
 made an impression on the assembly, which could neither 
 be resisted nor mistaken ; and, as Lafayette ended, Lucien 
 himself bowed respectfully to hitn, and, without resuming 
 his speech, sat down. — It is stated that Lafayette, during this 
 debate, said to Lucien, "Go tell your brother that we will 
 trust him no longer ; we will ourselves undertake the salva- 
 tion of our country "* 
 
 It was determined to appoint a deputation of five mem- 
 bers from each chamber, to meet the grand council of the 
 ministers, and deliberate, in committee, on the measures to 
 be taken. At ntght, this imperial conimittee assembled, 
 under the presidenc) of Cumbaceres, arch chancellor of the 
 empire. It was composed of the ministers holding depart- 
 ments, the ministers of state, the president and four mem- 
 bers of the chamber of peers, the president and four vice- 
 presidents (one of whom was Lafayette,) of the rej)resen- 
 tatives, the heads of the civil and military authorities of 
 Paris, and some state-counsellors, peers, representatives, 
 and citizens, who were invited by the emperor. The friends 
 of Napoleon were the most numerous party. — A secretary 
 announced the approach of the em,ieror, who was preceded 
 by his three brothi:'rs. All the assembly rose. He saluted 
 
 * North American Review, January, 18^5.— Morgan's Fraace, 326. 
 
310 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 them respectfully, but with some embarrassment. They 
 then reseated tin mselves, without waiting for aii) previous 
 command, and a profound silence succeeded. Count Regnault 
 who faithful]} adhered to tlie fortunes of his master during 
 all his vicissitudes opened the debate. He insisted that the 
 glorious vacasicies which unheard of sacrifices had made in 
 the ranks of the army, ought to be filled up." If victory has 
 ceased," said he, " to crown our standards, are there not 
 other palms besides those which are sprinkled with blood ? 
 The olive of peace may still flourish on our menaced fron- 
 tiers ; but that it ma) hear j-erni'anent fruit, it must be 
 planted by heroic hands." " The only conquest for which 
 we fij^ht is that of peace." I conclude with moving that the 
 chambers make an appeal to French valour, while the em- 
 peror is treating of peace in the most steady and dignified 
 manner."* 
 
 Lafayette next rose. Every eye was fixed upon him, and 
 a profound silence reigned around. Napoleon was agitated 
 alrnost to sutfocation ; but he speedily recovered himself, 
 andassumed the appearance of indifference and unconcern. 
 
 "In love for my country," 'said he, "and ardent wishes 
 to save it from the dangers which threaten to overwhelm it, 
 I will not yield to the last speaker. The sincerity of his 
 patriotism I am not dif^posed to doubt ; but it is with pain 
 that I am compelled to say, that the measures which he 
 proposes would hasten and aggravate the calamities that we 
 all deprecate. The fine army with which our northern fron- 
 tiers were covered, is no more It can oppose no effectual 
 resistance to the hordes of foreigners, who have already 
 passed our borders, and whose course is marked with devas- 
 tation and blood. It is under the walls of Paris alone, that 
 our scattered troops will be able to unite, and dispute with 
 the enemy, the possession of the capital of the empire. 
 
 " Of the issue of the contest, I should not be doubtful. 
 At the voice of their government, and to defend the liberty, 
 
 Boyce's France, ii. chap. ir. et seq. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAVBTTE. 311 
 
 the integrity, and the independence of his country, every 
 Frenchman would fl) to arms, and the irtvaders would be 
 chased from our soil with sad discomfiture. But though the 
 triumph would be certain, the contest would be long and 
 dreadful. Our fruitful tields would be laid waste, and our 
 rivers run with blood. Is it necessary to expose our coun- 
 try to these calamities ? Is it necessary to fill it with wiHows 
 and orphans ? Are there no means by which peace may be 
 obtained without compromising our honour? 
 
 " The last speaker has proposed that pacific overtures 
 should be made to the allies; that while an appeal is made 
 to French valour, the emperor should treat for peace in the 
 most dignified manner. But with what prospect of success 
 will he, or can he treat? Have not our enemies pledged 
 themselves to a line of conduct which, adopted when the 
 issue of the contest was uncertain, and while all France ap- 
 peared to have rallied round the emperor of their choice, 
 will not be readily abandoned, now that victory has crowned 
 their efforts ? 
 
 " Mingled sentiments of affection and respect prevent me 
 from being more explicit. There is hut one measure which 
 can save the country, and if the ministers of the emperor 
 will not advise him to adopt it, his great soul will reveal it to 
 him." 
 
 This speech, firmly and fearlessly delivered in the pre- 
 sence of Napoleon, excited many murmurs from the court 
 party, and much applause from others. At the close of it, 
 the emperor cast his eyes down, but immediaiely raised 
 them again with a smile of disdain. The duke of Bassano 
 (Maret) could not contain his indignation. He proposed 
 that all who for twelve years had made parts of different 
 factions, whose common object was the dethronementof Na- 
 poleon, should be placed under the surveillance of a more 
 severe police : " had this measure been adopted,'' he con- 
 tinued, "a person who now hears me, (Lafayette,) and who 
 well understands me, would not smile at the misfortunes of 
 
312 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the country, and Wellington would not be marching to Paris." 
 A burst of disapprobation, which even the presence of the 
 emperor could not check, followed this insinuation. The 
 duke attempted to proceed and to explain what he had said ; 
 but the indiiiuation of the assembly was extreme. Hisses, 
 and the most violent expressions of censure, drowned the 
 voice of the snenker.* 
 
 The deliberation continued during several hours; and the 
 sentiments of Lafa>ette were supported in no equivocal 
 terms, by Lanjuinais and Constant. The emperor, fearing 
 that some resolution might be proposed fatal to his power, 
 conversed a few minutes with Carnot and Lucien, in a low 
 voice, when the former addressed the meeting, earnestly 
 deprecating violent measures, and concluded by moving that 
 the chambers should be invited to treat with the allied sove- 
 reigns, through an embassN of their own choosing. The im- 
 possibility of this measure being attended with success, was 
 apparent to every one. It could not be supposed, when 
 the} had declared that they would never treat with Napoleon 
 or his famil), that the allies would be deluded by a mere 
 quibble, and treat with any deputation from the chambers, 
 while he still held the reins of power. — By adopting this 
 measure, however, the object of both parties was answered. 
 They equally wished to gain time to strike some decisive 
 blow, for which neither was yet fully prepared. The as- 
 sembly broke up. No one appeared satisfied, and it was 
 easy to see that some great event was at hand. Before they 
 separated, one of the members who had ^aken no part in the 
 debate, exclaimed, with a vtfice purposely meant to reach 
 the emperor's ear, " M. de la Fayette has struck at the root 
 of the evil. 1 admire Napoleon ; but in order that all France, 
 and that posterity may think as I do, one great act is still 
 wanting. Is there no one so much a friend to our happiness 
 and glory, as to point out to him how he may still add to it ?* 
 
 The deputies met early on the following morning, and 
 after a most stormy and tumultuous debate, caused by the de- 
 
 * Boyce's France, vol. ii, chap. iv. el seq. 
 
MARQ.UIS DE LAiAyETT£. 313 
 
 llay in receiving a message from the emperor, they passed 
 a resolution that a deputation of five members should pro- 
 ceed to the emperor, and express to his majesty the urgency 
 of his decision. At the suggestion of general Solignac, than 
 whom no man stood higher in the estimation of every party, 
 the chamber unwilling!)' agreed to wait for one hour to re- 
 ceive the message, and adjourned for that purpose. Solignac 
 hastened immediately to the palace to endeavour to save the 
 honour of that chief whom he still respected, although during 
 five years, the emperor had eagerly seized every opportunity 
 to mortify, insult, and disgrace him. — In vain had many of 
 his ministers urged his voluntary abdication. The prece- 
 ding night was passed in discussion, and it was not until the 
 chambers had actually assembled in the morning, that the 
 conditional promise was extorted from him, that if the ne- 
 gotiations of the chambers failed, he would make the sacrifice 
 which was required. Lucien and Bertrand alone opposed 
 his abdication, and persisted in urging him to dissolve the 
 chambers, and crush his enemies by one decisive blow. 
 Lucien had heard of the tumultuous opening of the sittings 
 in the morning, and was well assured that a motion would 
 soon be made that Napoleon had forfeited the crown. He 
 hastened to his brother, to make one last effort ere it was too 
 late. The idea of the declaration of a forfeiture irritated 
 Napoleon to madness. He sent in great haste for Davoust, 
 the minister of war, and abruptly inquired what force he 
 could lead against the assembly if he were compelled to pro- 
 ceed to extremities. Davoust hesitated ; and his reply pro- 
 ved that he would not involve himself in a violent and un- 
 constitutional measure. " I understand you," said the em- 
 peror, " my sun is set :" and he abrubtly quitted the apart- 
 ment. 
 
 When general Solignac was introduced, he explained with 
 much feeHng the purport of his mission. He stated the 
 disposition of the chambers, and the method by which he 
 had succeeded in averting, for one short hour, the fatal de- 
 cision, and entreated the emperor to prevent the disgrace 
 
314 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 of forfeiture, by a speedy abdication. Napoleon liad alW 
 learned, that if his abdication was not sent to the chamber 
 within one hour, Lafayette had resolved to move, for his 
 expulsion. All Solignac's arguments were urged in vain. 
 Napoleon was resolved to brave his fate. At length, the 
 general, as his last resource, proposed a measure that he 
 would fain have otherwise avoided, that he should abdicate 
 in favour of his son. Napoleon consented. A secretary 
 Was summoned ; the declaration was immediately drawn up ; 
 and Solignac hastened to the assemblywith this important 
 paper, which was received with every mark of respect. 
 Lafayette proposed that the person and interests of Napoleon 
 should be placed under the protection of the national ho- 
 nour ; and the resolution was carried by acclamation. — The 
 president, Lanjuinais, Lafayette, the other vice-presidents, 
 and the secretaries, proceeded to the Tuilleries,to thank him, 
 in behalf of the nation, for the sacrifice he had made. " We 
 found him," said general Lafayette to Lady Morgan, " upon 
 this occasion, as upon many others, acting out of the ordi- 
 nary rules of calculation ; neither atfecting the pathetic 
 dignity of fallen greatness, nor evincing the uncontrollable 
 dejection of disappointed ambition, of hopes crushed, never 
 to revive, and of splendour quenched, never to rekindle. 
 AVe found him calm and serene: he received us with a 
 faint, but gracious, smile, and spoke with firmness and pre- 
 cision." 
 
 The nation being left without a government by the abdi- 
 cation of Napoleon, the first care of the chambers was to 
 appoint a committee who should provisionally assume the 
 chief command. This crude government lasted only a few 
 days. Its prncipal measure was sending a deputation to the 
 allied powers to treat for peace, at the head of which was 
 Lafayette. The five commissioners repaired to the head- 
 quarters of Blucher, whose army had advanced one day's 
 march before that of the duke of Wellington, and requested 
 '\ suspension of arms while they proceeded to the head quar^- 
 '^f the allies with pacific overtures. To this the Prus- 
 
MARqUlS DE LAFAYETTE. ^16 
 
 sian general gave a peremptory refusal : he would not agree 
 to an armistice for a single hour. Within the walls of Paris 
 alone would he listen to overtures of peace. He would ex- 
 plain nothing ; he would listen to nothing short of uncon- 
 ditional submission and the possession of Paris. Their pass- 
 ports he could not refuse, and after much unpleasant alter- 
 cation, they proceeded to Haguenau, were the allied sove- 
 reigns had now arrived. They were received with much 
 apparent deference, and the conferences immediately com- 
 menced. When the French plenipotentiaries declared that 
 Napoleon had abdicated his throne, they were interrupted 
 by the demand of the British minister, that he should be 
 delivered unconditionally into the power of the alhes. This 
 proposition excited the utmost astonishment and indignation; 
 and Lafayette immediately replied, that Napoleon having 
 voluntarily abdicated, that he might be no obstacle to the 
 welfare of France, his person was under the protection of 
 the national gratitude and honour, and that when it was 
 proposed to the French people to commit an act of unexam- 
 pled treachery, he did not expect that a prisoner of Olmutz 
 would be selected as the fittest medium for its execution, 
 The demand was immediately waived. 
 
 The allied monarchs did not intend to enter into any ne- 
 gotiations, nor explain their real intentions, which were to 
 restore the Bourbons. They therefore, delayed the confer- 
 ences on the most absurd and frivolous pretexts. After three 
 conferences, the commissioners departed, perfectly unac- 
 quamted with the demands of the allies, but having re- 
 ceived an assurance, as false as it was positive, that " the 
 foreign courts made no pretentions to interfere with the form 
 of the French government." When they arrived at Paris, 
 Lafayette found, to his great regret, that the city had ca- 
 pitulated, and that Wellington and Blucher were about to 
 enter the capital. Paris surrendered on the third of Julyi 
 1815 ; and what remained of the representative government 
 which Bonaparte had created for his own purposes, but which 
 Lafayet*'^. hao turned against him, was soon afterwards dis- 
 
oiij HISTORY OF THE 
 
 solved. On the sixth of July, he spoke to the assembly of the 
 conferences of Haguenau, and of the patriotic sentiments of 
 the departments through which he had passed. On the morn- 
 ing of the eighth of July, the doors of the assembly were 
 found guarded and closed. Although the deputies had nei- 
 ther the power nor inclination to resist this arbitrary act, they 
 had too much spirit and patriotism to separate without solemn- 
 ly protesting against its injustice. Lafayette received a great 
 number at his own house, and proceeded with them to the presi- 
 dent's, when, more than a hundred members having signed the 
 proces-verbal, they retired quietly to their homes.* 
 
 Lafayette went immediately to La Grange, from which, in 
 fact, he had been only a month absent, and resumed his agri- 
 cultural employments. There, in the midst of a family of 
 above twenty children and grandchildren, who all looked up to 
 him as their patriarchal chief, he lived in simple and sincere 
 happiness, and in complete retirement, until the year 1817, 
 when he was elected a deputy from La Sarthe, although oppos- 
 ed by the whole influence of the government. He was a con- 
 spicuous member of the chamber, and in all his votes has showT:i 
 himself constant to his ancient principles. When the ministry 
 proposed to establish a censorship of the press, he resisted them 
 in an able speech ; but Lafayette was never a factious man, 
 and, therefore, he has never made any further opposition to the 
 present order of things in France, than his conscience and his 
 official place required. That he does not approve the present 
 constitution of the monarchy, his votes as a deputy, and his 
 whole life, plainly show; and that his steady and temperate opposi- 
 tion is matter of serious anxiety to the family now on the throne, 
 is apparent, from their conduct towards him during the last ten 
 years, and their management of the public press since he has 
 been in this country. In fact, the course which he has pur- 
 sued, not only since the restoration of the Bourbons, but during 
 the reign of Napoleon, ought to be viewed by the citizens of 
 this republic, as a motive for fresh esteem and gratitude. He 
 * Boyce's France, ii, chap, v, passim, p. 262—267, 343. 
 
SIAR^UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 317 
 
 has uniformly acted, in regard to the arbitrary maxims and 
 measures of tfie imperial and royal administrations, like one 
 who deemed tlie voluntary allegiance which he had paid in his 
 youth to the principles of freedom, as perpetually obligatory, 
 and paramount to all considerations of personal interest and se- 
 curity, at any period or in any situation. In the chamber of 
 deputies, under the existing government of France, he always 
 stood forth the champion of constitutional and natural rights, 
 and the adversary of despotic doctrine and rule, with a firm- 
 ness, serenity, and dignity, which must have finally extorted 
 the admiration even of the ultras, who so often sought to force 
 him down by clamour and menaces. He came to this country 
 a liberal by generous instinct and enlightened reason ; — he has 
 remained so through all vicissitudes and dangers. He has 
 never deserted the banners under which he first contended ; he 
 has done honour to the political school in which he was form- 
 ed, by proving that the true disciple can never be an apostate 
 nor a prevaricator. It is enough to say, that he is eminently 
 obnoxious to the governments of France, Austria, and Prussia; 
 — ^he is odious to them and to the Russians, as the veteran and 
 inflexible apostle of that creed which they most dread, and are 
 most anxious to suppress ; — he is the worst of liberals in their 
 eyes ; a patrician by birth, the subject of a monarchy, who 
 deserted to republicanism at the first opportunity; who would 
 never afterwards bend the knee to absolute power, and whom 
 they have been unable to crush, although he has raised his voice 
 to all the globe against their doctrines and designs, and become 
 the model and patriarch of constitutionalists.* 
 
 M. de Lafayette now withdrew himself entirely from politi- 
 cal affairs, encircled by those he best loved, and conscious that 
 he had done every thing for his country that his powers and op- 
 portunities had allowed. Let us follow this " last of the Ro- 
 mans," for a moment, to his peaceful retreat, and contemplate 
 the man who had rode upon ruder storms, and dared greatear 
 
 * North American Review, January, 1825.— National Gazette, Februa- 
 ry 4, 1824. ^ -- - -- 
 
318 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 dangers, than almost any other of the age, calmly and ctHatent- 
 edly enjoying the substantial hixuries of domestic life. 
 
 The chateau of La Grange lies in the fertile district of La 
 Brie ; so remote from any high road, so lonely, so wood-em- 
 bosomed, that a spot more sequestered, more apparently dis- 
 tant from the bustling world, and all its scenes of conflict and 
 activity, can scarcely be imagined.* It is situated about forty 
 miles from Paris, amid prolific orchards and antiquated woods. 
 The chateau is of singular construction, quadrangular, and or- 
 namented by Moorish towers at each angle, which have no un- 
 pleasing effect. This estate, belonging to the fortune of his 
 wife, and a small farm in Auvergne, were all that remained of 
 his wealth : he had lost every thing besides, in the madness of 
 revolutionary confiscation. The building is ancient, (having 
 been founded by Louis Le Gros,) and simply furnished : the 
 wood which adjoins it, is beautiful, divided in the old style, by 
 long green alleys, intersecting one another, and admirably 
 adapted for a studious walk, or for reading, remote from noise. 
 
 It was here that, in 1802, he received widi tearful eyes, and 
 joyful smiles, the celebrated British statesman who had so elo- 
 quently and pathetically pleaded his cause in the British parlia- 
 ment. Lafayette had become acquainted with Mr. Fox at 
 an early age, during a visit to London. There was too much 
 congeniality in their souls not to produce an early and strong • 
 sentiment of friendship. While the hero was promoting the 
 cause of hberty in America, the statesman laboured, with equal 
 zeal, in the British house of commons, to inspire an obstinate 
 and unenlightened ministry with respect for the rights of hu- 
 manity, and mercy for the suffering Americans. 
 
 Lafayette resides on his estate in rural simplicity, and un- 
 ostentatious hospitality ; and there are few Americans who do 
 not offer their respects to the benefactor of their country. No 
 silly affectation — no studied welcome — no idle airs of ceremo- 
 ny ,.*-are seen there. The benevolent countenances, and warm 
 
 * The account of La Grange and its inhabitants is compiled from Lady 
 Morgan's France, Trotter's life of Fox, Memoirs of Lafayette, &«. &c. 
 
MAB^niS DE LAFAYETTE. ol9 
 
 s^elcome, of a good and amiable family, are delightful to the 
 hearts of those, who go to La Grange with the same feelings as 
 the steps of the weary pilgrim approach the shrine of sainted 
 excellence. 
 
 Modest, plain, and unassuming in his general deportment, 
 Lafayette has ever been averse to parade and ostentation. 
 Habited in his gray coat and round hat, with a cane in his hand, 
 and accompanied by his grandson, he would ramble over his 
 farms, visiting his sheep-folds, his cow-stalls, and his dairies, and 
 enjoying, with much relish, the avocations of agriculture. His 
 manner to the peasantry, and to the workmen engaged in the va- 
 rious rustic offices of his domains, was extremely gracious, and 
 he freely engaged in lively and familiar conversation with them. 
 And this condescending kindness was repaid by boundless af- 
 fection, and respect amounting almost to veneration. In a plain, 
 but spacious, room of tlie chateau, the peasantry of the neigh- 
 bourhood, assemble, (1816,) every Sunday evening, in winter, 
 to dance to the merry sound of the violin, and are regaled with 
 cakes, and eau-sucree. The general is usually, and his family 
 are always, present at these rustic balls ; the younger mem- 
 bers occasionally dancing among the tenantry. In the summer, 
 this patriarchal re-union takes place in the park, where a space 
 is cleared for the purpose, shaded by the lofty trees which en- 
 circle it. 
 
 Living in this simple manner, in the bosom of a tender and 
 affectionate family, the general exhibits the bright example of 
 a public man, content with little, free from envious and angry 
 feelings, and willing to live in dignified silence, when he had not 
 the power to do good. His benevolent features ; bis frank 
 and warm manners, which make him almost adored in his fami- 
 ly ; and a placid contentedness, amounting to cheerfulness, al- 
 together have an irresistible effect in gaining the affections and 
 esteem of those admitted to his more intimate society. Not 
 only true to his principles, and faithful to his country, but affec* 
 tiomata to his family, and kind to his friends,, he is erainentfy 
 worthy of being pronounced a good father, a good husband, a 
 
320 HISTOllY OF THE 
 
 good citizen, a good patriot, and a good man. — As simple iii 
 their dress, as in their manner of living, it would be in vain to 
 seek for splendid dresses, jewels, or any of the trappings of 
 worldly vanity, at La Grange. " The jewels of the Lafay- 
 ette family are those of the mother of the Gracchi." 
 
 The benevolence, humanity, and generosity of Lafayette, 
 might be illustrated by a multitude of examples, a selection 
 from which will prove, that whether amid the turmoils of war, 
 the perplexities of politics, or the pleasures of retirement, he 
 never forgot the duties of a man, or ceased to feel the impulse 
 of a noble heart. We have already recorded his benefaction to 
 the sufferers from fire in Boston, in 1787 ; his supplies of cloth- 
 ing and absolute necessaries, to the American soldiers, at dif- 
 ferent periods ; his humanity to the sick and the wounded ; his 
 kindness to indigent or distressed Americans, in France, &;c. 
 &.C. A few anecdotes of the same nature, will serve to exalt 
 his character. — Towards the close of the year 1777, or begin- 
 ning of 1778, Lafayette arrived at the camp near Albany, at 
 the very moment when one Butler, a captain in the British 
 army, was about to be executed, by the command of Arnold. 
 He instantly arrested the punishment, in order to examine into 
 the case. The man was undoubtedly guilty, but the young 
 general took advantage of some informality in the proceedings, 
 and the deliverance of Butler was the first act of his com- 
 mand.* — At a time when his liberality had so reduced his 
 funds, that he was obliged to write to France to procure sup- 
 plies, he, one day, while inspecting the camp, perceived a man 
 miserably dressed, seated at the foot of a tree, his face covered 
 with his hands, and elbows resting on his knees, so profoundly 
 immersed in mela; choly, that he did not perceive the approach 
 of the general: Lafayette stopped some minutes to observe 
 him, and hearing him sigh, inquired the cause of his grief, with 
 a tone of voice and sweetness peculiar to himself. The man 
 informed him that he had recently joined the army, and had 
 left a young wife, and two little children, who depended en- 
 ♦ M*m. Hist. p. 128-9. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 321 
 
 tirely on his industry for their support, and that the forlorn con- 
 dition of his family did not allow him a moment's peace. The 
 general inquired his address, and told him not to distress him- 
 self, as he would provide for his family. It is hardly necessa- 
 ly to add, that this promise was faitlifuUy kept.* — Early in the 
 year 1780, a young native of Irelandf was compelled to leave 
 Ireland, in consequence of his patriotic zeal in favour of the 
 freedom and independence of his country ; and he retired to 
 Paris, where he met with general de Lafayette. At that 
 time, an invasion of Ireland from France, was the topic of con- 
 versation in the military and political circles of the French capi- 
 tal. Lafayette made many inquiries of the young Irishman, 
 concerning the state of Ireland ; and they separated for the 
 time. The patriotic exile of Erin subsequently returned to his 
 country, established a newspaper, was dragged before the Irish 
 house of commons, for his ardour in the cause of oppressed 
 Ireland, and ultimately felt himself compelled to emigrate to 
 tlie United States, after undergoing a most vexatious and ex- 
 pensive prosecution. — He arrived at Philadelphia, in the year 
 1784, in company with a gentleman who had a letter of intro- 
 duction to general Washington. This gentleman proceeded to 
 Mount Vernon, where he found Lafayette. In the course of 
 conversation, the latter inquired about his yoiing Irish acquamt- 
 ance, whose examination before the house of commons had 
 been published in the American papers. He was then inform- 
 ed that the persecuted Irishman had arrived in Philadelphia. 
 A few days afterwards, Lafayette visited that city, and sent 
 for the gentleman for whom he had evinced so much solicitude. 
 An interview took place. The general asked many questions, 
 and, among others, what his young friend intended to do in this 
 country .'' He replied that, as soon as he received funds from 
 Ireland, it was his intention to establish a newspaper. The 
 next morning, the Irish gentleman received a polite note from 
 Lafayette, enclosing four hundred dollars, in notes of the 
 
 * Mem. of Lafayette, p. 24, 25. 
 ,. \ Mathew Carey, Esq. now living in Philadelphia. 
 
 41 
 
323 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 bank of North America, without any explanation of its object. 
 The grateful stranger hastened to the lodgings of the general, 
 to express his feelings on the occasion ; but the benevolent 
 hero had taken his departure from the city, on his way to New- 
 York, to embark for Europe. — With the money thus received, 
 a paper was forthwith established ; and, after years of laborious, 
 honourable, and patriotic exertions, the Irish gentleman, who, 
 from adverse events in Ireland, never received the expected 
 remittances from that country, has attained a degree of respec- 
 tability, wealth, and eminence, no less useful to the public, than 
 creditable to himself. — Comment on an act so opportunely 
 beneficent, proceeding from motives so purely philanthropic, so 
 evincive of his ardent attachment to liberty and to its friends 
 throughout the world, and so productive of valua,ble private and 
 public advantages, would be entirely superfluous : the facts will 
 touch the heart of every man of sensibility, and shed additional 
 lustre on the pure and exalted character of the "friend of 
 Washington, of America, and mankind," * — At Green Spring, 
 Virginia, Lafayette dashed into the fire of Cornwallis' infantry, 
 and met with captain Doyle, of the third Pennsylvania regiment, 
 wounded in the leg, and leaning against a tree. The general 
 ordered his servant to dismount, and dismounting himself, placed 
 Doyle on his attendant's horse. While he was assisting him to 
 mount, the wounded officer received a musket ball in his left 
 shoulder. But die gallant Lafayette did not leave him until he 
 saw him in a place of safety, and thus saved the life of one of 
 the bravest captains of the Pennsylvania line.f — During the 
 French revolution, when the commune of Paris insisted on his 
 acceptance of his emoluments as commander-in-chief of the 
 national guard, which he refused to accept, he used to them the 
 following language : " If I required pecuniary assistance, I 
 
 * It is a remarkable circumstance, that after a separation of nearly half a 
 century, tlie actors in this scene again met on the spot where it was first 
 opened by the well-timed munificence of Lafayette ; and that, with singular 
 keeping, it was closed by the voluntary and honourable repayment of the 
 gift. 
 
 ' Allen M'Lane's Journal. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 323 
 
 would have demanded it : but, at this time, wlien the sufferings 
 of our citizens, and the necessary expenditures, are so great, I 
 cannot consent to increase them. My fortune is sufficient for 
 the station which I hold."* — In the beginning of 1822, soon 
 after the revolution in Piedmont, many distinguished Italians, 
 threatened with the vengeance of the Sardinian government, 
 fled into France. Louis XVIII, being cousin to the king of 
 Sardinia, formed the dastardly project of apprehending, and 
 punishing these poor refugees. One of them applied to Lafay- 
 ette for protection, who requested an American gentleman to 
 take the Italian out of France with him, as a servant. The 
 exile was soon included in the passport under a feigned name, 
 and they were on the point of setting out for Havre, when in- 
 formation was received that the Bourbon government had alter- 
 ed their intentions, and would no longer molest the refugees from 
 Piedmont. — When Lafayette embarked for America, in 1777, 
 he possessed an income of one hundred and forty-six thousand 
 francs, or about twenty-eight thousand seven hundred dollars. 
 During the six years, from 1777, to 1783, he expended in the 
 American service, of his private fortune, seven hundred thousand 
 francs, equal to one hundred and forty thousand dollars !f — 
 We conclude these anecdotes, with an incident which presents 
 his character in the most dehghtful point of view : — In March, 
 1803, congress made a grant of eleven thousand five hundred 
 and twenty acres of land to general Lafayette. In the year 
 following, he was authorized to locate his warrant on any va- 
 cant land in the territory of Orleans ; and, on the seventh April, 
 1806, his agent in this countiy did locate a tract of one thousand 
 acres vacant land, adjoining the city of New-Orleans. On the 
 third March, 1807, congress, without adverting to this location 
 in behalf of the general, and indeed, wholly unconscious of the 
 fact that it had been made, granted to the corporation of the 
 city of New-Orleans, a space of six hundred yards around the 
 fortifications of the city, including a valuable portion of the very 
 
 *M6m. Hist. 183. 
 
 * Colonel Hayne's Speech in Congress, December 20, 1824. 
 
324 HisTony of the; 
 
 land which had been previously entered by Lafayette. He 
 was immediately informed of the fact. It was stated to him 
 that his right to this land was unquestionable, and the legal 
 opinion of an eminent lawyer and jurist was forwarded to 
 him, with the assurance that, in a contest with the city of New- 
 Orleans, he must succeed. The value of the land had been 
 discovered, and fifty thousand dollars could, even then, have 
 been obtained for the general's title to it. But what was the 
 conduct of Lafayette, on being informed of these facts ? He, 
 promptly and without hesitation, communicated to his aaient, 
 "that he would not consent even to inquire into the validity of 
 his title ; that he could not think of entering into litigation with 
 any public body in tlie United States ; that the property had 
 been gratuitously bestowed upon him by the United States, and 
 it v^as with them to say what had been given ;" and he accom- 
 panied these declarations with a positive direction to his agent 
 to relinquish his entiy, Jmd to make a location elsewhere. This 
 was done, and the land substituted for that wliich was lost, is of 
 very inconsiderable value ; while on a portion of that which 
 was so generously relinquished, now stands a valuable part of 
 the city of New-Orleans, valued, according to correct estimates, 
 at from four to Jive hundred thousand dollars.* 
 
 On the twenty-fourtli of December, 1807, Lafayette experi- 
 enced a blow which it required all his religion and philosophy 
 to support. His wife, — his best friend, his faithful and heroic 
 companion ; adorned with every virtue ; pious, modest, gene- 
 rous, and faithful; affectionate, yet firm, and gentle, yet resolv- 
 ed, — the long-tried wife of his bosom, at length sunk under her 
 misfortunes, and was torn from the arms of her husband at an 
 age when she might have expected many years of happiness m 
 store. But the dastardly ferocity of tyrants brought to an un- 
 timely grave, in the forty-seventh year of her age, a woman who 
 was once the soul of her numerous family, the support of the 
 poor, the ornament of her country, and the honour of her sex. — - 
 She was, indeed, a superior and admirable woman, possessing 
 
 * Colonel Hayne's (of S. Carolina.) Speech in Congress, Dec. 20, 1834, 
 
MARq,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 325 
 
 the high polish of the ancient nobility, eloquent, and animated. 
 In the society of a cherished husband, and affectionate children, 
 she regretted nothing of jjast splendour, and was happy in re- 
 tirement. — In her charming daughters, was found none of that 
 insipid languor, or wretched affectation, which, in young women 
 of fashion, so much destroys originality of character, and shows 
 us, in one fashionable young lady, the i rototype of ten thousand.* 
 Their only son, George Washington Lafayette, served from 
 the commencement of the war, in 1800, as one of the guides 
 d'honneur to the guards of the first consul, and armed and 
 equipped himself at his own expense, and never consented to re- 
 ceive any pay. General Grouchy appointed him his aid-de- 
 camp, as he was extremely intelligent, brave, active, and an 
 officer of great merit. Bonaparte extended the resentment he 
 bore the father to all attached to the family of Lafayette. But 
 this unworthy treatment did not prevent George Washington 
 from continuing his services, with great and distinguished ac- 
 tivity, even when the emperor caused it to be insinuated to 
 him that he ought to tender his resignation. At the battle of 
 Eylau, he twice saved the life of general Grouchy. The lat- 
 ter made a brilliant report of his conduct, and requested a pro- 
 motion for him and the legion of honour : the great and mag- 
 nanimous Napoleon petulantly erased his name from the report, 
 not even permitting it to appear in the bulletin ! The young 
 officer, nevertheless, continued in service, and did not retire to 
 La Grange, until after the ratification of peace at Tilsit. — In 
 1803, he married mademoiselle de Tracy, daughter of tlie 
 count and senator of that name, a very engaging and interesting 
 lady. They have five children, the eldest of which is a young 
 woman of twenty years of age, the favourite of her grandfather. — 
 In 1795, he was sent with his tutor to America, to avoid the 
 horrors of French democracy. As soon as he was informed 
 of his arrival in Boston, general Washington wrote to a friend, 
 the honourable George Cabot, requesting him to visit the young 
 gentleman, and make him acquainted with the relations between 
 • Mem. Lafayette, p. 30^-4.— Trotter's Life of Fox, p. 203. 
 
326 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 this country and Fiance, wiiich would prevent the president of 
 the United States from publicly espousing his interest; but 
 "assure liim," to use Washington's words, "of my standing in 
 the place of, and becoming to him, a father, friend, protector, 
 and supporter.'''' * 
 
 Mademoiselle Anastasie Lafayette, married Charles Latour 
 Maubourg, the brother of her father's companion in misfortune. 
 He united to a cold, yet agreeable exterior, great sensibility and 
 courage, with very little ambition. His family consists of four 
 children, of whom two are married, and one of them has two 
 children. — Mademoiselle Virginia Lafayette married M. de 
 Lasteyrie, nephew of the celebrated agriculturist of that name. 
 He served with his brother-in-law, George Washington, in the 
 campaigns of Jena, Eylau, Friedland, &ic. where he greatly 
 distinguished himself. The emperor, who knew that he was 
 the son-in-law of Lafayette, gave him neither the cross of ho- 
 nour, nor any military advancement; and always erased his 
 name from the list of officers recommended for promotion. — 
 This amiable and most interesting family seem united by one 
 bond of affection, and to desire nothing beyond the circle of 
 their tiaaquil mansion : they constantly present for contempla- 
 tion, the most perfect unity of family interests, habits, taste, and 
 affections.! 
 
 Blessed with the mens sana in corpore sano, — in the full 
 possession of every faculty and talent he ever possessed, the 
 memory of Lafayette has all tlie tenacity of unworn youthful 
 recollection. His conversation is brilliantly enriched with anec- 
 dotes of all that is celebrated, in character and event, for the 
 last fifty years. He speaks and writes English witli the same 
 fluency and ease as he does his native tongue ; and has made 
 himself master of all that is best wortli knowing in English litera- 
 ture and philosophy. He converses upon almost every subject 
 worthy to engage the mind of a great and good man ; some- 
 times in French, sometimes in English ; always with eloquence, 
 
 *Mem. Lafayette, 280-1, 293. -Biog. Die. 591.— Trotter's LifeFox,202. 
 t Mem. Lafayette, 271, 293, 294.— Lady Morgan's France, 322. 
 
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 327 
 
 fluency, and spirit. Li his epistolary correspondence, he is 
 every where bold and patriodc ; and his letters are marked by 
 the frankness and penetration of a noble and vigorous mind. 
 His elegant, and well-chosen collection of books, occupies the 
 highest apartment in one of the towers of the chateau. It is 
 a circulai- room, adorned with the busts of Washington. Frank- 
 lin, and other distinguished American patriots. Here, seated 
 at his desk, he can see, on his left, his whole farm, and his 
 stables, and on his right, the park, and a very large and elegant 
 lawn, covered with luxuriant grass. Like the study of Mon- 
 taigne, it hangs over the farm-yard of the philosophical agricul- 
 tiu-ist. " It frequently happens," said he to Lady Morgan, 
 "that my merinos, and my hay-carts, dispute my attention with 
 your Hume, or our own Voltaire." * 
 
 The unbent and noble figure of Lafayette is still as upright, 
 bold, and vigorous, as the mind that informs it. Grace, strength, 
 and dignity, distinguish the fine person of this extraordinary 
 man; who, though fifty years before the world, engaged in 
 scenes of strange and eventful conflict, does not yet appear to 
 have passed his climacteric. Bustling and active in business, 
 graceful and elegant in society, it is difficult to trace in one of 
 tlie most successful agriculturists, and one of the most perfect 
 fine gentlemen, a warrior, and a legislator. — But the patriot is 
 always discernible. His manners are plain and unostentatious ; 
 his address kind and conciliating. During the American revo- 
 lution, his sedateness and gravity, and the simplicity of his man- 
 ners, could not fail to attract attention. Conversing about him 
 one day at the table of general Washington, Mrs. Washington 
 remarked that all his dress was singularly plain, — that he never 
 wore ruffles — and that he had nothing like show about him, ex- 
 cept in the caparison of his horse. — He is now nearly sixty- 
 eight years of age ; his portly form, about five feet eleven inches 
 high ; his eyes, and eye-brows, prominent ; but liis fine fore- 
 head, partially concealed by a wig. His graceful and dignified 
 manners soon put his company perfectly at their ease. Great 
 •Morgan's France, 323.— Fox's Life, 204.— Mem. Lafayette, 299. 
 
328 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 mildness beams in his countenance, vvhich, in conversation, is 
 brightened by a smile which carries with it evidence that it pro- 
 ceeds from the heart. He is lame, from a fracture of the thigh 
 bone in tlie year 1 803, but not so much as materially to impede 
 his progress. His dress is that of the plainest citizen. 
 
 Such is Lafayette. His name has long been consecrated to 
 fame ; and his existence has been so intimately woven into the 
 history of his country, that her records and her chronicles must 
 have mouldered into nothing, ere his renown shall be forgotten^ 
 or the memory of his deeds have faded into oblivion. His il- 
 lustrious name will be venerated by posterity ; for his virtues 
 and his deeds have distinguished it in an age, " when extensive 
 celebrity is no trifling possession ; when the world appears to 
 have conspired for the destruction of mediocrity ; and is agreed 
 to repulse, witli contempt, the ambitious pretenders that besiege, 
 on all sides, the temple of renown." 
 
 Lafayette, desirous of again beholding die scenes of his youth- 
 ful glory, having expressed his intention of re-visiting this coun- 
 tiy, congress, on the fourth of February, 1824, " Resolved, that 
 whenever the president shall be informed of the time when the 
 marquis may be ready to embark, a national ship, with suitable 
 accommodations, be employed to bring him to the United States." 
 The modest, unassurhing, and consistent patriot, declined the 
 honour of going in a national vessel, preferring a passage in a 
 private ship. On the twelfth of July, 1824, he embarked on 
 board the packet ship Cadmus, and on the sixteenth of August, 
 landed at New-York^ when first arose the sound of that uni- 
 versal acclamation, which has since been echoed from the Cor- 
 dilleras and the Andes. 
 
 Republics have been charged with ingratitude, and Europe- 
 ans, ignorant of the whole structure of our government, and the 
 course of our policy, have supposed that the charge is justified 
 by our own example. But when it shall become fully known 
 abroad how the United States have, on all occasions, acted to- 
 wards general de Lafayette ; when it shall be understood that, 
 
MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. iJ29 
 
 in addition to other proofs of our gratitude,* we approach him 
 in his old age with the expressions of our affectionate attach- 
 ment, it may perhaps be acknowledged that there can be no bet- 
 ter inheritance than the gratitude of a free people. 
 
 To conclude in the language of a celebrated writer,f it may, 
 indeed, be said, that Lafayette, himself, enjoys a singular dis- 
 tinction : for it is a strange thing in the providence of God, one 
 that never happened before, and will, probably, never happen 
 again, that an individual from a remote quarter of the world, 
 having assisted to lay the foundation of a great nation, should be 
 permitted thus to visit the posterity of those he served, and wit- 
 ness, on a scale so vast, the work of his own sacrifices ; the re- 
 sult of grand principles in government, for which he contended 
 before their practical effect had been tried ; the growth and 
 maturity of institutions which he assisted to establish, when their 
 operation could be calculated only by the widest and most clear 
 sighted circumspection. We rejoice in it, for it is, we doubt 
 not, the most gratifying and appropriate reward that could be 
 offered to a spirit like his. In the beautiful phrase which Taci- 
 tus has applied to Germanicus, fruiiurfama ; for he must be 
 aware, that the ocean which rolls between us and Europe, ope- 
 rates like the grave on all feelings of passion and party, and 
 that the voice of gratitude and admiration, which now rises to 
 greet him from every city, every village, and every heart, of 
 this wide land, is as pure and sincere as the voice of posterity'. 
 
 * On the twenty-eighth of December, 1824, an act was passed by con- 
 gress, directing the secretary of the treasury to pay to general Lafayette, 
 in consideration of his services and sacrifices in the war of the revolution, 
 the sura of two hundred thousand dollars; and also granting to him and 
 his heirs, one township of land, to be laid out and located under the authority 
 of the president, in any of the unappropriated lands of the United States. — 
 By this act, the respresentatives of the American people have conferred a 
 lasting benefit on their country ; they have performed a great moral duty ; 
 they have substantially proved to the world that republics are not always 
 ungrateful. 
 
 t North American Review, January, 1825. 
 
 42 
 
THE TOUR 
 
 OF 
 
 GENERAL LAFAYETTE 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 LANDING OP THE NATION's GUEST AT NEW-YORK, AND HIS 
 VISIT TO THE EASTERN STATES IN 1824. 
 
 As soon as it was known in the United States that the Mar- 
 quis Lafayette had once more embarked for the shores of his 
 adopted country, a general joy pervaded the nation, and all 
 classes of citizens were prepared to take a lively interest in his 
 arrival. The cities of New- York and Boston particularly, an- 
 ticipated the event with some degree of impatience, and enter- 
 ed into such general arrangements for his reception, as were 
 best calculated to do honour to themselves and their illustrious 
 guest. 
 
 General Lafayette, accompanied by his son, George Wash- 
 ington Lafayette, Mi\ Auguste Le Vasseur, and one servant, 
 arrived in the harbour of New- York on the morning of the 15th 
 of August, in the ship Cadmus, captain AUyn, after a pleasant 
 passage of 31 days from Havre. His arrival was made 
 known by the Telegraph at an early hour, and spread through 
 the city with electrical rapidity. Broadway was soon thronged, 
 and the Battery crowded with people, who sallied forth with 
 the expectation that the hero and veteran of two revolutions, 
 would come directly to the city. The arrangements of the city 
 authorities, however, for his reception, having been seasonably 
 communicated to him, he landed at Staten Island, and was con- 
 ducted to the seat of the Vice President, where he remained 
 through the day, and passed the night. Fort Lafayette fired a 
 salute as the ship passed, and a salute was fired as the General 
 landed. 
 
332 THE TOUR OF 
 
 In the city the national flag was immediately hoisted and dig- 
 played at all the public places during the day. 
 
 Proceedings, upon reception of the Marquis Lafayette into 
 the city of New- York, on Monday, the 16th of August. 
 
 Arrangements of the Corporation. 
 
 The committee of arrangements of the Corporation have the 
 pleasure to annoimce to their fellow citizens the arrival of the 
 distinguished guest of their country, the Marquis de Lafayette. 
 
 The following are the arrangements made for his reception 
 in the city : 
 
 The Committee of Arrangements of the Corporation, the 
 Generals and other officers of the United States Army, the offi- 
 cers of the Navy, the Major Generals and the Brigadier Gene- 
 rals of the Militia, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, 
 the Committee from the Society of Cincinnati, will proceed at 
 9 o'clock this day, to Staten Island, where the Marquis is lodg- 
 ed, and escort him to the city. They will be accompanied by 
 the steam-boats, all with decorations, except that in which the 
 Marquis is embarked, which will only have the flag of the United 
 States, and the flag of New- York ; bands of music being in 
 each. 
 
 The Marquis' embarkation will be announced by a salute 
 from Fort Lafayette, and the steam-ship Robert Fulton. 
 
 The forts in the harbour will also salute as the vessels pass. 
 
 The masters of vessels are requested to hoist their flags at 
 mast-head, and where convenient, to dress their vessels. 
 
 The bells of the city will be rung from 12 to 1 o'clock. 
 
 The portrait room of the City Hall is appropriated to the 
 Marquis, where, during his stay, he will after this day, between 
 the hours of 12 and 2 o'clock, receive the visits of such of the 
 citizens as are desirous of paying their respects to him. 
 
 The Committee of Arrangements of the Corporation having 
 accepted the proffered services of the steam-ship Robert Fulton, 
 and the steam-boats Chancellor Livingston, Oliver Ellsworth, 
 Henry Eckford, Connecticut, Bellona, Olive Branch, Nautilus, 
 &tc. ; they were all superbly dressed with flags and stream- 
 ers of every nation, and directed to meet and form an aquatic 
 escort between the south part of the Battery and Governor's 
 Island, and thence proceed in order to Staten Island. The 
 spectacle, as the boats were assembling, vi^as truly interesting 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 333 
 
 and beautiful. The Battery was crowded with respectable 
 people of both sexes ; Castle Garden was filled, and every boat 
 that arrived to take its station, was completely crowded with 
 elegant dressed ladies and gentlemen. The appearance of the 
 Robert Fulton, as she came down the East River, from the Na- 
 vy Yard, escorted by the Connecticut and Oliver Ellsworth, all 
 superbly decorated, was rich beyond description. Her yards 
 were manned to the round-tops, with about 200 seamen from 
 the Constitution, who made an elegant appearance, and a bat- 
 talion of marines, under the command of Major Smith, was on 
 board, with a band of music, and many of the Naval Otficers 
 upon this station, together with several ladies and private gentle- 
 men. 
 
 Arrived at the place of redezvous, the several vessels com- 
 prising the fleet took their station, and proceeded in regular 
 order to the quarantine, as follows : — First, the Chancellor 
 Livingston, on board of which were the committee of the Cor- 
 poration, Major General Morton and suite, a number of the 
 members of the Cincinnati, including Colonels Willet, Varick, 
 Trumbull, Piatt, and others, together with a few ladies, several 
 officers and professors from West Point, accompanied by the 
 excellent military band attached to that institution. On the 
 right of the Chancellor, and about a length in rear, was the 
 Connecticut, and on the left, to correspond, was the Oliver Ells- 
 worth. Directly in the rear of the Chancellor, was the Robert 
 Fulton, whose lofty masts and wide-spread arms, which literal- 
 ly swarmed with men, towered proudly above her less pretend- 
 ing, but not less gay and beautiful consorts. On the right of 
 the Robert Fuhon, about a length in the rear, was the Bellona, 
 and on the left, the Henry Eckford, in a station to correspond ; 
 and the squadron was closed by the Olive Branch and Nautilus. 
 The signals exchanged, and the steam-boats having attained 
 their stations, as above stated, the squadron got under weigh, 
 amidst the cheers of thousands of delighted spectators. The 
 view of this fleet will perhaps never be forgotten. It was not 
 only unique, but beyond a doubt, one of the most splendid 
 spectacles ever witnessed on this part of the globe." The squad- 
 ron, bearing six thousand of our fellow citizens, majestically 
 took its course towards Staten Island, there to take on board 
 our long expected and honoured guest. At 1 o'clock the fleet 
 arrived at Staten Island, and in a few minutes, a landau was 
 seen approaching the Hotel, near the ferry. The Marquis, 
 
334 THE TOUR OF 
 
 the Vice-President, and the Ex-Governor Ogden, of New-Jer- 
 sey, having alighted, a procession was formed, and the venera- 
 ble stranger, supported by these gentlemen, followed by all the 
 officers of the Island, and a crowd of citizens, passing through 
 a triumphal arch, round which was tastefully entwined the 
 French and American colours. As soon as the Marquis and 
 suite entered on the broad stairs, connected with, and leading 
 to the steam-boat which was to convey him to the city, he was 
 received by the committee of the Common Council, who con- 
 ducted him on board the Chancellor Livingston. On entering 
 this splendid vessel, the marines paid him military honours. 
 He was now introduced to the committees from most of our 
 honoured Associations, and the General Officers, representing 
 the Infantry. The West Point band all this time was playing 
 " See the Conquering Hero Comes," " Ou pent on etre mieux" 
 " Hail Columbia," and the "Marseilles Hymn." The steam- 
 ship now fired a salute, and the whole squadron got under 
 weigh for the city, in the same order as before, except that the 
 Bellona and Olive Branch, fastened each side of the Cadmus, 
 (the ship which brought the General from France,) decorated 
 with colours, and filled with passengers, majestically moved up 
 the Bay. The sea was smooth and placid, and the breeze cool 
 and agreeable. The most interesting sight, was the reception 
 of the General by his old companions in arms : Colonel Marinus 
 Wil}et,now in his eighty-fifth year, General Van Courtland, 
 General Clarkson, and the other worthies, whom we have men- 
 tioned. Colonel Fish, General Lewis, and several of his com- 
 rades were absent. He embraced them all affectionately, and 
 Colonel Willet again and again. He knew and remembered 
 them all. It was a re-union of a long separated family. 
 
 After the ceremony of embracing and congratulations were 
 over, he sat down along-side of Colonel Willet, who grew 
 young again, and fought all his battles o'er. " Do you remem- 
 ber," said he, " at the battle of Monmouth, I was volunteer aid 
 to General Scott ? I saw you in the heat of battle. You were 
 but a boy, but you were a serious and sedate lad. Aye, aye ; 
 I remember well. And on the Mohawk, I sent you fifty In- 
 dians, and you wrote me, that they set up such a yell, that they 
 frightened the British horse, and they ran one way and the In- 
 dians another." 
 
 No person who witnessed this interview, will ever forget it ; 
 ihany an honest tear was shed on the occasion. The young 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 335 
 
 meu retired to a little distance, wliile the venerable soldiers 
 were indulging recollections, and embracing each other again 
 and again ; and the surrounding youth silently dropt the tear they 
 could no longer restrain. Such sincere, such honest feeUngs, 
 were never more plainly or truly expressed. The sudden 
 changes of the countenance of the Marquis, plainly evinced the 
 emotions he endeavoured to suppress. He manfully support- 
 ed this truly trying situation for some time, when a revolution- 
 ary story from the venerable Willet, recalled circumstances 
 long passed : the incident, the friend alluded to, made the 
 Marquis sigh ; and his swelling heart was relieved, when he 
 burst into tears. The sympathetic feelings extended to all pre- 
 sent ; and even the hardy tar rubbed away the tear he could 
 no longer restrain. The scene was too affecting to be conti- 
 nued, and one of the Cincinnati, anxious to divert the attention 
 of the Marquis, his eyes flowing with tears, announced the near 
 approach of the steam-sliip. The Marquis advanced to the 
 quarter railing, where he was no sooner perceived by the mul- 
 titude, than an instantaneous cheer most loudly expressed the 
 delight they experienced. The other steam-boats in succes- 
 sion, presented themselves, and passed, each giving three en- 
 thusiastic cheers. The Marquis was delighted, and especially 
 with the activity and quickness, with which 200 of our gallant 
 seamen manned the yards of the steam-frigate, previous to the 
 salute. About 2 o'clock, P. M. the fleet arrived off" the Battery. 
 What an impressive scene — 3000 men, making a splendid ap- 
 pearance, formed in line with a battering train. The ram- 
 parts and parapets of the Castle, were lined with ladies and gen- 
 tlemen. The flag-staff", the windows, arid even the roofs of the 
 houses facing the Bay, were literally crowded with spectators. 
 Hundreds of boats and wherries surrounded the Battery. The 
 Marquis left the Chancellor Livingston in a barge, commanded 
 by Lieutenant Mix, of the Navy, accompanied by the com- 
 mittee of the Corporation, and the Cincinnati, the Generals of 
 Infantry, &,c. ; and landed amidst the cheers and acclamations 
 of 30,000 people, who filled the Castle, Battery, and surround- 
 ing grounds within sight The Marquis now entered the Cas- 
 tle, which was tastefully carpeted from the landing place to the 
 receivmg rooms. He then partook of some refreshment, and 
 was introduced to some distinguished citizens. Perceiving the 
 restless anxiety of nearly 3000 persons in the Castle, to see the 
 General, the Marquis advanced to the centre of the rear of the 
 
336 THE TOUR OF 
 
 Castle, and was greeted with loud cheers. From Gastle Gar- 
 den, he proceeded with the appointed committee, and the mili- 
 tary and naval officers, to review the line of troops under the 
 command of Brigadier General Benedict. The muster was, 
 on this occasion, unusually numerous and splendid, each corps 
 vieing with the others in paying a tribute of respect to the soldier 
 of the revolution, the friend and companion of Washington. 
 After the review, the General, accompanied by general Morton, 
 entered a barouche, drawn by four horses. 
 
 The committee of the Corporation, accompanied by the 
 General's son, George Washington Lafayette, and his secre- 
 tary, Mr. La Vasseur, followed the carriages. The General 
 was escorted by a corps of cavahy, and at the head of the 
 column of troops, proceeded up Broadway to the City 
 Hall. The crowds which had assembled to pay honour to the 
 respected visitor, and to be gratified with a view of his person, 
 were such as almost to prevent the passage of the carriages and 
 the troops. The scene could not but have afforded to the Gene- 
 ral the most delightful gratifications. — The houses to the ver}' 
 roofs were filled vvitli spectators, and to the incessant cheers of 
 the multitude, graceful females signified their welcome by the 
 silent, but not less grateful and affecting testimony of the waving 
 of handkerchiefs. 
 
 Arrived at the City Hall, the Marquis was conducted by the 
 committee to the Common Council chamber, where the cor- 
 poration were assembled. The members of the Common 
 Council rose on his entrance, and upon being presented by the 
 Chairman, Alderman Zabriskie, to the Mayor, his honour ad- 
 dressed him in tlie following speech : — 
 
 Address of the Mayor. 
 
 General — In the name of the municipal authority of the city, 
 I bid you a sincere welcome to the shores of a country, of 
 whose freedom and happiness you will ever be considered one 
 of the most honoured and beloved founders. 
 
 Your only contemporaries in arms, of whom indeed but few 
 remain, have not forgot, and their posterity will never forget, 
 the young and gallant Frenckman who consecrated his youth, 
 his talents, his fortune and his exertions, to their cause — who 
 exposed his life — who shed his blood, that they might become 
 free and happy. They will recollect with profound emotion, 
 so long as they remain worthy of the liberties they enjoy, and 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 331 
 
 of the exertions you made to obtain them, that you came to 
 them in the darkest period of their struggle — ^that you linked 
 your fortune with theirs, when it seemed almost hopeless — ^that 
 you shared in the dangers, privations and sufferings of that bit- 
 ter struggle, nor quitted them for a moment, till it was consum- 
 mated on the glorious field of Yorktown. Half a century has 
 passed since that great event, and in that time your name has 
 become as dear to the friends, and as inseparably connected 
 with the cause of freedom, in the old, as in liie new world. 
 
 The people of the United States look up to you as to one of 
 their most honoured parents — the country cherishes you as one 
 of the most beloved of her sons. I hope and trust, sir, that not 
 only the present, but future conduct of my countrymen, to the 
 latest period of time, will, among other slanders, refute the un- 
 just imputation, that republics are always ungrateful to their 
 benefactors. 
 
 In behalf of my fellow citizens of New- York, and speaking 
 the warm and universal sentiments of the whole people of the 
 United States, I repeat their welcome to our common country. 
 
 Permit me to add, that the moment of my life, to which 1 
 shall look back with the greatest pleasure and pride, will be 
 that, in which it fell to my lot, to be an organ, for expressing, 
 however feeble, a nation's gratitude. 
 
 General Lafayette's ansicer. 
 
 Sir — ^While I am so affectionately received by the citizens 
 of New- York and their worthy representatives, I feel myself 
 overwhelmed with inexpressible emotions. The sight of the 
 American shore, after so long an absence, the recollection of the 
 many respected friends and dear companions, no more to be 
 found on this land, the pleasure to recognise those who have sur- 
 vived, this immense concourse of a free republican population, 
 who so kindly welcome me, the admirable appearance of the 
 troops, the presence of a corps of the National Navy, have ex- 
 cited sentiments, to which no human language can be ade- 
 quate. You have been pleased, sir, to allude to the happiest 
 times, the unalloyed enjoyments of my public life ; it is the pride 
 of my heart to have been one of the earliest adopted sons of 
 America : I am proud also to add, that upwards of forty years 
 ago I have been particularly honoured with the freedom of this 
 city. I beg you, Mr. Mayor, I beg you, gentlemen, to accept 
 yourselves, and to transmit to the citizens of New-York, the 
 
338 THE TOUR or 
 
 homage of my profound, and everlasting gratitude, devotion, and 
 respect. 
 
 The General and his son were then introduced to the mem- 
 bers of the common council individually. 
 
 After the adjournment of the Common Council, the Marquis 
 received the marching salute in front of the City Hall, and 
 again entered the Hall, accompanied by his son and suite, and 
 in the Governor's room received the Society of the Cincinnati, 
 composed of his surviving brothers and companions in the field, 
 a small number of whom still remain to meet and congratulate 
 their long absent, but highly respected friend and fellow sol- 
 dier. Here also he was met by the officers of the army and 
 navy, and many citizens and strangers. From the Hall he was 
 accompanied by the Common Council, and many distinguished 
 persons, to the City Hotel to dine, escorted by the troops. 
 
 The whole exhibition, from the landing at the Battery, to 
 the time of the dispersion of the people at the Park, was in a 
 high degree interesting and gratifying. The numbers collect- 
 ed were perhaps unequalled on any former festive occasion. 
 The houses through Broadway were filled with spectators of 
 the first respectability, and the street was crowded with people. 
 Every expression of good feeling was manifested from the 
 windows, doors, and side-walks ; the stranger was welcomed 
 with unfeigned cordiality ; and we think it must have afforded 
 TO the Marquis an unusual degree of delight to find that his 
 services were remembered and acknowledged, and his name 
 cherished by a free and grateful people. 
 
 The day was singularly fine — the water scene exceeded in 
 splendour and effect, any thing of the kind that has ever been 
 exhibited here. The appearance of the military was highly 
 creditable in equipments, movements, and discipline ; and we 
 have not a doubt their appearance, when contrasted by his re- 
 collection with the suffering troops of the war of Independence, 
 must have made a deep impression upon his mind. 
 
 On Wednesday morning, the 18th, in compliance with an 
 invitation from Captain Rodgers, commandant of the Navy 
 Yard, General Lafayette, attended by the Committee of Ar- 
 rangements, and a select circle of ladies and gentlemen, pro- 
 ceeded in the elegant steam-boat Chancellor Kent, to visit the 
 Navy Yard at Brooklyn. 
 
 As the James Kent passed the Grampus, lying in the North 
 River, a salute of 21 guns was fired. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 339 
 
 The Kent then proceeded round the battery and up the 
 East River, until she came to anchor at the dock, where the 
 steam-frigate is moored, when the Marquis and the ladies and 
 gentlemen of the party disembarked — the United States fri- 
 gate Constellation firing at the same time a salute of 21 guns. 
 On landing, he was received by three cheers from 200 sailors 
 drawn up for the occasion. 
 
 The General then went on board of the steam-frigate, and 
 was much pleased with the construction of this formidable and 
 unique naval battlement. 
 
 On returning, the jolly tars gave tliree more hearty cheers, 
 and the General proceeded in a barge to the Navy Yard ; 
 when another salute of 21 guns was fired on his landing, and 
 he was received by a battalion of marines. 
 
 The General was then conducted on board the Washington 
 74, where refreshments were provided for the whole party. 
 After refreshing himself, the General took a rapid survey of 
 the ships, and those now building, and returned on board the 
 Kent, when another salute was fired by the Constitution. 
 
 Upon the return of the Marquis Lafayette from the Navy 
 Yard on Wednesday, he was introduced, with his son, to the 
 Historical Society, at their room in the Institution, at 2 o'clock 
 P. M. According to a resolution, passed the day before, they 
 were made members of the Society. The President, Dr. Ho- 
 sack, in his speech to the Marquis, said : 
 
 " General Lafayette — In compliance with the unanimous 
 resolutions of the New- York Historical Society, I have the 
 gratification to announce to you your election as an honorary 
 member of this institution, and to present to you a copy of their 
 transactions. 
 
 " In announcing to you the resolution of this society, permit 
 me to observe, that it was the exclusive object in the formation 
 of this institution, to collect, preserve, and record the materials 
 appertaining to the history of our state and country. Among 
 these, none have been so precious as those relating to the Re- 
 volution, in which you bore a memorable and distinguished part, 
 and to whom, under providence, our country is signally indebt- 
 ed for its independence, and the prosperity and success that 
 have followed in its train. 
 
 " In the name of tliis institution, I also tender to you their 
 congratulations upon your safe arrival, which affords you the op- 
 portunity to witness the happy condition of that country in whose 
 
640 THE TOUR OF 
 
 behalf, the sword of your youth was drawn, and personally to 
 bear your testimony to the blessings which have followed the 
 achievements that have been accomplished by the united eflforts 
 of a Washington, and his illustrious companions in arms. Ge- 
 neral, my bosom glows at the associations which these events 
 bring to our recollection, and every heart in this assembly throbs 
 with inexpressible emotions at the sight of the hero who this 
 day enters their Hall, and confers a lasting honour upon the 
 sittings of this Society. 
 
 " Long, long, Sir, may you live to enjoy the homage so 
 justly due, and spontaneously offered from the hearts of a free 
 and grateful people, for the services you have rendered to this 
 nation, to the world, to liberty, and to the ever memorable es- 
 tablishment of the only example on earth — a pure unmixed re- 
 publican form of government. 
 
 ^ " The same heroic page that records these events, will also 
 inscribe in golden capitals, the immortal names of Washinoton 
 and Lafayette." 
 
 General Lafayette thereupon rose and replied as follows : — 
 
 " Sir — With the most lively gratitude, I receive the honour 
 which the Historical Society of New- York have conferred by 
 electing me one of their members. 
 
 " Permit me also thankfully to acknowledge the flattering 
 manner in which you are pleased to announce this marii of their 
 benevolence. 
 
 " The United States, Sir, are the first nation, on the records 
 of history, who have founded their constitutions upon an honest 
 investigation, and clear definition of their natural and social 
 rights. 
 
 " Nor can we doubt, but that, notwithstanding the combina- 
 tions made elsewhere by despotism and aristocracy, against 
 those sacred rights of mankind, immense majorities in other 
 countries, shall not in vain observe the happiness and prosperi- 
 ty of a free, virtuous, and enlightened people." 
 
 The President of the Society next addressed M. George 
 Washington Lafayette as follows : — 
 
 " George Washington Lafayette — In accordance with the 
 resolution of the New-York Historical Society, I have also the 
 honour to present you a similar evidence of membership, with 
 that conferred upon your illustrious Sire. 
 
 " May you, Sir, emulate his talents and his virtues ; and may 
 ^he same undaunted spirit which led him to offer his life at the 
 
I[^ 
 
 GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 34L 
 
 altar of freedom, animate the bosom of the son in the same glo- 
 rious cause." 
 
 To which the following reply was made : — 
 
 Sir — I cannot find words adequate to the feelings which I 
 experience at this moment. 
 
 " Permit me to beg of you to present to the members of this 
 Society, the homage of my profound respect and gratitude, for 
 the unexpected honour, at diis time conferred upon me." 
 
 The Marquis and his son were then conducted into the Gal- 
 lery of Fine Arts and the Lyceum, and afterwards returned to 
 the City Hotel, accompanied by Dr. Hosack, General Van 
 Courtlandt, and Aldermen Hone and WyckofF. 
 
 In the evening tlie General gave a dinner to Captain Rodgers 
 and the Naval Officers on tliis station — after which he rode out 
 and made several calls. 
 
 At a meeting of the Common Council for the despatch of 
 business in the evening, (Wednesday,) Alderman Zabriskie 
 made the following remarks : — 
 
 " Mr. Mayor — At the request of the committee, appointed 
 by the Common Council, for the reception of General Lafayette, 
 I rise with no ordinary emotions, to propose for the adoption of 
 the Common C ouncil, the two resolutions, now before me ; 
 resolutions which I feel justified in asserting, will pass with the 
 unanimous approbation of this Board. The first, sir, is a reso- 
 lution, that a committee be appointed to wait upon General 
 Lafayette, and request that he will be pleased to sit for his Por- 
 trait, to be placed either in this room, or in the Gallery of Por- 
 traits in the City Hall. This room in which we meet, to trans- 
 act the municipal concerns of this city, is graced with the full 
 length portraits of a Washington, a Clinton, a Jay, and a Ha- 
 milton — individuals who have established a name which will 
 be transmitted to future generations, and which will remain as 
 imperishable as the principles upon which are founded the go- 
 vernment, under which we have the happiness to live, and in 
 the formation of which, they took a distinguished part. The 
 Portrait Room in your Hall is embellished with the portraits of 
 many of our most distinguished citizens, civil, military, and naval, 
 and who have contributed in no small degree, to establish a na- 
 tional character throughout the world — and permit me, sir, to 
 add, that there is no individual now living, whose portrait will 
 be received with greater admiration and interest, than that of 
 our illustrious visitor, General de Lafayette. His name is iden- 
 
342 THE TOUR OF 
 
 tified with liberty and the rights of man in this, and the trans- 
 atlantic world. With these lew unpremeditated remarks, I now 
 beg leave to submit the Resolutions. 
 
 Whereas the Common Council are desirous of perpetuating 
 the memory of a man, who will be distinguished in the annals 
 of our country, for hie love of freedom and military glory — 
 whose name will be associated by posterity with that of Wash- 
 ington, the illustrious founder of our Republic — and as the por- 
 trait of one so venerated, will be always favourable to virtue 
 and patriotism : 
 
 Resolved, Therefore, that the honourable, the Major Gene- 
 ral the Marquis de Lafayette, be requested to favour this Com- 
 mon Council, with sitting for his portrait, to be placed in the 
 Gallery of Portraits of the Common Council, among those 
 great and good men, who have done honour and service to 
 our country. 
 
 Resolved, That the committee of arrangements be request- 
 ed to wait upon the Marquis, with a copy of this resolution, and 
 on his acceding to the request, that they carry the same into 
 effect. 
 
 Resolved, In testimony of the high respect which tliis Com- 
 mon Council entertain for George Washington Lafayette, the 
 son of tlie Marquis de Lafayette, whose virtues we trust he 
 bears with the honoured name of his father, be made a Free- 
 man of this city, and that the certificate of freedom, handsome- 
 ly engrossed, be presented to him in a Golden Box. 
 
 Resolved, That the committee of arrangements have the 
 above resolution carried into effect. 
 
 Alderman Doughty rose and offered the following resolu- 
 tion : — 
 
 " Resolved, That the proceedings of this Board, in relation 
 to General de Lafayette, together with the address of the Mayor 
 to him, and his answer thereto, with his signature in his own 
 proper hand writing, and the signatures of the Mayor, Record- 
 er, and the members of the Common Council, be handsomely 
 engraved on vellum ; one copy thereof to be presented to the 
 General, and one copy to be placed among the Archives of the 
 Common Council. 
 
 The committee of arrangements were appointed to carry this 
 resolution into effect. 
 
 The above resolutions were unanimously adopted by the 
 Board. 
 
W The Mayor read a letter from Captain Francis Alltn, of 
 the ship Cadmus, presenting a portrait of General Lafayette to 
 the Corporation, with a request that it might be placed in the 
 City Hall. The Board accepted the same, and passed a vote 
 of thanks to Captain Allyn, the donor. 
 
 To an address of the Gentlemen of the Bar of New-York, 
 assembled at the City Hall on Thursday morning, to pay the 
 Marquis their respects, he made the following reply : — 
 
 " Testimonies of esteem from so respectable a body as the 
 Bar of New- York, are higlily flattering. I most deeply sym- 
 pathize with you, gentlemen, in your regret for our friend 
 Hamilton, whose prodigious talents made him as eminent m 
 your profession, as he had been in our military, when he deserv- 
 ed Washington's most intimate confidence. The truly repub- 
 lican forms of the American institutions, cannot but endear them 
 to every citizen of the United States. Yet, to any one, who, 
 with an American heart, has had opportunities of a comparison 
 with those of other countries, the blessings of those institutions 
 must appear still more conspicuous." 
 
 The same attention was also paid the Marquis by the French 
 gentlemen of the city, both residents and citizens. The num- 
 ber of his countrymen present on this occasion, including the 
 respectable and wealthy individuals of that nation, amounted to 
 more than two hundred and fifty : and an address was deliver- 
 ed in their behalf by Mr. Chegary, in the French language. 
 Among the party collected, we understand he recognised an 
 old fellow soldier, who had fought under him in this country 
 during the revolutionary war, and had served in the French 
 army twenty-five years. 
 
 To the affectionate address of the French gentleman the 
 Marquis Lafayette replied as follows : — 
 
 " It is a great happiness for me, on my arrival in this land of 
 liberty, to receive the address of my countrymen. 
 
 " At the moment of my departure, the testimonials of affec- 
 tionate attachment of many of my fellow citizens, tlie parting 
 accents from the shores of France, left in my heart the most 
 grateful emotions. I delight to participate with you, the feel- 
 ings which I experienced in this happy American land, to which 
 I am bound by so many ties. We also, patriots of 1789, sought 
 to establish the national dignity, the security of property, and 
 the happiness of our beautiful France, upon the sacred founda- 
 tions of liberty and equality. Notwithstanding our misfortunes, 
 
 ^91 
 
344 THE TOUB OP j| 
 
 the cotemporaries of that epoch will inform you, that the revo- 
 lution of '89, has greatly ameliorated the condition of an im- 
 mense majority of die people. Do not let us despair of the 
 cause of liberty : it is still dear to the hearts of Frenchmen ; 
 and we shall one day have the felicity of seeing it established in 
 our beloved country." 
 
 At 12 o'clock, the Nautical Society, chiefly composed of our 
 most respectable masters of vessels, assembled on board the 
 ship Cadmus, Captain Allyn, and proceeded to the City Hall. 
 Here they were severally introduced to the General, who re- 
 ceived them in his usual frank and cordial manner. 
 
 The packet ship Cadmus, was dressed with the flags of all 
 nations : and in compliance with a public invitation, thousands 
 of our citizens repaired on board in the course of the day, and 
 partook of a cold collation, liberally prepared by Captain Allyn 
 and her owners. 
 
 After the Marquis' arrival at New-York, he early announced 
 his intention to visit Boston, where he had been particularly in- 
 vited by distinguished individuals, and by the city authority ; 
 especially as the commencement at the University in Cambridge, 
 the literary jubilee of the State, was to be celebrated in a few 
 days. While in New- York, he received invitations from Phila- 
 delphia, Albany, New-Haven, Hartford, and some other cities, 
 to make a visit to those places ; but his desire was first to visit 
 Boston, if possible. 
 
 The interesting visit at New-York being closed — at an early 
 hour on Friday morning, a scene of general bustle and activity 
 commenced, preparatory to the departure of the General for 
 Boston. The city corporation had provided an elegant carriage 
 to accommodate him on his journey to Boston, and deputed four 
 of their number to attend him on his route. At 7 o'clock, the 
 Horse Artillery, commanded by Colonel Arcularius, paraded 
 in Broadway, in front of Washington Hall ; and at 8 o'clock, 
 they took up their line of march to Harlem, where they super- 
 seded the escort which accompanied him to that place. This 
 escort consisted of a squadron of cavalry, the Corporation in 
 carriages, the Fayette Guards, the General, Field, and Staff 
 officers of the Artillery and Infantry of the city, and a number 
 of citizens mounted. 
 
 The General was met at Hailem, on Friday morning, by a 
 deputation from the town of New-Rochelle, who presented him 
 with the following address : — 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 345 
 
 '' The inhabitants of the town of New-Rochelle, have deput- 
 ed Gideon Coggeshall and Laird Id. H. Butler, to wait on 
 Major General Lafayette, to express to him their happiness, on 
 his safe arrival, in the bosom of that country, for whose liberty 
 he so nobly fought and bled, and to request him to allow them 
 the pleasure of expressing personally to him their feelings of 
 gratitude for liis important services, in that arduous struggle, 
 from wliich emanated that glorious independence, now their 
 proudest boast." 
 
 He stopped at New-Rochelle, and took refreshment. " Do 
 you remember, General," said one, " who began the attack at 
 Brandywine ?" "Aha ! Yes — it was Maxwell, with the Jer- 
 sey troops !" " So it was ! so it was !" replied the delighted 
 interrogator. "Well, I was with his brigade !" A warm grasp 
 of the hand was all the utterance to feelings, which were 
 meet reward for a life spent in the cause of liberty. The ut- 
 most joy, and the most affectionate welcome was expressed in 
 all the towns and villages through which he passed to the line 
 between New- York and Connecticut. 
 
 At Byram Bridge he was received by a troop of Comiecticut 
 Horse Artillery. The first troop of New- York Horse, and the 
 Connecticut squadron, escorted him to Putnam's Hill, where a 
 salute was fired ; after which Colonel Arcularius' troop gave 
 the General nine cheers, as their duties here closed. The 
 General returned them his warmest thanks. 
 
 The following extract of a letter from a young Lady at 
 Greenwich, bearing date Friday evening, August 20th, will 
 further illustrate the reception of the Marquis on his route : — • 
 
 " The news that the Marquis de Lafayette was to pass through 
 this town to-day, was received yesterday afternoon. Nothing 
 however was done, and I began to fear that old Connecticut 
 would disgrace itself ; but this morning, the spirit of '76 ap- 
 peared to animate all ranks and descriptions. Orders were 
 given for the troops to proceed to Byram, and escort the Gene- 
 ral to Norwalk, where, it was understood, the New-Haven troop 
 would be in waiting. Fortunately, it entered into the heads of 
 a few, that an arch, erected over Putnam's Hill, would have a 
 fine effect. A number of ladies volunteered their services in 
 erecting and adorning it ; and the Reverend Doctor Lewis, 
 who was himself a chaplain in the revolutionary army, was re- 
 quested to write a short inscription. The inscription which was 
 hung in the centre, suiTounded bv a wreath of sweetbriar and 
 
 44' 
 
346 
 
 ■riliC TOUR Of 
 
 roses, was as follows : — " This arch, on the hill rendered me- 
 morable by the brave General Putnam, is erected in honour of 
 the illustrious, the Marquis de Lafayette — the early and dis- 
 tinguished champion of American liberty, and the tried friend 
 of Washington." The arch was very tastefully enwreathed, 
 and from its top waved the flag which the regiment of this place 
 carried in the battle of Whiteplains. 
 
 " After waiting till nearly 5 o'clock, our ears were gladdened 
 with the sound of their approach. The cannon which had been 
 previously sent on, fired, the church bell rang a merry peal, 
 and hundreds of spectators, of both sexes, stationed on and 
 about the hill, welcomed the General with loud huzzas, and 
 waving of hats and handkerchiefs. When the Marquis arrived 
 at Tracy's Hotel, (within 40 rods of the arch,) he dismounted, 
 and was there introduced to the venerable Doctor Lewis, who 
 took him by the hand, and (as near as I can recollect,) address- 
 ed him as follows : — 
 
 " ' Sir, — With the millions of America, I welcome you to 
 this land of freedom, and rejoice that God has spared my life 
 to see that veteran General, who so eminently distinguished him- 
 self in procuring her liberties.' 
 
 " The Marquis then advanced to the arch, supported by the 
 Reverend Doctor Lewis, and his son, the present minister of 
 the parish. The inscription was read to him by the latter. He 
 appeared much pleased and affected, advanced a few steps, 
 bowed to the gentlemen who were stationed on one side of the 
 hill, turned to the ladies on the other side, and said, — 'My 
 friends, I am very much obliged to you for the attention you 
 have paid to me, and feel happy to find myself among you.' 
 
 " He then walked down the hill, took his carriage, and pro- 
 ceeded on his journey, expecting to lodge at Norwalk, or 
 Bridgeport at night. On parting with him, Doctor Lewis said, 
 'Sir, America loves you' — 'And, Sir,' said the Marquis, '/ 
 truly love AmericM.'' " 
 
 The cavalcade arrived at Stamford about haii past five, and 
 the private Mansion of the honourable John Davenport was 
 thrown open for his reception. The General remained at this 
 house for half an hour, and received the visits of many hundred 
 persons of both sexes. A salute was fired, the bells rung, and 
 this beautiful town with its gay inhabitants, particularly distin- 
 guished for many handsome women, exhibited all the life and 
 gayety of a city. Hundreds of ladies and gentlemen, for ten 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 347 
 
 miles round, visited this town, to see and pay their respects to 
 Lafayette. He left Stamford at six, intending if possible to 
 reach New-Haven that night. 
 
 The Connecticut troop which met the General at the line, 
 accompanied him through Stamford, and proceeded until they 
 met the escort provided further east. 
 
 All business was suspended during the day on the whole 
 route ; — all persons were arrayed in their best attire, and many 
 remained for hours upon the jroad, waiting for the cavalcade. 
 
 Many old revolutionary soldiers met liim on the route, and 
 held hasty discourse on scenes and subjects which they never 
 can forget. 
 
 He arrived at Norwalk, at 8 o'clock P. M. where his arri- 
 val was announced by a salute from the heights, and discharges 
 of musketry. Two companies of uniform mihtia were in wait- 
 ing to salute him. An arch was formed across the bridge, with 
 the following inscription : — " Welcome Lafayette," in large let- 
 ters, on a white ground. On one side of the arch, the Ameri- 
 can flag was displayed, and on the other a French flag. As 
 the General had been expected from about 1 1 , A. M. Norwalk 
 was filled with people from the surrounding country, at an ear- 
 ly hour in the day, who remained anxiously waiting until the 
 time of his arrival. All business in the town was suspended. 
 Among those assembled, were several revolutionary heroes, 
 with bosoms beating high, at the thought of shaking by the hand 
 their old and beloved comrade, whose memory was associated 
 with periods of trial and endurance, which few who experienc- 
 ed them, now remain to relate. Gaptain Gibbs, an old revolu- 
 tionary officer, about the same age with the Marquis, and who 
 was with him in the revolution, joyfully seized his old friend by 
 the hand, and introduced him into the village hotel. The 
 General easily recognised him, although so great a length of 
 time has elapsed since they have seen each other. Mr. Betts, 
 who was also in the revolutionary service, had the honour of an 
 introduction. The ladies and gentlemen of Norwalk, immedi- 
 ately repaired to Cook's Hotel, to bid the Marquis welcome. 
 The Marquis departed about 9 o'clock at night, leaving the 
 open barouche, and taking the close carriage. 
 
 At Saugatuck the militia were prepared throughout the day, 
 to fire a salute ; but owing to the lateness of the hour when the 
 cavalcade approached, it being 10 at night, the villagers could 
 do no more than give their loud huzzas, as the General passed. 
 
343 THE TOUR OJb' 
 
 Mill River Bridge was handsomely decorated with colours, by 
 the captains of the coasting vessels at anchor in the harbour. 
 
 The General arrived at Fairfield about half past ten at night. 
 In this beautiful town, great preparations were made to receive 
 him ; but as he had not made' his appearance at a late hour, it 
 was supposed he would not arrive until the following day. It 
 was calculated that between 1000 and 1200 persons were col- 
 lected here, including the inhabitants. They all remained 
 until late in the evening, still hoping that he might be on his 
 way ; but they were at length reluctantly compelled to give up 
 the hope, and all retired, except a few of the most distinguish- 
 ed inhabitants of the town, who remained at the Washington 
 Hotel, until the General arrived. But before we mention the 
 manner in which he was received, we must, in justice to Fair- 
 field, state that the villagers had arranged themselves in beau- 
 tiful order in the day, and so continued until night. The 
 ladies formed themselves on one side of the green, and the 
 gentlemen on the other. The female children of the various 
 schools were placed in a row immediately in front of the ladies, 
 with their instructers at their head — the male children being 
 similarly arranged in front of the gentlemen. 
 
 An elegant table was spread at Mr. Knapp's Hotel — the 
 young ladies of Fairfield having done themselves the highest 
 honour by the taste, as well as patriotism they exhibited on the 
 occasion. The decorations of the table were planned on a 
 style of the greatest elegance ; the dishes were quite enveloped 
 with evergreens and scattering flowers ; and the due propor- 
 tions were observed in the succession of viands, as well as in 
 the harmony and contrast of colours, which maintained a kind 
 of silent correspondence, from the opposite sides of a splendid 
 cone, that occupied the centre. On taking their seats at tlie 
 table, the guests might have supposed themselves invited to a 
 feast of wreaths and flowers, studded with the "crimson hail" 
 of winter-greens, cran-berries, and amare-dulcis. The table 
 was like the bed of some fairy's enchanted garden, so entirely 
 did the decorations overshadow and conceal the rich collation 
 beneath. When this verdant veil was removed, the scene was 
 changed as suddenly as at the dissolving of a spell, and the 
 company could not repress their surprise. The General ex- 
 pressed his gratification at this specimen of female taste, and 
 regretted that it should be so quickly destroyed, to gratify that 
 of the gentlemen. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. o4D 
 
 At the table, in conversation, he said he remembered well 
 the disasters of 1779 — he remarked that he had passed through 
 this village in 1 778, the year previous to its being burnt. He 
 also declared the high gratification he felt with the parade on 
 Putnam's Hill, and that it gave him great happiness to recollect 
 that the Flag displayed above the arch across the road, cut 
 through the rock, was taken from the enemy at White Plains, 
 in the revolutionary struggle. 
 
 The General remained nearly an hour, and then proceeded 
 to Bridgeport to lodge, accompanied by many of the inhabitants. 
 
 He arrived between 1 1 and 12 at night. Here also pre- 
 parations had been made to receive him, equal to those in any 
 other place. The military and citizens remained throughout 
 the day and evening, expecting him. The original plan was, 
 that the General should dine at Washington Hotel. Late as 
 it was when he arrived, several of the inhabitants heard of it, 
 and repaired to the Hotel to welcome him ; but all honours 
 were necessarily dispensed with until morning. At an early 
 hour a salute was fired, the bells were rung, and bands of mu- 
 sic added Ufe to the general scene of festivity. The General 
 received the attentions of the citizens on the porch, where he 
 had taken his station, shaking hands with them all, and joyful- 
 ly recognising among them, some of his old companions in 
 arms. He recollected Captain Brewster, formerly of the Re- 
 venue cutter, of New- York ; also, Salmon Hubbell ; and a 
 number who were privates in the revolutionary army knew 
 their old General, and had the honour of shaking him by the 
 hand. Nearly all business was suspended in the town on Fri- 
 day, and the troops remained under arms from 1 1 in the morn- 
 ing until late at night. 
 
 The Marquis left Bridgeport about 7 on Saturday morning, 
 escorted by the citizens on horseback, and departed amidst the 
 discharge of artillery, the ringing of bells, and the cheers of 
 tlie people. 
 
 He arrived at Stratford between 8 and 9, where he remain- 
 ed about half an hour — a salute was fired, the flags were hoist- 
 ed, and the citizens formed along the Main-street, cheered him 
 as he passed. He stopped at Mr. Marshall's Hotel a short 
 time, and then departed with the blessings of the inhabitants. 
 
 In the following note to the Mayor of New-Haven, the Mar- 
 quis had announced his intention to visit that city : — 
 
 Sir, — With profound gratitude 1 have received the flatter- 
 
350 THE TOUR OF 
 
 ing invitation contained in your letter of the 17th, which your 
 honourable committee were pleased to deliver to me. It 
 could not but add to my former intention to visit your respected 
 metropolis. I much regret that a previous engagement at 
 Boston, does not permit my stay at New-Haven to be this time 
 as long as I could wish. But I anticipate the honour and plea- 
 sure to express to you the morning after to-morrow, my high 
 and grateful respects. — I have the honour to be, Sir, your most 
 obedient servant, LA FAYETTE. 
 
 Notwithstanding the above annunciation, the citizens of New- 
 Haven expected he would enter the city on the night of the 
 20th, and their preparations to welcome him were made on the 
 most extensive scale — but owing to the assemblages of citizens 
 which occupied the roads, all eager to welcome and salute 
 him, he could only reach Bridgeport at midnight. His near 
 approach to New-Haven was nevertheless announced by a 
 spontaneous illumination of the city, and at " the noon of night" 
 its entire population was in the streets. 
 
 The Governor's Horse Guards had been sent out to meet 
 General Lafayette at the town of Orange, where they re- 
 mained through the night, and on the arrival of the General in 
 the morning, relieved the escort from Bridgeport; and, ac- 
 companied by that from Milford, and a great number of citizens 
 who had joined them on horseback and in carriages, set out for 
 New-Haven. They entered the city on Saturday morning, 
 under a handsome military escort, which conducted the Gene- 
 ral and suite to Morse's Hotel, where the General, with his 
 suite, was received by the Mayor and other public authorities, 
 Governor Wolcott, and other distinguished gentlemen, amidst 
 loud and unceasing acclamations. Here he was met by the 
 veterans of the revolution, the friends and associates of other 
 days, several of whom he recognised and embraced as his com- 
 panions in arms, and all were received with a brotherly and 
 fond regard. After receiving the respects and congratulations 
 of the citizens, together with a large number of ladies, and 
 many gentlemen from various parts of the country, some of 
 whom came a distance of forty miles to see him, he was saluted 
 by the various military corps drawn up in front of the hotel, 
 who passed him in review, attended by a division of the stu- 
 dents of Yale College, in procession ; after which he took 
 breakfast with the Mavor, Aldermen, &;c. with about one bun- 
 
GENERAL. LAFAYETTE. 351 
 
 drfed invited guests, which was handsomely seized up by Mr. 
 Morse, at the expense of the city. 
 
 From the Hotel the General was conducted to the Green in 
 the centre of the town, where several companies of fine troops 
 were paraded ; and it is difficult for a stranger to conceive any 
 thing equal to the scene here presented to the spectator ; that 
 fine, level, and verdant piece of ground, surrounded by rows 
 of shady elms, and just beyond, by the neat and often elegant 
 mansions of the citizens, overtopped by three new and beauti- 
 ful churches, and crowned with such cheerful and enthusiastic 
 throngs ; enlivened also by the bells, and military instruments, 
 and the gayety of female dresses and faces, from a region pro- 
 verbial for excelling in beauty; at a distance also bounded by 
 the venerable walls of Yale College, for a kind of classic hori- 
 zon ; all this when actually before the eyes had not a little the 
 effect of pure magic. The Address to him was presented by 
 the Honourable Mr. Edwards. — To the following paragraph of 
 it, were appended notes — that "In 1778 the General was en- 
 camped in that town, with a body of troops ; and that in 1785, 
 he was presented with the freedom of the city." — " A genera- 
 tion has passed away since our fathers saw you encamped on 
 yonder fields ; they beheld your merits, and hastened to enrol 
 your name as a fellow citizen." Governor Wolcott made him 
 welcome to the State in a short and affectionate address. The 
 reply was equally affectionate. — The introductions to him were 
 very numerous, and his recognition of many of his old com- 
 panions in arms, was wonderful. The venerable Colonel Tall- 
 madge, of the old army, had rode all night to meet him ; and, 
 without introduction, was recognised and embraced by him ; so 
 also was Major Munson. Other revolutionary officers were in- 
 troduced, and numerous events of times " which tried souls," 
 were recalled. The scene was truly affecting, not a dry eye 
 could be seen. The beautiful and accomplished Madame G. 
 whom he had known in the Parisian circles, was recognised ; 
 the presentation of Mr. Wadsworth, of Hartford, recalled to the 
 General's feelings the merits of his worthy father, who was 
 Commissary General of the French army, when in America ; 
 and the son of old Roger Sherman, recalled to mind the patri- 
 otic services of that venerable and truly honourable statesman 
 and signer of the Declaration of Independence. An old sol- 
 dier, on being introduced, exclaimed : — ^^ I saw you, General, 
 descend from, your horse, and at the head of your division, ford 
 
35i THE TOUR or 
 
 ihe Schuylkill, then four feet deep, on two cold nights of A'o- 
 vember, in succession. '''' Then turning to the spectators, with 
 brimful eyes, he added, ^^ Yes, he never shunned any fatigue 
 or danger, and ahvays led the ivay.^^ Those who have seen 
 Lafayette when meeting the old soldiers, can only estimate tlie 
 impressions of the scene. In one of his movements he was ac- 
 companied by between 200 and 300 students of Yale. — 
 Among them was Stephanus Gallaty, the Greek youth from 
 Scio, aged 14. 
 
 The military parade was brilliant ; — the roar of artillery loud, 
 and the acclamations and shouts of the people incessant. More 
 than three hundred ladies, with their children, were introduced. 
 His pleasure in seeing this array of grace and beauty was visi- 
 ble. At the house of the Honourable Mr. Daggett, he was in- 
 troduced to the widow of Colonel Barber, slain in the revolu- 
 tion ; and to Miss Ogden, grand-daughter of General Wooster, 
 killed at Danbury- He then visited the seat of Mr. Deforest, 
 and partook of the hospitality of his amiable lady. He then 
 was conducted to the University, and appeared struck with the 
 immense improvements which every where presented them- 
 selves. Here he received the congratulations of the President 
 and Faculty of the College, and visited the Library andMine- 
 -ralogical Cabinet. He afterwards visited the widow of the late 
 Governor Trumbull, who was in tlie family of Washington most 
 of the revolutionary war. As he passed the unique burying- 
 ground of this city, he was pointed to the grave of Humpreys, 
 whom he had long known and respected. He also passed and 
 noticed the graves of Whalley, Dixwell, and Goffe, tlie Eng- 
 lish Commonwealthmen, who sought and found an asylum in 
 America. Returning by the Green, he passed the troops, who 
 fired a feu dejoie, and returned to the Hotel. 
 
 About 3 o'clock the General took his departure, on the low- 
 er road, by East-Haven, Guilford, Saybrook, and Lyme, to 
 New-London, on his way to Boston, escorted by the troops and 
 civil authorities as far as East-Haven, there he pointed out the 
 residence of the late Reverend Mr. Street, where he had been 
 hospitably entertained forty-five years ago, and expressing a 
 desire to see his descendants, was received by his children and 
 grand-children, and other ladies and gentlemen of the town. 
 Here he took leave of the escort from the city, and proceeded 
 on his journey, attended by a detachment of cavalry from 
 Bran ford. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 353 
 
 At Branibrd his reception was very gratifying ; two com- 
 panies of foot awaited him ; and a vast concourse of people as- 
 sembled from all quarters to receive him, joined in acclamations 
 at his approach. 
 
 At Old Guilford, a town no less interesting for its primitive 
 republican New-England manners, than for the early date of its 
 settlement, he was received with a cordial welcome. Three 
 companies of militia were paraded on the Green, and saluted 
 him with artillery and small arms. Crowds pressed around the 
 General ; and there were some of the older ones, who found 
 they had not quite forgotten to feel again as they felt in the 
 Revolution. In short, " Guilford souls" will not speedily for- 
 get the day that brought the companion of Washington among 
 them, to offer them his hand, and to remind them of the cause 
 in which it once wielded the sword. 
 
 In these towns he stopped but a short time, but long enough 
 to receive and return the gratulations of many of the inhabitants. 
 
 At Killingsworth he remained an hour, received similar at- 
 tentions from the military and the citizens ; and then passed on 
 to Saybrook, where he lodged. 
 
 Here the inhabitants, partaking of the same feeling which 
 prevailed throughout this part of the country, had made prepa- 
 rations for receiving the General in the handsomest manner ; 
 and as he was expected several hours earUer than he arrived, 
 the table was spread and decorated, and a feast provided suit- 
 able to the occasion. 
 
 In the morning he was waited on by the inhabitants, and 
 shown every mark of respect, till half past 6 o'clock, when he 
 crossed Connecticut river, and pursued his way towards New- 
 London. He travelled with such great expedition, that he 
 went from New-Haven to Saybrook in six hours, a distance of 
 thirty-six miles, including all his stops upon the road. 
 
 It would have been impossible to have travelled through this 
 towns of Connecticut without feeling a part of the enthusiasm 
 which pervaded all classes. Even the poor lads who drove 
 the carriages entered fully into the common feeling, and seem- 
 ed proud of their honours. They wore silk ribands fastened 
 to the button holes of their waistcoats, by way of distinction ; 
 and while waiting to receive their illustrious passenger, usually 
 became persons of no inconsiderable interest and attention with 
 (he hundreds who stood around. " Behave pretty now, Char- 
 lev," said the driver of Lafayette's coach, to one of his 
 
u54 TilK TOUK OI' 
 
 horses, " behave pretty, Charley — you are going to carry the 
 greatest man m the world." 
 
 On Sunday morning, the General left Saybrook, and pro- 
 ceeded on his way to New-London, and being met by the Com- 
 mittee and a few citizens, in Waterford, he was escorted to the 
 mansion of Judge Perkins, where, with the spontaneous accla- 
 mations of a great body of citizens, and with heartfelt gratula- 
 tions, he was received under a national salute of 24 guns from 
 Fort Trumbull. The General, with great dignity and compo- 
 sure, gracefully saluted the citizens ; when he was met and con- 
 ducted in a respectful and affectionate manner by his old friend 
 and companion in arms. General William North, to the Hall as- 
 signed him. He was there introduced to a committee from 
 Norwich, and another from Stonington, who had repaired to 
 New-London, to solicit him to visit those places on his tour. 
 
 The citizens who wnshed it, were then introduced to the 
 General, and from the cordial and polite manner in which they 
 were received, were satisfied that the man whom they delighted 
 to honour, was richly deserving of the respect shown him. 
 Public service having now commenced, out of reverence for 
 the day, and the feelings of the people with whom he dwelt, the 
 General repaired to the Presbyterian meeting-house, where the 
 Reverend Mr. M'Ewen officiated, and thence to St. James' 
 Church, where service was performed by the Reverend Mr. 
 Judd. Afterwards he called to pay his respects to Madam 
 Huntington, the widow of the late General Jedediah Hunting- 
 ton, and Madam Perry, the mother of the late Commodore ; 
 when he returned to his quarters, and for about an hour devot- 
 ed his time to receive the salutations of ladies and gentlemen, 
 who called on him. At three, dinner was announced, and he 
 was seated in a small circle of friends, among whom were 
 General William North, General Ebenezer Huntington, Gene- 
 ral Burbeck, and Doctor John R. Watrous, who were his com- 
 panions when his noble and generous mind first put forth its 
 energies in the cause of our country. After a short sitting, in 
 sweet and patriotic sympathy and friendly intercourse, he arose 
 and departed with his suite, escorted by the committees of 
 New-London and Norwich, for that city. 
 
 On General Lafayette's arrival in the city of Norwich, a re- 
 tional salute was fired. On his ahghting at the Hotel, a perti- 
 nent address from the Mayor was delivered, to which he na- 
 turned an appropriate and feeling reply. 
 
(jKNERAl. L.VFAVETT£. OOO 
 
 After this ceremony many eagerly pressed forward to be pre- 
 sented, congratulating themselves on the pleasure they had in 
 seeing their Country's Liberator, in this free and happy nation. 
 
 In the evening, the General and suite, together with the city 
 officers, and the Committee of Arrangements, sat down to sup- 
 per. D'lring the repast, reiterated cheers were frequently as- 
 cending from the people in die street ; to each of these bursts 
 of enthusiasm the General arose and presented himself at the 
 window, where the admiring multitude as often echoed it. Af- 
 ter supper the General and suite left this for Plainfield, accom- 
 panied by the Deputation and an escort of citizens. The de- 
 putation continued with him to Rhode-Island line, where he 
 was met by the Committee from Providence. 
 
 As tlie procession left the city of Norwich, a National Salute 
 was fired amid continued peals of the bells. — On his arrival at 
 Jewett City the whole village was illuminated, as were all the 
 houses between there and Plainfield, and also in the latter vil- 
 lage, although they had, like the citizens of Norwich, but a 
 short notice of the General's approach. 
 
 A delegadon from the Town Council and those associates of 
 the Cincinnati composing the General Committee of the town 
 of Providence, was despatched towards Hartford on Friday, 
 with a view of meeting the General, and tendering him the 
 earnest wishes of the inhabitants, that he would honour them 
 with a visit. On Sunday morning, it was feared by the Gene-' 
 ral Committee, that from a change in the General's expected 
 route, their delegation might not be able to see him until he 
 should have arrived in the State, and two gentlemen were des- 
 patched on the other two different roads to Connecticut, with 
 similar instructions to those of the first Committee, the return 
 of which gave information that the General, in company with 
 the first Committee, was at Eaton's, in Plainfield, and would 
 proceed into town in the course of the forenoon of Monday. 
 Early on that morning, the troops and citizens were in readi- 
 ness to meet him, and the western road was lined with citizens, 
 crowding towards the point where the reception was to take 
 place. 
 
 The Town Council and their associates received the General 
 about 2 o'clock, at the line of the town, where he alighted. He 
 was then received with military honours, and conducted to the 
 barouche prepared for his reception, and being seated, was 
 greeted with a spontaneous burst of feeling, from the immense 
 
35b THE TOUR OF 
 
 concourse of spectators. The procession was then put in mo- 
 tion, agreeably to the order of arrangements ; and when form- 
 ed, extended more than a mile. The General, uncovered, 
 rode alone in the barouche, drawn by four white horses, be- 
 stowing through the whole march, the most complaisant smiles 
 and greetings on all around ; shaking, most cordially, the hands 
 of those who crowded around the carriage and took advantage 
 of every pause in the procession, to obtain the honour of a 
 grasp of the hand of Lafayette — a circumstance which every 
 citizen will be proud hereafter to tell his children. As tlie 
 General proceeded up the hill leading from Olneysville, he was 
 again greeted with the shouts of a large collection of citizens, 
 assembled on the high bank directly over the road. 
 
 The Marine Artillery, stationed on the Dexter Training 
 Ground, pealed their welcome as he passed, and the General 
 soon entered the populous part of the town. In passing through 
 High and Westminster-streets, and until he arrived at the court- 
 house, he was welcomed by that most expressive token of af- 
 fectionate interest, the waving of white handkerchiefs by the 
 fair hands of tlie ladies, who crowded every building from 
 which they could obtain a view of this distinguished personage. 
 Many females, we observed, in the excess of their feelings, 
 suspended this token of welcome, to gaze more intently at the 
 object whom they appeared alone to see in tlie whole proces- 
 sion, and many a fine eye was wet with the gush of a tear, 
 which the rush of so many sublime and sympathetic emotions 
 sent warm from the heart. 
 
 On arriving in front of the State-House, the General alighted, 
 and was received in a peculiarly interesting manner. The 
 poplar avenue, leading to the building, was lined on each side 
 with nearly two hundred misses, arrayed in white, and holding 
 in their hands bunches of flowers, which (as the General pro- 
 ceeded up the avenue, supported by the Governor's Aids) they 
 strewed in his path, at the same time waving their white hand- 
 kerchiefs. The General was afterwards pleased to express 
 the peculiar and high satisfaction he took in this simple and 
 touching arrangement. 
 
 On reaching the landing of the stairs, the General turned to- 
 wards the multitude, and at the same moment, the veteran 
 Captain Stephen Olney, who served under the General re- 
 peatedly, and was the first to force the enemy's works at York- 
 town, in which he was seconded, at another point, almost simul- 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. oOT 
 
 taiaeously, by Lafayette, approached the General, who instant- 
 ly recognised his old companion in arms, and embraced him in 
 the most earnest and affectionate manner. A thrill went 
 through the whole assembly, and scarcely a dry eye was to be 
 found among the spectators, while the shouts of the multitude, 
 at first suppressed, and then uttered in a manner tempered by 
 the scene, evinced the deep feeling and proud associations it 
 had excited. 
 
 The General was then conducted to the Senate Chamber, 
 where he was appropriately introduced to his Excellency, the 
 members of the Committee, Town Council, &ic. 
 
 After this ceremony, he came below, and there, in the most 
 familiar manner, shook hands with a number of ladies and gen- 
 tlemen. — Among the rest, the venerable William Russell, now 
 in his 85th year, was introduced to him. The General shook 
 both the veteran's hands in a most affectionate manner, and in 
 an annunciation, that slightly marked a foreign accent, said he 
 was extremely happy to take his old friend by the hand once 
 more, as it recalled to his memory the delightful associations of 
 his youth. Mr. Russell appeared at first scarcely to compre- 
 hend the scene, but in a moment, as if the whole had rushed 
 upon his recollection, he exclaimed in a voice broken by age 
 and still more subdued by feeling, ' Oh, my dear Marquis, how 
 happy am I to see you once more ! I remember well the time 
 I served under you as a volunteer on Rhode-Island !' The 
 General was evidently touched, and on this, as on several other 
 occasions, the tear started to his eye. 
 
 The Town Council and Committee, with their illustrious 
 guest and his suite, his Excellency the Governor of the State 
 of Rhode-Island and his suite, the Honourable Jonathan Rus- 
 sell, the Committee of Aldermen of the city of New- York, and 
 the Committee attending from the city of Boston, and from the 
 government of Massachusetts, with a few other guests, repaired 
 to the dining-hall, where an elegant entertainment was provided. 
 
 At about half past four, the troops (at the particular request 
 of General Lafayette, who expressed his admiration of their 
 discipline and fine military appearance,) were drawn up for re- 
 view, in a line extending on Benefit-street, tovi^ard Pawtucket. 
 The General then proceeded on foot, and was greeted, on en- 
 tering the street, with the same joyous acclamations. Support- 
 ed by the arm of the Governor, he walked in front of the line 
 of troops, stopping to shake hands with all the principal officers. 
 
oijB THE TOUR oy 
 
 On arriving at the extreme wing he halted, and his carriage was 
 drawn up for his reception; which he entered, accompanied 
 by his Excellency, Colonel Bowen and Zachariah Allen, Esq. 
 and amid the cheers of tlie people, left the town. He was es- 
 corted into Massachusetts by the Town Council, Cincinnati, 
 he. and a numerous company of citizens on horseback and in 
 carriages. 
 
 The General, on being asked if he was not fatigued with his 
 exertions, promptly replied, that he experienced too much 
 pleasure, to find any time for fatigue. 
 
 At Pawtucket, he was met by the aids of Governor Eustis, 
 who had been despatched the day before to receive him at the 
 line of the Commonwealth, and to escort him on his way to tlie 
 capital. Although it was now evening, at several places on the 
 road large bodies of militia were collected to salute him ; and 
 assemblies of ladies and gentlemen were occasionally met, who 
 offered this illustrious stranger, but respected friend of their 
 country, their tribute of applause and affection. He was too 
 sensible of the sincerity and warmth of their felicitations, not to 
 delay his journey at several villages, and to reciprocate their 
 kind and cordial salutations. It was nearly midnight when he 
 reached the town of Dedham, about ten miles from Boston. 
 Most of the houses in this pleasant village were handsomely il- 
 luminated ; and a great number of the inhabitants of botli sexes 
 were assembled to greet him. During the short stay he was 
 able to make here, he was introduced to many of the principal 
 citizens of the town and vicinity, who had been anticipating his 
 arrival for some hours. When he passed through Roxbury, at 
 1 o'clock, he was accompanied by a large cavalcade of citizens 
 of that place and from Boston ; and a salute was fired by the 
 Roxbury corps of artillery. His arrival here was also an- 
 nounced by the ascent of rockets from an eminence in the cen- 
 tre of the town; and the note of preparation was thus given for the 
 parade and pleasure of the succeeding day, which had been 
 anticipated with uncommon interest and delight. Lafayette 
 and suite proceeded to the mansion of his Excellency the Go- 
 vernor, to which they had been invited ; and the meeting be- 
 tween them was truly affectionate and cordial. 
 
 On Tuesday the 24th, the inhabitants of Boston hailed the 
 morning light with peculiar emotions, and were abroad at an 
 early hour, preparing for the general testimonies of gratitude 
 and respect to be presented to the " nation's guest." Many of 
 
GENERAL. LAFAYETTE. 359 
 
 the older citizens recollected him inliis youthful days, when he 
 visited the iown, forty-six years ago, at the request of Congress 
 and Washington, to prevail on the French admiral to co-ope- 
 rate with his fleet in a contemplated attack upon the British 
 forces at Rhode-Island. They had not forgotten his zeal and 
 ardour in the cause of America. They knew his great attach- 
 ment to and respect for the immortal chief of the American 
 army, and the confidence which Washington cherished for La- 
 fayette. Here too were many revolutionary officers and sol- 
 diers, who had often witnessed his unwearied activity and per- 
 sonal courage in seasons of difficulty and danger. The Socie- 
 ty of Cincinnati in this State contained many of his personal 
 friends, who shai-ed with him in the toils and honours of the 
 war of Independence ; they had assembled, also, to offer the 
 hand of friendship and affection to their distinguished brother 
 in arms ; and to tell him of the happiness which he had been 
 instrumental, with others, in securing to ten millions of freemen. 
 The curiosity of the young was awakened to hear of the ge- 
 nerous deeds and meritorious services of this celebrated visitor 
 from the old world. They were eager to learn his w^orth and 
 his virtues. For they knew their grave and sober sires would 
 not be so greatly moved by the approach of any ordinary cha- 
 racter, whatever might be his title or his fame. The sensibility 
 of the female breast was excited to a lively glow, in reflecting 
 upon the character of this eminent foreigner, who had not only 
 given proofs of great devotion to the cause of America, and to 
 the interests of civil liberty, but whose moral and social virtues 
 claimed for him the respect and admiration of all those who 
 loved innocence or commiserated distress. And all classes, 
 without intending to lessen the pre-eminent services and virtues 
 of Washington, who under providence, was the great and chief 
 agent in achieving our Independence, and in preserving it, after 
 it had been once established — or to undervalue the import- 
 ant efforts and courage of many otlier revered heroes and pa- 
 triots, too numerous to be here named. All, all, were eager 
 to join in the spontaneous offering of gratitude and affection, to 
 one so justly celebrated and so greatly beloved. 
 
 He entered the city, the capital of the state, about 1 1 o'clock; 
 and his reception was a triumph and a jubilee. The day was 
 as bright as his laurels, and as mild as his virtues. — The vari- 
 ous bodies designated to compose the procession, and perform 
 the honours of the day, assembled at an early hour. The ca- 
 
360 THE TOUR OF 
 
 valcade was formed in Common-street, at 9 o'clock. It was 
 very numerous, and consisted of the citizens of Boston, of all 
 ranks and classes, on horseback. Proceeding to the extreme 
 southern part of the city, near the line of Roxbury, they were 
 joined by the Mayor and Aldermen, and members of the Com- 
 mon Council, the Society of Cincinnati, a great number of pub- 
 lic civil characters, and strangers of distinction, all in carriages ; 
 by the General and Field Officers of the first division of militia, 
 and officers of the army and navy of the United States. An 
 innumerable concourse of people on foot lined the side-walks 
 of the spacious street, where the procession was to be formed, 
 the entrance to the city from Roxbury, and fortunately named 
 Washington-street. The cavalcade then proceeded to tlie 
 mansion of Governor Eustis, which is a short distance within 
 the town of Roxbury, and escorted General Lafayette and suite 
 to the line, where the city authorities and others, who were to 
 compose the procession, were in waiting to receive him. Here 
 he was greeted by the immense assemblage of citizens, with re- 
 peated and enthusiastic acclamations, for several minutes, when 
 the Mayor welcomed him with much feeling, in the following 
 speech : — 
 
 " Sir — The citizens of Boston welcome you on your return to 
 the United States ; mindful of your early zeal in the cause of 
 American Independence, grateful for your distinguished share 
 in the perils and glories of its achievements. — When urged by 
 a generous sympathy, you first landed on these shores, you 
 found a people engaged in an arduous and eventful struggle for 
 liberty, with apparently inadequate means, and amidst dubious 
 omens. After a lapse of nearly half a century, you find the 
 same people prosperous beyond all hope and all precedent ; 
 their liberty secure ; sitting in its strength ; without fear and 
 without reproach. 
 
 " In your youth you joined the standard of three millions of 
 people, raised in an unequal and uncertain conflict. In your 
 advanced age you return and are met by ten millions of peo- 
 ple, their descendants, whose hearts throng hither to greet your 
 approach and rejoice in it. 
 
 " This is not the movement of a turbulent populace, excited 
 by the fresh laurels of some recent conqueror ; it is a grave, 
 moral, intellectual impulse. 
 
 " A whole people in the enjoyment of freedom, as perfect as 
 the condition of our nature permits, recur with gratitude, in- 
 
fiEXERAL LAFAYETTE. oGl 
 
 creasing witli the daily increasing sense of their blessings, to the 
 memory of those, who, by their labours and in their blood, laid 
 the foundation of our liberties. 
 
 " Your name, Sir, — the name of Lafayette, is associated 
 with the most perilous, and most glorious periods of our Re- 
 volution ; — with the imperishable names of Washington, and of 
 that numerous host of heroes which adorn the proudest archives 
 of American history, and are engraven in indelible traces on 
 the hearts of the whole American people. 
 
 " Accept then. Sir, in the sincere spirit in which it is offer- 
 ed, this simple tribute to your virtues. 
 
 " Again, Sir, the citizens of Boston bid you welcome to the 
 cradle of American Independence, and to scenes consecrated 
 with the blood, shed by the earliest martyrs in its cause." 
 
 General Lafayette then rose in his carriage, and in a, most 
 interesting manner, replied as follows : — 
 
 " The emotions of love and gratitude, which I have been 
 accustomed to feel on my entering this city, have ever mingled 
 with a sense of religious reverence for the cradle of American, 
 and let me hope it will hereafter be said of Universal liberty. 
 
 " What must be. Sir, my feelings, at the blessed moment, 
 when, after so long an absence, I find myself again surrounded 
 by the good citizens of Boston — where I am so affectionately, 
 so honourably welcomed, not only by old friends, but by se- 
 veral successive generations; where I can witness the pros- 
 perity, the immense improvements, that have been the just re- 
 ward of a noble struggle, virtuous morals, and truly republican 
 institutions. •-, 
 
 " I beg you, Mr. Mayor, Gentlemen of the City Council, 
 and all of you, beloved citizens of Boston, to accept the re- 
 spectful and warm thanks of a heart, which has for nearly half 
 a century, been particularly devoted to your illustrious city." 
 
 The reply of the General was received with new plaudits of 
 the assembled people ; and " welcome, welcome Lafayette ! 
 friend of Washington ! friend of America ! friend of Liberty!"^ 
 was repeated again and again ; and the heights of Dorchester 
 and Roxbury echoed with the joyful acclamation. 
 
 The procession was then formed, and passed through Wash- 
 ington, Milk, Broad, State, Court, and Common-streets, to 
 Boylston-street, adjoining the south part of the Common, in the 
 following order : — " Three marshals, the Boston corps of Light 
 Dragoons, a battalion of Light Infantrv, composed of the Fusi- 
 
 46 
 
^2 THE TOUK OF 
 
 liers, Boston Light Infantry, Winslow Blues, Washington Light 
 Infantry, New-England Guards, Rangers, and City Guards ; 
 and a full band of music. Then followed the Chief Marshal,' 
 attended by aids ; members of the City Council, Committee of 
 Arrangements, the President of the Common Council, and 
 senior Alderman, all in carriages. Here was placed another 
 Marshal, immediately preceding the elegant barouche, drawn 
 by four beautiful white horses, in which rode the distinguished 
 guest of the city and of the nation, accompanied by the Mayor, 
 with Marshals also on either side. The son and Iriend of La- 
 fayette, and gentlemen Aldermen from New- York, next follow- 
 ed in carriages ; and these were succeeded by the Society of 
 the Cincinnati, public characters. Judges and Legislators, and 
 distinguished strangers, in carriages also. Immediately after 
 two Marshals ; Field and Staff officers of the militia, mounted 
 on horseback, and followed also by two Marshals. The ca- 
 valcade of citizens, of all ranks and in great numbers, with 
 Marshals attending, closed the voluntary but triumphant pro- 
 cession. 
 
 The dwelling-houses and stores on the streets through which 
 the procession was conducted, were crowded with inhabitants 
 in every part. The ladies thus situated, caught the enthusiasm 
 of the occasion, waved tlieir white handkerchiefs, and, with 
 .smiles and gladness, greeted the veteran hero, who appeared 
 affected and delighted by these demonstrations of a joyful 
 welcome. 
 
 Excepting the cavalcade, the procession passed through die 
 Common from Boylston to Park-street, on iJie eastern margin, 
 and between two lines of children, of both sexes, belonging to 
 the several schools in the city. Their ages were from about 
 eight to twelve, and nearly tliree thousand in number. Their 
 dress was neat and uniform ; the misses in white, and the mas- 
 ters in white pantaloons and blue spencers. They also wore 
 ribands on tlieir breasts, stamped with a miniature likeness of 
 Lafayette. As the carriage in which the General rode was 
 passing, one of the misses darted from the line where she was 
 standing, and requested to speak with him. She was handed 
 into the carriage, and by the Mayor presented to Lafayette, who 
 pressed an affectionate kiss on her blooming, yet blushing cheek. 
 She had confidence, however, to addi'ess him, and place a 
 wreath of flowers which she held, on his head. He made her 
 a short but affectionate reply, and placed the wreath on the 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTK. 363 
 
 seat of the carriage. Attached to the wTeath of flowers was a 
 small piece of paper, carefully folded, which contained these 
 lines; said to be composed by the mother of the child. 
 
 " An infant hand presents these blushing flowers, 
 Glowing and pure as childhood's artless hours, 
 Where roses bloom, and buds of promise smile, 
 Repaying with their charms the culturer's toil. 
 
 .Oh ! take them father, they were cull'd/or you.' 
 (Still bright with warm affection's sacred dew — ) 
 O let them live in thy benignant smile, 
 And o'er thy brow of glory bloom awhile ! 
 
 'Twined with the laurel Fame on thee bestow'd, 
 When thy young heart with patriot ardour glow'd ; 
 Self exiled from the charms of wealth and love, 
 And home, and friends, thou didst our champion prove, 
 And, by the side of Glorious Washington, 
 Didst make our grateful coimtry all thine own ! 
 
 Go, fragile offering, speak the ardent joy 
 
 Our bosoms feel, which Time can ne'er destroy !" 
 
 Arches were thrown across several of the principal streets, 
 through which Lafayette was conducted, covered with ever- 
 greens and flowers, and containing appropriate mottos. There 
 were two in Washington-street. — On one of these was very 
 iegibly written — "1776 — Washington and Lafayette. Wel- 
 come Lafayette — Jl Republic not ungrateful.''^ On the other 
 
 " Welcome Lafavette." 
 " The Fathers in glory shall sleep, 
 Who gather'd with thee to the fight ; 
 But the sons will eternally keep 
 The tablet of gratitude bright. 
 "' We bow not the neck 
 
 And we bend not the knee, 
 But our hearts, Lafayette, 
 We surrender to thee." 
 
 When the procession arrived at the steps of the State House, 
 near the head of Park-street, salutes were fired by a battalion 
 of artillery, on the eminence on the western part of the Com- 
 mon, and at the Navy Yard at Charlestown. Salutes were also 
 fired by a batallion of artillery, placed on the heights of Dor- 
 chester, (now South Boston,) when General Lafayette reached 
 the line of the city, at 11 o'clock. 
 
 The Governor and Executive Council of the Commonwealth 
 were assembled in the spacious Senate Chamber to receive La- 
 fayette in the name of the Representatives of the people, and 
 in pursuance of their resolve of June preceding, as well as in 
 
J64 THE TOUK OF 
 
 accordance with their own personal feelings and wishes. Mis 
 Excellency the Governor, here addressed him with great feel- 
 ing,* in the following concise and pertinent speech : — 
 
 " Sir, oub friend, — Li the name of the government, and 
 in behalf of the citizens of Massachusetts, I have the honour to 
 greet you with a cordial, and affectionate welcome. 
 
 " We thank God^ that he has been pleased to preserve you 
 through the scenes of peril and of suffering, which have dis- 
 tinguished your patriotic and eventful life, and that we are in- 
 dulged with this occasion of renewing to you our grateful 
 acknowledgments for the important services which you have 
 rendered to our common country. 
 
 "In the last surviving Major General of the American revolu- 
 tionary army, we recognise a benefactor and friend, from a 
 distant and gallant nation ; who, inspired by a love of Hberty, 
 subjected himself in his youth to the toils and hazards of a mili- 
 tary life, in support of our rights. Under our illustrious Wash- 
 ington, you were instrumental in establishing the liberties of our 
 country, while your gallantly in the field secured to yourself an 
 imperishable renown. 
 
 " With the enjoyment of the blessings of independence, we 
 shall never cease to associate the name of Lafayette, and our 
 prayer to heaven will be for his health and prosperity." 
 
 To which the General, with much animation, replied : — 
 
 " Sir, — When, in the name of the people and government 
 of this State, your Excellency is pleased so kindly to welcome 
 an American veteran, I am proud to share the enjoyments of 
 such a reception with my revolutionary companions and bro- 
 ther soldiers. Sir, I am delighted with what I see, I am op- 
 pressed with what I feel ; but I depend upon you, as an old 
 friend, to do justice to my sentiments." 
 
 Afterwards, a great number of gentlemen were introduced 
 to Lafayette, in the Senate Chamber; of whom were the 
 Judges, and other public officers of the United States, of the 
 State and of the City ; members of the society of Cincinnati, 
 with their venerable and distinguished President, Honourable 
 John Brooks, late Governor of the Commonwealth. Lafay- 
 ette recognised his old military and personal friend at the first 
 aght, and embraced him with great cordiality and affection. 
 
 * Governor Eustis was so affected, that he hiid to call on one of his aids 
 to read a greater part of the address, j 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. o65 
 
 Some other veterans of tlie revolutionary army, who were pre- 
 sent, he also recollected ; and discovered strong emotions as 
 they approached him and took his hand. Indeed, he was so 
 eager to meet them, that he very generally first seized them, 
 and clung to them with all the affection of a brother. The 
 scene was inexpressibly affecting. There was not a heart 
 untouched — not a cheek unmoistened by the falling tear. To 
 weep then was not weakness ; it was proof of gratitude and of 
 a generous feeling, which is an honour to human nature. 
 
 By particular request, and to gratify the wishes of the peo- 
 ple collected in front of the State House, General Lafayette 
 appeared in the colonade of this superb edifice, where he was 
 greeted with loud and continued cheers. He was then con- 
 ducted by the committee of arrangements to the residence 
 provided for liim at the head of Park-street. A public din- 
 ner was given by the city authorities, in honour of their noble 
 guest ; and the invitation was extended to Senators and Mem- 
 bers of Congress, the Governor and Ex-Governor of the Com- 
 monwealth, judicial, and odier public characters. 
 
 A committee of the society of Cincinnati called upon Gene- 
 ral Lafayette at the residence of the Governor, in Roxbury, 
 and before his entrance into Boston. They were anxious to 
 offer him their congratulations at the earliest moment; and 
 to bid him welcome to the land they had unitedly struggled to 
 defend. And a few days after his arrival, the whole Society 
 waited on him, when their President made tlie following 
 address : — 
 
 " Sir, — The Society of Cincinnati of the State of Massachu- 
 setts seize the earliest moment after your arrival in this city, of 
 extending to you the hand of frieadship and affection. We 
 offer you our most cordial congratulations on your safe arrival 
 again, after the lapse of forty years, on the shores of our fa- 
 voured country, once the theatre of our united toils, privations, 
 and combats, with a powerful foe, but now the peaceful do- 
 main of a great, a fi-ee and independent people. We hail 
 you, sir, in unison with the millions of our fellow citizens; 
 most respectfully hail you as a Statesman, as a Philanthropist, 
 and as the early, inflexible, and devoted friend, not only of 
 our beloved country, but of the sacred principles of civil liber- 
 ty and human rights. But we greet you under more tender 
 and hallowed associations ; in the endearing relation of a bro- 
 Jher soldier, who. in the ardour of vouth commenced in the 
 
3<>6 THE TOUR or 
 
 field with us your career of glory, in the holy cause of Liberty 
 and American Independence. 
 
 " But here recollections crowd upon our minds too power* 
 ful for utterance. Words would but mock the deep emotions 
 of our hearts should we attempt to express them, in contem- 
 plating the character, attributes, and services of the paternal 
 Chief, under whose auspices we trod together the field of honour. 
 To the profound veneration and love for his memory that pe- 
 netrates your bosom, we refer you as to a transcript of our own. 
 It would be vain to imagine the joy that would swell the great 
 mind of Washington, were he still living to recognise with our 
 nation, the generous disinterestedness, the glowing ardour, the 
 persona] sacrifices, and the gallant achievements of his much 
 loved Fayette. But it is equally vain to endeavour, on this 
 occasion, to exclude such interesting reflections from the mind, 
 or to deny it the melancholy pleasure of hngering on the so.- 
 lemn reality, that not a single individual of the General Staff 
 of the army of the American Revolution now survives to par- 
 ticipate in the joy that your presence in the United States has 
 awakened. 
 
 " To us it is peculiarly grateful that you ^re permitted after 
 a lapse of so long a period, to witness the consummation of the 
 principles of our revolution. You will perceive, sir, that the 
 hopes and predictions of the wise and good men who were 
 your particular associates in the arduous struggle, have been 
 fulfilled and surpassed. You will behold a great people united 
 in their principles of jurisprudence, cemented together by the 
 strong ties of mutual interests, and happy under the fostering 
 influence of a free and energetic government. 
 
 " You will, therefore, allow us to reiterate our felicitations 
 on your safe arrival among us, and to welcome you once more 
 to the good land which your youthful valour contributed to ele- 
 vate and distinguish. 
 
 " May your future life be as tranquil and happy as your 
 past has been useful, uniform, and glorious." 
 
 To which the General returned the following answer : — 
 
 " Amidst the inexpressible enjoyments which press upon my 
 heart, I could not but feel particularly eager and happy to meet 
 my beloved brothers in arms. Many, many, I call in vain ; 
 and at the head of them, our matchless paternal Chief, whose 
 love to an adopted son, I am proud to say, you have long wit- 
 nessed — But while we mourn toa;ether, for those we have lost, 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTt. 3G7 
 
 while I find a consolation in the sight of their relations and 
 friends, it is to me a delightful gratification to recognise my 
 surviving companions of our revolutionary army — that army so 
 brave, so virtuous, so united by mutual confidence and affec- 
 tion. That we have been the faithful soldiers of independence, 
 freedom, and equality, those three essential requisites of na- 
 tional and personal dignity and happiness ; that we have lived 
 to see those sacred principles secured to this vast Republic, 
 and cherished elsewhere by all generous minds, shall be the 
 pride of our life, the boast of our children, the comfort of our 
 last moments. — Receive, my dear brother soldiers, the grateful 
 thanks, and constant love of your old companion and friend." 
 
 On Wednesday was the anniversary of commencement in 
 Harvard University, at Cambridge. The corporation had 
 requested the president, to send a particular invitation to Ge- 
 neral Lafayette, to be present on the occasion. He had ex- 
 pressed a wish, soon after his arrival at New- York, to attend 
 that literary anniversary. The corporation heard of his inten- 
 tion with great satisfaction. They were sensible of his love of 
 literature, and of his attachment to this ancient seminary. And 
 they remembered, that the governors of the college appreciated 
 his merits forty years before, by conferring upon him the high- 
 est honours they could bestow. At a meeting of the corpora- 
 tion on the 21st of August, it was voted — 
 
 " That the corporation learn with peculiar satisfaction, the 
 intention of General Lafayette to visit this part of our country, 
 at the period of the approaching commencement, and regard 
 the event as auspicious to that joyous and interesting anniver- 
 sary, and respectfully request, that he will favour the university 
 with his company on that occasion ; and thereby afford to the 
 members of the university, and to those who are candidates for 
 its honours, the opportunity of seeing and honouring the distin- 
 guished patriot and soldier, whose willing sacrifices were de- 
 voted to the cause which has secured to tlie successive races 
 of American youth, the blessings of education in a land of free- 
 dom ; and whose virtuous and glorious career holds forth to 
 the rising generation, a bright example of the qualities which 
 ought to adorn those, who aspire to aid m the councils, or main- 
 tain the rights and interests of a free people." 
 
 General Lafayette was escoited from Boston to Cambridge, 
 on Wednesday morning, by a company of cavalry, and accom- 
 panied by the Governor and Supreme Executive Council of 
 
368 THE TOUR OF 
 
 the Commonwealth. In passing through Cambridge Port, iic 
 was gratefully cheered by the assembled citizens, and eloquent- 
 ly addressed by Judge Fay, in die name of the whole, in the 
 following interesting manner : — 
 
 " General Lafayette, — The citizens of Cambridge present 
 themselves before you, to greet your arrival in their country 
 with an affectionate welcome, and to offer the simple homage 
 of grateful hearts to the early and constant friend of American 
 liberty — the steady and uniform asserter of the rights of man. 
 They desire to make known to you the profound sentiments 
 of gratitude and admiration, with which their bosoms are in- 
 spired by the recollection of the generous and distinguished ser- 
 vices rendered by you to the United States in their struggle for 
 national existence. In that struggle, you made a voluntary of- 
 fering of your life and fortune on the altar of civil liberty ! In 
 so doing, you sought no rewards, but in the conscious magna- 
 nimity of the act and in the lasting gratitude of a whole people. 
 Those rewards you have, Sir, and long, long may you enjoy 
 them. 
 
 " Permit us to remind you. Sir, that on this spot was assem- 
 bled the first army of our revolution ; — ^that here Washington 
 first assumed the command of that army, and entered upon the 
 momentous contest, which terminated in our national independ- 
 ence, that independence, which your own disinterested and no- 
 ble efforts contributed so essentially to achieve. 
 
 " To you, General, the friend and companion in arms of our 
 beloved Washington — the benefactor of our country — the sol- 
 dier of liberty — to you the citizens of Cambridge again tender 
 their heartfelt welcome, and pray you to accept their fervent 
 wishes, that all your future days may be full of happiness and 
 honours." 
 
 The reply of Lafayette was characteristic and affectionate. 
 He was met by the Corporation and Professors, on his arriving 
 within the precincts of the college, and thus addressed by the 
 learned President Kirkland : — 
 
 "We bid you welcome. General Lafayette, to the most an- 
 cient of the seminaries of our land. The Overseers and Fel- 
 lows of the University, the Professors and other officers, the 
 candidates for the academic honours of this day, and the stu- 
 dents, tender you their respectful, their affectionate salutations. 
 We greet you with peculiar pleasure, at this literary festival, 
 gratified that you regard the occasion with interest, and ^s- 
 
GENEllAL LAFAYETTE. 
 
 369 
 
 pouse the attachment, which us members of a republic, we 
 cannot fail to cherish to the cause of learning and education. 
 
 " As a man, sustaining his part through various scenes, pros*- 
 perous and adverse, of an eventful life, your character and 
 course, marked by moral dignity, have challenged particular 
 respect and sympathy. As the patron, the champion, and 
 benefactor of America, you have a relation to us, by which we 
 call you our own, and join gratitude and affection to exalted 
 esteem. The early and costly pledges you gave of devotion 
 to the principles and spirit of our institutions, your adoption of 
 our perilous and uncertain contest for national existence, your 
 friendship in the hour of our greatest need, have associated 
 your name in the minds and hearts of Americans, with the 
 dearest and most affecting recollections. The fathers teach 
 their children, and the instructers their pupils, to hold you in love 
 and honour ; and the history of these States takes charge of 
 your claims to the grateful remembrance of all future generations. 
 
 "It is a pleasing reflection attending the progress of these 
 communities, that it justifies our friends and supporters ; and 
 that the predilections and hopes in our favour, which you in- 
 dulged in the ardour of youth, have been followed by good 
 auspices till your advanced age. We are, indeed, happy in 
 presenting you the fruit of your toils and dangers, in the kindly 
 operation of the causes, which you did so much to call into 
 action, and we rejoice in every demonstration we are able to 
 give, tliat your care for us has not been vain. Knowing how 
 you feel yourself to have a property in our welfare, and sensi- 
 ble of the enjoyment accruing to your generous spirit from our 
 prosperity, we find in these considerations, new motives to 
 maintain liberty with ardour ; and in the exercise of our func- 
 tions, feel bound to endeavour to send out from our care, en- 
 lightened and virtuous men, employing their influence to secure 
 to their country the advantages, and prevent and remedy the 
 evils attending the wide diffusion among a people of political 
 power. 
 
 " Accept our wishes and prayers for your health and happi- 
 ness. May the Invisible Hand which has been your safe- 
 guard thus far, continue its protecting care. May the Supreme 
 Disposer, the Witness and Judge of character and conduct, 
 having appointed you a long and tranquil evening of days, re- 
 ceive you to the final and glorious reward of the faithful in a 
 perfect state." 
 
 17 
 
370 THK TOUR OF 
 
 The following is the substance of the General's reply: — 
 
 " It is with real pleasure, Sir, that I find myself again at this 
 University, which I visited for the first time, more than forty 
 years ago. The great improvements which have been made 
 here during the interval, are striking evidences of the tendency 
 of liberal political institutions, to promote the progress of civili- 
 zation and learning. I beg you to accept my warmest thanks for 
 your kind expressions of personal civility to myself, and my 
 best wishes for the continued prosperity of the valuable esta- 
 blishments over which you preside." 
 
 When he entered the place provided for the celebration of 
 commencement, where a numerous company of ladies and 
 gentlemen had assembled to attend the ceremonies and literary 
 performances of the day, there was an instantaneous and uni- 
 versal acclamation ; not stunning and boisterous ; but the de- 
 corous and chastened greeting of an intelligent audience. 
 When he reached the stage, he bowed repeatedly to the assem- 
 bly, with great apparent sensibility. Several of the young 
 gentlemen, alluded to him in their orations ; and some dwelt 
 particularly on his early devotion to the cause of America, in 
 the struggle for independence, with great effect. These notices, 
 though short and indirect, were calculated to excite the grateful 
 recollections of the audience ; who responded to the sentiments 
 with enthusiastic acclamations. 
 
 On Thursday, by particular request of the literary society of 
 ♦* Phi Beta Kappa," so called, in the university. General La- 
 fayette attended the celebration of then- anniversary at Cam- 
 bridge. It was never known before, that any one, however 
 distinguished, either for literature or virtue, was invited to dine 
 with the society, unless a member of some other branch of the 
 association. The departure in this case, from the invariable 
 usages and rules of the society, is proof of the very high esti- 
 mation in which Lafayette is held, and of the disposition, in all 
 classes of citizens, to manifest their respect for his character. 
 He proceeded to the university, about 1 o'clock, when he was 
 again greeted with the hearty cheers of the citizens, as he pass- 
 ed the high-way, and when he arrived. The public per- 
 formances on this occasion, were an oration and a poem. The 
 latter was prepared at very short notice, and had particular re- 
 ference to the visit of the illustrious hero and philanthropist. It 
 purported to be the vision of the Genius of Liberty. It was a 
 felicitous effort of the poetic muse. The gradual but certain 
 
GENERAL LAI AYETTE. 371 
 
 dissolution of ancient despotic systems was predicted, as by the 
 spirit of inspiration ; and the blessings and joys of well-regulat- 
 ed freedom were described with a masterly pencil, as extend- 
 ing and spreading in all parts of the civilized world. It was the 
 electrifying voice of genius, speaking to hearts full of grati- 
 tude and swelling with joyous emotions. 
 
 The orator was not less happy in his subject, nor less ingeni- 
 ous and eloquent in its illustration. Lafayette was very sensibly 
 affected by this unexpected expression of gratitude for his early 
 services, and by the strong emotions manifested by the assem- 
 bly, at the name of Washington. The hours passed in the din- 
 ing hall were consecrated to reminiscences of the interesting 
 events which occurred in the revolutionary contest, to grateful 
 recollections of the statesmen and heroes, who advocated and 
 defended the cause of freedom, and thus led the way in the 
 glorious march of human improvement and happiness, which 
 the present generation is so rapidly pursuing. Here were as- 
 sembled the judges of the land, the ministers of religion, the 
 legislators of the state and nation, several of the heroes of the 
 revolution, and numerous eminent literary characters from va- 
 rious parts of the United States, to unite with the younger sons 
 of Harvard, in offerings of affectionate gratitude to a man, who 
 had no gifts of power or titles of honour to bestow ; but whose 
 useful services and uniform course of honourable and benevo- 
 lent purpose, in their estimation, claimed a higher tribute than 
 was due to sceptered princes, or the most renowned conquerors 
 of ancient or modern times. 
 
 Thursday and Saturday mornings, for several hours, he re- 
 ceived the personal compliments and congratulations of a great 
 number of the inhabitants of Boston and its vicinity, of both 
 sexes. They were presented to him, on the spacious area 
 of the ground floor of the State House. The house provided 
 for his residence while in the city, though unusually large, was 
 not well adapted for such crowds of visitors as pressed to be- 
 hold him. Many aged people were presented, who had served 
 with him in the revolutionary war, or recollected events of 
 that period, which they were desirous to relate. Some were on 
 crutches, and others bared .their arms to show the honourable 
 scars occasioned by the bayonet or ball of the enemy, in the 
 " glorious fight" for freedom. Some could boast of having 
 fought under his command, or by his side, at Brandywine and 
 Monmouth ; and others, that followed in his path of peril and 
 
372 THE TOLK or 
 
 glory in Virginia, in 1781, and assisted in successfully storui-r 
 ing the redoubt at Yorktown, on the memorable evening of the 
 1 5th of October, which decided the fate of Cornwallis. 
 
 He seized the hands of these his old companions in arms, with 
 great eagerness and emotion ; and while they, in the honest 
 pride of their souls related their " hair-breadth escapes," which 
 led the spectators almost to envy their claims to such honoura- 
 ble boasting, the veteran hero exclaimed, " O my brave Light 
 Infantry ! My gallant troops !" Several aged citizens who 
 were personally engaged in opposing the British forces, who 
 marched to Lexington and Concord, for the purpose of de- 
 stroying the Provincial stores collected at the latter place, were 
 present at this interview. A gun was also showii to Greneral 
 Lafayette, from which was fired the ball, which killed the first 
 of the regular troops slain on that memorable occasion. These 
 meetings revived recollections important to be preserved, and 
 served to remind the rising generations of the principles and 
 deeds of their fathers. We trust they did not awaken any angry 
 or hostile feeling towards an ancient enemy ; but served only 
 to kindle our gratitude to Almighty God, for his gracious in- 
 terpositions in our behalf, and to perpetuate our respect for the 
 remains of those who pfFered up their lives for our freedom and 
 welfare. 
 
 On Friday morning, committees from Portsmouth, Newport, 
 Haverhill, Newburyport, and from Bowdoin College, waited 
 on General Lafayette inviting him to visit those respective 
 places ; where the people were desirous to see him, and to 
 offer personally their welcome salutations. 
 
 To a kind and affectionate invitation of the citizens of Port- 
 land to Lafayette to visit Maine, the General returned the 
 following respectful answer : — 
 
 " Sir — When I had the heartfelt gratification to embark on 
 this happy visit to the United States, I anticipated the pleasure 
 to pay my respects to the citizens of the State of Maine, and 
 the town of Portland. That intention could not but be con- 
 firmed by the flattering invitation you have been pleased to 
 transmit. I much regret that previous engagements, and the 
 propriety not to defer for a long time my journey towards the 
 seat of government at Washington City, make it impossible for 
 me, at this moment, to indulge my eager desire to visit the town 
 of Portland. But on my return to this part of the Union, and 
 most rertainlv before I leave the American shore, I shall have 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 373 
 
 ihe honour, personally to offer to the citizens of Portland, the 
 tribute of my respect and gratitude. 
 
 Be pleased, Sir, to accept my respectful acknowledgments 
 and regard. LAFAYETTE." 
 
 The Selectmen of the ancient town of Plymouth were prompt 
 in offering an invitation to General Lafayette to visit that place 
 before leaving the United States. A letter from the Chairman, 
 in behalf of that body and their fellow citizens, was delivered 
 to him on the morning after his arrival in Boston, by the vene- 
 rable Dr. Thacher ; to which he gave the following reply : — 
 
 " Sir — Nothing could afford me a greater satisfaction than 
 to have the honour to pay my respects to the citizens of Ply- 
 mouth ; nor will I leave the shores of America before I have 
 enjoyed this heartfelt gratification. But my present, first visit 
 to this part of the Union, is shortened by previous engagements, 
 and the obligation to go towards the seat of government at 
 Washington City. I anticipate the time when it will be in my 
 power personally to present the citizens of Plymouth with my 
 grateful and affectionate acknowledgments for tlieir kindness 
 to me. Be pleased to accept the tribute of these sentiments, 
 and to believe me with much personal regard. Yours, &;c. 
 
 LAFAYETTE." 
 
 The Marquis Lafayette left his place of residence in Boston 
 at 10 o'clock, accompanied by Governor Eustis and suite, 
 Governor Brooks, the deputation from New- York, the Mayor 
 and committee of arrangements of Boston, and proceeded to 
 Charlestown, which he previously engaged to visit, at this time. 
 As he passed through the streets in the north part of the city, 
 the people pressed around him, testifying their regard, and 
 cheering him on his way with repeated acclamations. Raised 
 arches, wreaths of ever-green, and variegated colours, added to 
 the brilliancy of the scene. He was met at the centre of the 
 bridge, which is the dividing line between Boston and Charles- 
 town, by the Chief Marshal and his aids, and conducted to the 
 square, where a committee of the citizens of that town was in 
 waiting to receive him. A procession was then formed, head- 
 ed by two Marshals, and escorted by a regiment of Light In- 
 fantry, and a battalion of artillery, with martial music, consist- 
 ing of the committee of arrangements. General Lafayette, his 
 son, and friend, who accompanied him from France ; the 
 Governor and suite, Governor Brooks, and General Dearborn, 
 fudges of the Courts, and members of the Supreme Executive 
 
.374 THE TOUK OF 
 
 Council of the State ; deputation from New- York, Mayor and 
 committee of Boston, officers of the army and navy of the 
 United States, and of the militia of the State ; strangers of 
 distinction, and civil officers of the town of Charlestown. It 
 proceeded to Bunker Hill, where the chairman of the commit- 
 tee of the town, addressed Lafayette as follows : — 
 
 " Sir — In behalf of the inhabitants of Charlestown, the com- 
 mittee of arrangements present their respectful salutations to 
 General Lafayette, and bid him a cordial welcome to this town. 
 This joyful occasion revives high national feelings and recol- 
 lections, and touches the springs of gratitude, by reminding us 
 of that interesting period of our history, which gave to our 
 country a gallant hero, and to the rights of mankind a steadfast 
 champion. While we participate in the thrill of delight which 
 every where hails the visit of our illustrious friend, we catmot 
 suppress the peculiar emotion of our hearts on receiving you, 
 Sir, on the memorable heights of Bunker. On this holy 
 ground, immortalized by the dead, and sacred to the names of 
 revolutionary heroes. Over these heights, liberty once moved 
 in blood and tears ; — her chariot on wheels of fire. Now she 
 comes in her car of peace and glory ; drawn by the affections 
 of a happy people, to crown on these same heights, with civic 
 honours, a favourite son, whose early strength was given to her 
 sacred struggles, and whose riper years are now permitted to 
 behold the splendour of her triumphs. In the fubess of our 
 hearts we give thanks to Almighty God, who has guided and 
 guarded your high career of peril and renown. 
 
 " Permit us, beloved General, again to welcome you to our 
 borders ; — to express our ardent hopes, that your valuable life 
 may be prolonged to the utmost limits of earthly happiness ; — 
 that the land which has been enriched with the dew of your 
 youth, may be honoured as the asylum of your old age ; — tJiat 
 the country which now blends your fame with the mild lustre 
 of Washington, may henceforth hail you as a citizen of Wash- 
 ington's country ; — and that, during the residue of your years, 
 you may live amidst the attentions, as you will for ever live in 
 the hearts of a grateful and admiring people." 
 
 To this address the General replied : — 
 
 " With profound reverence. Sir, I tread tliis holy ground, 
 where the blood of American patriots — the blood of Warren 
 and his companions, early and gloriously spilled, aroused the 
 energy of three millions, and secured the happiness of ten 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 61 J 
 
 millions, and of many other millions of men in times to come. 
 That blood has called both American continents to republican 
 independence, and has awakened the nations of Europe to a 
 sense, and in future, I hope, to the practice of their rights. 
 Such have been the effects of a resistance to oppression, which 
 was, by many pretended wise men of tlie times, called rasliness ; 
 while it was duty, virtue ; — and has been a signal for the 
 emancipation of mankind. 
 
 " I beg you, sir, and the magistrates, and the citizens of 
 Charlestown, to accept the homage of my gratitude for your 
 kind welcome, and of those sentiments of affection and respect, 
 which, for so many years, I have cherished towards their town." 
 
 While on this memorable eminence, he was informed by 
 Governor Brooks, of the recent association for erecting a monu- 
 mental pillar on that hallowed spot, to perpetuate the remem- 
 brance of the justly celebrated battle of the 17th of June, 1775 ; 
 when a few regiments of undisciplined militia, made a brave 
 stand against a large regular British force, commanded by 
 Generals of great experience and courage. This great event, 
 so important in the annals of our country, as it convinced the 
 English government of the resolution of the colonies to main- 
 tain the liberty which they claimed, and of th^ daring courage 
 of the American people. This event is to be commemorated in 
 June, 1825, when fifty years will be completed, by an oration, 
 and other public appropriate services and ceremonies. Gene- 
 ral Lafayette expressed great satisfaction at the proposal. He 
 requested that he might be considered a subscriber for the 
 monument ; and assured the gentlemen present, that it would 
 be his wish and endeavour to attend the celebration. 
 
 On his visit to the encampment of the JVew-England Guards, 
 the General tried his skill in gunnery, and directed one of the 
 field pieces with such good aim, as to pierce the target. A 
 large assemblage of the visitors of the encampment announced 
 his success with reiterated cheerings. 
 
 He then dined with Governor Eustis, in Roxbury, in com- 
 pany with nearly two hundred of the most distinguished stran- 
 gers now on visits here and citizens — of whom were many of 
 the surviving worthies of the Revolution. — The front of liis 
 Excellency's seat was beautifully decorated, and fire-works 
 were exhibited on the lawn. He returned to town at 8 o'clock, 
 and in the evening attended a ball given by Mrs. Sears, in 
 Bacon-street. 
 
376 THE TOUR OF 
 
 On Saturday August 28th, numerous deputations, and re- 
 volutionary characters, called on the General at his quarters. 
 One of the latter exhibited the Fireai-m, by a discharge of which 
 the first British regular killed in the war of the revolution was 
 shot at Concord bridge, on the memorable 19th April, 1775. 
 The event is recorded in the annals of that day. Satisfactory 
 evidence was given, that the ball which did the first execution 
 on the British advanced guard, was fired from this gun. The 
 General appeared much pleased at seeing this relic, and sug- 
 gested the expediency of perpetuating its identity, by inserting 
 a plate on the stock, with an inscription, containing the parti- 
 culars of the event. It belonged to Capt. Buttrick, and was 
 presented, it is understood, by one of his descendants, who 
 promised to execute the suggestion of the General, and re- 
 marked, that the gun should be transmitted to the latest poste- 
 rity of the original owner. A number of revolutionary reminis- 
 cences occurred in this interview, which we have not room to 
 particularize. 
 
 The General then repaired to the State-house, and received 
 the congratulations of the citizens of both sexes, who, during 
 two hours, presented themselves in continued succession. One 
 of the revohitionary worthies, (Jonathan Leonard of Canton, in 
 Norfolk,) holding in his hand a number of old Continental 
 bills, thus addressed the Guest : — " Here, General, are some 
 of our Old Friends, who helped us to carry on the war.''' 
 Among the presentations was an interesting Greek youth from 
 Scio, named Pandies Ralli, whose father was one of the first 
 martyrs in the present eventful struggle of the Greek Patriots, 
 being one of the hostages executed at Constantinople. This 
 lad, we are informed, with his mother, and family, fled from the 
 sack of Scio, and is now receiving an education, under the care 
 of our Foreign Missionary Society. He was noticed with 
 much affection by the General. In the afternoon he proceed- 
 ed to Medford, to dine with Governor Brooks, accompanied 
 by the Mayor. 
 
 On his way to Medford he passed through Chai'lestown and 
 West Cambridge, and arrived at Medford about 3 o'clock. It 
 was at a very late hour that the citizens of Medford ascertained 
 that the town would be honoured with his presence ; but their 
 preparations to welcome him were appropriate and elegant. 
 
 Under an arch the Selectmen of the town were assembled ; 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 
 
 377 
 
 and Turell Tufts, Esq. their Chairman, delivered to him tire 
 following address : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — The Selectmen of Medford, as the 
 Representatives of the town, deem it a grateful and honoura- 
 ble part of their duty to bid you welcome. 
 
 " They are proud, Sir, that Medford is the birth-place of one 
 of your companions in arms — A man, who, by his bravery in 
 the field, his patriotism and civic virtues, contributed to acquire 
 as much glory to our country, as honour to himself. 
 
 " We rejoice. Sir, that you both live to meet again, and to 
 enjoy together the consolations fairly derived from your virtuous 
 and heroic deeds. 
 
 " The minds of our countrymen traced your course with 
 anxious solicitude, through the French Revolution, from your 
 first success in the cause of Liberty, until the spirit of oppres- 
 sion confined you to a dungeon ; and their hearts were glad- 
 dened, when, by the influence of our Great and Good Wash- 
 ington, their Friend was at last set free. — Tn the rich harvest 
 you are now gathering of the expressions of esteem and gi-atitude 
 of this numerous people, whose freedom and happiness your 
 exertions so essentially contributed to establish, we hope you 
 will find some compensation for all your trials, sacrifices, and 
 sufferings — and we feel much complacency that, in this respect 
 you have gained so complete a triumph over the Monarchs of 
 the world. 
 
 "Again, Sir, we bid you a cordial welcome ! and hope the 
 testimonials of approbation you are receiving from every heart 
 and every tongue, will for ever remain an instructive lesson to 
 mankind, that Patriots who endure faithfully to the end, shall 
 not lose their reward." 
 
 The following is the substance of the General's reply : — 
 
 " Sir — I am most happy, in visiting the town of my old 
 brother Soldier and Friend, General Brooks, to be received 
 with so kind a welcome. You speak of some compensatiorr I 
 Compensation, Sir, — the smallest part of the delight which I 
 have experienced, would more than repay me for all sufferings, 
 past, or to come. 
 
 " I beg you, to accept my grateful acknowledgments for this 
 cheering welcome." 
 
 This welcome was repeated by the acclamations of the as- 
 sembled citizens, which were renewed oh his arriving at the 
 Governor's residence. The civic arches and decorations were 
 
 48 
 
o <8 THE roUR OF 
 
 honourable to the zeal and good feelings of the citizens, and to- 
 the taste of the ladies of Medford, who took a lively interest in 
 this spontaneous tribute of gratitude. 
 
 The General, in proceeding to Medford, passed through 
 Salem-street, and the taste and patriotism of the citizens of the 
 northern section, were displayed in numerous and elegant de- 
 corations of the street, incessant cheers, and waving of hand- 
 kerchiefs. His carriage proceeded slowly, and he appeared to 
 notice all the arches (fifteen in number) under which he passed, 
 and particularly one, (the production of the daughter of a 
 Member of the City Government) which bore an inscription, 
 formed on a white ground, with green buds, ^^ Fayette — We 
 tvill never forget thee" 
 
 On Monday the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, for a 
 review of a portion of the militia, in honour of the visit of the 
 surviving Major-General of the revolutionary army, our distin- 
 guished Guest, were executed with promptness and uncommon 
 effect. The day was fine. At an early hour, a superb Brigade, 
 (composed of five full regiments of infantry, a regiment of 
 artillery, and the Salem Independent Cadets) commanded by 
 Brigadier-General James Appleton, paraded on the Common, 
 on which tents and marquees had been pitched for their ac- 
 commodation, and which with the commissary's tent, and the 
 tents of the Suffolk Brigade, and the marquees attached to the 
 Head-Quarters (where the Independent Cadets, commanded 
 by Lieut. Colonel Amory, did guard duty) exhibited an ex- 
 tensive encampment. At the same time the Boston Brigade, 
 commanded by Brigadier-General Lyman, and composed of 
 three full regiments of infantry, four companies of artillery, and 
 a troop of dragoons, also paraded and formed the order of bat- 
 tle at 8 o'clock. The whole field was commanded by Major- 
 General Crane, of the first division 
 
 The line nearly filled up the borders of the spacious training- 
 field, and exhibited a martial spectacle unequalled in extent, 
 brilliancy, and efficiency by any former military review. The 
 corps of cavalry, artillery, and flank companies, were in com- 
 plete and superb uniforms ; and in the whole line of infantry, 
 the troops, with scarcely an exception, were in blue coats and 
 white "qpHetr clothes, with knapsacks, &ic. complete. It was 
 estimated tliat the number on the field exceeded 6500. 
 
 General Lafayette, on foot, was escorted by the Cadets 
 from his residence to the State-house, where he was received 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 379 
 
 by his excellency the Commander-in-chief, and M«ite. They 
 were then escorted to the Common. He was revcived by loud 
 shouts from the troops along the whole line. Tlie General was 
 then saluted by the Brigades, under Generals Appleton and 
 Lyman, in succession. He then took a position in front of 
 Head-Quarters, and received the marching salute of the whole 
 division. Experienced judges, foreign and native, did justice 
 to the discipline and steadiness of the movements. 
 
 A spacious and well ornamented marquee had been erected 
 by order of the Governor on the rising ground of the Corhmon, 
 for a collation for the Officers and invited Guests. It much 
 exceeded any other arrangement of the kind ever seen here. 
 In this edifice,* His Excellency, and the distinguished Guest, 
 the Officers of the Field, the Executive Council, Cincinnati, 
 Civil and Judicial Officers, Foreign Consuls, Officers of the 
 Army and Nav)% Governor Miller, the Clergy, the City autho- 
 rities. Strangers of distinction, and General and Field Officers 
 of the Militia not on duty, partook of a sumptuous and well- 
 attended entertainment. A few toasts were given, which were 
 received with acclamations, particularly that of the Command- 
 er-in-chief, complimentary of the Guest ; that of General La- 
 fayette in praise of the fine appearance and excellent conduct 
 of the troops, and that of General Brooks, who gave " The 
 Commander-in-chief of these troops.'''' 
 
 The order of battle having been re-formed, the Brigade 
 under General Appleton performed numerous evolutions, with 
 the utmost precision and fine effect. 
 
 The Boston Brigade, under General Lyman, then occupied 
 an hour in similar evolutions, — particularly those against caval- 
 ry, by the formation of squares of regiments, and by the retreat 
 within them, when hard pressed, of the skirmishers and artille- 
 rymen, each retiring with their colours and an allotted portable 
 article essential to their utility ; then rushing out, remounting 
 and firing their deserted guns, after the assailing cavalry is re- 
 pulsed. This mode of defence was practised with effect by 
 the British army at Waterloo. 
 
 The exercises being completed, and the usual ceremonies 
 of the field performed, the troops were dismissed. The Ge- 
 
 * The marquee was 176 feet by 60 ; containing six tables 170 feet long, 
 on which there were 1300 plates set, — which were afterwards increased to 
 1600 The collation was prepared by Mr. Dudley Bradstreet. 
 
 ■»*^; 
 
3S0 THE TOUR OF 
 
 licral was then re-escorted to his quarters, amidst continued 
 cheers. 
 
 In the evening the General held a levee, at which many 
 hundred ladies were introduced to him. He then attended a 
 ball given by Mrs. Elliot, in Bacon-street. 
 
 " Should it be supposed by the sober citizens of other counr 
 tries, or by those in our own, who did not join in these offer-? 
 ings of grateful admiration to Lafayette, and who therefore 
 could have felt nothing of the enthusiasm which such scenes 
 are calculated to produce ; that there was too much parade, or 
 an undue measure of sensibility manifested on this occasion ; 
 it may be proper to observe, that no conclusion is to be drawn 
 from this great rejoicing, that the people of Boston, or in fact 
 of die United States, are disposed to pay higher regard to emi- 
 nent men of the military, than in the civil department ; or that 
 they have so little discrimination, as to bestow applause upon 
 merely splendid achievements. It is believed to be a fact, that 
 the most intelligent and sober part of the community were as 
 ready to engage in these processions and ceremonies, as those 
 of the more common and uninformed class of citizens. How 
 could it be otherwise ? These are convincing proofs of the 
 zeal, disinterestedness, and devotion of General Lafayette to 
 the cause of American liberty and independence — of his bra- 
 very, activity, judgment, constancy, and fidelity — of his attach- 
 ment to Washington and other patriots, and of their regard for 
 him ; and of his uniform support of regulated liberty in his own 
 country. In his early days he had risked every thing, and had 
 done every thing which an individual could possibly endure or 
 attempt, in our behalf. He had noiv, in advanced life, left his 
 own beloved retirement in a distant hemisphere, to visit this 
 land of liberty, and of his aiFections, to behold the prosperity, 
 order, enjoyment, and felicity of a great people. His charac- 
 ter too, is unstained by bloodshed and crime ; it is consecrated, 
 on the contrary, by the prayers, and tears, and benedictions, 
 of all good men in America and Europe. Who wiU then cen- 
 sure or wonder, that he should be received by the moral and 
 sober people of America, with all that cordiality and enthusi- 
 asm, which were discovered on his arrival amongst us ? We 
 do not forget Washington ; our beloved and almost adored 
 Washington — nor are we insensible to the merits and virtues 
 of other statesmen and heroes of our own country. But, sure- 
 ly we may be albwed to greet this old distinguished henefac- 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. S8i 
 
 lor with a cordial welcome, without subjecting ourselves to the 
 charge of extravagance, or caprice. 
 
 "The character of the militia in Boston, and generally 
 through the state, has been much improved within the last 
 jSfteen years. They have recently adopted a cheap uniform ; 
 and great improvements have been made in adopting the mo- 
 dern system of tactics. The independent companies need not 
 decline a comparison with regular troops ; and, what is very 
 important to the respectability of the militia, their officers are 
 intelligent and ambitious, and actuated by a patriotic spirit, 
 which is a pledge of fidelity, and a stimulus to honourable ex- 
 ertion. The high praise bestowed upon the militia at this 
 review, was justly merited." 
 
 General Lafayette left Boston on Tuesday morning for 
 Portsmouth, in the state of New-Hampshire, intending to pass 
 through Marblehead, Salem, and Newburyport, on his way to 
 the former place. A number of distinguished citizens, and a 
 Committee of the City Council accompanied him to the north- 
 ern line of the city ; and the Governor's aids attended him to 
 the extreme part of the state, adjoining New-Hampshire. On 
 his route he was greeted by the inhabitants of Chelsea, Lynn, 
 and Marblehead, with great feeling and respect, alike honoura- 
 ble to themselves, and gratifying to the friend and guest of the 
 nation. Addresses were also made to him, in these several 
 towns, expressive of their gratitude for his services, and of the 
 lively sense they had of his present visit to the country. 
 
 In passing through Lynn, General Lafayette was received 
 by the citizens with distinguished marks of respect. 
 
 At about half past 8 o'clock, he arrived at the bridge, (over 
 the draw of which was thrown a handsome arch,) under the 
 escort of the Boston company of cavalry, which immediately 
 joined the other battalion ; when the whole moved towards the 
 Hotel. 
 
 On the arrival of the procession at the Hotel, which was 
 very handsomely decorated with flags and ever-greens, the 
 following address was delivered to the General by John White, 
 Esq. the Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements : — 
 
 " General — The inhabitants of this town have chosen me 
 their organ, to greet you with a sincere and hearty welcome, 
 on this joyful occasion. A duty on which I enter with mingled 
 emotions of profound veneration, gratitude, and affection, to- 
 
382 THE TOUR OF 
 
 wards you, Sir, our nation's early, disinterested, and unvarying 
 friend and benefactor. 
 
 " The deep, intense, and indelible feelings of this free and 
 happy republic towards you, General, who so eminently and 
 successfully contributed to raise her to her present proud and 
 powerful attitude among the nations of the earth, can be no 
 more forcibly illustrated, than in that spontaneous homage of 
 the heart, which you see displayed around you, on your arrival 
 upon our favoured shores ; and which, hke a halo of glory, 
 encircles you in your progress through our country. This, 
 General, is a language not to be misunderstood, compared with 
 which the most laboured declamation must be faint and pow- 
 erless. 
 
 " Although your present appearance among us, like the tran- 
 sit of a brilliant and beneficent planet, commissioned to pro- 
 claim good will to man, in its rapid career among innumerable 
 worlds, is short and fleeting, the emanations of the bright and 
 joyous light which it sheds around you, will continue with us 
 to guide our steps, and cheer our hearts to the latest moment 
 of our existence. 
 
 " Permit me now. General, to express my individual joy at 
 the happy consummation of those ardent wishes, which I had 
 the honour to express to you twelve years since, in your native 
 country — for you have re-visited us, and you see that " all 
 hearts and arms are open to receive you." 
 
 To this the General made a very affectionate reply. 
 
 The General was then conducted to the Hall, where he was 
 introduced by the chairman to the ladies, committee of arrange- 
 ments, municipal officers, revolutionary soldiers, clergy, and 
 many citizens, but being engaged to breakfast at Marblehead, 
 his stay was restricted to thirty minutes. On leaving the Hotel, 
 the General ascended the barouche, with the chairman of the 
 committee, and the procession proceeded through the town. 
 At the western end of the common was erected a beautiful 
 civic arch, most elegantly decorated with ever-greens, sur- 
 mounted by a wreath enclosing the following inscription : — 
 
 " Welcome Lafayette ! Conqueror of hearts." 
 On the top of which was perched a beautiful gilt Eagle. Sus- 
 pended under the arch by festoons of ever-greens was a wreath, 
 surrounding this inscription : — 
 
 " Washington and Lafayette." 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. oSii 
 
 After passing this arch, the procession entered between two 
 lines of children of the town, neatly and prettily dressed, who 
 threw boquets of flowers before the General, and into his car- 
 riage. Next in order were two long lines of the citizens, 
 reaching to another very handsome arch of ever-green, under 
 which was suspended a wreath surrounding these words : — 
 "October 19th, 1781." The procession continued over the 
 common towards Market-street, through which he passed, and 
 at its entrance passed under a beautiful canopy, formed on one 
 side by a majestic elm, and on the other by large trees planted 
 for the occasion, united at the top, and tastefully hung with 
 wreaths and garlands of flowers. At this place was the fol- 
 lowing inscription : — 
 
 " Welcome Lafayette, to thee we owe the sweets of 
 Liberty." 
 
 On the entrance of the procession to Front-street, another 
 beautiful arch was presented, to which was suspended, under 
 thirteen sun flowers, representing stars, this inscription : — 
 " Thou gavest to us thirteen talents. Lo ! we have gained 
 
 eleven more. — Receive our gratitude." 
 Under this inscription were eleven other sun flowers. In 
 Broad-street was another handsome arch, made entirely of 
 trees, wreaths, and garlands, on which was the following in- 
 scription : — 
 
 " The voice of ten millions welcome." 
 
 The procession then passed into Chesnut-street, and througli 
 part of Fayette-street, into Essex-street, where another magni- 
 ficent arch was erected, most beautifully decorated, on the 
 centre of which was inscribed " 1776," and below this, was 
 inscribed these words : — 
 " The man whom the people delight to honour. — Welcome 
 Lafayette. — ^Yorktown. — Monmouth." 
 On the reverse, being the last arch, was this inscription : — 
 " Tho' lost to sight, to memory dear." 
 
 The procession moved in fine style tlirough this arch, and 
 proceeded to the eastern boundary line of the town, where the 
 Lynn escort delivered their illustrious guest to the authorities 
 of Marblehead. A salute of 13 guns was fired by the Lynn 
 and Danvers Artillery, on the entrance of the General upon 
 the lines of the town, and another of 24 guns when he passed 
 over the Common. 
 
 On his entrance into Marblehead, he was saluted bv 13 
 
384 THE TOUR OF 
 
 guns from a battery erected on the heights at the entrance ol 
 the town, and greeted by shouts of applause and welcome from 
 the whole population, who, with the troops of the town were 
 assembled for his reception ; and was conducted to the house 
 provided to receive him under a national salute of 24 guns 
 from Major Greene's battalion of Artillery. Here he was in- 
 troduced to the Authorities of the town, and was addressed in 
 behalf of the town by the Hon. John Prince, chairman of the 
 committee ; after which, our illustrious guest with his suite, and 
 several strangers of distinction, partook of a breakfast in the pub- 
 lic hall, arranged in a style of superior elegance. 
 
 After breakfast the General was conducted to another apart- 
 ment, where all the citizens, the officers of the brigade, and 
 many strangers were most cordially received by him ; among 
 whom were several revolutionary soldiers, and the Pilot who 
 landed him in Marblehead on his second arrival in this country, 
 whom he recognised, and saluted with marks of the highest 
 satisfaction. 
 
 He also expressed a wish to have a particular interview with 
 some of the descendants of the late General Glover, with whom 
 he was formerly in habits of intimacy ; and was accordinglj^, 
 with his suite, conducted to the house of Robert Hooper, Esq. 
 On being introduced to Mrs. Hooper, daughter of the late 
 General, he was much affected, and expressed the highest 
 interest at meeting a child of his old and particular friend. 
 
 Aft6r being escorted through the principal streets of the 
 town, he was accompanied by the Committee of Arrange- 
 ments to the Salem line, under another salute of 24 guns, 
 and the loud and gratulatory shouts of the warm-hearted in- 
 habitants. 
 
 His reception at Salem was very distinguished and splendid. 
 At the entrance of the town, he was met by the Selectmen 
 and committee, a numerous cavalcade, and a large body of 
 citizens in carriages, and received a salute of artillery ; on ad- 
 vancing a short distance within the bounds of the town, the 
 bells commenced ringing, and the escort was joined by a bat- 
 talion of light infantry, and a body of seamen, of about two 
 hundred, in blue jackets and white trowsers, with ribands on 
 their hats, stamped with the name of Lafayette. 
 
 With the hearty cheers of these hardy sons of Neptune, the 
 General appeared to be peculiarly impressed. Over South 
 Salem bridge were two ta?tefu]ly decorated arches — one bear- 
 
fiKNEKAL J.AKAYETXK. oS5 
 
 ing the inscription "Welcome Illustrious Chief! Re- 
 ceive the pledges of thy Children to sustain with fidelity the 
 principles that first associated Lafayette with the destinies of 
 America.'''' These arches were surrounded by an immense 
 number of citizens, who made the air ring with their huzzas and 
 welcomes. The figure of an Indian Chief characteristically 
 dressed, bore labels inscribed " Lafayette and Liberty. Wel- 
 come generous Lafayette.''^ 
 
 Civic arches, historical and patriotic inscriptions, memorable 
 eras, wreaths of flowers and ever-greens, banners and flags, 
 were displayed in many of the streets, enlivening the scene, 
 animating the cheers, and affording grateful recollections. 
 
 Central-street was gayly dressed in colours, and on an ele- 
 gant arch were inscribed the names of distinguished patriots of 
 the revolution, crowned with those of Washington and La- 
 fayette. In North-street a similar arch bore the inscription : — 
 " Honour to him who fought and bled for the happiness and 
 peace we now enjoy." On an arch at BufFum's corner, was 
 inscribed, " Lafayette, the friend of Liberty, we welcome to 
 the land of liberty. He did n,ot forget us in our adversity — Li 
 our prosperity we remember his services ivith gratitude." Near 
 the above, another arch bore a likeness of Lafayette, sur- 
 mounted by an eagle. 
 
 Near the avenue leading to the bridge, at which, in Febru- 
 ary, 1775, Colonel Leslie, with a detachment of the British 
 64th regiment, met with a repulse in an attempt to carry off 
 some cannon deposited in the vicinity, were banners, with the 
 following inscription: — 
 
 ^^ Leslie^ s Repulse, 1775. 
 Lafayette'' s Renown, 1824. 
 
 Washington-square was decorated with two arches, tasteful- 
 ly ornamented, one bearing the name of the General, in oaken 
 characters, and the second a luist of Washington. 
 
 On Washington-square the General passed between two 
 lines of boys, about one thousand in number, arrayed under 
 their respective instructers, all bearing Lafayette badges. One 
 of the gates of the square bore this inscription : — " The children 
 welcome ivith joy, the illustrious benefactor of their fathers.''^ 
 And as the General passed, they shouted " Welcome Lafayette.''^ 
 
 Notwithstanding the heavy rain, this youthful band could not 
 he prevailed upon to leave the ground, but remained bravely 
 
 40" 
 
386 THE TOUR OF 
 
 at their post, until they had shared with their parents in the 
 honour and happiness of greeting the nation's guest. 
 
 From Washington Square the procession passed to the La- 
 fayette Coffee House, in Essex-street, where, upon a stage 
 erected in front of the house, the General and his suite, the 
 invited guests, and other gentlemen of distinction, were receiv- 
 ed \^ the Committee of Arrangements. Judge Story, the 
 President of the day, in presence of the committee and com- 
 pany upon the stage, and of an immense concourse of people, 
 then delivered in the most interesting and elegant manner to 
 General Lafayette the following Address : — 
 " General Lafayette — 
 
 Sir — Forty years have elapsed since the inhabitants of this 
 town had the pleasure to welcome you within its limits. Many 
 who then hailed your arrival with pride and exultation, have 
 descended to the grave, and cannot greet you on your lon^ 
 desired return. But, thanks to a good Providence, many are 
 yet alive who recollect with grateful sensibility the universal 
 joy of that occasion. Your disinterested zeal in embarking in 
 a cause, deemed almost hopeless — your personal sacrifices in 
 quitting a home endeared by all the blessings with which affec- 
 tion and virtue can adorn life — your toils and perils in the con- 
 flicts of war and the vicissitudes of a discouraging service — your 
 modest dignity and enthusiasm on receiving the homage of a 
 free people — these were all fresh in their memories, and gave 
 an interest to the scene, which cannot be described, but which 
 Time has hallowed with his most touching grace. I stand now 
 in the presence of some, venerable in age and character, who 
 were the delighted witnesses of that interview, and whose hearts 
 again glow with the feelings of that happy day. 
 
 " To us of a younger generation — the descendants of your 
 early friends and companions in arms — a diffei'ent, but not less 
 interesting privilege belongs. We are allowed the enviable 
 distinction of meeting, in his riper years, one, whom our Fathers 
 loved in their youth. We welcome you to our country — to 
 our homes — to our hearts. We have read the history of your 
 achievements — your honours — and your sufferings. They are 
 associated with all that is dear to us — with the battle grounds 
 consecrated by the blood of our heroes — with tiie tender recol- 
 lections of our departed statesmen — with the affectionate re- 
 verence of our surviving patriots. Can we forget that we were 
 poor and struggling alone in the doubtful contest for Indepen- 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 387 
 
 dence, and you crossed the Atlantic at the hazard of fortune 
 and fame to cheer us in our resistance ? That you re-crossed 
 it to solicit naval and military succours from the throne of 
 France, and returned widi fi'iumphant success ? That your 
 gallantry in the southern campaigns checked the inroads of a 
 brave and confident enemy ? That your military labours closed 
 but with the surrender at Yorktovvn, and dius indissolubly 
 united your name with the proud events of that glorious day. 
 We cannot forget these things if we would. — We would not 
 forget them if we could. They will not be forgotten, until 
 America ceases to be a Nation. 
 
 " But we have yet higher sources of gratification on the pre- 
 sent occasion. You have been the friend not merely of Ameri- 
 ca, but of France, and of the cause of Liberty throughout the 
 World. During a long life, and in the most trying scenes, 
 you have done no act for which virtue need blush, or humani- 
 ty weep. Your private character has not cast a shade on your 
 public honours. In the palaces of Paris and the dungeons of 
 Olmutz, in the splendor of power, and the gloom of banish- 
 ment, you have been the friend of justice, and the asserter of 
 the rights of man. — Under every misfortune you have never 
 deserted your principles. What earthly prize can afford con- 
 solations like this ? The favour of Princes and the applause! 
 of Senates sink into absolute nothingness in comparison widi j 
 the approving conscience of a life devoted to the good of man-/ 
 kind. At this very moment you are realizing the brightest 
 visions of your youth, in the spectacle often millions of people, 
 prosperous and happy under a free government, whosejiipral 
 Strength consists in the courage and intelligence of its citizens. 
 These milfions welcome you to tlie shores of the West with 
 spontaneous unanimity; and the voice which now addresses 
 you, feeble as it is, repeats but the thoughts that are ready to 
 burst from the lips of every American." 
 
 To which the General made the following very appropriate 
 and affecting reply : — 
 
 " On my happy return to this shore of liberty, I had antici- 
 pated the pleasure to revisit the town of Salem, to witness her 
 so much increased prosperity, to recall with surviving old friends, 
 our revolutionary recollections. But in the affectionate wel- 
 come of the new generations, I find additional causes for de- 
 lightful gratification. 
 
 " You have been pleased, Sir, to allude to several circum- 
 
388 THK TO UK Of 
 
 Stances of my liie. The first of them I have shared in common 
 \Arith my dear companions during our American glorious strug- 
 gle. In the transactions of another hemisphere, I have made 
 it a constant object not to be unworthy of the American educa^ 
 tion it had been my happy lot to receive. 
 
 " I request you, Sir, the gentlemen of the committee, and 
 all the citizens of Salem, to accept of the respectful thanks of 
 a grateful and very anciently affectionate heart." 
 
 A very impressive circumstance occurred in the delivery of 
 the Honourable President's address, which produced an electric 
 effect upon all present ; after enumerating the distinguished 
 benefits conferred upon our country by Lafayette, he said, " we 
 /could not forget them if we would — we would not forget them if 
 vvve could." — A spontaneous ascent was immediately returned 
 by the crowd. No, never ! and was repeated by thousands of 
 voices accompanied by deafening shouts of applause. The 
 General was then introduced to the citizens of the town, and 
 other gentlemen, among whom were several revolutionary 
 officers and soldiers, who had come from various parts of the 
 country to welcome their old General, who recalled to his me- 
 mory many striking incidents which occurred in the revolution- 
 ary war, in different parts of the country while they were serv- 
 ing under his command. At 3 o'clock the General was es- 
 corted to Hamilton Hall by the battalion of Light Infantry. 
 
 A company of about three hundred gentlemen, with their 
 invited guests, partook of a very sumptuous dinner at the Hall, 
 at which the Honourable Judge Story presided. 
 
 This spacious and elegant Hall (which bears the name of 
 the lamented friend of Lafayette,) was decorated with great 
 taste and elegance by the ladies of Salem, who contributed 
 their share to the preparations for this welcome visit. The 
 whole efTect was beyond our power of description. The 
 Orchestra was ornamented with wreaths and festoons of flow- 
 ers and ever-greens, encircling the inscriptions — 
 Welcome, welcome, be the brave 
 To the homes he fought to save. 
 
 Lafayette, our friend in times which tried men's souls. 
 
 La Grange. 
 
 Lafayette in America ; 
 
 Ou peut on etre mieux 
 
 Qu' au sein de sa famille. 
 
 Under the Orchestra was suspended a golden harp, beauti- 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 389 
 
 
 fully ornamented. Jn a recess above the chair of our distin^ 
 guished guest was a bust of Washington, crowned with an olive 
 wreath, the American Eagle holding a crown over the head of 
 Lafayette, and an elegant arch supported by columns contain- 
 ing the names of the Presidents of the United States. 
 
 On each side of this were triumphal arches, and all were 
 decorated with wreaths of flowers and ever-greens. 
 
 Inscriptions were displayed in other parts of the hall ; among 
 them the following : — 
 
 Hail, gallant chief, our country's early friend, 
 Long life be thine, and brightening to the end. 
 Though France claim thy birth, here at home shall thou be, 
 For thine is the love of the brave and the free. 
 
 The columns were ornamented with WTcaths of oak-leaves, 
 and the room was hung with festoons of flowers, ever-greens, 
 and flags. The elegant chandelier and lamps, mirrors and 
 window-curtains, were beautifully encircled with wreaths and 
 festoons. Flowers, plants, and rich and beautiful paintings, 
 were distributed in various places. The whole arrangement 
 discovered great taste and elegance. 
 
 Among the invited guests, were the son and suite of our illus- 
 trious guest. General Dearborn, his Excellency the Colombian 
 Minister, Colonel Pickering and Colonel Lee, of the revolu- 
 tionaiy army, Colonel Harris and Everett, aids of his excellen- 
 cy die Governor, General H. A. S. Dearborn, General Win- 
 gate, of Portland, and the ordained clergy of the town. 
 
 About half past 5 o'clock General Lafayette took leave of 
 the company at the Hall, attended by a deputation from the 
 Committee of Arrangements, who were instructed to accom- 
 pany him to Ipswich, but the General entreated the committee 
 to dispense with this attention, on account of the inclemency of 
 the weather, and he was escorted out of town by the battalion 
 of cavalry. 
 
 At Beverly and Ipswich he received from the assembled in- 
 habitants, the same cordial welcome with which he had been 
 greeted in other towns, through which he passed. The select- 
 men of these places waited on him, and offered him the con- 
 gratulations of their fellow citizens ; the people greeted him 
 with repeated cheers of " welcome, welcome, Lafayette ;" and 
 arches were erected at several public places, containing appro- 
 priate mottos. The houses of the villages through which he 
 passed, after the evening set in, were brilliantly illuminated. 
 
3Q0 THE TOUR UV 
 
 The following address was delivered at Beverly, by the 
 Honourable Robert Ranloul : — 
 
 " General — The inhabitants of Beverly bid you welcome. 
 We welcome you to our country — that country which owes so 
 much to your aid ip the acquisition of her independence. We 
 receive you not merely as the friend of our beloved country, but 
 as the friend of man. Your labours, your sacrifices, your suf- 
 ferings in the cause of liberty, demand our gratitude. Tyrants 
 receive the commanded adulation of their slaves, but to tlie 
 benefactors of our race belong the spontaneous effusions of our 
 hearts. Accept our sincere congratulations that you live to 
 witness the order, the prosperity, the happiness that results 
 from our free insthutions ; and may the evening of your days 
 be solaced with the reflection that those principles of govern- 
 ment, to the support of which your life' has been devoted, and 
 which alone can secure the enjoyment of rational liberty, are 
 fast spreading their influence through the whole family of man. 
 Wishing you long life and uninterrupted happiness, we bid you 
 farewell." 
 
 It was evening when he arrived at Ipswich, and the weather 
 was very inclement. The iphabitants had, therefore, assem- 
 bled in the meeting-house to receive him. Thither he was 
 conducted by a committee of the town ; and on his entrance, 
 he was greeted with great exultation and joy. One of the 
 committee addressed him as follows : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — Accept from the people of Ipswich, 
 their cordial congratulations on your arrival in their country, 
 and within their own borders. To this ancient town, Sir, we 
 bid you a joyful welcome. 
 
 " Having devoted to our beloved country, in her weak and 
 critical situation, the vigour of your youth and the resources of 
 a mind intent on the cause of freedom and humanity, and com- 
 mitted to a common lot with her, your own destinies, that 
 country can never forget the services you rendered, and the 
 sacrifices you incurred, for her defence and protection, when 
 assailed by overbearing power. 
 
 " We rejoice in having an opportunity of presenting ourselves 
 in this house, consecrated to the worship of the God of our 
 fatliers, who has kindly raised up friends and patrons of the 
 cause of our country and of liberty, to pay to you our grateful 
 respect for your eminent labours. 
 
 " Most of those who acted in, or witnessed the great scenes 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 301 
 
 in which you bore so conspicuous a part, have now descended 
 to the tombs of their fathers. The present generation can re- 
 hearse only what they have heard with Uaeir ears, and their 
 fathers have told them. But the name of Lafayette is not 
 confbied to any generation. While the liberties of America 
 shall endure, it will descend from father to son, associated with 
 those of the immortal Washington, and other heroes and sages 
 of our revolution, as the friend of our country, of liberty, and 
 of man. 
 
 " Illustrious benefactor — may the blessings of heaven ever 
 attend you, and may your remaining days be as happy, as your 
 past have been perilous, usefid, and honourable." 
 
 To which the General made the following reply : — 
 
 " Sir — The attentions paid me by my American friends, I 
 receive with inexpressible gratitude. I regret that so many of 
 my friends here, should be exposed on my account to this storm. 
 1 have ever considered it my pride and my honour, diat I em- 
 barked in the cause of Independence in this country ; and I 
 rejoiced when I found myself again landed on the American 
 shores. You, kind Sir, the people of this town, and all who 
 are assembled in this solemn place, will please to accept my 
 thanks for this expression of your attachment, and receive my 
 best wishes for your individual prosperity and happiness." 
 
 He reached Newburyport a little past 10 o'clock, where he 
 passed the night. His lodgings were the same which Wash- 
 ington occupied, when he made his tour through the northern 
 states, in 1789, the first year of his presidency. The follow- 
 ing address was made to him, by tlie chairman of a committee 
 of that town : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — The citizens of Newburyport are 
 happy in this opportunity of greeting, with the warmest wel- 
 come, a distinguished benefactor of their country. 
 ^ " The important services which you rendered this people \ 
 in the day of their distress ; the devotedness which you mani- | 
 fested in their perilous cause, and tlje_dangers which you sought , 
 for their relief, are incoi-porated in our history, and firmly en- / 
 grav^en upon our hearts. '^ 
 
 " We would lead you to our institutions of learning, charity,^ 
 and religion ; we would point you to our hills and valleys co- 1 
 vered with flocks, and smiling in abundance, that you may! 
 behold the happy effects of those principles of liberty, whichi 
 you was so instrumental in establishing. J 
 
392 THE TOUK OF 
 
 ^^"' " Our children cluster about you to receive a patriot's bless- 
 / ing. Our citizens press forward to show their gratitude. Our 
 1 nation pays you a tribute, which must remove the reproach 
 \that republics are ungrateful. 
 
 " As the zealous advocate for civil liberty, we bid you wel- 
 come ; as the brave defender of an oppressed people, we make 
 you welcome ; as the friend and associate of our immortal 
 Washington, we bid you welcome." 
 
 General Lafayette replied in his usually courteous and ani- 
 mated manner, and evinced his great sensibility to the kind and 
 friendly greetings with which he had been received. He here 
 also met several veterans of the revolutionary army ; a gratifi- 
 cation which he enjoyed in almost every place he visited. 
 Though the number is rapidly lessening, a few remain in most 
 of the populous towns of the Commonwealth. 
 
 One of those presented to General Lafayette at this place, 
 was Mr. Daniel Foster, one of the non-commissioned officers 
 of the Light Infantry corps, commanded by " the Marquis" in 
 1780, and who brought with him the cutlass which he then 
 gave to the non-commissioned officers of the select corps. 
 [He also made a present of a handsome cut-and-thrust sword 
 to each Officer of the Light Infantry, his favourite corjj5."] 
 The General greeted the old soldier with cordiality, and on 
 seeing his own mark on the blade, assured him he looked upon 
 him as "one of his own family." 
 
 He left Newburyport Wednesday morning for the capital of 
 New-Hampshire. The escort contemplated to have attended 
 him on his way to the bounds of the state, was prevented by 
 the heavy rain. It was at his urgent request that it was dispensed 
 with. The committee of the town, however, acconjpanied him 
 to Hampton, where he was met by a deputation from Ports- 
 mouth, and conducted on his intended route. When passing 
 through Greenland, a procession of the citizens was formed, by 
 which he was attended through the village. Here he was wel- 
 comed also by salutes from an artillery company, by civic 
 arches, and repeated acclamations of tlie assembled people. 
 One of the arches was supported by two young ladies, repre- 
 senting Liberty and Peace. One presented him with a wreath, 
 adorned with flowers, and said, " Venerable sire, condescend to 
 receive this emblem of the heroes glory, as the token of a nation's 
 gratitude and love.^* The other presented him the olive 
 branch, savins;, " Good and peaceful servant, peace and happi- 
 
GENERAL LAFAVr-TTE. S93 
 
 ness await youy He received tliese witli complacency, took 
 each young lady by the hand, and made an affectionate reply. 
 
 He then proceeded to Portsmouth, where he arrived about 
 noon. He was conducted into this town by an escort on horse- 
 back, and a procession of carriages, composed of the civil, ju- 
 dicial, and legislative authorities ; officers of the United States, 
 and of New-Hampshire, &;c. &;c. The margin of the avenue 
 leading to the centre of the town, was lined with children, with 
 the inhabitants of both sexes in the rear ; who greeted him with 
 their cordial welcomes and repeated acclamations. Salutes 
 were fired, and the streets through which the procession 
 passed, were crowned with arches, decorated with wreaths 
 of ever-green and garlands of flowers. The procession moved 
 through several streets to Franklin Hall : and here when 
 General Lafayette alighted, the chairman of the Selectmen 
 addressed him thus : — 
 
 " Sir— The Selectmen of Portsmouth, in behalf of their 
 fellow citizens, most respectfully and heartily bid you wel- 
 come. 
 
 " Enjoying, as we do, the happiness of a free government, 
 we cannot but feel grateful to all, by whose exertions it was 
 obtained. Those intrepid men among ourselves, who in the 
 hour of danger stood forth in defence of their country's rights, 
 have a lasting claim upon our regard. But in contending for 
 the liberty of their country, they were striving to secure their 
 own happiness, and the prosperity of their children. They 
 found a motive for exertion in their own interest ; which, while 
 it derogates nothing from the value of their services, places in 
 light, the pure zeal and Contempt of private advantage, which 
 led you to our aid, from tne shores of a foreign land. Their 
 love of liberty was necessarily the sentiment of patriotism ; 
 yours was an ardent desire for the general welfare of man- 
 kind. 
 
 " After an absence of forty years from our country, most of 
 which have been passed in scenes of unexampled excitement 
 and perplexity, it gives us peculiar pleasure to find you still the 
 firm and consistent friend of liberal principles. We have 
 watched the progress of your eventful life with unaffected sym- 
 pathy ; whether at the head of the National Guards, in the 
 dungeons of Magdeburg and Olmutz, in the Chamber of De- 
 puties, we have found nothing to lessen our esteem for the 
 early friend of America. 
 
394 THK TOUR OF 
 
 " Permit us then to receive you as our guest ; and to pay 
 you such honours as are in our power to bestow. They are 
 the voluntary tribute of warm and grateful hearts. We wish 
 our children to Team, that eminent virtue affords the highest 
 claim to honourable distinction ; and that among a free people, 
 merit will not fail of its appropriate reward. 
 
 " We beg you to accept our sincere wishes for your health 
 and happiness, and our prayers will be offered, that your ex- 
 ample may animate the wise and good in every nation, to con- 
 tend manfully and perseveringly for the freedom and happiness 
 of the world." 
 
 To which the General made the following reply : — 
 
 " Gentlemen — It would have been to me an inexpressible 
 gratification on this first visit to the eastern parts of the Union, 
 after so long an absence, to have been able to present the se- 
 veral tovras of New-Hampshire with my personal respect, and 
 to have witnessed the great improvement of a State, to which 
 I am bound by early sentiments of attachment and gratitude. 
 
 " Obliged, as I find myself, to take a southern course to- 
 wards the seat of government, at Washington, I am happy to 
 revisit, at least, the town of Portsmouth, where the remem- 
 brance of past favours mingles with most grateful feelings for 
 your present affectionate and flattering reception. 
 
 " I thank you, gentlemen, for your constant concern in my 
 behalf, during the vicissitudes to which you are pleased to allude. 
 The approbation of a free, virtuous, and enlightened people, 
 would be the highest reward for any one who knows how to 
 value true glory; still more so, when it is bestowed on an 
 adopted son. , 
 
 " To the citizens of Portsmouth and their worthy Select- 
 men, I offer my most respectful and affectionate acknowledg- 
 ments." 
 
 Governor Morril gave him the hearty welcome of the State, 
 in the following address : — 
 
 " General — Forty years have rolled away since you left this 
 asylum of liberty, for your country. During this eventful pe- 
 riod our cities have advanced, and villages have been reared ; 
 but our Langdon, our Chilley, our Poor, our Sullivan, and our 
 Washington, have passed from the stage of human action, and 
 are gone to the land of their fathers. Although they are gone,A 
 their sons survive, and the patriotism and love of liberty which , 
 animated their breasts, and excited them to those glorious acts,y 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 39-5 
 
 A 
 
 uring our revolution, in which you, Sir, shone so conspicu-'' 
 ously, are now cherished in the bosoms of their posterity ; — and 
 we rejoice to be numbered among them ; — and in the name of 
 the patriotic citizens of New-Hampshire generally, allow me to 
 say, that it is with no ordinary emotions we receive and wel 
 come you to our State. 
 
 " We receive you. Sir, as the friend of our nation, of liberty, 
 and the rights of man. 
 
 " We welcome you as the magnanimous hero, who in early 
 life, from the most pure and disinterested motives, quitted your 
 native country, and repaired to these Colonies, then the seat of 
 war, (contending for independence,) to embark in the struggle 
 for the preservation of those rights, and the achievement of those 
 privileges, which are more precious to the patriot than life 
 itself. And, Sir, it is our ardent desire, that the gratitude of 
 republics, but more especially of the Republic of the United 
 States, and the smiles of Heaven, may rest upon you to the last 
 period of your life." 
 
 The General, in his characteristic reply, alluded very affec- 
 tionately to his departed associates ; and the interesting changes 
 which had taken place since he left the country. It is not ne- 
 cessary to add, that he expressed with emotion his acknow- 
 ledgments for the cordiality of his welcome. 
 
 Numerous presentations took place ; — of which were at 
 least thirty old soldiers. These scenes are always in the 
 highest degree interesting and affecting. They are all heart. 
 He recognised General Smith, of Portland, who served as 
 Captain in his favourite Light Infantry for three years. On 
 clasping the hands of these associates in perils and adversity, he 
 continually repeats, " 1 am very happyy The dinner was 
 sumptuous. — The Hon. Mr. Parrott presided, assisted by N. A. 
 Haven, E. Cutts, jun. E. G. Parrott, L. Boardman, B. Pen- 
 hallaw, E. Roberts, W. M. Shackford, and S. Larkin, Esq'rs. 
 
 The President associated " General Lafayette and the 
 Rights of Man." 
 
 General Lafayette responded — " the town of Portsmouth — \ 
 May the blessings of the republican institutions ever give the lie 
 to the narrow, selfish sophistry of European Aristocracy and 
 Despotism." •^ 
 
 There was a very splendid ball in the evening, in honour 
 of Lafayette, which he attended, and where a great number 
 
396 THE TULK OF 
 
 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 route 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 Bolton, on his way to Worcester. He left Boston at about 
 two o'clock, in a carriage provided by the State for his ac- 
 commodation, 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 express- 
 ed 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 assured 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. 
 
 Wlien he passed through West Cambridge, the whole popu- 
 lation of the town were assembled to honour the friend and 
 guest of the nation, and to gratify their patriotic feelings by be- 
 holding this justly celebrated personage. 
 
 The civic arch which extended across the road near the 
 meeting-house, in West Cambridge, bore this inscription : — 
 " Welcome ! Friend of Washington ! 
 Fayette ! Fair Freedom's champion !" 
 
 Artillery corps stationed on the eminences adjoining the 
 public road saluted him as he passed ^ and the country rung 
 with loud huzzas and joyful acclamaftons. 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 passed under an arch, bearing this inscription : — 
 " Welcome, friend of America, to the birth-place of American 
 libertyy Salutes were again fired, and he was then conduct- 
 ed to the monument erected in memorv of the attack of the 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 397 
 
 British troops upon the militia of that place, April 19th, 1775. 
 He was here welcomed and addressed by E. Phinney, Esq. 
 in behalf of the town, as follows : — 
 
 " General — In behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, 
 and the inhabitants of Lexington, allow me, Sir, to tender you 
 the assurance of their most respectful and cordial welcome to 
 this town. Impressed with a sense of the important services 
 you have rendered to this country, they meet you on this oc- 
 casion, and upon this memorable spot, with hearts swelling with j 
 every emotion which a generous love for your exalted character, j 
 and a grateful remembrance of the distinguished lustre of your / 
 deeds, can inspire. 
 
 " On this hallowed ground, consecrated by the blood of the 
 first martyrs to liberty, was kindled that flame which roused a 
 nation to arms, and conducted them through peril and blood, 
 to a glorious independence. Here a small band of patriots, .' 
 hurled the first signal of defiance to a host in arms, and taught j 
 the enemies of their country, the appaling truth, that Ameriy 
 cans dared to die in defence of their rights. 
 
 " These hardy and viituous yeomanry of our country, offer 
 you the sincere tribute of their warmest affections, Among^^ 
 them, your presence has awakened emotions too powerful for^/ 
 utterance. With the name of Lafayette, is associated everj' 
 comfort which sweetens the fruit of their toil, every charm 
 which crowns the altar of domestic happiness. Under the 
 shadow of that glorious fabric, which your hand assisted in 
 rearing, they repose in peace and security. 
 
 " Permit us. Sir, in common with grateful millions, to ex- >.,, 
 press our earnest solicitations, that a life which has, for so j 
 many years, been steadily devoted to the cause of rational \ 
 liberty ; which has so long encountered without dismay the ) 
 frowns of arbitrary power, may be preserved for many years / 
 to come, a blessing and an honour to mankind ; and when j 
 you, Sir, and your brave associates in the war of the revolu- 
 tion, shall have ceased from your earthly labours, instead of the / 
 Fathers, may their children rise up to bless your memorv/ 
 and emulate your virtues." 
 
 The General in his reply, alluded with sensibility to the 
 pleasure he felt in being able so early to visit scenes so 
 memorable. 
 
 Near the monument, he was introduced to fourteen of the 
 militia companv, which had assembled at that time, and on 
 
398 THE TOUR OF 
 
 whom the regular troops fired, when eight of the number were 
 slain. 
 
 After this very interesting scene, General Lafayette pro- 
 ceeded to Concord, and was met at the line, between that 
 place and Lexington, by a committee of the town, and a re- 
 spectable cavalcade of the intelligent yeomanry of the vicinity; 
 there was also an escort composed of several companies of the 
 militia. The procession thus formed, moved towards the vil- 
 lage, and the disinterested visiter was conducted to a spacious 
 bower, prepared for his reception, and tastefully decorated with 
 ever-greens 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 sexes, 
 who had assembled 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 arbour — " In 1775, the people of 
 Concord met the enemies of liberty ; In 1 824, they welcome the 
 hold asserter of the rights of man, Lafayette." A sumptu- 
 ous 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 arbour, one of 
 the citizens addressed him in 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 gratitude, 
 for services long since rendered, but still held in Hvely recol- 
 lection. You, Sir, now behold the spot on which the first 
 forcible resistance was made toasystemof 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 par- 
 ticipate with strangers in tlie toils, the privations, and the dan- 
 gers of an arduous contest. From the 19th day of April, 1775; 
 here noted in blood, to the memorable day in Yorktown, yourj 
 heart and your sword were widi us. Ten millions of grateful 
 people now enjoy the fruits of this struggle. We can but re- 
 peat to you. Sir, the cordial, affectionate, respectful welcome i 
 offered you at your first arrival on our shores, and which we 
 are assured will be reiterated wherever you move on American ■ 
 ground." 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 399 
 
 The General was, as usual, extremely happy in his reply, 
 and alluded with sensibility to the memorable scenes of April 
 19th, 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 minis- 
 terial troops of Britain. He said " it was the alarm gun to all 
 Europe and to the world ; for it was the signal, which summon- 
 ed the civilized world to assert their rights, and to become 
 free." 
 
 The visit at Concord was necessarily short, as he had en- 
 gaged to pass 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 assembled to re- 
 ceive 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 passed the night at the hospitable 
 mansion of Mr. Wilder, where taste, variety, and elegance, con- 
 tributed to render his reception very distinguished. Mr. Wil- 
 der had resided much in France, and was particularly acquaint- 
 ed 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 com- 
 municate the desires of the people, to present him their tribute 
 of affection and regard. 
 
 He visited Lancaster early on Friday morning, .where all 
 classes of the inhabitants were assembled to bid him welcome, 
 and to express the affectionate sentiments by which their glow- 
 ing bosoms were animated. A corps of cavalry still escorted 
 him — a national salute was fired — and the turnpike gate, at the 
 
400 THE TOUR OK 
 
 entrance of the village, was ornamented with garlands of flow- 
 ers and ever-greens, and displayed this inscription : — " The 
 Free welcome the Brave." He was conducted through lines, 
 formed by the citizens of both sexes, 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 Lan- 
 caster, I offer you their cordial congratulations on your arrival 
 in a country, whose wrongs you felt and resented ; whose liber- 
 ties you so valiantly defended ; and whose interests and pros- 
 pects have always been dear to your soul. 
 
 " We all unite with die 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 resi- 
 dence 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 participate in your joy, on beholding our 
 institutions in vigour, 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 assure you that 
 wherever you shall go, you will be greeted by our fellow coun- 
 trymen, 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 ap- 
 / plauses of dying men shall cease to reach or affect you, you 
 may receive from the Judge of character and Dispenser of im- 
 1 perishable honours, as the reward of philanthropy and incor- 
 ^-iuptible integrity, a crown of glory which shall never fade." 
 
 It is unnecessary to add, that this eloquent and pious greet- 
 ing excited strong emotions in the General, and had an impres- 
 sive effect on the assemblage 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 nnmo of the inhabitants of Lancaster. In 
 
GENERAL LAFAVETTE. 401 
 
 returning to this country aftei- so long an absence ; in receiving 
 such proofs of gratitude and affection wherever I go ; in wit- 
 nessing the prosperity of this land — a prosperity you are pleas- 
 ed 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. " 
 
 The surviving soldiers of the revolution were then intro- 
 duced to him, and were received with those cordial and touch- 
 ing feelings, which cannot be described. He noticed with 
 affability the interest which the ladies discovered in pressing 
 forward to greet him. After receiving attentions, and recipro- 
 cating heart-felt delight, for about fifteen minutes, he remount- 
 ed his carriage, and pursued his journey, amidst cordial huzzas 
 and a salute- of artillery. 
 
 His approach to the flourishing village of Sterling was an- 
 nounced by a salute of artillery, and he was introduced by two 
 beautiful companies of Light Infantry, under Captain Dana, of 
 Sterling, and Captain Merriam, of Princeton. Under a spa- 
 cious arch of ever-greens and flowers, bearing a label in gold 
 capitals, 
 
 "welcome Lafayette; 
 Amei'icci's adopted Son, 
 Brother and friend of Washington. 
 Our land in trouble fpund a friend in thee, 
 We'll not forget thefe in prosperity." 
 
 He was met by the Selectmen, who, by their Chairman, Mr. 
 Isaac Goodwin, addressed him as follows : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — The Selectmen in behalf of the citi- 
 zens of Sterling, welcome your arrival at their village. The 
 name of this town associates with it the recollection of another 
 transatlantic hero, who hke yourself, Sir, felt a sympathy for 
 our father's wrongs, and whose sword was unsheathed for their 
 redress. Lord Sterling, the gallant and the generous, now 
 sleeps in the dust, but the memory of America's benefactors 
 will survive the decay of time. The multitudes that hail your 
 march through this part of our country are not the assemblages 
 of idle crowds, seeking to gratify a morbid curiosity, but. Sir, 
 the men around you are the independent possessors of t,heir 
 
402 THK TULU uF 
 
 fields, and the defenders of iheir homes. tVom hoary age t> 
 lisping childhood, our whole population are eager of contribut- 
 ing deserved honours to the companion of Washington, the 
 benefactor of our country, and the friend of mankind." 
 
 To which, in substance, the General replied : — 
 
 " I feel grateful for my kind reception here. I rejoice in 
 your prosperity, and am happy to be among you. The name 
 of your town recalls the recollection of Lord Sterling. He was 
 my intimate friend as well as companion in arms. I venerate 
 his memory, and when in New- York I had the pleasure of call- 
 ing upon his family." 
 
 After reviewing the troops composed of Artilleiy, command- 
 ed by Captain Maynard, Light Infantry, and Infantry, the lat- 
 ter commanded by -Captain Holcomb, he continued his 
 journey. 
 
 At West Boylston his welcome was cordial and gratifying ; 
 although his stop was necessarily very short. Another corps 
 of cavalry, under Captain Estabrook, joined the splendid mili- 
 tary escort. He was accompanied the whole distance from 
 Boylston to Worcester by many citizens from the neighbouring 
 towns. 
 
 The General entered the limits of Worcester about half past 
 10 o'clock, and was welcomed by a general burst of joy from 
 a large body of citizens. Here, a barouche drawn by four 
 beautiful grays was in readiness to receive him. He was ac- 
 companied in the barouche by the Honourable John Lincoln, 
 Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements. 
 
 On the road the escort was joined by a regiment of volun- 
 teer Infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Ward. The road was 
 thronged with people, all eager to greet the welcome Visiter. 
 When the Guest arrived at an arch of colours, near Doctor 
 Paine's residence, he was welcomed by a salute, the ringing of, 
 the bells, and increased cheerings of the accumulated popula- 
 tion. The gray-headed Veterans of the Revolution, regardless 
 of ceremony, pressed up to the barouche to shake hands as he 
 passed along. Upon Court hill he passed under a triumphal 
 arch, so tastefully decorated by the Ladies as to attract the 
 admiration of all who saw it. The children of the Schools, 
 ranged in interesting order, and ornamented with Lafayette 
 badges, threw laurels iu liis path, as he passed. These scenes 
 are always peculiarly impressive on the heart. On a string of 
 colours, extended across the street near the Bank, was the 
 
GENERAL I.AVAYETTK. 403 
 
 historical motto : — Hitherto I leave only cherished your cause, 
 NOW I go to serve it^ Alluding to his reply to the American 
 Commissioners in France, in 1776. Underneath were inscrib- 
 ed :— 
 
 " Brandywine, Jamestown, Valley-Forge, Yorktown." 
 - At these spots the cheering was increased and prolonged. 
 
 He took breakfast, by previous invitation given at Bolton, with 
 Judge Lincoln's Lady, whose spacious mansion, elegantly de- 
 corated, had been thrown open, and was filled to overflow- 
 ing with Ladies, who greeted their Country's Benefactor with 
 smiles and tears, while their handkerchiefs were waved in 
 token of welcome. Before breakfasting, Judge Lincoln de- 
 livered in an animated and impressive manner, the following 
 address : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — 
 
 " The citizens whom you see assembled around you, have 
 spontaneously tlvonged together, to offer you the tribute of 
 their affection, their respect, their gratitude. 
 
 " In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the shire of 
 an extensive county of more than 75,000 population, in behalf 
 of all who are present, and. in anticipation of the commands 
 of those, whom distance and want of opportunity occasion to 
 be absent from this joyous scene, I repeat to you the saluta- 
 tions, which elsewhere have been so impressively offered, 
 upon your arrival in this country, and your visit to this Com- 
 monwealth. Welcome, most cordially welcome, to the pre- 
 sence of those who now greet you ! 
 
 " Your name, Sir, is not only associated with the memorable 
 events of the American Revolution, with the Battle of Bran- 
 dywine, the retreat from Va-lley-Forge, the affair near James- 
 town, 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 Institutions and Laws, the 
 arts, improvements, liberty, and happiness, which are enjoyed. 
 The Sword was beaten into the Plough-share to cultivate the 
 soil which its temper had previously defended, and the hill-tops 
 shall now echo to the sea-shore the gratulations of the in- 
 dependent proprietors of the land, to the common Benefactor 
 of all ranks and classes of the people. 
 
 " Wherever you go. General, the acclamations of Freemen 
 await you — their blessings and prayers will follow you. May 
 
404 THE TOUR OF 
 
 /you live many } ears to enjoy the fruils of the services and 
 / sacrifices, the gallantry and valour of your earlier days, devot- 
 / ed to the cause of freedom and the rights of m&n ; and may 
 I the bright examples of individual glory and of National happi- 
 1 ness, which the history of America exhibits, illustrate 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 die Inhabi- 
 tants of the town and county of Worcester — that he was de- 
 lighted 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 institutions — that he was es- 
 pecially 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 assured of his affec- 
 tionate 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." 
 
 After the introduction of numerous Ladies, the troops paid 
 him their honours, and received evidence of liis satisfaction at 
 their soldier-like appearance and conduct. He resumed his 
 journey between 2 and 3 o'clock, and was accompanied by 
 .the Committee of Arrangements some miles on his way. On\ 
 ; this occasion, speaking of the attentions he received, he re- I 
 "; marked, " It is the homage you pay to the principles of you;;- 
 government, and not to ?ne." 
 
 A company of Cavalry was sent from Sturbridge to escort 
 the General from Charlton, and a company of Artillery was 
 paraded to give him the usual salute. As soon as he came 
 within sight of the village, which was about two miles distant, 
 the marshals of the day arranged the Ladies and Citizens in 
 columns two deep, and ten or twelve feet distant, extending 
 from Porter's Stage-house across the Common, and continu- 
 ing some distance down the turnpike. Where the road 
 meets the Common, (wo ])illars had been erected about thirty 
 
' GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 405 
 
 feet in height, which supported a line tastefully ornamented 
 with ever-greens, festoons, flowers, and flags. Rows of ever- 
 greens were planted, forming a beautiful walk, within which 
 the spectators were arranged. As the Marquis and his suite 
 came up to the head of the procession, he was received from 
 his coach by a committee, and introduced to a few citizens, 
 when he proceeded up the procession, attended by a band of 
 music, his suite, the delegation from Worcester, the Clergy, 
 and Committee of Arrangements ; the columns of spectators 
 remaining on their posts. At a signal, cheers were given with 
 all the ardour of enthusiastic patriotism. During the intervals 
 there was a profound silence, and the most perfect order, except 
 the reiterated echo of " Welcome Lafayette, Friend of 
 America," &z;c. announced by single voices. 
 
 Near the middle of the procession, and within the lines, were 
 arranged a large company of revolutionary officers and soldiers, 
 some of whom had served under Lafayette. To each one the 
 General was introduced. The scene was touching. As they 
 grasped the hand of the venerable Hero, in a number of in- 
 stances the tear was seen to roll down the furrowed cheek of 
 the veteran soldier. Many seemed unable to reply to the kind 
 expressions of their beloved Marquis, who himself was deeply 
 affected. A thrill of feeling indescribably tender pervaded the 
 numerous spectators. A number of ladies there had the opportu- 
 nity of taking him by the hand, who were in numerous instances 
 melted to tears at the expressions of his kind regards, together 
 with the interesting associations which his presence awakened. 
 A company of small misses dressed in white, and decorated 
 with garlands and flowers, attracted his attention, and reached 
 out their little hands to be received in his. He then passed 
 into the house amidst the most animated cheers and a thousand 
 benedictions. — The whole was a scene of feeling, in which all 
 the people seemed to be wrought up to the extreme of exqui- 
 site emotion. Never did we witness any thing that wore so 
 much the aspect of the moral sublime. Gratitude, veneration, 
 sympathy, and affection, all combining in vigorous exercise, 
 created a state of mind, such as very rarely exists, and which 
 can be better conceived than described. 
 
 General Lafayette was to have been received on the northern 
 line of Connecticut by a troop of horse from Tolland county, 
 but it being uncertain what time he would be detained on the 
 road, the troops after waitins; a suitable time returned to their 
 
406 THK TOUK OK 
 
 homes. Fourteen miles from Hartford he was met by the first 
 company of Governor's Horse Guards, commanded by Major 
 Hart. The General was expected in town on Friday evening, 
 and preparations were made to illuminate Morgan-street, Main- 
 street, and State House Square, the commencement of which 
 was to have been announced to the citizens by two discharges 
 of artillery. The evening was dark and rainy ; but notwith- 
 standing the unfavourable circumstance, our streets were 
 crowded with anxious and inquisitive spectators, consisting not 
 only of our citizens, but visiters from a distance and the sur- 
 rounding country. About 12 o'clock a discharge of guns from 
 the out skirts of the town, or from East-Hartford, (for we 
 could not say which,) announced, as was supposed by many, 
 the approach of the General. " He is coming," was shouted by 
 thousands — instantly the houses and stores of many of our citi- 
 zens, particularly about State House Square, presented the most 
 grand and beautiful display of the light that can be imagined. 
 The Hartford Bank, from the taste with which it was decorat- 
 ed, and the brilliant light which broke through from the win- 
 dows attracted numerous spectators ; the elegant columns of 
 free stone in front of the building were entwined with wi'eaths 
 of ever-green, interspersed with flowers of various colours, and 
 the doors arched and festooned with similar materials. A su- 
 perb arch was erected on the west side of the State House, 
 adorned with ever-greens ; upon a transparent ground was in- 
 scribed " Welcome Lafayette'''' — within the scroll, at one end 
 of the arch, was the inscription " York- Town'''' — upon the other 
 '■'■ ^dftnmouth.''^ This transparent painting was brilliantly illu- 
 minated. The State House and Phenix Bank, with many 
 elegant mansions in different parts of the city, where prepara- 
 tions were made for a brilliant display of fire works, were dis- 
 appointed in this expression of joy, by the arrival of a messen- 
 ger, about one o'clock, with the intelligence that the General 
 would sleep at Stafford, about twenty-six miles from the town 
 — the lights were suddenly extinguished, and the citizens retir- 
 ed to rest for the night. The sound of cannon again aroused us 
 from sleep at dawn of day, and though the weather continued 
 inclement, people poured into the city through every street. 
 About 10 o'clock, A. M. a discharge of artillery, and the ring- 
 ing of all the bells, put it beyond a doubt that the General 
 had indeed arrived. A carriage was furnished by Daniel 
 Wadsworth, Esq. who, witli Henry L, Ellsworth, Esq. one of 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTL'. 407 
 
 the city committee, had attended him from Stafford. He 
 passed the bridge across Connecticut river attended by his son 
 George Washington Lafayette, Mr. Vasseur, his secretary, and 
 Mr. Colden, under the escort of the First Company of Horse 
 Guards. At the entrance of Morgan-street was erected an 
 elegant arch, extending across the road, composed of ever- 
 greens, with an inscription, " Our Illustrious Citizen, Lafay- 
 ette" upon canvass — this again was surmounted with American 
 colours. The procession moved up Morgan-street, to its inter- 
 section with Main-street ; here the crowded assemblage of citi- 
 zens commenced the acclamations of " Welcome Lafayette.^' 
 As the General with his escort moved leisurely down Main- 
 street, towards the State-House, shouts "of loud huzzas greeted 
 him at eveiy step. The General answered this tribute of joy 
 with bows and smiles, and a waving of the hand — he alighted 
 at Bennet's Hotel, where he was received by the Mayor of the 
 City, and His Excellency Governor Wolcott. The following 
 address was presented by the Mayor in behalf of the city cor- 
 poration : — 
 
 "General Lafayette — In behalf of my fellow-citizens, I 
 bid you a cordial Welcome, to the city of Hartford : a place 
 many years since honoured by your presence ; and though 
 most of those individuals, whose exertions were then united 
 with yours to effect the freedom and independence of this 
 favoured country have been removed ; still I trust you will 
 discover in their descendants the same spirit of hospitality and 
 patriotism, for which they were distinguished. 
 
 " This occasion, Sir, is peculiarly calculated to recall to ) 
 mind, those great and interesting events, which have taken \ 
 place since your first efforts in favour of an infant country, with/ 
 feeble means contending against superior and lawless powers. 
 
 " Your marshal deeds, your counsels, and personal sacrifices,\^ 
 have always been felt and acknowledged, by the people of the \ 
 United States, and esteemed as signally instrumental, in effect- j 
 ing their independence, and securing those blessings which they' 
 now enjoy. 
 
 " The best reward, for all this, I doubt not, you will find, in 
 beholding the country filled with flourishing towns and villages, 
 inhabited by freemen, possessed of the knowlede of their na- 
 tive rights, and in a condition to protect and defend them ; ex- 
 hibiting universal and unequivocal proofs of sincere affection 
 and gratitnr'o. to tlip illii^frtovs Ffpuefacfor of their country. 
 
408 THE TOUR OF 
 
 " The names of Washington and Lafayette, with the pre- 
 sent, and all future generations, will be associated, with liberty, 
 freedom, and happiness. 
 
 " While expressing these sentiments, permit me to add my 
 sincere personal wishes for your prosperity ; that your stay in 
 our country may be long and happy, and that the best of 
 Heaven's blessings may ever attend you." 
 
 At the Hotel the General partook of a repast ordered by the 
 Corporation, at which the Governor, Mayor, and Common 
 Council, with several other distinguished citizens and strangers 
 were invited guests. After resting about an hour, a barouche 
 drawn by four elegant white horses, emblematical of the joyous 
 occasion, deceived the General, accompanied by the Governor, 
 from whence they proceeded to review the troops. As the 
 carriage commenced its movements up Main-street, we were 
 struck with a reflection upon the interesting coincidence, that 
 on this very spot where stood his carriage, G-ejjeral Washington 
 j&rst met General Kochamb-eau^.. at the head, of the French 
 army, after their arrival from France to aid in the cause of the 
 revolution. Here Washington and Hamilton, and several other 
 American officers first shook hands in the presence of Lafayette, 
 with the officers of the French army. This place too, was in 
 front of the mansion where those officers conv^ened from day to 
 day to project and mature the siege of York-Town, which ended 
 in securing our independence — the parent of those joys which 
 this day lighted up the countenances of so many thousands. 
 This surely was hallowed ground. The General's carriage 
 was attended by others, in which were his son George Wash- 
 ington Lafayette, and the General's Secretary, Mr. Vasseur, 
 Mr. Colden, General Terry, and others of the Comnlittee of 
 Arrangements. As he began to move, the immense multitude 
 gave nine cheers. The military was supposed to exceed one 
 thousand, under the command of General Jolmson. We can- 
 not detail the order of the military procession, nor could we do 
 justice to their merits. It was difficult for the military to make 
 its way through tlie immense crowd ; every window was 
 crowded with ladies, waving their white handkerchiefs to the 
 General. As he passed the north line of the State-House, the 
 procession wheeled towards State-street, and having reached 
 the front of the State-House, the General with his escort alight- 
 ed and was conducted within the railing, where was an assem- 
 blage of children of alimit piiiiit hundred; the missns all dressed 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 
 
 409 
 
 in white, wearing badges with the motto, " jYous 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 I Chief sublime ! 
 Garlands bright for thee are wreath'd, 
 Vows of filial ardour breath'd, 
 Veteran's cheeks with tears are wet, 
 '^ JVous vous aimons Lafayette." 
 
 Monmouth's field is rich with bloom, 
 Where thy warriors found their tomb, 
 York-Town's heights resound no more, 
 Victor's shout our cannon roar, 
 Yet our hearts record their debt, 
 " We do love you Lafayette." 
 
 Brandy wine, whose current roU'd 
 Proud with blood of heroes bold. 
 That our country's debt shall tell, 
 That our gratitude shall swell. 
 Infant breasts 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 ! — •' JVous vous aimons Lafayette." 
 
 When our blooming cheeks shall fade, 
 Pale with time, or sorrow's shade. 
 When our clustering tresses fair, 
 Frosts of wintry age shall wear, 
 E'en till memory's sun be set, 
 " We shall love you Lafayette." 
 
 The General was tlien conducted into the Senate Chamber, 
 which was tastefully decorated with various ever-greens, where 
 the Governor addressed the General, as follows : — ^ 
 
 " Dear General — ^I rejoice in this opportunity of renewing 
 to you my salutations in this ancient capital of Connecticut, 
 where a virtuous and enlightened people, have, during nearly 
 two centuries, enjoyed republican institutions, which were 
 devised by themselves, and which have been administered by 
 agents, amiually designated by their voluntary suffrages. The 
 principles which you have advocated in council and defended 
 in the field, have been here triumphantly established, and by 
 the favour of Heaven, we hope to transmit them, unimpaired, to 
 Our latest posterity. 
 
410 THK TOUR or 
 
 " These principles are now diffused on every side, from llie 
 ocean to the high plains of the Missouri ; and from the lakes to 
 the gulf of Mexico. Over this great region, our sons and our 
 daughters, parents of future millions, are rapidly extending 
 science, religion, Industry, and all those arts which perpetuate 
 and embellish powerful communities. — Literature and com- 
 merce augment our strength and resources. We are united 
 with elevated spirits from every country, who have come here 
 to enjoy all that freedom of opinion and of action, with which 
 our own minds are imbued. You can proceed to no spot where 
 you will not be met by Patriots, who have aided your exer- 
 tions in both hemispheres, or by their admiring relations, and 
 in every class you will find an interesting proportion of French- 
 men, including numbers of the descendants of those early emi- 
 grants, who imbibed the liberal and gallant spirit of your 
 Fourth Henry. jEvery class of citizens will instantly recognise 
 in you an illustrious benefactor of the. United States, andoX, 
 mankind, and they will unite in spontaneous JJeuedictions, with 
 ardent invocations to the Supreme Being, that your life may 
 be prosperous, with a happy transition to a glorious immor- 
 tality." 
 
 The following is in substance the verbal reply of General 
 Lafayette : — 
 
 " Sir — I feel very happy in viewing such resources of 
 strength in New-England ; which resources should be cherish- 
 ed with union, as there is such a powerful opposition abroad to 
 your free principles. I am delighted with the manifestations 
 of feeling shown towards me ; — Pleased with the moral habits 
 and character of the people of the State, exhibiting in action a 
 pure Republic. I am also highly gratified with the fine ap- 
 pearance of your Military." 
 
 The ladies were introduced to the General, and taken by 
 the hand in the most affectionate manner; but the want of time 
 would not permit the introduction of a large concourse who 
 crowded at the doors for admission. From this interesting 
 ceremony, the General proceeded to review the troops, taking 
 his station upon a platform under the elegant arch, erected at 
 the west front of the State-House. The General surveyed tlie 
 troops, apparently with the attentive eye of an officer long ac- 
 customed to command. He discovered much satisfaction at 
 their elegant appearance, and was heard to say, particularly of 
 the Governor's Foot Guards, commanded by Major Olmsted 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 411 
 
 that it was equal in discipline and appearance to any company 
 he had ever seen. A company of old revolutionary officers 
 and soldiers consisting of about eighty, and commanded by 
 Judge Hillyer, passed in review near the platform, and each of 
 them shook hands with the General. It is impossible to refuse 
 tliese veterans a share in the honours of the day. There was 
 a rush from every quarter to witness this scene — many of these 
 had been wounded — some with one eye — and the health of all, 
 more or less inlpaired in the services of their country. No ! 
 Soldiers of the revolution, your country will never forget that 
 to you, under the guidance of Providence, and led on by Wash- 
 ington and Lafayette, they owe the blessings of liberty and in- 
 dependence. Several old men were introduced to the General 
 in the course of the day, whom he seemed, from their respect- 
 able deportment, to recognise as fellow-soldiers. One instance 
 was noticed in particular, where the General obsei'ved, "1 
 think. Sir, you belonged to the revolutionary corps." — " Yes, 
 Sir," was the answer. From the review of the troops, the 
 General was conducted to his barouche, and again passed down 
 Main-street to the Hotel, and from thence was escorted on foot, 
 to the mansion of Daniel Wadsworth, Esq. Here a committee 
 of gentlemen presented him with the sash worn by him at the 
 battle of Brandywine, which was used to bind up the wound 
 he received, and afterwards presented by him to General 
 Swift, of Cornwall. He thanked the gendemen who present- 
 ed it for their attention. After spreading and observing it criti- 
 cally, with a cheerful smile, he returned it to the committee. 
 The General expected to have gone through Wethersfield, 
 (where preparations had been made to receive him in a hand- 
 some manner, and under an elegant arch,) on his way to Mid- 
 dletown ; but his engagements to be in New- York, and his 
 extreme fatigue, would not allow of his complying with this 
 arrangement. The steam-boat had now been waiting for three 
 hours beyond its stated time. It became necessary to hurry 
 his departure. Having taken leave of the gentlemen and 
 ladies present, he was attended by some of the Committee of 
 Arrangements to the steam-boat, which left here about 4 
 o'clock, P. M. amidst the salutes of cannon, and the shouts of 
 thousands of gratified and grateful spectators. 
 
 The General and his suite arrived at Middletown, Upper 
 Houses, about 6 o'clock. — When the Boat first appeared, a 
 salute of 13 guns was fired. — At the landing place, he was re- 
 
412 THE TOUR OF 
 
 ceived by a deputation, consisting of thirteen distinguished 
 citizens of Middletown, with the first IMarshal ; and escorted 
 by a squadron of cavalry, commanded by Colonel R. Wilcox, 
 proceeded to the bridge which crosses the northern line of the 
 city. — He was here received by the corps of Artillery, Rifle- 
 men, and Light Infantry, under the command of Colonel Wal- 
 ter Boothe, of the 10th Regiment of Infantry, who joined in 
 escorting him to the large and elegant building occupied by 
 Mr. Charles Francis, where preparations had been made for 
 giving him an elegant dinner. The windows and tops of 
 houses were thronged with females, who were constantly wav- 
 ing their handkerchiefs, as expressive of their feelings at seeing 
 liim. On his arrival at the house, he was addressed by the 
 Mayor, to which he made an appropriate reply. After which 
 the Mayor presented him to the several members of the Com- 
 mon Council, gentlemen of the Clergy, and the veterans of the 
 Revolution. He was then persuaded to take a seat in the 
 Barouche, and was escorted through the principal streets in the 
 city ; the houses were brilliantly illuminated, and added much 
 to the magnificence of the scene. On his arrival at the Boat, 
 he was cheered by the multitude who had followed him. At 
 7 o'clock he again embarked on the beautiful Connecticut, and 
 though the evening was lowering, all the villages on the river 
 were illuminated, bands of music were playing, and cannon 
 firing. Mr. Ellsworth, one of the liberal proprietors of the 
 Boat, had also provided a band which answered the salutes 
 from the shore. Before reaching Saybrook, the weather clear- 
 ed, the moon burst forth in its calm and serene splendour, to 
 witness the enthusiasm of the ladies of that and the neighbour- 
 ing towns, who, though it was late at night, were drawn up, 
 dressed in white, on a platform, and music, cannon, and bril- 
 liant illuminations, were prepared to honour the Guest of the 
 Nation. He then tranquilly and safely descended the Sound. 
 
 CHAPTSR ZI. 
 
 PROCEEDINGS IN NE\V-YORK ON THE GENERAl's RETURN FROM 
 HIS EASTERN VISIT HIS JOURNEY UP THE HUDSON RIVER. 
 
 General Lafayette returjied from his Eastern tour, and land- 
 ed in New-York, from on board of the Steam-Boat Oliver 
 Ellsworth, September ;'>. about 1 o'clock, P. M. A national 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 413 
 
 salute was fired from the Franklin 74, at tlie Navy Yard, as 
 he passed. The citizens along the shores and wharves of East 
 River, for two miles, kept up a continued acclamation for the 
 whole distance. The Oliver Ellsworth was decorated with 
 flags, and had on board a fine band of music. He was re- 
 ceived at the Fulton-street wharf by the Committee of the 
 Corporation, and conducted to his lodgings at the City Hotel. 
 The streets were filled with people, whose anxiety to see him 
 was unabated. 
 
 Thq^annivgjsafy of the^hirth^day-nfJ^fayptfRj fhp. 6th Sep- 
 tember, vVhen he attained his 67th year, having been selected 
 by the Cincinnati veterans, to give him a dinner, he was es- 
 corted, at the appointed hour, to Washington Hal^, by the 
 Lafayette Guards. The room was splendidly and tastefully 
 decorated : over the head of the General was sprung a trium- 
 phal arch of laurels and ever-greens, in the centre of which 
 appeared a large American eagle, with a scroll in its beak 
 bearing the words " September 6th, 1757," (the day and year 
 in which he was born.) On its right, a scroll bearing, " Bran- 
 dyvvine, 11th September, 1777 ;" on its left, " York-Town, 19th 
 October, 1781." In the rear of the General's chair was plant- 
 ed the grand standard of the Society, entwined with the national 
 colour of thirteen stripes. On the right was a shield bearing a 
 rising sun ; on the left, a shield with the State Arms. In the 
 centre of the room there was a splendid star, studded with 
 others of less magnitude. From this star two broad pendants 
 from the Franklin 74, were crossed and carried to the four 
 corners of the room. At the lower end of the room was a 
 most exquisite transparency, executed by Childs, representing 
 the Goddess of Liberty, with an eagle holding a wreath of lau- 
 rels. In her left hand was a scroll with the word " welcome." 
 On its right was a column, on which was placed forty muskets, 
 forty pistols, and forty swords ; on its left a similar one ; be- 
 neath it a shield with thirteen American stripes, and thirteen 
 stars supported by two six-pounders, as likewise a coat of mail 
 of steel, such as were worn by Napoleon's cuirassiers ; and on 
 the right and left ten field drums. Around the room were 
 tastefully displayed 60 banners, bearing the names of distin- 
 guished officers of the revolution, who had fallen in battle, 
 together with the regimental standards of the corps of artillery, 
 and a number of trophies of our navy, which were handsomely 
 tendered by Captain Ro2:ers, and Lieutenant Goldsborough. 
 
414 THE TOUR pi* .'.,': 
 
 Colonel Varick, the President of the Society, presided at the 
 table, assisted by General Clarkson, Colonel Fish, General S. 
 Van Rensselaer, Colonel Troup, and several other distinguished 
 officers. 
 
 On Tuesday, at 1 1 o'clock. General Lafayette, accompanied 
 by the Mayor, the Committee, and several other members of 
 the Corporation, visited Columbia College. He was introduc- 
 ed into the College by Colonel Fish, Chairman of the board of 
 Trustees, and received in the library by the President and 
 faculty. President Harris then delivered a very appropriate 
 address ; to which the General made a very pertinent reply. 
 
 On Wednesday, at 1 o'clock, the General embarked on 
 board the Chancellor Livingston, to visit the fortifications of 
 the harbour, and was received as he entered, by the West 
 Point Band, sent down for the occasion, playing a fiine military 
 piece composed by their leader, Willis. Among the guests, 
 were the members of the Cincinnati, the Officers of the Navy, 
 the Corporation, and the General Officers of the Militia. 
 Owing to the rain, the party did not land at Governor's Island, 
 but a salute was fired from the Castle, as the Chancellor passed. 
 On nearing the fortress at the Narrows, that bears the name of 
 our Guest, the sun burst forth for awhile, and as the boat ap- 
 proached, another pealing salute from the heavy cannon there 
 mounted, awoke ihe echos of the neighbouring heights, and 
 told that HE was come. The General was escorted on shore 
 by Colonels Maccrea and Bankhead, and received at tlie por- 
 tal by Major Gates, commanding the fortress, who conducted 
 him to the square, where the garrison, consisting of only a com- 
 pany of United States artillerists, saluted him. The whole 
 party were then conducted around the fort, and no little admi- 
 ration was expressed, at its massivq and almost impregnable 
 walls, its firm and deep set arches, and apparent power, both 
 for offensive and defensive war. A sumptuous table was 
 spread, loaded with cold dishes, fruits, and every variety of 
 delicacy, and tastefully ornamented. Over head and around 
 it, was a continued drapery of flags, the standards of the United 
 States and of France being intertwined, and forming an arch 
 over the seat assigned to Lafayette. Between the colours shone 
 forth die brightly burnished muskets of the soldiers, widi their 
 other accoutrements ; and on the table itself were smaller 
 silken flags, bearing the inscriptions of the memorable names 
 and deeds of the revolution. One in particular, in front of 
 
UENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 415 
 
 Lafayette, bore on it, " Brandywine," " Monmouth," and 
 "York-Town." 
 
 The associations of this entertainment were most delight- 
 ful. It seemed as if the men of two ages had met to do ho- 
 nour to one whose name shall live through all time. At the 
 head of the table, where Colonel Maccrea presided, sat La- 
 fayette, and his old associates of the Cincinnati. At the foot, 
 Colonel Bankhead, with George W. Lafayette, and the offi- 
 cers of the army, most of them young men. The interval 
 was occupied by the guests generally. The soldiers of other 
 days, and the soldiers of this, together with those who owe 
 to the one the possession, and to the other the preservation of 
 their independence, all united in homage to the friend of 
 Washington, the companion of Hamilton, the pure and vu'tu- 
 ous Lafayette. 
 
 On Thursday the Fire Department mustered to the utmost 
 of their strength, and paraded in the park, where the General, 
 (after returning from the Oratorio given by the Choral Socie- 
 ty in St. Paul's Church,) viewed their engines, and the other 
 apparatus belonging to the dauntless guardians of the city. 
 
 All the Fire Engines in the city, amounting to 44, with 
 hook and ladder companies, and two engines from Brooklyn, 
 were arranged in a line around the park, and all the Firemen 
 stood a litde in advance, holding their drag ropes. After 
 passing round the line, the General returned to the hall, and 
 made his appearance on the piazza, where he remained in 
 company with Thomas Franklin, Chief Engineer, and many 
 ladies and gentlemen, to witness the exhibition. 
 
 In the centre of the Park, the ladders of the company were 
 erected in the form of a Pyramid, on the top of which was 
 placed a miniature house, filled with combustibles. The 
 Engines having all approximated the centre, to within a suit- 
 able distance, and having been charged with water, at a sig- 
 nal the house was fired, and forty-six powerful water spouts 
 were all directed at the object in an instant. The spectacle 
 for the moment was beautiful beyond description. Such was 
 the skill of the engineers that every spout seemed to strike the 
 common centre, and a mighty fountain in the form of a colos- 
 sal column, or cone, was thus, as if by enchantment, in the 
 twinkling of an eye, beheld rushing up and descending like a 
 shower of liquid silver. When the sun shone out the fountain 
 sparkled all over like a palace of ice, or a- magnificent dome 
 
416 THE TOUR OF 
 
 of crystal ; and the wind now and then blew upon the spray 
 and carried off a cloud of vapour : the arch of a rainbow ap- 
 peared above, with all its brilliant colours. The engines ap- 
 peared to great advantage ; they were all in the finest order. 
 
 On Friday, in pursuance of an invitation from the Trustees 
 of the Free Schools of New- York, the General visited some 
 of the Schools, and afterwards reviewed the whole collected 
 for that purpose in the Park. 
 
 A large class of the scholars in the female school recited the 
 following lines : — 
 
 Welcome Hero, to the West, 
 To the land thy sword hath blest ! 
 To the country of the Free, 
 Welcome, Friend of Liberty ! 
 
 Grateful millions guard thy fame, 
 Age and youth revere thy name, 
 Beatity twines the wreath for thee, 
 Glorious Son of Liberty ! 
 
 ■ ,"' Years shall speak a nation's love, 
 
 !- Wheresoe'er tliy footsteps move, 
 
 ' By the choral paean met — 
 
 Welcome, welcome, Lafayette ! 
 
 At one o'clock, the General, by particular invitation, visit- 
 ed the African Free School, which embraces 7 or 800 scholars ; 
 about 450 were present on the occasion. Here it was an- 
 nounced to him that under the Presidency of the Honourable 
 John Jay, in 1788, he was elected an Honorary member of 
 this Society, which the Marquis well recollected. 
 
 The General then retired to his lodgings for a few moments, 
 until the children of all the schools could be assembled in the 
 Park ; he then returned and reviewed the whole, to the num- 
 ber of about 5000, arranged by their teachers in regular order, 
 and surrounded by at least 5000 spectators. The scene was 
 truly interesting, and afforded a peculiar gratification to the 
 General, who well knew that the schools of America were the 
 nurseries of freedom, and the basis of American liberty. 
 
 The General again returned to his quarters, where he had 
 scarcely arrived, before the 9th Regiment of New- York Ar- 
 tillery, under Colonel Alexander M. Muir, appeared before the 
 Hotel, in fine order, and full panoply, to escort him to the seat 
 of his old comrade, Colonel Nicholas Fish, who, forty years 
 ago, mounted the breach with him at York-Tov\Ti, and with 
 whom he had engaged to {\\\w. On dcscendine; to the steps, 
 
(iLN'EKAL LAFAVKTTi:. 417 
 
 agreeably to previous arrangements, Colonel Mair dismounted 
 and advanced, and in behalfof himself and the officers of his regi- 
 ment, presented the General with an elegant sword, of great 
 beauty, and of finished workmanship. In performing this very 
 pleasing office, Colonel IMuir delivered the following address : — 
 
 " General — The officers of the 9th Regiment New-York 
 State Artillery, anxious to manifest, in common with their fel- 
 low-citizens, their esteem for you, as the champion of their 
 country — the associate and friend of Washington, have deputed 
 me to present to you this sword ; die belt and mounting of 
 which, beiug exclusively of the manufacture of this city. 
 
 " It is unnecessary to repeat the many signal services which 
 you have rendered to this country ; it does not comport with 
 the character of soldiers to multiply words or expressions 
 — it is sufficient for them to know that you were always to be 
 found in the front rank of those who shed their blood, and ex- 
 pended their treasure, in the glorious cause of liberty, during 
 that eventful time which " tried men's souls." These services 
 are not forgotten by a grateful posterity — they are engraven 
 on die hearts of a free people, by whom you will ever be re- 
 membered as the illustrious benefactor of these United States. 
 
 " May your declining days be as happy as your youthful and 
 maturer ones have been useful and glorious, and your name 
 ever be associated with liberty, freedom, and benevolence. 
 
 " Permit me, General, to add my jiersonal wishes for your 
 health and happiness, and to assure you that I shall consider 
 the circumstance of having been chosen as the organ of the 
 officers whom I have the honour to command, to present this 
 sword, as one of die most agreeable and interesting of my life.'* 
 
 The General kindly accepted the sword, and in doing so, 
 made the following reply : — 
 
 " With the highest pleasure and gratitude, I receive this most 
 valuable present, from a distinguished corps of citizen-soldiers, 
 every one of whom knows that swords have been given to man 
 to defend liberty where it exists, to conquer it when it has been 
 invaded by crowned and privileged usurpers. . 
 
 " Accept, dear Colonel, and let all die officers and soldiers 
 of your corps accept, my most affectionate thanks." 
 
 The following is a copy of the inscription on the Sword : — 
 
 " Presented to Major-General Lafayette, by Colonel Alex- 
 ander M. Muir, in behalf of the Officers of the Ninth Regi- 
 ment New- York State Artillery, 1 0th September, 1824, as a 
 
 53 
 
418 THE TOLK Oi' 
 
 small token of the esteem in which he is held by them for his 
 private worth, and distinguished services during the war which 
 gave independence to the United States." 
 
 The belt is of exquisite workmanship, richly embroidered 
 with gold. On it are inscribed, in silver embroidery, the figures 
 '76, and the letters L. F., thus—" L, '76. F." The plate of 
 the belt is large, and sufficiently elegant to correspond. — The 
 ground-work of the plate is occupied with appropriate military 
 devices, and around these are the four following inscriptions : — 
 
 " The Marquis De Lafayette, Born in France, 6th Septem- 
 ber, 1757." 
 
 " Joined the American Army of the Revolution as a volun- 
 teer, and was wounded at the battle of Brandy wine, 11th Sep- 
 temlDcr, 1777." 
 
 " Commanded the army in Virginia during the campaign of 
 1781, and was at the attack at York-Town, 19th October, 1781." 
 
 " Revisits the United States of America on an invitation 
 from Congress, and landed at New- York, August 16th, 1824." 
 
 After reviewing the Regiment, and receiving the marching 
 salute, the General ascended his carriage, and was escorted to 
 the seat of his old friend and associate, as before mentioned, 
 where he dined in company with a select party. 
 
 General Lafayette, on Tuesday evening, very affectionately 
 took leave of Captain Allyn, at his room. City Hotel, and at 
 the same time presented him with a superb writing desk, (made 
 by N. Smith Prentiss, of this city,) replete with every thing 
 necessary for a gentleman's toilet, bearing this inscription, 
 " General Lafayette to his excellent friend Captain Allyn, 
 August 15th, 1824." — He also sent kind remembrances to 
 such of the officers and crew of the Cadmus as remained on 
 board, presenting to the chief mate, Mr. Daniel Chadwick, a 
 beautiful case of mathematical instruments moimted in silver. 
 The Cadmus sailed on Wednesday, for Havre. 
 
 After two postponements on account of bad weather, the ar- 
 rangements and decorations for the Ball, in honour of Lafayette, 
 at Castle Garden, were finally completed, and it took place on 
 Tuesday evening. The weather during tlie day and the even- 
 ing was very fine, and afforded the guests unexpected security 
 and pleasure. 
 
 The company commenced entering the Garden about half 
 past six, and closed about ten o'clock, consisting of about six 
 thousand ladies and gentlemen. The arrangements \^ithout, 
 
GENEKAIi LAFAVKTTK. 419 
 
 were such as to secure perfect safety and order in entering the 
 Castle, and to prevent detention. 
 
 Immediately in front of the gate which forms the^ first en- 
 trance to the Garden, was erected a pyramid of the height of 
 seventy-five feet, brilliantly illuminated, and surmounted by a 
 double triangle, likewise illuminated, presenting the appearance 
 of a star encircling the letter F. The Bridge leading to the 
 Castle, which stands off from the Battery, into the bay, 250 
 feet, was this evening an immense covered way, carpeted the 
 entire distance, hung with numerous lamps, and decorated with 
 ever-greens. Through this magnificent entrance, the company 
 found their way into the interior of the Garden. 
 
 The Castle, which is a circle, and covers a surface of about 
 600 feet, was enclosed with an awning at an altitude of sevent}'- 
 five feet, the dome of which was supported in the centre by a 
 column dressed with pale blue and white, and inscribed with 
 the names of men immortalized with that of Lafayette, in the 
 cause of freedom. This column was encircled with an im- 
 mense cut glass chandelier, composed of thirteen separate ones, 
 representing the thirteen original states ; while it formed at its 
 summit, the centre, whence hung the flags, signals, and standards 
 of various nations, looped and festooned with much good taste, 
 making a covering for the company, and a splendid military 
 and naval dress for the coarser canopy above. 
 
 This object, which was the first that met the eye, and formed 
 at the base but a slight obstruction, had a very imposing ap- 
 pearance, and produced a fine effect. The whole seemed to 
 operate like a charm upon the visiter, as he entered, who, with 
 elevated and sparkling eyes, and with looks of enraptured ad- 
 miration, came forward from the massy and low-browed 
 entrance, with increased grace in his step, and airy lightness in 
 his feelings. Every one seemed to feel at home, and to appro- 
 priate the scene and its pleasures to his individual enjoyment 
 and use. 
 
 The roof was supported by thirteen transparent columns, 
 capped with a circle of light, and based with the armoreal insigna 
 of the several states, under a shield of the Union, to denote 
 their dependence on the same, and richly flanked with a falling 
 drapery. Between the columns were to be seen the names of 
 the original states, in gilded letters, encircled by laurel wreaths, 
 and suspended between American ensigns, and a profusion of 
 " striped bunting.' 
 
420 THE TOUR OF 
 
 The General made his appearance about 10 o'clock. Im- 
 mediately the dance and the song was at an end. The militar}' 
 band struck up a military air, and Lafayette was conducted 
 through a column of ladies and gentlemen, to a splendid pavilion, 
 immediately opposite to the great entrance. Not a word was 
 spoken of gratulation — so profound and respectful, and intel- 
 lectual, was the interest which his presence excited ; nothing 
 but a subdued and universal clap broke the general silence, and 
 that but for a moment. 
 
 The interior of the pavilion, which was composed of white 
 cambric, festooned, and otherwise varied with sky blue, and 
 surmounted with an American Eagle, over the letter F, was 
 richly furnished. Among other interesting objects, we noticed 
 a bust of Hamilton, placed upon a Corinthian pillar, and illumi- 
 nated with a beautiful lamp. 
 
 But the most interesting of all the exhibitions were those 
 presented in front of the pavilion, and seen from it, immediately 
 over the entrance to the Garden. A triumphal arch of about 
 ninety feet space, adorned with laurel, oak, and festoons of flags, 
 he. were seen, based upon pillars of cannon fifteen feet high. 
 A bust of Washington, supported by a golden eagle, was placed 
 over the arch, as the presiding deity. Within the arch was a 
 painting, nearly 25 feet square, of a fine colossal figure, repre- 
 senting the Genius of our country, rising in her native majesty 
 and strength, supported by the American Eagle, and exhibiting 
 a scroll inscribed to Fayette, with the words — " Honoured be 
 the faithful patriot." 
 
 Soon after the General entered, the painting just alluded to, 
 was slowly raised, which exhibited to the audience a beautiful 
 transparency, representing La Grange, the mansion of Lafay- 
 ette. The effect was as complete as the view was unexpected 
 and imposing. Another subdued clap of admiration followed 
 this tasteful, and appropriate, and highly interesting display. 
 
 In pursuance of the arrangements made for that purpose. 
 General Lafayette, his son, and suite, together with a select 
 party of ladies and gentlemen, repaired on board of the steam- 
 boat James Kent, directly on retiring from the Grand Fete of 
 Tuesday evening, and proceeded up the Hudson river, to visit 
 Albany, and the intermediate towns upon the river. The party 
 embarked a few minutes after 2 o'clock, Wednesday morning j 
 among the guests were the members of the Cincinnati, with 
 their President. Colonel Varick ; His Honour the Recorder, 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 421 
 
 and several of the Corporation ; Governor Johnson, of Louisi- 
 ana ; Mrs. Lewis of Virginia ; Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 
 and his mother, (widow of the late General Hamilton ;) Gene- 
 ral Morton, Colonel Piatt, and a number of others. 
 
 The boat made very good progress until she arrived off 
 Tirry-Town, where a very dense fog came on ; but such was 
 the anxiety of General Lafayette to reach West Point at the 
 appointed time, (10 o'clock,) that Commodore Wiswall deter- 
 mined to push slowly on. It was impossible for the pilot to , 
 see five rods ahead. The result was, that at about 7 o'clock 
 the boat ran aground upon what is called the Oyster Bank. 
 Here she was obliged to remain for several hours — to the great 
 disappointment of those on board, and also of the thousands 
 who had collected at West Point, to witness his reception, and 
 the tens of thousands at the villages above, which he was ex- 
 pected to pass before dark. As soon as it cleared away, so 
 that the shores were discernible, it was found that every height 
 and cliff were covered with people, anxious to do their utmost 
 in honouring the Guest of the nation. At Stony Point, in par- 
 ticular, there was a large collection of people, a flag was hoisted, 
 and a salute fired from a field piece stationed there for that 
 purpose. One man, more eager than the rest, clambered 
 down the rocks with the agility of a mountain goat, armed with 
 a large musket, which a loud explosion gave us to understand 
 was heavily charged. The boat was near in shore, and as the 
 smoke cleared away, he waved his hand and exclaimed, "There, 
 General, I give you the best I can !" 
 
 The population at West Point, including the officers, profess- 
 ors, cadets, the artisans, and their families, he. he. ordinarily 
 amount to about one thousand persons. But from day-light 
 yesterday morning, until ten o'clock, the ladies and gentlemen 
 from the country adjacent, continued to flock in sloops and 
 other craft, in great numbers. The suspense from the hours 
 of 9 till 12 was very anxious ; but at about fifteen minutes after 
 12, the welcome signal of his approach was given ; and there 
 was instantly more bustle and confusion than there has been 
 before witnessed on the Point since the army of the revolution ; 
 the clangour of arms, the thrilling notes of the bugle, and the 
 spirit-stirring drum, imparted life and animation to this wild and 
 magnificent region. — The lofty bank of the Hudson was lined 
 with spectators ; and the Cadets were in line, as if they had 
 been summoned from their barracks bv the wand of a magician. 
 
422 THh: TouK oi' 
 
 The James Kent, gorgeously decorated with flags, came 
 proudly on, cutting away the foaming current, as though she 
 dared Neptune and all his host to strife ; and came majestical- 
 ly along side of the dock at half past 12. The General was 
 here received by Colonel Thayer, the commander of the post, 
 accompanied by Major-Generals Brown and Scott, with their 
 respective suites, together with the officers and professors upor. 
 the station, under a salute of twenty-one guns from a detach- 
 ment of artillery, posted upon the bluff, directly north of tte 
 old barracks. A landeau was in readiness to receiv^; the 
 General as he stepped ashore, in which he ascended the nill to 
 the plain, followed by a long procession, consisting of the Cin- 
 cinnati, the officers of the station, gentlemen from New- York, 
 and from the river towns above, delegates from the towns of 
 Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Clermont, Hudson, and Albany, Sec. 
 &IC. He was received on the plain by the corps of Cadets, 
 whom he reviewed ; and afterwards received the marching 
 salute in front of the marquee erected for him, and witnessed 
 several evolutions, which evinced the perfection of discipline. 
 From the parade ground the General repaired for a few mo- 
 ments to the quarters of Generals Brown and Scott, at Mr. 
 Cozzen's, where the ladies assembled in a spacious room ad- 
 joining the library, and partook of refreshments prepared for 
 the occasion. At half past two, the General was conducted by 
 Colonel Thayer to the splendid library of the institution, where 
 the corps of Cadets were individually presented to him by 
 Major Worth ; the gentlemen upon the Point who had not 
 previously been introduced, were then presented ; after which 
 the ladies were severally introduced. 
 
 From the library, the General repaired to the Mess-room 
 of the Cadets, elegantly fitted up for the occasion, and sat 
 down to a dinner, which, whether we regard the quantity, quali- 
 ty, the variety, or the style in which it was served up, we may 
 at once pronounce a sumptuous one. — Including the Officers, 
 Cadets, the Cincinnati, Corporation from New-York, and 
 guests, more than four hundred persons sat down at the table. 
 Colonel Thayer presided, assisted by Major Worth. General 
 Lafayette and General Scott were seated on the right of the 
 President, and General Brown and Colonel Varick on his left. 
 At a cross table at the head, were seated the members of the 
 Cincinnati, and at another similar table, at the other end of 
 the hall, were the members of the Corporation of New- York. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 423 
 
 with Mr. George Washington Lafayette, on the right of the 
 Vice-President. The room was tastefully and elegantly de- 
 corated. Festoons of ever-green were suspended from pillar 
 to pillar, in every direction through the spacious hall. Back 
 of the President's chair hung the star-spangled banner. Over 
 the chair was a large spread, and elegantly wrought eagle, 
 with the words " September, 1757," issuing from the stream- 
 er in his beak, and " York-Town" grasped in his claws, A 
 crown of laurel, interwoven with roses, was suspended over the 
 General's head. Over the window on his right, was the name 
 of Washington, wrought in leaves of ever-green, and on the 
 left that of Lafayette. At the other end of the hall hung a 
 full-length portrait of " the Father of his Country ;" and upon 
 the right wall, in the centre, that of Jefferson, and on the left, 
 President Adams. 
 
 At 6 o'clock, the company rose from the table, and the 
 General and his friends re-embarked on board of the James 
 Kent, and proceeded to Newburgh. 
 
 Through the whole distance of the Highlands, the hardy 
 mountaineers who inhabit many of the glens manifested then- 
 respect by showing themselves ever and anon, and discharging 
 their muskets from the crags and cliffs which in some places 
 seem to frown over the heads of the passing traveller, as the 
 steam-boat ploughs her way close at the base of the mountains. 
 In passing Cold-Spring, a salute was fired from a piece of ar- 
 tillery stationed near the shore for that purpose. A salute was 
 also fired from New-Windsor, (near the old Encampment of 
 the Revolutionary Army.) Unfortunately, however, the delay 
 occasioned by the snorning accident, had detained the party so 
 long that the shades of night began now to close in, and on the 
 arrival of the steam-boat at Newburgh the twilight had so far 
 advanced as to render objects indistinct at a very short distance. 
 A corps of infantry were drawn up in handsome array upon 
 the wharf, to receive the General, by whom he was escorted 
 to the Orange Hotel, where he was received by the corpora- 
 tion of the village, by the President of which he was addressed. 
 
 The General made a brief and pertinent reply to this ad- 
 dress ; after which he entered an open carriage and was es- 
 corted through the principal streets of the village, which were 
 thronged with people, who were delighted with a glimpse of 
 the General's face, caught even by the aid of a flickering lamp ; 
 over the streets, at short distances, arches had been erected 
 
424 THE TOUR OF 
 
 which were tastefully festooned with ever-greens and dowers, 
 and on several of them were suspended appropriate inscrip- 
 tions. On one of these arches was the following inscription: — 
 "Thrice welcome Lafayette Columbia's bright Occidental 
 Star." Another arch was formed by the planting of two well 
 grown forest trees, and bending their tops together. The in- 
 scription suspended from this lofty arch was too high for the 
 rays of our feeble lamp. The inscription upon another arch 
 was, " Lafayette and Liberty — ^Welcome Illustrious Chief." 
 But the arch which was far the most beautiful, was erected by 
 the ladies ; it extended from the houses on each side of the 
 street, and formed one grand and two smaller arches ; these 
 were so richly and beautifully ornamented with festoons and 
 flowers, that they would have answered well for decorations to 
 the portals of the temple of Flora herself ; the inscription here 
 was " Welcome our hero, Lafayette." Having returned to 
 the Orange Hotel, an address was presented to the General by 
 Johannis Miller, Esq. President of the Orange county Agri- 
 cultural Society, in behalf of said Society. 
 
 The General was then ushered into the grand saloon of the 
 Orange Hotel, attended by the Committee of Arrangements, 
 consisting of Messrs. Rose, Ruggles, Smith, Fisk, and others, 
 together with the Trustees of the village. The ladies and 
 gentlemen of the village, and several hundreds fi'om the ad- 
 joining towns, had then the honour of a presentation, and were 
 received with the accustomed affability and kindness of our 
 illustrious guest, until, completely exhausted with the fatigues 
 of the day, and of the preceding night, he was compelled to 
 seek a few hours repose. The hall of audience was orna- 
 mented with much taste, and it was in this room that the sup- 
 per-table was bountifully spread, at 11 o'clock, when the 
 General was sufficiently refreshed to take a seat at the table. 
 On the right of the chair were the words — " BrandyAvine, 11th 
 September, 1777," encircled by a wreath of ever-greens, and 
 on the left, the words "York-Town, 19tli October, 1781," 
 formed in the same manner. At the other end of the hall was 
 a portrait of Washington, and the whole apartment was splen- 
 didly decorated with festoons and flowers of every variety of 
 the season, and brilliantly illuminated by the light of several 
 chandeliers, reflected from a large number of elegant mirrors. 
 
 The arrangements at this place were extensive and unusual- 
 ly imposing, but the time of the General's arrival was so late, 
 
GENERAL^LAFAYKTTi;. 425 
 
 that much derangement was the consequence. His arrival hav- 
 ing been expected the day before, the people had been assem- 
 bling for nearly two days ; and it was computed that, indepen- 
 dently of the troops on duty, there were at least 10,000 
 persons in the village. The public houses were all illuminated ; 
 and a splendid ball was given at Crawford's Hotel. 
 
 At 12 o'clock, the steam-boat Chancellor Livingston which 
 had also been detained on her passage up by the fog, made 
 her appearance from Albany, when the most of the guests 
 from New- York, both ladies and gentlemen; returned to the 
 city. Among the former were the two Miss Wrights, who 
 have lately arrived from France, and whose " View of the 
 American Society and Manners," has acquired some consi- 
 derable notoriety. The General and his suite came on boarti 
 of the Kent at about the same hour, and retired to rest, when 
 the boat made sail, aiid before day-light anchored off Pough- 
 keepsie. 
 
 Our National Guest has no where received a more flatter- 
 ing reception, than at the beautiful, ancient, and patriotic vil- 
 lage of Poughkeepsie ; nor has more promptitude, vigour, and 
 taste, been displayed in the arrangements at any other place. 
 At sun-rise all hands were " piped" on deck, and a more im- 
 posing spectacle has rarely been presented. The high blufis 
 below the landing place, were covered with troops, and thou- 
 sands of citizens were crowding the wharves, showing them- 
 selves in large groups from the neighbouring heights, and win- 
 dows of the houses standing within view of the river. All ages 
 and sexes seemed to press anxiously forward to show their 
 gratitude to their welcome visiter. At half past 6 o'clock, the 
 boat got under way, and took a turn upon the river, while a 
 salute was fired by a corps of artillery stationed upon one of 
 the heights. When the General appeared upon deck, the 
 welkin rang with the cheers from the crowds upon the shore, 
 which were returned from the boat. The boat was then 
 drawn up to the wharf, where a company of horse, many of 
 the officers of General Brush's division on horseback, all 
 mounted on elegant horses, and in complete uniform, together 
 with several uniform companies, were drawn up in great or- 
 der under the direction of Major-General Brush, assisted by 
 Colonel Cunningham. General Lafayette was then conducted 
 by Thomas T. Oakley, General James Tallmadge, Judge 
 Emott, and Philo Ru2:2;lcs, Esq. to a barouche, with four 
 
 54 
 
426 THE TOUR OF 
 
 beautiful white horses, in which the General took his seat, at- 
 tended by Colonel Huger, of South Carolina, General Van 
 Courtland, General Fish, and General Lewis. A barouche, 
 also drawn by four white horses, was then drawn up, which 
 was occupied by the son of General Lafayette, and gentlemen 
 attending them. After being conducted to the pleasant and 
 extensive piazza in front of Mr. Forbus' house, and after being 
 introduced to the clergy and gentlemen attending, he was cor- 
 dially addressed by Colonel Henry A. Livingston. 
 
 To this address, the General returned a neat and feeling 
 reply. 
 
 A procession was then formed under the direction of the 
 committee, to the Poughkeepsie hotel, at about 8 o'clock, wherQ^ 
 the General sat down to a sumptuous breakfast, handsomely 
 served up by Mr. Myer. At the head of the table hung the 
 well-known and venerated portrait of Washington, and at the 
 opposite end, the Grand Banner of St. Tammany. On each 
 side of the hall, at suitable distances, were suspended banners, 
 with the arms, name, and motto, of each state in the union. 
 Over the centre of the table, hung a canopy formed of festoons 
 of flowers and ever-greens, of various kinds, belted by a riband, 
 on which was inscribed the names of the thirteen original States. 
 Over the folding doors, were the well-known words of " Wel- 
 come Lafayette" made with great accuracy, wholly of pink- 
 coloured blossoms of china-astor, and on one of the walls, 
 were inscribed the names of Washington and Lafayette, wrought 
 in laurel leaves, and encircled in garlands of flowers. Directly 
 in front of the General's seat, stood a representation of the 
 temple of Fame ; and the whole suite of apartments were de- 
 corated in a style to correspond with the above. 
 
 Immediately after breakfast, and with a praise-worthy prompt- 
 ness, the escort was formed, and the General was attended to 
 the boat with every possible mark of respect ; the troops again 
 repaired to the heights ; and on hauling into the stream, ano- 
 ther salute was fired from the artillery, and afterwards several 
 vollies of musketry were fired, with a precision which the Gene- 
 ral was pleased to say resembled very much the firing of regular 
 troops. The shores were again lined with people, who cheered 
 in all directions. 
 
 Passing rapidly up the river, preparations were made for 
 landing with Governor Lewis, at the dock, near his elegant 
 country seat. The boat arrived at about 1 2 o'clock, and on 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 427 
 
 coming along side, carriages were found in readiness to convey 
 the party to the mansion whicli stood at' some distance from 
 the road, which wound through a beautiful copse to the house. 
 On alighting, the General and suite were introduced to the 
 family, and were shortly after introduced into an apartment, 
 where an elegant collation was provided : peaches, grapes, and 
 melons, were mingled with more substantial fare, and every 
 variety of wine sparkled on the table. After remaining an 
 hour and a half, the General took leave of this hospitable family, 
 and embarked, in order to continue his voyage to Albany. 
 
 Soon afterwards, in passing the seat of James Thompson, Esq. 
 a boat came off with a large basket of peaches, of enormous size, 
 and excellent flavour, and with several elegant bouquets of 
 flowers. 
 
 In passing the landing at Kingston, (four miles from the vil- 
 lage,) a large collection were found to have assembled ; a sa- 
 lute was fired from the shore, and hearty cheers given and 
 returned. At this place, Colonel Henry Livingston, who com- 
 manded a regiment under Lafayette in Rhode Island, and at 
 Valley Forge, came on board. The General had just been 
 inquiring of Colonel Fish, what had become of his old friend 
 Henry Livingston, and received him most affectionately. 
 
 The steam-boat arrived at Clermont at about 4 o'clock in the 
 afternoon, and came to anchor off the elegant mansion of 
 Robert L. Livingston, Esq. formerly the seat of the late Chan- 
 cellor Livingston. Before tlie boat arrived at the dock, it was 
 discovered that the groves were literally alive with people, of 
 all ages and sexes, equally anxious with the hospitable proprie- 
 tor, to manifest their respect for their expected guest, and greet 
 his landing. But while the rocks and glens, and even trees to 
 their top-most branches, presented this animated spectacle, the 
 General, his suite, and friends, were still more surprised by the 
 appearance upon the lawn of this romantic and secluded place, 
 of a regiment of well-disciplined troops, drawn up to receive 
 him. — ^There were several vessels at anchor in the stream, one 
 of which (a large sloop) was decorated with flags, and a streamer 
 floated from her mast, with the motto of "Welcome Lafayette," 
 in large letters. On landing, a salute was fired from this vessel, 
 which was unexpectedly returned from a field piece planted in 
 a thick copse of trees upon the shore. The General then as- 
 cended the shore, and was conducted by Generals Lewis and 
 Fish, to the mansion of Mr, Livingston, where he was received 
 
428 THE TOLR Uf 
 
 by that genllunian with the utmost cointosy and cordiality. — 
 After the friends of Mr. Livingston, assembled on the occasion, 
 had been presented, the General reviewed the troops upon the 
 lawn, by whom he was honoured with a feu de joie. At this 
 moment, a long procession of the ancient and honourable fra- 
 ternity of Freemasons, consisting of a Chapter of Royal Aj-ch 
 Masons, and the members of " Widow's Son Lodge," of Red- 
 hook, emerged from a grove, and on being presented to the 
 General, an appropriate address was delivered by Palmer Cook, 
 Esq. W. M. of the aforementioned lodge. 
 
 After a brief and pertinent reply, the General accepted of an 
 invitation to visit the seat of Edward P. Livingston, Esq. which 
 is situated but a short distance to the north, upon the same ele- 
 vated and beautiful plain. His reception was equally cordial 
 and flattering as before. An excellent cold collation, together 
 with refreshments of every suitable kiad, were served up. 
 And while the company were partaking of these, the steam- 
 boat Richmond, Captain William Wiswall, came gayly down, 
 and anchored along side of the James Kent, having on board 
 Major-General Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, and suite, Bri- 
 gadier-General Fleming, and suite, the Mayor of Hudson, 
 (Rufus Reed, Esq.) Dr. Tallman, late Mayor, and Colonel 
 Strong, as delegates from the city of Hudson, together with 
 the Hudson Band, and two elegant uniform companies, under 
 the command of Colonel Edwards. This addition to the com- 
 pany already on the ground, repaired immediately to the seat 
 of Mr. E. P. Livingston, from whence, after refreshments were 
 served out to them by IMr. L. and Commodore Wiswall in 
 person, General Lafayette was escorted back to the seat of his 
 liberal entertainer. As night came on, the troops and crowd 
 from the country dispersed, and the Hudson troops were taken 
 on board of the steam-boat James Kent, where refreshments 
 were ordered, and the forward deck and cabin assigned to them 
 for the night. In the evening the whole of Mr. L's. splendid 
 suite of apartments were brilliantly lighted up, and an elegant 
 ball was given in honour of the General's company. The as- 
 semblage was very numerous, and a brilliant circle of ladies, 
 arrayed in all the charm of health, beauty, and rich and elegant 
 dresses, were contributing to the festivity and joy of the occa- 
 sion, by " tripping the light fantastic toe," or by conversation 
 sparkled with wit, or adorned by the graces of polished man- 
 ners and education. Among the guests this evening, in addition 
 
"^ 
 
 GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 429 
 
 to those already named, were the Honourable Edward Living- 
 ston, of New-Orleans, the Honourable Walter Patterson, Cap- 
 tain Ridgeley, of the Navy, the Honourable Peter R. Living- 
 ston, A. Vanderpool, Esq. of Kinderhook, Mrs. Montgomery, 
 (widow of the gallant General who fell at Quebec,) and many 
 others whose names are not recollected. During the evening 
 a sumptuous supper was served up in a style of magnificence 
 rarely, if ever equalled in this country. The room selected for 
 this part of the fete, was an extensive Greenhouse, or Orangery, 
 and the effect was indescribably fine. The tables had been 
 made and fitted for this occasion, and were spread beneath a 
 large grove of Orange and Lemon trees, with bending branches 
 of fruit, and many other species of exotic shrubs and plants. 
 Flora also, had profusely scattered her blossoms ; and the 
 whole scene seemed to partake of enchantment. The beholder 
 stood gazing, as if bound by the wizard spell of the Magician. 
 The night was dark and rainy ; but this contributed to the 
 general effect o( the fete, inasmuch as the darkness heightened 
 the effect of the thousand lamps by which the surrounding 
 groves were illuminated. There was also a fine exhibition of 
 fireworks, which had been prepared and brought from New- 
 York for the occasion. It having been found inconvenient to 
 provide suppers for so many on board of the boat, the whole 
 detachment of troops were invited by Mr. L. to supper in the 
 Green house, which invitation was accepted. At 10 o'clock, 
 General Lafayette retired from this scene of gayety and beauty, 
 and at two the hall was closed, and the company separated, 
 not only highly gratified with the entertainment, but with the 
 manner in which it was got up and imparted to his guests, by 
 Mr. L. whose style of living closely approximates that of the 
 real English gentleman, and whose wealth is equalled by his 
 kindness and liberality. 
 
 At 9 o'clock on Friday, the General again embarked, and 
 proceeded on his way, and before 10 o'clock, was in sight of 
 Catskill. The long wharf which projects half a mile into the 
 river, was occupied by two battalions of troops. — The high- 
 lands which nearly exclude the whole village from a view of 
 the river, were covered with people, and on the arrival of the 
 James Kent at the dock, a salute of 13 guns was fired from 
 the artillery on one of the heights. The arrangements of 
 General Lafayette rendered it absolutely necessary that he 
 should be at Albanv on that dav to dinner, and hence it was 
 
430 THE TOUH 01' 
 
 Utterly impossible for him to make any stay at Catskili, although 
 he was earnestly pressed to dine by a very respectable delega- 
 tion. The General, to gratify the feehngs of thousands who 
 were assembled at the landing to hail his arrival and bid him 
 welcome, consented to land and pass through the principal 
 streets, in an elegant carriage, accompanied by the Committee 
 of Arrangements, and escorted by the military, and a large 
 assemblage of citizens in procession. In front of Crowell's 
 Hotel the procession halted, and the General was received by 
 the acclamations of a large concourse of people, eager to see, 
 and embrace the Nation's Guest. Amongst the company 
 was a body of the heroes of the revolution, whose furrowed 
 features, silver locks, and tottering steps, bespoke age and hard 
 service. But at the sight of their old General, they rushed 
 forward to meet the quick-extended grasp of their old Com- 
 mander. Among the number, was an old servant who was 
 with Lafayette when he was wounded at the battle of Brandy- 
 wine. This was a touching scene, few eyes were dry, either 
 among the actors or spectators ; but the General's time was 
 so short, that he was constrained to leave the further honours 
 that awaited him in this place, bid adieu to the citizens, and 
 embark for Hudson. 
 
 The boat arrived at Hudson a few minutes before 2 o'clock ; 
 but the same reason that prevented a longer stay a Catskili, 
 also rendered it impossible, consistent with his arrangements, 
 to make any considerable stay here. On landing, the crowd 
 was so great that it was almost impossible to proceed, not- 
 withstanding the active exertions of Colonel Darling, the 
 Marshal of the day, assisted by the military. The General 
 was conducted to an elegant barouche, drawn by four beauti- 
 ful black horses, attended by four grooms in a special livery. 
 After the General, followed a number of other carriages, with 
 his retinue, and the different delegates from the river towns. 
 The procession passed up Ferry to Warren-street, where an 
 arch was erected, which for its size and elegance of construc- 
 tion, exceeded any that had been previously seen on the tour. 
 The whole street, which is more than a mile in length, was 
 choked with the crowd. And the windows, as at Catskili, 
 were filled with ladies, whose snow-white hands and handker- 
 chiefs, were gracefully waved in the air, while the crowd in the 
 streets were cheering, and the General, with his usual conde- 
 scension, was bowing, or endeavouring to bow, to every indivi- 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 431 
 
 dual in the multitude. About half-way up the street, stood 
 another arch, elegantly adorned ; and at the head of the 
 town was a third, superior to all, on the top of which stood a 
 colossal figure of the Genius of Liberty, well proportioned and 
 painted, holding in her hand the American standard, which be- 
 ing of unusual size, floated in the air with an imposing effect. 
 To each of the arches of which we have spoken, were suspended 
 appropriate inscriptions. On arriving at the square, at the 
 head of Warren-street, the procession wheeled and returned to 
 the Court-house, when the troops and citizens opened to the 
 right and left, and all that could, passed through, and up to the 
 Court-room. All the seats without the bar were filled with 
 the " Daughters of Columbia," forming a large and interesting 
 group of well-dressed and beautiful females. The Court- 
 room was superbly decorated — displaying more labour, taste, 
 and skill, than any decorations of the kind that were seen on 
 the route. At the entrance of the bar, on either side, stood 
 a beautiful Corinthian pillar, with caps and cornices of the com- 
 posite order of architecture, elegantly wrought and ornamented 
 with leaves and gold. On the top of each of these pillars was 
 placed a globe, and the whole were united at the top by a 
 chain of flowers of every hue, festooned with laurel and roses. 
 The General was conducted to this rich and beautiful portal, 
 where His Honour the Mayor delivered an interesting address. 
 
 General Lafayette briefly replied to the address, after which 
 the members of the Common Council were severally presented 
 to him. A most interesting and affecting spectacle was then 
 presented ; sixty-eight veterans of the revolution, who had col- 
 lected from the different parts of the country, formed a part of 
 the procession, and were next presented ; and it so happened 
 that several of them were officers, and many of them soldiers 
 who had served with Lafayette. Notwithstanding that they 
 were admonished that the greatest haste was necessary, yet 
 every one had something to say ; and when they grasped his 
 friendly hand, each seemed reluctant to release it. One of 
 them came up with a sword in his hand, which, as he passed, 
 he remarked was " given to him by the Marquis," at such a 
 place, " in Rhode Island." Another, with a tear glistening in 
 his eye, as he shook the hand of the General, observed — " You, 
 Sir, gave me the first guinea I ever had in my life — I shall 
 never forget that." 
 
 The officers of the militia were next presented, and after 
 
432 THE TOUR OF 
 
 them, the ladies. But time would not allow ot" delay ; and 
 many thousands who were eagerly pressing forward, were dis- 
 appointed in not being introduced to the man whom they had 
 assembled to honour. In passing down the street, however, on 
 aiTiving opposite Allen's hotel, where arrangements had been 
 made for the dinner, the solicitations were so warm and earnest, 
 that the General was constrained to alight and take a glass of 
 wine in the long room. And here, again, was presented a 
 specimen of Hudson taste, which deserves every commendation. 
 The hall was decorated in a style of elegance, that would com- 
 pare only with the Court-house. The General stopped but 
 for a moment, when he re-entered his carriage, and returned 
 to the boat, followed by the shouts and blessings of thousands. 
 On leaving the dock, three cheers were given by the multitude, 
 and returned from the boat — after which a salute was fired from 
 the hill near the Observatory. In passing up the river, the 
 docks at the villages of Coxsackie, New-Baltimore, and Coey- 
 mans, were crowded with people, who cheered the General 
 repeatedly, and with as much enthusiasm as though they had 
 had a nearer view. At Castleton, a large collection of people 
 had assembled, and a salute was fired from a six pounder. 
 
 In consequence of the unavoidable delays on the way, a 
 freshet in the river, the contrary winds and tide, the James 
 Kent did not arrive at her moorings at the Overslaugh, until five 
 o'clock (on Friday) — three hours later than was originally con- 
 templated. The consequence was, that the arrangements of 
 the committee for the city of Albany were deranged ; the com- 
 mittee themselves, consisting of Alderman Townsend and 
 Humphrey, Colonel Bacon, and others, (in addition to the 
 New- York delegation, which had accompanied the General 
 from New- York,) who had been waiting to receive their guest, 
 were much fatigued ; and the troops, who had been on duty 
 since 7 o'clock in the morning, without refreshment, were 
 nearly exhausted. On landing, the General was conducted to 
 a supea'b landeau, drawn by four white horses, and carriages 
 were in readiness for the gentlemen accompanying him. The 
 procession was quickly formed, and moved rapidly on to Green- 
 bush, escorted by a detachment of horse, commanded by 
 Major General Solomon Van Rensselaer, Marshal of the day, 
 assisted by Colonel Cooper. On arriving at the cenU'e of the 
 village, the General was conducted to a large marquee, erected 
 beneath an arch, simi'.'ir to those heretofore described, and 
 
GENEKAL, LAFAVETTK. 433 
 
 bearing appropriate inscriptions, where lie was received by the 
 members of the Corporation, who welcomed him with an ap- 
 propriate address ; after which, refreshments were served, and 
 the procession moved on. Night was now rapidly setting in ; 
 and the delay at the Ferry, for the want of a sufficient number 
 of boats, rendered it qmte dark when the General landed in 
 Albany. It was, howevei-, easy to discern, that the prepara- 
 tions for the event had been extensive, and that a prodigious 
 assemblage of people were yet impatiently awaiting his approach. 
 He was welcomed, in behalf of the citizens, by Stephen Lush, 
 Esq. one of the oldest and most respectable of the inhabitants 
 of Albany, who rode in the carriage with him. A large de- 
 tachment of troops were on duty, and a salute was fired by a 
 corps of artillery, stationed near the Ferry-stairs, which was 
 answered by the old Clinton field-piece, which has long stood 
 upon the hill back of Albany, to send its thunder forth, echoing 
 among the distant hills, on all patriotic occasions. On entering 
 the city, the procession passed under an arch, inscribed " The 
 Hero is Welcome." At the junction of Church and South 
 Market-streets, stood another arch, large and beautiful, inscrib- 
 ed, " We remember thy deeds — We revere thy worth — We 
 love thy virtues." At the foot of Beaver-street, near the Mu- 
 seum, stood a third stupendous arch, displaying by its festoons 
 and the disposition and variety of flowers interwoven with ever- 
 greens, much beauty in itself, and taste in the ladies, whose 
 delicate fingers had formed and ornamented it. — On entering 
 the foot of State-street, on the site of the Old Dutch Church, 
 stood a temple, richly ornamented, around the pillars of whicli 
 the ivy was gracefully entwined. On the top of the temple, 
 stood a large living eagle, who proudly flapped his wings as the 
 chieftain passed. Many of the houses were illuminated, among 
 which were the capitol, and the whole block of Gregory's 
 buildings, including the houses of Chancellor Sanford, Mr. 
 Gregory, Isaac Hamilton, Esq. and the extensive establishment 
 of Mr. Cruttenden. On the front of the latter was a transpa- 
 rency, executed by Inman, of this city, representing the recep- 
 tion of General Lafayette by the Genius of Liberty, who prof- 
 fers him a scroll ; and in the back ground was seen the ship 
 Cadmus, in which he made his passage from France. The 
 elevated situation of these lofty buildings, contributed to give 
 the illumination a splendid and elegant appearance ; and the 
 effect was greatly heightened by the bright light cast upon the 
 
434 THE TOUK OF 
 
 military, the cavalcade, and the immense concourse of people, 
 who otherwise would only have been felt instead of seen. On 
 alighting at the capitol, the General was conducted to the Se- 
 nate Chamber, where he was received by the Honourable 
 Ambrose Spencer, Mayor of the city, and the members of the 
 Corporation. He was addressed by the Mayor in the follow- 
 ing words : — 
 
 " Sir — ^Your visit to this country is received with universal 
 and heartfelt joy. Your claims upon the gratitude and the 
 friendship of this Nation, arise from your heroic devotion to its 
 freedom, and your uniform assertion to the rights of man. The 
 progress of time has attested the purity of your character, and 
 the lustre of your heroism ; and the whole course of your life 
 has evinced those exalted virtues, which were first displayed 
 in favour of the independence and liberty of America. 
 
 " In the hour of difficulty and peril, when America, without 
 allies, without credit, with an enfeebled government, and with 
 scanty means of resistance, confiding in the justice of her cause 
 and the protection of Heaven, was combating for her liberties, 
 against a nation, powerful in resources and all the materials for 
 war, when our prospects of success were by many considered 
 more tlian doubtful, if not desperate, you devoted all your 
 energies and all your means to our defence ; and after witness- 
 ing our triumphant success, your life has been consecrated to 
 the vindication of the liberties of the old world. 
 
 " When Franklin, the wisest man of the age, pronounced 
 you the most distinguished person he ever knew, when Wash- 
 ington, the illustrious hero of the new world, honoured you 
 with friendship the most sincere, and with confidence the most 
 unlimited, they evinced their just discernment of character, and 
 foresaw the further display of faculties and virtues which would 
 identify your name with liberty, and demonstrate your well 
 founded claims to the gratitude, the love, and the admiration 
 of mankind. 
 
 " The few surviving statesmen and soldiers of the Revolu- 
 tion have gathered around you as a friend and a brother — the 
 generation that has risen up since your departure, cherish the 
 same feelings, and those that will appear in the successive 
 future ages, will hail you as the benefactor of America, and the 
 hero of liberty. In every heart you have a friend, and your 
 eulogium is pronounced by every tongue. In behalf of the in- 
 habitiints of this ancient city, I welcome you most cordially, 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 435 
 
 and tender to you their civic honours. I salute you as an 
 illustrious benefactor of our country ; and I supplicate the 
 blessings of Heaven on a life sanctified in the sublime cause of 
 heroic virtue and disinterested benevolence." 
 
 To this address, which we beg leave to pronounce forcible 
 and elegant, the General returned the following reply : — 
 
 " Sir — The enjoyments of my visit to the beautiful and hap- 
 py shores of the North River, cannot but be highly enhanced 
 by the affectionate reception, the civic testimonies of esteem, 
 which are conferred upon me in this city, and by the manner 
 in which you are pleased to express sentiments so gratifying to 
 my heart. Not half a century has elapsed since this place, 
 ancient, but small, was my head quarters, on the frontiers of 
 an extensive wilderness, since as commander in the northern 
 department, I had to receive the oath of renunciation to a royal 
 distant government, of allegiance to the more legitimate sove- 
 reignty of the people of the United States. Now, Sir, Albany 
 has become a considerable city ; is the central seat of the au- 
 thorities of the state of New- York. Those wildernesses rank 
 among the most populous, tlie best cultivated parts of the union. 
 This rising generation, has, in two glorious wars, and still more 
 so in her admirable institutions, asserted an indisputable supe- 
 riority over the proud pretenders to a control upon her. 
 
 " To these happy recollections. Sir, you have the goodness 
 to add remembrances of my early admission among the sons 
 and soldiers of America, of friendships the most honourable and 
 dear to me. I will not attempt to express the feelings that 
 crowd on my mind, and shall only beg you, Sir, and the gen- 
 tlemen of the Corporation, to accept the tribute of my respect- 
 ful and devoted gratitude, for the city of Albany and her 
 worthy magistrates." 
 
 The members of the Common Council, and those friends 
 who had been specially invited, having been introduced, the 
 General was then conducted to the Governor's apartment, 
 where he was received by his Excellency Governor Yates, who 
 addressed him as follows : — 
 
 " General — A million and a half of freemen congratulate you 
 on your arrival in this state ; and as their chief magistrate, and 
 in their behalf, I bid you welcome. 
 
 " On your appearance, the recollection of former days recur 
 to us afresh, but it is impossible to give our ideas utterance. 
 
 "Those among us whose immediate ancestors or connexions 
 
436 Tljt; TOLK OK 
 
 were actively engaged in that arduous and mighty eftbrt I;.: 
 nation's freedom^ — in which you so essentially contributed, ex- 
 perience emotions the most exquisite, on this happy and highly 
 interesting occasion ; and if this be so with regard to them, who 
 can describe the sensations of the few surviving revolutionary 
 soldiers and patriots, your companions in arms. 
 
 "It is impossible for language to depict the feelings of a 
 grateful nation, emancipated from thraldom by your aid — hap- 
 py in the full enjoyment of their rights and privileges, and 
 llourishing in arts, on beholding their distinguished benefactor, 
 (who is so jusdy ranked among the most prominent of their de- 
 liverers) again revisiting their shores, after an absence of two- 
 score years. 
 
 " It is. General, one of tlie most pleasant circumstances of 
 my life, that I am favoured with the honour of personally ad- 
 dressing you ; and may the blessing of the Almighty always 
 attend you, and may your course through life be as happy as it 
 has been glorious." 
 
 This affectionate address was answered by General Lafay- 
 ette, as follows : — 
 
 " Sir — The kind welcome you are pleased to express in 
 behalf of the free and happy citizens of the State of New- York, 
 is an additional claim to my gratitude towards them, and a par- 
 ticular obligation conferred upon me by their respected chief 
 jnagistrate. 
 
 " The inexpressible feelings, which the presence of my revo- 
 lutionary companions, and the affection and esteem of the suc- 
 ceeding generations could not fail to excite, mingle in my heart 
 with the delight I enjoy from the sight of the wonderful im- 
 provements, superior to the most sanguine anticipations, which, 
 in the space of forty years, have so clearly evinced the power 
 of enlightened patriotism under republican institutions. 
 
 •'' I beg your Excellency to accept my affectionate and re- 
 spectful acknowledgments." 
 
 The suite of the Governor having been presented to the 
 General, together with his Excellency's particular friends, he 
 was conducted from the capitol to the residence of Matthew 
 Gregory, Esq. (who mounted the ramparts with Lafayette and 
 Hamilton at York-Town,) where many of the most distinguished 
 gentlemen of the city and state, were assembled to pay him 
 their respects. Among them were Governor Clinton, the 
 Chancelloi-, and .Judges of the Supreme Court, the Lieut. 
 
GENERAL LAIAYKTTE. 437 
 
 Governor, and principal officers of the state, 6ic. Sic. After 
 remaining here for the space of an hour, the General was at- 
 tended to the lodgings prepared for him at Cruttenden's, and 
 where a rich and bountiful supper was spread for the Corpora- 
 tion and its guests. The Mayor presided at this entertainment, 
 assisted by Alderman Van Ingen ; and a number of toasts were 
 drank by way of concluding the banquet. 
 
 Over head, in front of the chair of the president, was the 
 painted inscription — " Lafayette the Guest of the Nation," and 
 on the reverse — " York-Town, October 19th, 1781." Among 
 the festoons were the words wrought in flowers — " Flora's 
 Tribute." On the right of the chair hung the portrait of La- 
 fayette, painted in 1783 ; and on the left that of the late Robert 
 Morris. Farther down the room stood a marble pedestal, sur- 
 mounted with the bust of Washington, crowned with a wreath 
 of laurel; and an American Bald Eagle hovered over the door. 
 After remaining a short time in the drawing room, the General, 
 accompanied by the distinguished gentlemen before mentioned, 
 (excepting Governor Clinton, who did not attend, in conse- 
 quence of the recent death of his son,) repaired to the Assem- 
 bly Chamber of the Capitol, which was echoing to the music 
 and the dance of a splendid ball, given in honour of the " Na- 
 tion's Guest." The room was handsomely, though not pro- 
 fusely, decorated with wreaths and festoons, and the pillars 
 entwined with ivy. The Speaker's Chair was entirely shrouded 
 or enveloped in shrubbery of ever-greens and flowers, and in 
 front, in the centre of a large and beautiful garland, was the 
 following inscription : — " Welcome brave Lafayette ; we hail 
 thee as the Nation's Guest and early friend." From the staff 
 projecting forward from the gallery, floated a broad streamer, 
 bearing the hero's name. Over the Speaker's chair, the well 
 known full length portrait of Washington preserved its place, 
 encircled by a wreath of laurel ; and the walls were hung 
 round with banners, inscribed with the names of the following 
 Generals of the Revolution, viz. Schuyler, Lincoln, Hamilton, 
 Lingan, Wayne, Warren, Montgomery, Greene, Knox, Woos- 
 ter. Heath, Gates, Clinton, M'Dougall, and Gansevoort. Ge- 
 neral Lafayette stayed but about an hour amidst tliis scene of 
 pleasure and gayety, during which time the ladies and gentle- 
 men moved in procession before him, and were severally 
 honoured with an introduction. At 1 o'clock, he retired to 
 
438 THE TOUR OP 
 
 obtain that repose which the incessant fatigues of the week 
 must have rendered not only desirable, but highly necessary. 
 
 On Saturday morning, the General rose in excellent health 
 and spirits, at an early hour ; and as the arrangements of the 
 day required that no time should be lost, the calls of gentlemen 
 commenced at a most unfashionable time. Among other gen- 
 tlemen, Mr. Clinton called, pursuant to a request from the 
 New- York Literary and Philosophical Society, of which he is 
 President, to present the General with a diploma of member- 
 ship. And in performing this duty, he addressed the General 
 in an appropriate manner. 
 
 In replying to this forcible and elegant address of our distin- 
 guished fellow-citizen, General Lafayette remarked in substance, 
 "that the honour conferred on him was rendered the more 
 gratifying to his feelings by the reflection, that the evidence of 
 it was presented to him by the highly respected son and nephew 
 of two of his departed brothers in arms, and warm and personal 
 friends and companions." 
 
 At 8 o'clock the military were again under arms, and ap- 
 peared before the General's lodgings, to escort him through a 
 number of the principal streets, and thence to one of the ele- 
 gant canal packet-boats, in which the Corporation had invited 
 him to take a trip to Troy, and thence by land to Lansingburg, 
 Waterford, and home by way of the Cohoose Falls, where the 
 boat was in readiness to receive him. The procession moved 
 down State, South, Pearl, and Lydius-streets, to South Market- 
 street, and thence up the second lock, near the seat of the 
 Patroon. The day was uncommonly fine, and the military 
 appeared to excellent advantage. — The crowd was very great j 
 the whole mass of citizens being in motion, and multitudes 
 having flocked in from the surrounding country. It was 12 
 o'clock before the General, together with the Corporation and 
 their guests, embarked on board of the " Schenectady Packet," 
 which was gayly dressed for the occasion. The embarkation 
 was announced by a salute from cannon stationed on the hill, 
 near the seat of Elias Kane, Esq. The Albany Band occupied 
 a boat which preceded the packet, and a boat which followed 
 was occupied by the officers of the Albany Military Association 
 and their friends. Next followed two or three large packet 
 boats filled with spectators, and the banks, the whole distance, 
 were lined with people. Among the guests of the Corporation 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 439 
 
 were Governor Yates, Mr. Clinton, the Chancellor and Judges, 
 General Lewis, Colonel Fish, Colonel Huger, the Hon. Peter 
 R. Livingston, and many others. The boats were briskly pro- 
 pelled onward by six horses each, selected for the occasion. 
 In passing the Half-way-House, a large basket of delicious 
 grapes, in rich clusters, and adorned with flowers, was sent on 
 board as a present to the General, from the Shakers at Nes- 
 kayuna. At the United States garrison, at Gibbonsville, the 
 General stopped, and was received within the walls of the arse- 
 nal by a salute of 21 guns. Having returned to the packet, 
 the party moved on to the lateral canal, leading to the river, 
 through which they descended and entered the Hudson by one 
 of the "sprouts" which form the Delta of the Mohawk. At 
 this place eight row-boats, all dressed with flags, the broadest 
 of which bore the popular name of " Clinton," were in readi- 
 ness to tow the packet across the river, which service was ex- 
 peditiously performed. 
 
 The General landed at Troy on a platform, erected and 
 carpeted for the occasion, and a salute was fired. He was 
 received by a deputation of the citizens, consisting of Messrs. 
 Tibbitts, Russell, Mallory, Dickinson, Cushman, Paine, and 
 others, by the former of whom he was presented with a hand- 
 some address. 
 
 The crowd was here very great, but they were orderly ; 
 and the military parade was rendered more formidable by the 
 addition of two companies of uniform troops from Albany. A 
 procession was here formed, which was escorted through the 
 principal streets ; the General riding, as usual, in an open car- 
 riage, attended by Colonel Lane, to the " Troy House," kept 
 by Mr. Titus. On arriving here, he was received by the 
 Common Council of the city, and an address was delivered to 
 him by Mr. Recorder Clowes. 
 
 The concourse of people was immensely great ; and such 
 was the anxiety to see the illustrious visiter, that he went out 
 upon the piazza, and gratified the multitude as long as his time 
 would allow. The piazza was handsomely adorned with fes- 
 toons of ever-greens and roses, and in the centre was perched 
 a large living eagle, with a miniature of Lafayette upon his 
 neck. While standing here, a deputation from the Troy Royal 
 Arch Chapter of Masons were introduced to him. They came 
 with a request that he would favour the Chapter, then in session 
 in the tabernacle above, with the honour of a visit. The request 
 
440 THE TOUR OF 
 
 was immediately assented to ; and" he was received, together 
 with his son, with masonic honours. 
 
 The officers and members having been severally presented, 
 the General retired to the dining-hall below, where a cold col- 
 lation was handsomely and bountifully provided. While par- 
 taking of a litde refreshment, the following note was presented 
 to him, and the invitation promptly and cheerfully accepted : — 
 
 " To General Lafayette. — The Ladies of Troy, having as- 
 sembled at the Female Seminary, have selected from their 
 number a committee to request of General Lafayette that he 
 would grant them an opportunity of beholding in his person, 
 their own, and their country's generous and beloved benefactor." 
 
 The General, prompt in his movements, together with those 
 gentlemen of the party who chose, repaired to the Seminary ; 
 and here a scene of deep and delightful interest transpired. 
 On arriving at the gate of the institution, an arbour of ever- 
 greens, which, like Jonah's gourd, sprang up in a night, was 
 found to extend the whole distance to the building, which is 
 about 200 feet. At the entrance of this arbour was the follow- 
 ing inscription : — " America commands her Daughters to wel- 
 come their Deliverer, Lafayette." At this place the General 
 was met by the Committee of Arrangements, and Mrs. Colonel 
 Pawling pronounced a pleasing address — which, as usual, re- 
 ceived a brief and pertinent reply. 
 
 On entering the institution, the General was presented to 
 Mrs. Willard, the principal, and afterwards the pupils were 
 presented by her, for which purpose they were arranged in two 
 lines along the hall leading directly from the arbour. — Two of 
 the pupils, daughters of the Governors of Vermont and Michi- 
 gan, then advanced and presented the following lines, entitled 
 " Lafayette's Welcome," and written for the occasion by the 
 principal : — 
 
 And art thou, then, dear Hero, come ? 
 And do our eyes behold tlie man, 
 
 Who nerved his arm and bared his breast 
 For us, ere yet our hfe be;^an ? 
 
 For us and for our native land, 
 Thy youthful valour dared the war ; 
 
 And now, in winter of thine age, 
 Thou'st come, and loft thy lov'd ones far. 
 Then deep and dear thy welcome be ; 
 Nor think thy daughters far from th6e : 
 Columbia'!* daughters, lo ! wc bend, 
 \nd chiim In ml! fhoc Father, Friend ! 
 
liENKKAL LAFAYETTE. '441 
 
 But wast our country's rights alone 
 Impeird Fayette to Freedom's van ? 
 
 No ! 'twas the love of human kind — 
 It was the sacred cause of man — 
 
 It was benevolence sublime, 
 Like that which sways the Eternal mind ■ 
 
 And, benefactor of the vvorld, 
 He shed his blood for all mankind ! 
 
 Then deep and dear thy welcome be ; 
 Nor think thy daughters far from thee ! 
 Daughters of humankind, we bend. 
 And claim to call thee Father, Friend ! 
 
 These lines were afterwards, by particular request, sung with 
 great sweetness and pathos, by Miss Eliza Smith, of Worces- 
 ter, Massachusetts, in the choruses of which the young ladies 
 generally joined, and the whole was executed with much effect. 
 The General was much affected, and at the close of the sing- 
 ing, with eyes suffused in tears, he said — " I cannot express 
 what I feel on this occasion ; but will you, madam, present me 
 with three copies of those lines, to be given by me, as from 
 you, to my three daughters." — It is wholly unnecessary to add 
 that the request was complied with. The General then retired, 
 and was conducted by the Committee of Arrangements back, 
 through the arbour, along the sides of which the pupils had 
 formed themselves in close order, to the number of about 200. 
 It was a most interesting spectacle, thrilling the soul with de- 
 lightful anticipations. Female^ education was far too long 
 neglected, even after the sombre clouds of the ignorance and 
 prejudice of the dark ages had been dissipated. " The human 
 mind," says Cicero, " without instruction, is like a field without 
 culture." The visit of the General to Troy, short as it was, 
 afforded him great satisfaction. He talked much about it, and 
 frequently spoke of his visit to the Seminary, as one of the 
 most interesting and delightful moments of his life. 
 
 By this time the day was so far advanced that the visit to 
 Lansingburgh, Waterford, and the Falls, was necessarily relin- 
 quished, though with great reluctance, particularly on the part 
 of General Lafayette, as he wished both to gratify the wishes 
 of those villages, and to enjoy a farther opportunity of examin- 
 ing that great work, from a short section of which he had that 
 morning derived so much pleasure. It was, however, neces- 
 sary to embark and return to Albany, which was accordingly 
 done — the whole party partaking of an excellent dinner on 
 bo^rd of the boat. 
 
 56 
 
442 THE TOUR OF 
 
 Oh landing at the head of the Basin, lie was escorted as 
 before, but through different streets, back to his lodgings. In 
 the evening he visited Governor Clinton, and afterwards his 
 Excellency Governor Yates, whence he was escorted to the 
 steam-boat, where he embarked on his return to New- York, at 
 about 12 o'clock. General Muir was detached by the Govern- 
 or, with Majors Henry and Webster, aids of Major General 
 Stephen Van Rensselaer, to accompany General Lafayette to 
 New- York as an escort. 
 
 On Sunday morning, the General stopped at Red-Hook and 
 visited Mrs. Montgomery, widow of General Montgomery, who 
 fell in storming the city of Quebec, December 1775, where he 
 met a numerous collection of friends, and partook of a sump- 
 tuous dinner. About 2 o'clock, the General took an affection- 
 ate leave of Mrs. Montgomery and guests, and retired on board 
 of the steam-boat, on his way to New- York. At 7 o'clock the 
 boat came to at Fishkill landing, and the General called on 
 Mrs. Dewitt, grand-daughter of the former President Adams, 
 where he was courteously as well as splendidly received, amidst 
 a numerous collection of friends assembled to greet their coun- 
 try's guest. To add to the enjoyments of this interview, the 
 General had the pleasure of shaking cordially by the hand 
 another of his brave Light Infantry, adding, "the Light Infantry 
 were a brave corps, and under my immediate command." 
 " Yes," returned the old soldier, " and you gave us our swords 
 and plumes." The General made but a short stay, took leave 
 of his friends, and returned to the boat under a salute of three 
 hearty cheers. 
 
 The boat arrived at Courtlandt-street wharf. New- York, at 
 S o'clock in the morning, and at 5 the General returned to his 
 lodgings, after a most delightful excursion. 
 
 On Monday afternoon, in consequence of previous arrange- 
 ments, General Lafayette partook of a dinner at Washington 
 Hall, to which he had been invited by the Grand Lodge of this 
 State. From 5 to 600 of the craft, decorated with their sacred 
 symbols, were present. Language is inadequate to give a 
 correct description of the sc^e. 
 
 After the General's return to New-York, he received the 
 following address, enclosing 150 dollars, which had been raised 
 by a liberal contribution amongst the children of Catskill, after 
 he left tfiat village. 
 
(iENERAL l.Al'AYETTE. 443 
 
 "TAe Children of the village ofCatskillto General Lafayette.''^ 
 
 " While the most distinguished civil honours of our country 
 have justly been paid to the friend of Washington, and the cham- 
 pion of liberty, we ardently pray, that our moral and religious 
 privileges may be continued, promoted, and appreciated; and 
 as we are aware that the enlightening, civilizing, and ameliorating 
 influences of the Bible, are the strongest and most efficient 
 means of maintaining the glorious advantages we enjoy : we, the 
 children of the village of Catskill, solicit General Lafayette to 
 permit us to constitute him a life Director of the American Bible 
 Society ; presuming that you. Sir, will duly appreciate the mo- 
 tives which have induced us to adopt this expression of our 
 gratitude for services too essential to American freedom ever 
 to be forgotten." 
 
 The General was much pleased with (he attention, and re- 
 turned his kind acknowledgments for the honour done him. 
 
 Previous to the General's departure on Thursday morning, 
 the Cincinnati Society, the Mayor, and the Honourable Cor- 
 poration of the city and county, and a large collection of citizens, 
 met, by appointment, in the audience chamber in the City Hotel, 
 at 9 o'clock. Soon after they were assembled, the Nation's 
 Guest entered the room, and after saluting round the semi-circle 
 all his old companions in arms, and the Honourable Corpora- 
 tion, and the citizens, he was addressed by Gurdon S. Mum- 
 ford, Esq. as follows : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — Sir, how inscrutible are the ways of 
 Providence, and His works past finding out ! I hold in my hand 
 a relic, nothing less than the Cane of the immortal Franklin ; 
 this large gold-headed cane was bequeathed to our beloved 
 Washington ; and by whom can this relic, now exhibited to you, 
 be better transmitted to posterity, than through the putative son 
 of Benjamin Franklin, for such I may be permitted to call you, 
 fi'om the very affectionate manner in which he uniformly advo- 
 cated your disinterestedness and devotedness to the prosperity 
 of our beloved country. 
 
 " The hand that held this cane, when an American agent in 
 London, at the time the Stamp Act was passed, wrote to his 
 intimate friend, Charles Thompson, Esq. of blessed memory, 
 but now no more on earth, that the Sun of Liberty was set, 
 and that we must in America " light up the candles of industry 
 and economv." 
 
444 THK TOLR OF 
 
 " The hand that held this cane was among the foremost in 
 signing our Independence. 
 
 " The hand that held this cane met Lord Howe, sent out to 
 conciliate America. His Lordship expressed " the extreme pain 
 he would suffer in heing obliged to distress those he so much 
 regarded." " I feel thankful to your Lordship," replied Frank- 
 lin, " for your regard. The Americans will show their gratitude, 
 by endeavouring to lessen the pain you may feel on their account, 
 in exerting their utmost abilities to take good care of themselv^es." 
 
 " The hand that held this cane signed the definitive Treaty 
 of Peace, which consummated our Independence. 
 
 " You will recollect, Sir, that at threescore years and ten, 
 Dr. Franklin embarked in a merchant vessel for France, disre- 
 garding the risks he run, provided he was in the way of his 
 duty, serving his country, and, providentially for these United 
 States, he arrived safe in France. Suppose, for a moment, 
 that he should have been captured on his passage to France, 
 with a rebel commission in his pocket, what would have been 
 the inevitable consequences ? Most assuredly the same line of 
 conduct would have been dealt out to him as was so severely 
 adhered to by the British government, in the case of another 
 disinterested patriot, Henry Laurens, formerly President of 
 Congress, taken on his passage to Europe, and immersed in the 
 Tower of London during the remainder of the war. 
 
 " With these impressions, permit me to deliver this relic into 
 your hands for safe keeping, to serve as a memorial to future 
 generations. 
 
 " I wish you much health and happiness." 
 
 To which the General replied : — 
 
 " Sir — I receive this relic with infinite satisfaction, and shall 
 transmit it as requested. You make a great sacrifice, and evince 
 great disinterestedness." 
 
 Immediately on the conclusion of this ceremony, the General 
 left the Hotel, and was escorted by the troop of horse of the 
 second and third regiments, the battalion of the eleventh, the 
 battalion of the third doing duty with muskets, and the battalion 
 of infantry of the second regiment, to the steam-boat James 
 Kent, at the foot of Courtlandt-street. — He was also accompa- 
 nied by the Cincinnati Society, and a number of distinguished 
 .citizens. The boat left the wharf amidst the repeated cheers 
 ' of an immense multitude, assembled on the surrounding wharves, 
 tD bid adieu to their much beloved guest. The General re- 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 445 
 
 mained on deck (bowing with the utmost complacency,) until he 
 could be no longer distinguished by the spectators from the sljore. 
 
 CEIAPTSR ZZI. 
 
 THE general's TOUR THROUGH THE MIDDLE STATES TO THE 
 CITY OF WASHINGTON RECEPTION BY CONGRESS. 
 
 On the arrival of General Lafayette upon the shore of New- 
 Jersey, he was waited upon by General Dayton, Colonel Kin- 
 ney, and Major Kean, of the suite of Governor Williamson, and 
 conducted to Lyon's Hotel, where he was received by the 
 Governor himself, and introduced to a number of distinguished 
 citizens of New-Jersey. While here, a full basket of large 
 and delicious peaches were presented to the General, from the 
 extensive fruitery of Mr. Taphagan. The General was ac- 
 companied to Jersey by the Mayor, Recorder, Members of the 
 Common Council, the Society of Cincinnati, and several other 
 gentlemen, all of whom were politely invited to visit and join in 
 the festivities at Newark, and dine with the company at Eliza- 
 bethtown. After remaining a few minutes, the General, with 
 his Excellency Governor Williamson, entered a superb car- 
 riage, drawn by four beautiful bay horses, and a cavalcade was 
 formed, which proceeded leisurely towards Newark, escorted 
 by a squadron of New-Jersey cavalry, and two companies 
 which had been invited from New- York. Arrived' at Bergen, 
 it was found that the inhabitants of that little town had assem- 
 bled at the Inn, and were so anxious to pay their respects to 
 the General, that he was constrained to alight for a moment. 
 Here, unexpectedly, he was formally addressed by a delega- 
 tion from the town, and presented with a superb cane made 
 from an apple-tree under which Washington and Lafayette 
 dined, when passing through that town, during the revolution, 
 and which was blown down by the violent gale of the 3d of 
 September, in 1S21. The cane is richly mounted with gold, 
 and bears the following inscription : — " Lafayette," on the top, 
 and round the head the words — " Shaded the hero and his 
 friend Washington, in 1779 — Presented by the Corporation of 
 Bergen, in 1824." 
 
 As General Lafayette re-ascended his carriage and left this 
 ancient village, he was heartily cheered. On approaching the 
 
446 THK TOUR Of 
 
 Passaic bridge, in the vicinity of Newark, a salute was tired 
 from the hill. Having ascended the hill and entered this 
 charming town, it was found that if the militaiy display, and 
 the number of people on the way, had not been so great as was 
 anticipated, both were now far more imposing than one could 
 have supposed. On the green, near Dr. Griffin's Church, 
 were one or two regiments of troops drawn up in a line, in 
 front of a regular encampment of tents, and the broad streets 
 and commons were literally crowded with people. But as the 
 procession passed through the town, it was found that the troops 
 at first seen, formed but a small proportion of the whole. Three 
 thousand infantry and five hundred horse were under arms, 
 and the windows of every house were as full of spectators as 
 the streets. The General was conducted around the extensive 
 lawn south of the Episcopal Church, to the seat of Major 
 Boudinot, where he was introduced to the Judges of the Unit- 
 ed States District, and Superior State Courts, and to the prin- 
 cipal officers of State, and the leading gentlemen of the village, 
 and surrounding country. While here, a deputation from 
 Morristown, his ancient head quarters, waited upon the Gene- 
 ral, and through their Chairman, presented an appropriate ad- 
 dress, in pursuance of a resolution passed at a meeting of the 
 citizens of that town. 
 
 The General replied that nothing would afford him greater 
 satisfaction than to visit a town with which so many endearing 
 associations were connected in his mind ; but that his arrange- 
 ments were such, that a visit to Morristown now, were impos- 
 sible ; on his return from the south, however, he should avail 
 himself of some opportunity to pay the patriotic citizens a visit. 
 After partaking of refreshments, a procession was formed 
 consisting of the principal officers present, the Corporation of 
 Newark, the Members of New-York Corporation present. 
 Colonel Varick, General Morton, and other members of the 
 Cincinnati of New- York, together with delegates and distin- 
 guished citizens of New-Jersey, which proceeded to the south 
 end of the green, now environed with troops, and entered be- 
 tween the two columns. At the entrance were ranged in two 
 lines, twenty-four male singers, who sang the following lines : — 
 
 Hail ! the gfallant Chief, whose fame 
 Is pure as Heaven's ethereal flame ! — 
 ' Who comes our peaceful fields to cheer, 
 
 A Father often millions dear ! 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 447 
 
 Oh ! strew the blooms of vale and grove — 
 Bright as our tear — warm as our love ! 
 The present and the past are met 
 To bid us welcome Lafayette ! 
 
 The General, followed by the procession, then passed up 
 through the centre of the green until he came within a few 
 yards of a magnificent bovver, where he was received by 
 twenty-four females, ranged in the order as before, who sang 
 the following lines : — 
 
 We weave the wreath, we pour the wine. 
 Where smiles like sparkling sun-beams shine ; 
 And hail the thousands fondly met 
 To greet the matchless Lafayette ! 
 
 Unseen, around the flow'r-dress'd way, 
 Shades of the dead in glory play ! 
 While hearts beat high and eyes are wet, 
 The winds of Heaven hail Lafayette ! 
 
 He then passed between the lines, the path, as he approach- 
 ed, being strewed with roses and other flowers, and passed 
 through the portico into the splendid rural temple, which had 
 been erected for his reception, where a feeling address was 
 pronounced by Theodore Frelinghuysen, Esq. Attorney-Gene- 
 ral of the State, in behalf of the town of Newark. The General 
 made a very feeling reply. There were a great number of 
 revolutionary soldiers present. One who was introduced to 
 the General was more than 100 years old. An old lady also 
 pressed forward, whose husband had served with Lafayette, 
 and would not be restrained from shaking hands with the hero. 
 
 The bower prepared for the reception of the General was 
 splendid beyond description. The base of the temple covered 
 an area of about 35 feet diameter, and was formed of thirteen 
 arches, representing the thirteen original states, surmounted by 
 a dome, representing the western hemisphere. The pillars 
 which sustained the dome, were fifteen feet in height, and of 
 due proportion. On either side, extending directly back, were 
 colonnades of twelve arches each, intended as arbours for the 
 ladies. But the front was the most imposing. The portico 
 was lofty, and formed four grand triumphal arches, supporting 
 what might be called a tower. On the top of this stood a large 
 and finely wrought golden Eagle, with a crown of laurel in his 
 beak, and on one side a cornucopias, and the olive branch and 
 cap of liberty in his talons. In the centre of this portico was 
 erected a platform, on which were two large chairs, and over 
 
448 THE TOUR OF 
 
 that intended for the General, hung a canopy in the form of a 
 cone, wreathed with flowers of bright and various hues. In 
 front of the portico, beneath the capital of the pillar, was the 
 name of Lafayette, in large letters wrought of white blossoms. 
 Over the several arches forming the portico, were the following 
 inscriptions : — On the West : " Now I am going to serve you." 
 On the South : " For him whom a nation delights to honour.'* 
 On the North: "We ne'er shall look upon his like again." 
 On the East : " His laurels shall never fade." 
 
 The cornices of the portico, within and without, were richly 
 ornamented with flowers, wrought in the body of the work, so 
 as to resemble festoons ; and the arches of the interior of the 
 temple were also adorned with flowers. On each side of the 
 portico, extending to tlie distance of one hundred and fifty feet, 
 and running forward in a moderate angle, were colonnades of 
 twelve arches each, representing the twenty-four states ; and, 
 with the portico as a common centre, binding the whole, repre- 
 senting the union of the states. These colonnades formed 
 extensive and beautiful bowers, and were filled with ladies, who 
 advanced in columns after the General was seated, and were 
 introduced. The workmanship of the temple and arbours, 
 which we have attempted to describe, was as neat as the design 
 was beautiful and classical. Every thing was interwoven with 
 the greatest skill and compacmess ; and by the aid of the ver- 
 dant box, the artist was enabled to form cornices, capitals, and 
 fret-work, with almost as much exactness as could be preserved 
 in sculpturing marble. It was indeed a fairy palace ; and we 
 can give no better idea of its appearance at a distance, than by 
 referring to the foliage in Mr. Vandelyn's picture of the Palace 
 and Garden of Versailles. For the design and execution of this 
 work, the inhabitants of Newark are indebted to William 
 Halsey, Esq. 
 
 The General, in company with the Governor, and others, 
 then proceeded to review the troops ; after which, he received 
 a marching salute, and returned to the house of Major Boudi- 
 not, where a sumptuous collation was spread, which was pre- 
 pared by Mr. Morton, of the Newark Hotel. The repast was 
 moistened with a choice glass of wine. Before rising from the 
 table. Colonel Ward, Chairman of the Committee of Newark, 
 proposed the following toast, whicii was drank with rapturous 
 applause — " Our distinguished Guest, General Lafayette. — 
 We thank France for her Son : May America not forget, and 
 
GENERAL LAFAyETTK. 449 
 
 Europe feel to good purpose the influence of his bright ex- 
 ample." 
 
 This toast was responded by General Lafayette as follows : 
 — The town ofJVewark. — And may her population, prosperity, 
 and industry, increase in the same wonderful proportion I have 
 been delighted to witness." 
 
 The hour of four having arrived, the General retired, and 
 proceeded to Elizabethtown, accompanied by the Governor 
 and suite, a long cavalcade of officers and private gentlemen, 
 and preceded by an escort. 
 
 The General arrived at Elizabethtown on Thursday, a littie 
 past 5 o'clock, and was received with the utmost enthusiasm. 
 Two large triumphal arches with suitable ornaments and in- 
 scriptions, were erected at conspicuous places and proper dis- 
 tances across the principal street, through which the procession 
 passed. On arriving at Rivers' Hotel, the General was receiv- 
 ed in due form by the Corporation, and an appropriate address 
 delivered by Caleb Halsted, jr. to which a brief but pertinent 
 reply was returned. 
 
 At 6 o'clock the party sat dovm to an excellent dinner given 
 by the Corporation. The room in which it was served was 
 ornamented for the occasion, and no where has more good 
 feelmg been manifested than here. The Grand Lodge of 
 New-Jersey had convened at Elizabethtown to pay the honours 
 of the fraternity to their distinguished brother, and he accepted 
 an invitation to visit them in the course of the evening, which 
 invitation was complied with. From thence, at 10 o'clock, he 
 was escorted to the residence of General Dayton, where he 
 lodged. On Friday morning he breakfasted with Governor 
 Ogden, after which he was introduced to the principal citizens 
 of the place, and several surviving soldiers of the revolution. 
 
 At 10 o'clock, preparations for his departure having been 
 made, the General entered a superb barouche, prepared by the 
 Corporation for his use, and proceeded for Rahway, escorted 
 as before, and attended by a numerous cavalcade of citizens in 
 carnages and on horseback. On his arrival at Rahway, he 
 was greeted by the assembled population of the village, and an 
 address was presented by a committee, who invited him to 
 partake of a collation, which invitation was accepted. — ^A 
 splendid arch was thrown across the street, under which he 
 passed. A committee from Woodbridge here met the Gene- 
 ralj with carriages for himself and suite, and at 12 o'clock the 
 
 57 
 
450 THK TOUR OF 
 
 party moved off for that village, accompanied by Governor 
 Williamson and his staff, &;c. and arrived at 1 o'clock, where 
 they halted on the green, and the General alighted. Here 
 was a company of revolutionary veterans, formed in line to 
 receive him, with labels " 76" on tlieir hats. Their wives, 
 children, and grand-children, in regular procession continued 
 the line, down which ijie General passed, giving and receiving 
 the most affectionate salutations. At the end of the line, and 
 at right angles with it, stood nine interesting girls, with each a 
 large letter formed by flowers on their breasts, spelling the 
 name Lafayette. The device was a happy one, and attracted 
 the particular attention of the General, who was highly gratified 
 by it. A very impressive address was delivered to him by 
 Mr. Stryker, which received a suitable reply. Another colla- 
 tion was here spread for the company, which having been par- 
 taken, the General proceeded for New-Brunswick at 2 o'clock, 
 and arrived at 4. Two beautiful arches of ever-greens and 
 flowers were formed here, through which the procession passed, 
 and was conducted to the City Hall, where he was received 
 in due form by the Corporation, and an address delivered by 
 Dr. Taylor, the Recorder. After receiving the congratulations 
 of the citizens, who were introduced, he was conducted to 
 FoUett's Hotel, where a splendid dinner was provided, in a 
 spacious dining-hall, which was beautifully ornamented with 
 wreaths, festoons, inscriptions, &:c, Sic. While at this place, a 
 committee from the citizens of Monmouth waited upon him with 
 an address, inviting him to pay them a visit. This, however, 
 he was not able to do, consistently with his otlier engagements. 
 The General passed the night at New-Brunswick, and departed 
 at 7 o'clock the next morning, for Princeton, escorted by a 
 squadron of cavalry under the command of Major Vandyke. 
 
 At an early hour in the morning, strangers, and the inhabi- 
 tants of the neighbouring country flocked into Princeton to 
 catch a glimpse of the Hero ; all was life and animation. A 
 little past 10 it was announced that the General was coming. 
 He passed through the town accompanied by a numerous 
 escort of cavalry, until he arrived opposite the centre gate of 
 the College Campus. — The gate was thrown open, and the 
 company assembled formed, the ladies on the right and the 
 gentlemen on the left, leaving an avenue for him to pass to a 
 splendid temple, erected in the centre of the Campus. Having 
 entered the gate and proceeded half way to the temple, under 
 
eENERAL LAFAYETTE. 451 
 
 the conduct of Captain Stockton, and J. S. Green, Esq. Mar- 
 shals of the day, he was received by our committee, and ad- 
 dressed in an appropriate speech by Richard Stockton, Esq. in 
 behalf of the citizens. This ceremony being gone through, he 
 was led to a splendid temple. The front facing the street was 
 tastefully decorated ; and in a conspicuous situation over the 
 entrance, in large letters, was placed the following motto : — 
 Literae virtutem celebrant : 
 Salve 
 Dux clarissime, 
 nobis amicissime, 
 nobis carissime, 
 Lafayette.* 
 
 The interior was carpeted, contained two sofas, and was 
 decorated with the paintings of Washington, and the battle of 
 Princeton, the battle of York-Town, and the portraits of Drs. 
 Witherspoone and Smith. The decorations," both of the tem- 
 ple and refectory, were the workmanship of the ladies, and did 
 honour to their taste and skill. 
 
 On entering the temple the General was received by Presi- 
 dent Carnahan, and introduced to several gentlemen present, 
 when the President proceeded to deliver to him a degree of 
 L. L. D. which had been conferred on him during the Presi- 
 dency of Dr. Witherspoone, and is signed by the Doctor and 
 several members of the Corporation at that time. The degree 
 was accompanied by the following neat, elegant, and highly in- 
 teresting address by Doctor Carnahan : — 
 
 " General — ^Your arrival in the United States has been 
 hailed with a joy as ardent as it is universal ; and permit me 
 to say, we are happy to mingle our congratulations with those 
 of our fellow-citizens in bidding the gallant soldier, the friend of 
 Liberty and of Man, welcome to these shores — welcome to 
 Nassau Hall. In common with others, we enjoy the rich bless- 
 ings of freedom and independence, which your generous aid, , 
 at a time of gloom and trial, contributed, under God, in an 
 eminent degree to establish. 
 
 " Residing also on a spot renowned in the story of our glo- 
 rious Revolution for one of the most brilliant exploits of our 
 beloved and revered Washington, surrounded with objects that 
 daily remind us of the arduous struggles of that eventful period, 
 
 * Translation — " Letters celebrate heroism : Welcome most renowned 
 General, most friendly to us, and most dear to our hearts, Lafayette." 
 
452 ITHE TOUR OF 
 
 we cannot fdrget the generosity of that noble-minded youtli, 
 who came, like an angel from Heaven, to aid the oppressed 
 and to vindicate the rights of man. We stand on consecrated 
 ground. These classic groves, these venerable walls, have 
 witnessed other scenes than the peaceful contests of the Muses, 
 and retired labours of virtuous youths, ambitious to ascend the 
 hill of science. A mercenary and foreign foe possessed these 
 walls — a ruthless soldiery polluted these academic shades. 
 But the wrongs of Nassau Hall were amply revenged. The 
 sword of Washington, your companion and friend, and the 
 blood of the gallant Mercer, redeemed this seat of science. 
 
 " Fully restored to its original destiny by the peace that suc- 
 ceeded the siege and surrender of York-Town, (in which you, 
 Sir, bore a distinguished part,) this College has annually sent 
 forth Alumni, who have held no secondary place in maintain- 
 ing the freedom and independence of the nation, so ably 
 achieved. 
 
 " Here young men from different States have acquired not 
 only the elements of science, but what is of more importance 
 in a government like ours, the love of liberty, and the venera- 
 tion of those brave men " who fought and bled in freedom's 
 cause." Here, on each succeeding anniversary of our National 
 Independence, our youth have vied with each other in recount- 
 ing the sufferings, the labours, and the dangers, that attended 
 our Revolution — in celebrating the wisdom and magnanimity of 
 our statesmen — the valour and heroism of our warriors. And 
 permit me to assure you, that on these occasions no name de- 
 manded and received a purer and more deserved tribute of 
 praise, than that of Lafayette. Hence the love of liberty and 
 of country that have ever distinguished the sons of Nassau 
 Hall. And if the memory of virtues so sublime, and ser- 
 vices so useful, has cherished in our youths a devotion to the 
 principles of 1776, how deep and how salutary must be the 
 impression made by the cheering countenance and living voice 
 of one who exhibited these virtues and performed these services f 
 Happy Youth ! who have the felicity to see the man whose 
 property and whose blood were freely given to purchase their 
 inheritance, returning after a lapse of nearly half a century to 
 behold the glorious results of his youthful enterprise, and to 
 receive the thanks of a nation. Yes, generous Youth ! Long 
 will you remember this day, and the important lesson that it 
 teaches. — You have before vou a u\odel of maenanimitv and 
 
UENERAL LAFAYETTE. 453 
 
 successful enterprise, equal to any of which you read in Roman 
 or Grecian story. 
 
 To which the General made the following reply : — 
 
 " Gentlemen — While the name of this city recalls important 
 military remembrance, it is also connected with that of the illus- 
 trious college, which, in diffusing knowledge and liberal senti- 
 ments, has greatly contributed to turn those successes to the 
 advantage of public liberty. Your library has been destroyed ; 
 but your principles were printed in the hearts of American 
 patriots. I feel much obliged, Sii", to your kind recollection 
 of the diploma, which the signature of my respected friend 
 Doctor Witherspoone, renders still more precious to me ; and 
 I beg you, gentlemen, and you, interesting grandsons of my 
 contemporary friends, to accept my affectionate acknowledg- 
 ments." 
 
 The General was surrounded by his Excellency the Govern- 
 or of New-Jersey, the Professors of the College and Seminary, 
 the Reverend Doctor Green, &;c. The General's son and 
 secretary were also in tlie group. 
 
 The company, (ladies, citizens, and students of College, and 
 Seminary, and invited sti'angers,) having been introduced in 
 turn to the General, repaired to the refectory, where a splendid 
 entertainment was provided. After tlie repast, the General was 
 conducted to the College Library, and thence again to the 
 temple, to view the picture of Washington, which decorated it. 
 He said he thought it an excellent likeness of Washmgton when 
 he first knew him. The General appeared highly pleased 
 with his reception. From the temple he was conducted to 
 an elegant barouche, and left Princeton about half past 12 
 o'clock for Trenton. 
 
 A lady of Princeton, a grand-daughter of Doctor Franklin, 
 presented Lafayette with an elegant breast-pin, enclosing a lock 
 of the Doctor's hair. 
 
 The Infantiy and other military, assembled at Trenton, con- 
 sisting of Light Infantry and Cavalry, from the counties of 
 Hunterdon, Somerset, Burlington, and Gloucester, under the 
 command of General Vliet, were paraded near the boundary 
 line of the Corporation, to receive the General upon his arrival, 
 and were there reviewed by him. After which a procession 
 was formed, and he was conducted to the head of Warren- 
 street. This was announced by the firing of cannon and the 
 ringing of bells. 
 
454 THE TOUR OF 
 
 The procession then moved down Warren-street, across the 
 lower bridge, and down Bloomsbury-street, until it came to 
 Market-street, up Market-street to Mill Hill, over Mill Hill, 
 and the Upper Bridge, into Greene-street, up Greene-street to 
 Perry-street, down Perry-street to Warren-street, dovra Warren- 
 street to Second-street, and up Second-street until it came to the 
 State House Yard j the military then opened to the right and left, 
 and General Lafayette and suite, preceded by the Committee of 
 Arrangements, the Governor and suite passed through. 
 
 The Committee then opened to the right and left, and the 
 General and Governor, and their suites, passed under the arch 
 erected at the State House Gate, and was received by a choir 
 of young ladies who greeted the General with an ode, com- 
 posed for the occasion. 
 
 The General was then escorted into the Assembly Room by 
 the Governor, followed by the Committee of Arrangements, 
 the General's suite, the Governor's suite, and other military 
 officers. The General was received by the Mayor and Com- 
 mon Council, convened for the occasion, when a cordial address 
 was delivered by the Mayor. To which the General returned 
 a feeling and appropriate answer. 
 
 The General was then conducted by the Mayor and Com- 
 mon Council, attended by the Committee of Arrangements, 
 and escorted by the military to the Trenton House, where 
 lodgings had been provided for him — and where a sumptuous 
 dinner was served up — at which were the Governor and suite, 
 Mayor and Common Council, and a large number of officers 
 and citizens. 
 
 In the evening the General attended a handsome entertain- 
 ment, ordered by the Society of Cincinnati, at the City Tavern, 
 where he spent the evening with his brother officers of the 
 Revolutionary Army. 
 
 The day was uncommonly fine. An immense number oi 
 spectators thronged the town from all parts of the adjacent 
 country. 
 
 A spacious arch was thrown across the head of Warren- 
 street, and one near the intersection of Second-street, hand- 
 somely decorated with laurel, and ever-greens and flowers, 
 appended in festoons. Over the front gate of the State House 
 Yard, where the General entered, the old arch was placed, 
 which in 1789, was erected in honour of General Washington, 
 by the citizens of Trenton, as he passed on to New- York to 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 455 
 
 take upon himself the office of President of the United States, 
 Congress being then convened in that place. 
 
 In the evening, the arches in Warren-street were handsomely 
 illuminated. 
 
 On Sunday morning he went to the Presbyterian Church, 
 and in the afternoon visited Joseph Bonaparte, with whom he 
 spent two hours. It was an interesting meeting — both were 
 deeply afiected, and warmly embraced each other. Return- 
 ing to Trenton, the General dined with Colonel Cadwallader, 
 with Governor Williamson and suite, he. The Philadelphia 
 Committee, and Secretary of State, he. of Pennsylvania, and 
 the aids of Governor Shultze of Pennsylvania, were introduc- 
 ed to him in the course of the evening. 
 
 On Monday, September 28th, the General crossed the De- 
 laware at Morrisville, thirty miles from Philadelphia, where he 
 was met by Governor Shultze and suite, under an escort of 250 
 cavalry. A vast concourse of people were assembled to hail 
 the Guest of the Nation, and bid him welcome. The Go- 
 vernor received him upon his landing with the following ad- 
 dress : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — The citizens of Pennsylvania behold, 
 with the most intense feeling and exalted regard, the illustrious 
 friend and companion of Washington. 
 
 " With sentiments of the highest veneration and gratitude"^ 
 we receive the early and great benefactor of the United States ; j 
 the enlightened statesman, philanthropist, and patriot of hotly 
 hemispheres. 
 
 " The sincere and universal joy which your arrival has , 
 diffused over the nation, is no where more deeply or enthu- j 
 siastically felt, than in Pennsylvania ; whose fields and streams I 
 are rendered memorable by your achievements ; whose citi- j 
 zens were the followers of your standard, and the witnesses of 1 
 your sacrifices and toils, in defence of American liberty. The I 
 eventful scenes of your useful life are engraven on our hearts. I 
 A nation has rejoiced at your successes, and sympathized with/ 
 your sorrows. 
 
 " With ardent pleasure we have ever observed your strenu 
 ous exertions as the firiend of man ; and whilst your great 
 services, rendered in the cause of humanity, have commanded 
 our admiration, the purity of your motives has insured the love 
 and affection of Americans. 
 
 " With the best feelings of the heart we now approach you, 
 
456 THE TOUR OF 
 
 with the assurance that, if any thing could add to our happi- 
 ness on this interesting occasion, it would be the hope of en- 
 joying the distinguished honour of your permanent residence 
 among us, and that a long and splendid life of usefubess may 
 be closed in this State, whose soil has been moistened with 
 your blood, generously shed in the cause of virtue, liberty, and 
 independence." 
 
 To which General Lafayette made tlie following reply : — 
 
 " Sir — On the happy moment, long and eagerly wished 
 for, when I once more tread the soil of Pennsylvania, I find 
 in her affectionate welcome, so kindly expressed by her first 
 magistrate, a dear recollection of past favours, and a new 
 source of delightful gratifications. The very names of this 
 State and her Capitol, recall to the mind those philanthropic 
 and liberal sentiments, which have marked every step of their 
 progress. 
 
 " Pennsylvania has been the theatre of most important 
 events ; a partaker in the arduous toils and meritorious sacrifi- 
 ces, which insured the success of our glorious and fruitful re- 
 volution. I particularly thank you. Sir, for your gratifying 
 mention of my personal obligation to the Pennsylvania line, nor 
 will I ever forget, that on Pennsylvania ground, not far from 
 this spot, I enjoyed, for the first time, the delight to find myself 
 under American tents, and in the family of our beloved Com- 
 mander in Chief. Now, Sir, Pennsylvania is in full possession, 
 and reaps all the prosperities, and happy consequences, of that 
 great national union, of those special institutions, which, by of- 
 fering in a self-governed people the most perfect example of 
 social order that ever existed, have reduced to absurdity and 
 ridicule the anti -popular arguments of pretended statesmen in 
 other countries. In whatever manner I may be disposed of, 
 by the duties and feelings in which you have been pleased to 
 sympathize, I shall ever rank this day among the most fortunate 
 in my life ; and while I beg your excellency personally to ac- 
 cept my cordial acknowledgments, I have the honour to offer 
 to him, as Governor of the State, a tribute of profound grati- 
 tude, and respected devotion, to the citizens of Pennsylvania." 
 
 Having ascended his barouche and six, the General pro- 
 ceeded on his way ; and did not reach Frankford until seven 
 o'clock in the evening — such being the throngs which lined 
 the roads, and the number of the welcomes offered, and 
 which he could not refuse. He passed the night at Frankford. 
 
GENEKAL LAFAVETTt;. 457 
 
 A y o'clock on Tuesday morning, he left l*'rankford with a 
 numerous escort of Dignitaries and citizens. The population 
 of the city poured forth at an early hour to meet him. Car- 
 riages, horsemen, and pedestrians, filled every avenue from 
 Frankford to Philadelphia, a distance of nearly five miles ; and 
 the windows and stages were thronged with females, all eager 
 to welcome him. Loud and reiterated as were the acclama- 
 tions, the voices could not give full utterance to the overflowing 
 hearts. 
 
 In a field of forty or fifty acres, at the entrance of the city, a 
 Division of Militia, composed of Cavalry, Artillery, and Infan- 
 try, were drawn up in hollow square to receive the Patriot 
 Hero, whose approach was announced by a salute of one hun- 
 dred rounds of artillery. This military spectacle is described 
 as grand in the extreme. The General, uncovered, was seen 
 standing in his barouche by the whole field. The car of Sala- 
 din, it is said, could not exceed, in accompaniments, that of 
 Lafayette. The troops exceeded 5400. After the review, 
 which the General made on foot, he received the saluting 
 honours in his barouche. 
 
 The line of march into the city was then taken up. It ex- 
 tended nearly three miles, and passed through numerous streets. 
 More than six hours were consumed in proceeding from Frank- 
 ford to the State House, a distance of about four miles. A 
 full description of this procession, and the decorated arches 
 cannot be given — the following is an outline : — 
 
 A cavalcade of 100 citizens preceded; followed by 100 
 Field and Staff officers. — Then came a square of cavalry ; a 
 band of Music mounted, and a corps of 160 cavalry. — Next, a 
 Brigade of Infantry, (2000 strong,) with flank companies. 
 
 Committee of Arrangements. 
 General Lafayette and Judge Peters in the splendid barouche. 
 
 Then followed four other barouches, drawn by four horses, 
 with Governors Shultze and Williamson, and suites, the Gene- 
 ral's family, and distinguished individuals. 
 
 Then three cars of large dimensions, containing 120 revolu- 
 tionary heroes and worthies, each characteristically decorated. 
 The cars bearing on the front, " Washington," on the rear, 
 ^' Lafayette," and on the sides, " Defenders of our country," 
 "The survivors of 1776." 
 
 Then advanced 400 young men. Then the procession 
 OF TRADES, led by a car, containing a bodv of Printers, at work 
 
 58 
 
458 THE TOUR Of 
 
 at case and press — the latter striking off and distributing copies 
 of an Ode on the occasion, followed by the Typographical So- 
 ciety, with a banner, with the inscription, " lafayette — The 
 Friend of Universal Liberty, and the Rights of the Press^ 
 
 Then followed 200 Cordwainers, (with banners, badges, 
 emblems, &tc. The other trades were also decorated ;) — 300 
 Weavers; — 150 Rope-makers; — 150 Lads, uniformly dressed; 
 — 100 Ship-builders ; — 700 mechanics of different professions, 
 not enumerated; — 150 Coopers, with a car, containing a 
 Cooper's shop, the workmen fitting the staves and driving 
 hoops : — Then came 150 Butchers, well mounted, and neatly 
 dressed in their frocks ; — then 260 Cartmen, mounted, with 
 aprons trimmed with blue ; and a body of 1 50 Riflemen, in 
 frocks, dressed with plaids, leopard skins, &c. A company of 
 Artillery, with two pieces ; a Brigade of Infantry, (1800 strong,) 
 and the New-Jersey Cavalry. A body of 300 farmers closed 
 the procession. 
 
 Besides the above, there were the Red Men of the State, 
 the Lafayette Association, the True Republican Society, the 
 Washington and Lafayette Society ; and the German American 
 Society. 
 
 The whole appearance of this truly Grand Procession was 
 august and imposing. As it passed, Lafayette ! Lafayette ! 
 sprang from the voices of a multitude that rolled on, and on, 
 and on, like wave after wave of the ocean, in numbers we shall 
 not presume to name, [but which were estimated at 200,000,] 
 Lafayette beat in every heart — Lafayette hung on every tongue 
 — Lafayette glowed in every cheek — Lafayette glistened in 
 every swimming eye — Lafayette swelled on every gale. The 
 whole city and country appeai-ed to have arrayed themselves 
 in all their glory, and beauty, and strength, at once to witness 
 and adorn the majesty of the spectacle ; and the fashionable 
 part of the community seemed determined to exhibit the per- 
 fection of taste in the beauty of the decoration of their persons, 
 and the richness of their attire. In Chesnut-street, wreaths 
 were cast into the barouche, as it passed, and many of them 
 were from the fair hands of the Quakeresses. 
 
 After the procession had passed through the principal streets, 
 the front halted at the old State House, which contains the 
 Hall in which the Declaration of Independence was signed in 
 1776. 
 
 Here the General alighted, passed under a most magnificent 
 
(iiENERAL LAFAYETTK. 459 
 
 triumphal arch, and was conducted to the Hall, which is forty 
 feet square, and was decorated in a most splendid manner. 
 Among the decorations was a Statue of Washington, and Por- 
 traits of William Penn, Franklin, Robert Morris, Francis Hop- 
 kinson, Greene, Wayne, Montgomery, Hamilton, Gates, Ro- 
 chambeau, Charles Carrol, M'Kean, Jefferson, Hancock, 
 Adams, Madison, Monroe, and Charles Thompson. The por- 
 trait of Washington by Peale, occupied the first place, and was 
 most splendidly decorated. Here were assembled the City 
 authorities, the Society of Cincinnati, the Judges, Officers of 
 the Army and Navy, and the Committee of Arrangements, all 
 seated on superb sofas. The Governor of the State having 
 been presented, General Lafayette, Judge Peters, and George 
 Washington Lafayette were introduced, the company all stand- 
 ing. The Mayor of the city then welcomed the Guest, in the 
 following address : — 
 
 " General — The citizens of Philadelphia welcome to their 
 homes, the Patriot who has long been dear to their hearts. 
 
 " Grateful at all times for the enjoyment of a free govern- 
 ment, they are, on this occasion, peculiarly anxious, but unable 
 to express a deep felt sentiment of pure affection towards those 
 venerated men, whose martial and civil virtues, under provi- 
 dence, have conferred upon themselves and their descendants, 
 this mighty blessing. 
 
 " Forty-eight years ago, in this city, and in this hallowed 
 Hall, which may emphatically be called the Birth-place of In- 
 dependence, a convention of men, such as the world has rarely 
 seen, pre-eminent for talents and patriotism, solemnly declared 
 their determination to assume for themselves the right of self- 
 government, and that they and their posterity should thenceforth 
 assert their just rank among the nations of the earth. A small, 
 but cherished band of those who breasted the storm and sus- 
 tained the principles thus promulgated to the world, still re- 
 mains. — In the front rank of these worthies, history will find, 
 and we now delight to honour, General Lafayette, whose whole 
 life has been devoted to the cause of freedom, and to the sup 
 port of the unalienable rights of man. 
 
 " General — Many of your co-patriots have passed away, but 
 the remembrance of their virtues and their services shall never 
 pass from the minds of this people ; theirs is an imperishable 
 fame, the property of ages yet to come. But we turn from the 
 fond recollection of the illustrious dead, to hail with heart-felt 
 
460 THF. TOUR OF 
 
 joy the illustrious living, and again bid welcome, most kindly 
 and affectionately welcome, to the Guest of the Nation, the 
 Patriot Lafayette." 
 
 To which the General replied as follows : — 
 
 " Sir — My entrance into this fair and great city, amidst the 
 most solemn and affecting recollections, and under all the cir- 
 cumstances of a welcome, which no expression could adequately 
 acknowledge, has excited emotions in my heart, in which are 
 mingled the feelings of nearly fifty years. 
 
 " Here, Sir, within these sacred walls, by a council of wise 
 and devoted patriots, and in a style worthy of the deed itself, 
 was boldly declared the independence of these vast United 
 States, which, while it anticipated the independence, and I hope, 
 the republican independence of the whole American Hemis- 
 phere, has begun for the civilized world, the era of a new and 
 of the only true social order, founded on the unalienable rights 
 of man, the practicability and advantage of which, are every 
 day admirably demonstrated by the happiness and prosperity 
 of your populous city. 
 
 " Here, Sir, was planned the formation of our virtuous, brave, 
 revolutionary army, and the providential inspiration received, 
 that gave the command of it to our beloved, matchless, Wash- 
 ington. But these and many other remembrances are mingled 
 with a deep regret for the numerous cotemporaries, for the 
 great and good men, whose loss we have remained to mourn. 
 ■ — It is to their services. Sir, to your regard for their memory, 
 to your knowledge of the friendships I have enjoyed, that I 
 refer the greater part of honours, here and elsewhere received, 
 much superior to my individual merit. 
 
 " It is also under the auspices of their venerated names, as 
 well as under the impulse of my own sentiments, that I beg you, 
 Mr. Mayor, you gentlemen of both Councils, and all the citi- 
 zens of Philadelphia, to accept the tribute of my affectionate 
 respect and profound gratitude." 
 
 The arches were very numerous, and extremely beautiful, 
 tasty, and ingenious — uniting high moral feeling, with ardent 
 patriotism. Some idea may be formed of them by the follow- 
 ing description of the one in Chesnut-street : — 
 
 It was constructed of frame work, covered with canvass, and 
 painted in perfect imitation of stone, after the plan of the tri- 
 umphal Arch of Septimus Sevenis, at Rome. Its front 45 feet, 
 depth 12, embracing a basement story of the Doric order, 
 
GENERAL LAFAYKTTE. 4G I 
 
 from which the Ai'ch sprung to the height of 24 feet from the 
 pavement. 
 
 The spandals on each front were decorated with figures of 
 Fame, painted in basso relievo, having their arms extended and 
 holding a civic crown over the key stone. The wings of the 
 Ionic order, were decorated with statues of Ldherty, Victory, 
 Independence, and Plenty, with suitable mottos. The w)iole 
 surmouoted by an entablature 30 feet, and supporting a flight 
 of steps ; in the centre were the Arms of the city, executed by 
 Mr. Sully ; on each side of the Arms were placed statues of 
 Wisdom and Justice, sculptured by Mr. Rush, with appropriate 
 emblems. This splendid work of Art was designed by Mr. 
 Strickland, and executed by Messrs. Warren, Darley, and 
 Jefferson, scene painters. The superficial surface of painted 
 canvass exceeded 3000 square feet. 
 
 The Governor of Louisiana and many sti'angers and citizens 
 were introduced. Among others, the General recognised an 
 old friend in Colonel Ferret, and embraced him. The 
 Colonel burst into a flood of tears, and was so completely 
 overwhelmed with emotion, as to be compelled to retire. He 
 commanded a regiment in the revolutionary war, was wounded 
 and knocked off his horse. 
 
 At five o'clock, the General left the Hall, accompanied by 
 the City Authorities, resumed his barouche, and was escorted 
 by six companies, under Colonel Williams, to the Mansion- 
 House. In the evening he paid visits to Mrs. Morris, and 
 several other distinguished Ladies of his former acquaintance. 
 
 In the evening the City was illuminated. Numerous trans- 
 parencies were exhibited, which displayed exquisite taste and 
 elegance. A slight shower of rain threw a damp over the 
 buoyant spirits for a short time, but it was soon over. Win- 
 dows were arrayed with beautiful marble and alabaster, and 
 decorated with the fairest contents of the green houses. The 
 United States Bank was a perfect anomaly in illumination. 
 The hghts were so arranged as not to be seen, and the doors 
 being thrown open so as to discover the interior, the whole 
 building presented the appearance of a palace of transparent 
 marble. 
 
 On Wednesday the General held a levee at the Hall of the 
 State House, and thousands shook his hand. At this levee he 
 received no less than fourteen Addresses, from the aged Sol- 
 diers ; the Clergy, presented by Bishop White ; the Philoso- 
 
462 ' THK TOUK OF 
 
 phical and Bible Societies ; the University ; the Chamber of 
 Commerce ; tlie Bar ; the Young Men ; the French Citizens ; 
 the Washington Grays ; the Lafayette Association ; the Re- 
 volutionary Officers, and the Young Ladies of several Schools. 
 His answer to each was peculiarly pertinent. He afterwards 
 dined with the corporation. The following was his toast on the 
 occasion : — 
 
 " The City of Philadelphia, where American Independence 
 was first proclaimed, and where the Holy Alliance of public order 
 with popular institutions is every day happily demonstrated." 
 
 In the evening he visited General Cadwallader, and re- 
 ceived all the officers of the late parade. 
 
 On Thursday he dined with his family ; and in the evening 
 called on Doctor Griffith ; was at Mr. Huerta's Concert ; and 
 afterwards waited on Mrs. Powell. 
 
 On Friday he dined with Governor Shultze ; and before 
 dinner called on Judge Peters, and Mrs. (Major) Jackson. 
 After dinner he called on the widow and daughter of Colo- 
 nel Tousard, then visited Mrs. Nicklin, the daughter of the 
 late General M'Pherson. 
 
 In the evening he visited the Philosophical Society, and 
 spent the remainder at the house of Mrs. N. Biddle. 
 
 On Saturday he visited the Navy Yard, attended by the 
 Governor and citizens of the first distinction, escorted by the 
 United States Marines, a regiment of Militia, several indepen- 
 dent companies, and a long civic procession. His arrival at 
 the Yard was announced by a salute, from the John Adams, 
 commanded by Captain Dallas. He first alighted at Major 
 Gamble's quarters, where he received an address from the 
 Corporation of Southwalk. As he passed the green a num- 
 ber of children chanted suitable pieces of music in honour of 
 the Hero. He was then received by Commodore Barron and 
 his officers, was addressed by the former, and took a view of 
 the ships of war, he. A collation Was provided in the Mould 
 room by the officers of the station, at vv^hich over 500 Ladies 
 and 200 Gentlemen were present. After refreshment the 
 Commodore introduced the Ladies separately to the General, 
 who took each by the hand, receiving from them very agreea- 
 ble tokens of affection and admiration. The John Adams was 
 beautifully decorated and manned on die occasion. The re- 
 ception of the General by Mrs. Gamble was universally praised. 
 
 After returning from the Navy Yard, the General dined with 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 463 
 
 upwards of 400 Brethren of the Fraternity, at the Masonic 
 Hall. The scene was brilliant and munificent. 
 
 Of the Masons present were Brothers George Washington 
 Lafayette, La Vasseur, Commodore Stewart, Major Gamble, 
 General Porter, and Colonel Victor Dupont, of Delaware, 
 former aid to Brother Lafayette. 
 
 In the evening he paid a visit to Joseph Reed, Esq. attend- 
 ed the Concert at the Washington Saloon, and spent the re- 
 mainder of the evening at the house of General Cadwallader, 
 in company with Mr. Adams, Secretary of State, and other 
 distinguished citizens. 
 
 On the Sabbath he attended divine worship at Christ Church, 
 aTid heard a sermon from the venerable Bishop White. He 
 afterwards dined at the country residence of Judge Peters, in 
 company with Mr. John Quincy Adams, Mr. Forseth, Mr. Breck, 
 General Cadwallader, General Barnard, Major Gamble, and 
 many others. 
 
 The Grand Civic Ball given in honour of General Lafayette, 
 on Monday evening, at the New Theatre, exceeded in magni- 
 ficence and beauty any thing of the kind ever witnessed. Be- 
 tween fifteen and seventeen hundred ladies and gentlemen 
 were present, exhibiting an unrivalled galaxy of fashion, ele- 
 gance, and splendour. The company assembled early, and 
 were nearly all present at 9 o'clock, when the General arrived, 
 forming for his reception a most imposing group and avenue. 
 The details of this brilliant entertainment it is not in our power 
 to give. 
 
 Of the company present were Mrs. (Robert) Morris, the 
 Misses BoUman, daughters of Doctor Bollman, who attempted 
 with Colonel Huger to secure Lafayette from Olmutz, Go- 
 vernor Shultze, Governor Williamson, John Quincy Adams, 
 Esq., General Barnard, and distinguished citizens from many 
 of the States, the whole amounting to nearly 200. Several 
 thousand persons were present. 
 
 Over 2000 pupils of the Schools of both sexes, were ar- 
 ranged on Tuesday morning in the State House yard to re- 
 ceive and address General Lafayette. — The spectacle was 
 beautiful and interesting. 
 
 On the 5th of October, Lafayette left Philadelphia. 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 
 
464 THE TOUR OV 
 
 repast was provided for him. He then proceeded to Newcas-» 
 tie 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. 
 
 Agreeably to arrangement, the steam-boat United States, 
 captain Edward Trippe, left Baltimore for Frenchtown on 
 Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock, with the committee from the 
 corporation of that city, the military committee, and other gen- 
 tlemen, who went with the committee by invitation. This de- 
 putation was accompanied by a most interesting member, Mr. 
 Du Boismarten, a venerable Frenchman, whose head is whiten- 
 ed with 83 cold winters, many of them he had found not only 
 cold, but cheerless and bleak. He is the personage who pro- 
 cured and commanded the vessel that first landed Lafayette 
 upon our soil. At 3 o'clock the company partook of an ex- 
 cellent dinner provided for the occasion. 
 
 The boat arrived at Frenchtown about half past 4 in the 
 afternoon. The Governor's Aids accompanied by a squadron 
 of Cavalry, under the command of Captain Jacob Hollings- 
 worth, proceeded immediately to the Delaware line, to escort 
 the General to Frenchtown. 
 
 At about 8 o'clock in the evening, the Hon. John Quincy 
 Adams arrived at Frenchtown, in the Union Line, on his way 
 to Washington. The Deputation waited upon him and inform- 
 ed him that he had been invited to be present at Baltimore to 
 participate in the reception of General Lafayette, and desired 
 him to come on board of the steam-boat United States. He 
 thanked them kindly for this mark of respect and attention, and 
 accepted the invitation. He was then conducted into the 
 cabin and introduced to all present. 
 
 The General, having been detained till very late at the 
 nuptial party of his friend, Mr. Victor Dupont, did not arrive 
 at the Maryland hne till after 1 o'clock in the morning. He 
 was there presented by Louis M'Lane, Esq. Chairman of tlie 
 Delaware Committee, to the Aids of the Governor of Mary- 
 land. The first aid announced to the General in very appro- 
 priate and warm terms, in behalf of his Excellency Governor 
 Stevens, a cordial welcome to the State of Maryland ; and in- 
 formed him that they were ready to escort him to head quarters 
 which were established at Fort M' Henry. The General ar- 
 rived at Frenchtown a little after 2 o'clock, to which place the 
 Delaware Committee accompanied him. Mr. M'Fjane there, 
 
r.ENEKAL, LAFAYETTE. 466 
 
 on parting, made a most feeling and elegant address, and in be- 
 half of himself and associates, took a most affectionate leave. 
 The Aids of the Governor then conducted the General on 
 board tlie steam-boat, where the Deputations received him 
 upon the deck. Mr. Morris, President of the First Branch of 
 the City Council, and Chairman of the Committee, advanced 
 to the Guest and addressed him in a manner that evinced at 
 once that he felt what he spoke from the bottom of his heart — 
 it was as follows : — 
 
 " General — The immortal Franklin, dwelling widi rapture on 
 the high destination which his matchless and prophetic mind 
 foresaw awaited his country — ever alive for the success of its 
 untried mstitutions, imagined the happiness of it would afford a 
 patriot of the revolution who had been summoned from this 
 world, could he, at a distant period, be allowed to return and 
 see fulfilled all his fond hopes in relation to this our beloved 
 country. 
 
 " Illustrious Sir — ^That which appeared but the offspring of 
 the musings and reveries of our Patriot Father, has substan- 
 tially been realized in you. The distinguished part which you 
 acted during the war of our Independence, and the sequel of 
 your life, furnish abundant evidence of the intense interest 
 which you have entertained for our welfare — your chivalric 
 exertions, in our behalf, having been crowned with peace, you 
 gave a distinguished proof that no sordid or selfish motive im- 
 pelled your actions. You retm-ned to the land of your fathers ! 
 — ^blessings on your name and work proclaimed from every 
 tongue. Between that and the present time, is an era in which 
 has occurred the most extraordinary events recorded in history 
 — when the empires of the Old World have been convulsed to 
 their foundations, and thrones dashed one against another. 
 During the same period there has arisen in this our New 
 World, a confederate Republic, which had its origin with, and 
 is acted upon and kept in motion by the people, to whom this 
 invaluable right belongs — a principle which the whole tenor 
 of your consistent political life has shown dear to you. Its fit- 
 fulness to conduce to our happiness in peace, and protection in 
 war, and every other object of legitimate government, has been 
 confirmed by every variety of event that could illustrate its 
 wisdom and test its durability. It has pleased Divine Provi- 
 dence to have spared and protracted your eventful life, that 
 yoiu might contrast the origin with the present elevated station 
 
 59 
 
466 THE TOUK Of 
 
 which this country has assumed among the nations of the earth; 
 and to realize the blessings enjoyed by ten millions of people, 
 "who sitting under their own vine and fig-tree," with our 
 country's friend, and the Friend of Mankind ! 
 
 " The Corporation of Baltimore, uniting with our common 
 country, in the joy that swells every bosom, as the organ of 
 public sentiment, have deputed us to advance, to receive and 
 welcome you, and, as heralds, proclaim the lively and distin- 
 guished pleasure our community holds in reserve, at the pros- 
 pect of our city being again honoured by your presence, and 
 to assure you, that could their sensations towards you bear any 
 additional excitement, they would derive renewed strength 
 from the gratifying manner, that you have recurred to an event 
 in the revolutionary history, which affords an assurance, they 
 have maintained a place in your recollection. Although time 
 has diminished the number of those who personally knew you, 
 and their survivers but a chosen few, who breasted the same 
 storm, who mingled their blood with yours, in the same glori- 
 ous strife. Nevertheless, there has arisen a new generation, 
 who are restless and impatient to survey the features of a man, 
 whose talents, whose energies, whose virtues, whose disinter- 
 ested services in the cause of Liberty, have long since roused 
 in their bosoms the raptures of enthusiasm ; and who delight 
 to repeat the never dying name of Lafayette." 
 
 The General having but just left his Delaware friends, and 
 meeting so suddenly this reception, it affected him most sensi- 
 l?ly — he pressed his hand to his heart, and said, I am grateful. 
 He was then introduced by Mr. Morris to the gentlemen of 
 the Corporation — then to General Harper, who delivered a feel- 
 ing address. 
 
 General Smith and Colonel Bentalou stepped forward and 
 announced to him the object of their mission, and the joy they 
 felt in meeting him again. The General embraced them in 
 the warmest and most affectionate manner, and inquired par- 
 ticularly after his old friends and associates. — The meeting of 
 the General with the amiable, retiring, and venerable Mons. 
 Du Boismartin, was of a most touching character to the sensi- 
 tive mind — they held each other by the hand and conversed 
 together in French for a considerable time. After the intro- 
 ductions were gone through, Captain Trippe announced that 
 he had an entertainment ready for the company. They all 
 followed the General to the cabin, and a little after 3 o'clock 
 
GENEilAL l.AFAYETTE. 467 
 
 the General repaired to the ladies cabin, prepared for his lodg- 
 ing room, and invited Mr. Adams to accompany him. The 
 company then retired to their births. During the night parti- 
 cularly the early part of it, the rain poured down in torrents, in 
 which the Cavalry and the Governor's Aids were drenched, but 
 they heeded it not. 
 
 Just as the steam-boat entered the Patapsco, the threatening 
 clouds dispersed, the morning sun shone forth in its brightest 
 effulgence, and seemed to bid ^^ Welcome to Lafayette" Dur- 
 ing the night the company were apprehensive the day would 
 be unpropitious to Baltimore, but as " the bright sun shone out," 
 their hearts leaped for joy. On approaching the fort, the steam- 
 boats Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Eagle, all beautifully 
 dressed with flags and streamers flying, came down the river, 
 full of anxious citizens, to meet the United States, and passed 
 transversely around her — as they passed, the people on board 
 waved their hats, and gave the most hearty, enhvening, and oft 
 repeated cheering. The five boats, in regular order, the Unit- 
 ed States leading the van, pioceeded for the fort, during which 
 they came along-side, alternately, and the passengers saluted 
 the General, which he received, uncovered, in the most cordial 
 manner. The whole scene was most interesting. 
 
 The landing was a very interesting scene. The barge, com- 
 manded by Captain Gardner, and manned by some of our most 
 respectable ship masters, was the first that made for the shore 
 — it contained General Lafayette, Mr. Secretary Adams, Ge- 
 neral Smith, Mr. Du Boismartin, and Mr. Morris. In the second 
 boat, George Washington Lafayette, Mons. La Vaiseur, Colo- 
 nel Paul Bentalou, Mr. Patterson, and the Governor's Aids ; 
 and the other members of the Deputation followed in succes- 
 sion. The General vi^as received at the platform at Fort 
 M'Henry, by Col. Hindman, of the army of the U. States, and 
 Edward G. Woodyear, Esq. a member of the committee of 
 arrangement. The officers of the Army and Navy in Balti- 
 more, the Citizen Volunteers of Fort M'Henry, during the 
 bombardment, the Committee of Vigilance and Safety of 1814, 
 and the officers of the late 36th and 38th United States regi- 
 ments of Infantry, had their stations, and the General passed 
 through their line on his march up to the " star fort." Upon 
 entering the gate the troops of the garrison presented arms — 
 then opened to the right and left, which brought to his view the 
 tent of Washington. Upon which His Excellency Governor 
 
4G6 THE TOUU Oi" 
 
 Stevens advanced from the tent, and greeted liim with the fol- 
 lowing address : — ' 
 
 " General — In bidding you a hearty welcome to the State of 
 Maryland, whilst I gratify the honest feelings of my own heart, 
 I express, but feebly, those of the people, whom it is my pride 
 and pleasure on this occasion to represent. 
 
 " Beneath this venerable canopy, many a time and oft have 
 you grasped the friendly hand of our illustrious Washington, 
 aided his council \yith 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. 
 
 " May the sentiments of gratitude towards the author of the 
 blessings we enjoy, never be weakened in the bosoms of my 
 countrymen. 
 
 " On this very ground, scarce ten years are past since our 
 brave fellow citizens, have proved that they knew how to defend 
 the liberty, which you nobly assisted them to achieve. Ten 
 times an hundred years shall elapse, and the glorious example 
 shall not be lost upon them. 
 
 " You are about. General, to enter the city of Baltimore, 
 which you have known in other days. In her growth and em- 
 bellishment, you will behold a symbol of our national prosperity, 
 under popular Institutions, and a purely Representative Govern- 
 ment. Her monuments aptly illustrate the feelings of my fellow 
 citizens. 
 
 " In the column which has been reared to the blessed memory 
 of Washington, we have an evidence of the veneration and per- 
 manency with which they cherish the memory of your compa- 
 triots, the heroes of the revolution. In the column of latter date, 
 you will discern the gratitude of freemen, for the services of 
 those who devote themselves to the cause of liberty. 
 
 " Welcome, thrice welcome, General, to the soil of Mary- 
 land. Nothing that 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 upon a visit to his children." 
 
 The Governor then conducted him to the Tent, where he 
 found the Society of the Cincinnati, the patriarchs of the revo- 
 
GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 469 
 
 lution — here he was received and embraced by all of them — 
 ^the scene was one of the most impressive and heart-touching, 
 that was ever witnessed — all were convulsed into tears, but tliey 
 were tears of the most heart-felt joy and gratulation. 
 
 ColonelJohn E. Howard, the hero of Cowpens, and President 
 of the Cincinnati Society, when the first emotion had subsided, 
 addressed the General in the name of the Society, who in his 
 reply, declared that " language could not express his feelings 
 with meeting with his brothers in arms, in the Tent of their 
 common friend, the beloved Washington." He then most af- 
 fectionately embraced his old friends, Charles Carroll, of Car- 
 rollton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 
 General Beeson, General Strieker, Colonel Howard, and all 
 the aged members of the association, while tears rolled down 
 their venerable cheeks. He shook hands with the younger mem- 
 bers in the most cordial manner, looked fi-equently with an in- 
 quiring eye round the Tent, and seemed deeply affected. On 
 discovering part of Washington's camp equipage, he said in an 
 under voice, " I remember !" There was not a dry eye in the 
 Tent. 
 
 The General and invited guests then retired to an adjoining 
 Marquee, to an excellent breakfast prepared for the occasion, 
 when many recollections of former days were brought forcibly 
 to mind ; and when this repast closed, the General was con- 
 ducted to his barouche, accompanied as before by all the civil 
 and military authorities present. When he had taken his seat, 
 Charles Carroll, General Smith, and Colonel Howard, were 
 handed into the same barouche, which was followed by another 
 containing George Washington Lafayette, whose warm recep- 
 tion we should have noticed before. Colonel Bentalou, and two 
 other gentlemen, and other carriages followed. 
 
 The General's barouche exceeds in beauty any thing of the 
 kind in America ; it was built expressly for the purpose, by 
 Curlet &£ Co. of this city. When the carriage drove from the 
 outer gate of the fort, the General was received by about one 
 thousand cavalry, who formed his escort into the city, followed 
 by thousands of citizens. 
 
 On passing Federal Hill, a salute of twenty-four guns was 
 fiired, to denote the number of States composing the Union, on 
 the return of the General to America. 
 
 Descending Federal Hill, the procession passed under a beau- 
 tiful arch at die head of Forest-street. The crowd of citizens 
 
470 THE TOUR OB- 
 
 hailing him here, was extremely great, and the increase con- 
 tinued every step till he reached the magnificent arch at the 
 head of Market-street, where his friends descended from the 
 barouche, and he alone proceeded down the line of military, 
 which extended far into Old Town, and from this fact it may 
 be collected that ten thousand troops were present. The ap- 
 pearance of Market-street was splendid and animating — every 
 house-top, every door was filled with spectators ; and of the 
 multitudes of female beauty and fashion that crowded all the 
 windows, and every street, it would be no easy task to give a 
 description. 
 
 The streets were also thronged, but the greatest order pre- 
 vailed, and the Nation's Guest passed along the vast line, cheered 
 by a hundred thousand voices, and by the waving of handker- 
 chiefs and flags. Having passed through a splendid arch at 
 Market-street bridge, he proceeded to Fell's Point, and return- 
 ing by Pratt and Gay-streets, he descended at the Exchange, 
 and entering the great hall, was received by the Mayor and 
 Councils. The Mayor delivered an appropriate address, to 
 which the General made an affectionate reply, and after the 
 usual ceremonies, he returned to his barouche, and proceeded 
 to Light-street, across which, at the entrance into Market-street, 
 an elegant pavdion had been erected, into which he was con- 
 ducted, accompanied by a number of distinguished persons ; 
 and here he received the passing salute of one of the finest 
 assemblages of military men ever seen in any American city ; 
 language would fail in describing the interest and splendour of 
 this ceremony which occupied two hours. 
 
 A't 5 o'clock, the General sat down to a very splendid din- 
 ner, at which the Mayor presided, supported by William Pat- 
 terson and John B. Morris, Esquires, as Vice Presidents. The 
 room was elegantly illuminated, the glare of light thrown on the 
 furniture, and the numerous portraits of Revolutionary Heroes, 
 produced the finest effect — Aad the company was regaled by 
 the music of a band, next to none perhaps in this country. The 
 Governor of Maryland and his aids — John Quincy Adams, 
 Secretary of State, General Macomb, of the Army of the Uuit- 
 ed States, Colonel Howard, General Samuel Smitli, Mr. Cur- 
 tis of Arlington, Generals Strieker, Stuart, Reed, Benson, Har- 
 per, Stansbury, M'Donald, and the Colonels commanding regi- 
 ments from the country and in the city, and a great number 
 of others were present. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 471 
 
 The standard of the brave Count Pulaski, who fell at the as- 
 sault upon Savannah, was proudly borne in the ranks of the 
 corps of volunteers, fastened to one of the spears belonging to 
 the Legion, entwined with Pulaski's sword and cross belt, now 
 owned by Colonel Bentalou, as a pledge of affectionate remem- 
 brance, of his departed friend. 
 
 In the evening the city illumination was splendid ; the Ex- 
 change and the Banks exhibited a blaze of light. The Dis- 
 pensary, Theatre, Museum, the Arches, the Pyramids of fire 
 near the Bridge on Market-street, and the brilliant revolving 
 star, three feet in diameter, all had an imposing effect beyond 
 the power of language to express. The whole scene was in- 
 terspersed with transparencies, mottos, and devices, all pecu- 
 liarly appropriate to the occasion. 
 
 At 12 o'clock on Friday, the General was addressed at the 
 Exchange by Major General Harper, in behalf of the third 
 division, and the officers were all presented to him. The Gene- 
 ral next received the attentions of the citizens generally, who 
 shook him most cordially by tlie hand. 
 
 About half past 7 the General arrived at the Masonic Hall, 
 which was most splendidly illuminated, and decorated for the 
 occasion. The M. W. G. Master delivered a feeling and ap- 
 propriate address ; to which the General returned a cordial and 
 affectionate reply. More than 700 brethren were present, 
 splendidly decorated in all the costume of the craft. 
 
 From the Masonic Hall the General repaired to the Ball 
 Room, which for taste, elegance, and beauty, exceeded all the 
 powers of description. This splendid Ball Room was no less 
 than the theatre, specially fitted up for the occasion. The re- 
 ception of the General was also sublime and imposing beyond 
 the powers of conception, and his introduction to this splendid 
 circle of ladies was a scene most truly interesting. This cere- 
 mony being closed, a signal was given by a flourish of bugles, 
 and instantly the dance began. This also was a brilliant scene, 
 which continued until half past seven, when supper was an- 
 nounced. General Lafayette led the way, escorted by the ma- 
 nagers, and the supper room exhibited a scene as splendid and 
 imposing as the Ball Room. The cheerful conviviality exhibit- 
 ed in the supper room, the appropriate toasts that were drank, 
 and the cordial hilarity of the guests, when taken collectively, 
 may be considered as the finishing touch to this magnificent 
 fete at Baltimore. 
 
472 THE TOUR Of 
 
 General Lafayette left Baltimore on Monday for Washing- 
 ton, accompanied by the Mayor, tlie Committee of Arrange- 
 ments, the Aids of the Governor, and an escort of cavalry to 
 Rossburg, where he lodged on Monday night, and breakfasted 
 on Tuesday morning. After which he was accompanied and 
 escorted as before to the line ofthe District of Columbia, where 
 he was met by a committee, introduced to a superb barouche, 
 escorted by a military cortege, and a cavalcade, and received a 
 national salute of artillery. Here a brilliant Procession was 
 formed, which was preceded by a corps of cavalry, and brought 
 up by a cavalcade of citizens, the whole extending over two 
 miles ; while the entire way-sides were thronged with citizens, 
 who made the air again resound with the shouts of welcome. 
 He was thus conducted to the Capitol square, and passed under 
 a Civic Arch, elegantly decorated and enlivened with appropriate 
 inscriptions. Under the Arch were 25 young Ladies (represent- 
 ipg the 24 States, and the District of Columbia,) dressed in 
 white, with blue scarfs and wreaths of roses, and each bear- 
 ing a banner designating the State and District she represented. 
 They had been escorted to the Arch by some Juvenile compa- 
 nies. As soon as the General arrived. Miss S. W. Watterston, 
 representing the District, and only eleven years old, advanced, 
 and presented a very appropriate address. It is needless to ex- 
 press the feeling which the Guest manifested at the scene. He 
 shook hands with each of the interesting group. After receiving 
 the welcome of another group of young Ladies from George- 
 town, he entered the Capitol, passed through the rotunda, and 
 entered the Tent of Washington. Here he was met by the Mayor, 
 and other Authorities, Officers, Clergy, he. he. To an address 
 from the Mayor, full of fine feeling, the General made the fol- 
 lowing reply : — 
 
 " The land and flattering reception with which I am ho- 
 noured 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 en- 
 hance 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 othor hemisphere. In this august place. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 473 
 
 which bears the most venerable of all ancient and modern 
 names, I have, Sir, the pleasure to contemplate, not only a 
 Dentre of that constitutional Union so necessary to these States, 
 so important to the interests of mankind, but also a great poli- 
 tical 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 recollec- 
 tions as my having been early adopted as an American soldier, 
 so there is not a circumstance of m.}- reception in which I take 
 so much pride, as in sharing those honours 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 ac- 
 knowledgments to you and to the citizens of Washmgton." 
 
 After the customary introductions, the General reviewed the 
 military, amounting to 1600, and received a grand salute. The 
 General accompanied by the Mayor, and attended by General 
 Brown, and Commodore Tingey, proceeded to the President's 
 House. The streets were lined with spectators, and the 
 windows filled with ladies, all repeating benedictions on the be- 
 loved Guest, and waving their handkerchiefs in token of their 
 happiness. 
 
 On alighting, the General was received by the Marshal of 
 the District, and supported by General Brown and Commo- 
 dore Tingey, of the Committtee of Arrangements, and conduct- 
 ed to the Drawing Room, where the President advanced to 
 him and gave him a cordial and affectionate reception. The 
 President had on his right hand the Secretary of State and Se- 
 cretary of the Treasury, and on his left the Secretary of the 
 Army and Secretary of the Navy ; while the Attorney General, 
 General Jesup, Colonel Gibson, Colonel Towson, Major 
 Nourse, and Doctor Lovell, of the Army, Captains Rodgers, 
 Chauncey, Porter, Jones, and Morris, of the Navy, the Post- 
 Master General, the Comptrollers, Auditors, and other high 
 Officers of the Government, were arranged on each side of the 
 room, to the number of 50 or 60. The interview was impres- 
 sive, and occasioned many grateful recollections. After an 
 interchange of courtesies, and spending about 20 minutes in 
 
 80 
 
474 THE TOUK OF 
 
 delightful converse, during which liberal refreshments were 
 passed round, the General tpok his leave and rejoined his escort. 
 He then passed in review the whole body of troops, and retired 
 to his quarters at Gadsby's Hotel. After some time spent in 
 his private room, a great number of Officers, Citizens, &tc. 
 were introduced to him. 
 
 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 honourable. He called on the Presi- 
 dent, the day of his arrival in Washington, as before mention- 
 ed. The next day he was with Mr. Monroe both at breakfast 
 and dinner, and on Thursday, the President gave a public din- 
 ner in honour of Lafayette, at which were present, the Heads 
 of Departments, many distinguished public characters from 
 various parts of the United 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. 
 
 General Lafayette rode over to Georgetown on Thursday, 
 having been earnestly invited by the Mayor and corporation to 
 visit that city ; and the citizens demonstrated their gratitude and 
 joy on the occasion, by a military escort, and a respectable 
 procession. But the most acceptable offering was such as he 
 had received in all other places, the spontaneous and cordial sa- 
 lutations 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 ho- 
 nourable to himself and highly gratifying to General Lafayette. 
 He dined again on Friday with President Monroe ; and on 
 Saturday proceeded on his proposed visit to Alexandria, and 
 York-Town. He was accompanied as far as the Potomac by 
 die Mayor and committee of arrangements from Wasliington, 
 escorted by the Georgetown cavalry. On the south side of the 
 
Ot:NERAb LAt'AYETTt;. 475 
 
 river, he was received by the deputation of Alexandria, at- 
 tended by many other citizens, and several officers of the army 
 and navy of the United States. 
 
 He entered the Ancient Dominion at Alexandria, at noon, 
 on the 16th, every where accompanied, escorted, and wel- 
 comed with the offerings of all hearts, hands, and voices. The 
 parade of military exceeded 1 500. In the procession was a car 
 with the tent of Washington. The procession passed through 
 thronged streets, by crowded houses, under splendid arches, and 
 amidst tlie roar of welcome, and shouts of transport. On the 
 apex of a magnificent arch was perched a live mountain Eagle, 
 of extraordinary size, who spread his wings when the General 
 passed, and seemed to unite in their welcome. On his way he 
 was met by another of those interesting and affecting sights — a 
 body of two hundred young boys and misses, who, while one 
 of the latter chanted a beautiful paean, strewed flowers in his 
 path. He was here addressed by the Mayor, the Common 
 Council, his brother Masons, and others. Salutes of artillery 
 were fired at intervals. At the public dinner given to him, Mr. 
 Secretary Adams, Commodores Rodgers and Porter, General 
 Macomb and other distinguished citizens, were guests. The 
 toasts were good and the volunteers numerous. " Our distin- 
 guished Guest — the People's prisoner," was one of them. The 
 General held a levee in the evening. The public buildings 
 and many private houses were brilliantly illuminated. 
 
 On the Sabbath General Lafayette proceeded to Mount 
 V^ernon, and visited the tomb of Washington, his revered 
 Father and Friend. While here, he was presented, by Mr. 
 Custis, with a ring containing a portion of the hair of the 
 Sainted Hero, together with the masonic sash and jewel for- 
 merly belonging to the Great Mason, accompanied with the fol- 
 lowing address : — 
 
 " Last of the Generals of the army of Independence ! At 
 this awful and impressive moment, when, forgetting the splen- 
 dour of a triumph greater than Roman consul ever had, you 
 b<^nd with reverence over the remains of Washington, the 
 child of Mount Vernon presents you with this token, contain- 
 ing the hair of him, whom while living you loved, and to whose 
 honoured grave you now pay the manly and affecting tribute 
 of a patriots and a soldier's tear. 
 
 " The ring has ever been an emblem of the union of hearts 
 from the earliest ages of the world ; and this will unite the af- 
 
470 THE TOUR OF 
 
 fections of all the Americans to the person and posterity of 
 Lafayette, now and hereafter. And when your descendants 
 of a distant day shall behold this valued relic, it will remind 
 them of the heroic virtues of their illustrious sire, who received 
 it, not in the palaces of princes, or amid the pomp and vanities 
 of life, but at the laurelled grave of Washington. 
 
 " Do you ask — Is this the Mausoleum befitting the ashes of 
 a Marcus Aurelius, or the good Antonius ? I tell you, that the 
 father of his country lies buried in the hearts of his countrymen; 
 and in those of the brave, the good, the free, of all ages and 
 nations. Do you seek for the tablets which are to convey his 
 fame to immortality ? They have long been written in the 
 freedom and happiness of their country. These are the monu- 
 mental trophies of Washington the great ; and will endure 
 when the proudest works of art have " dissolved and left not a 
 wreck behind." 
 
 " Venerable man ! Will you never tire in the cause of free- 
 dom and human happiness ? Is it not time that you should 
 rest from your labours, and repose on the bosom of a country, 
 which delights to love and honour you, and will teach her 
 children's children to bless your name and memory ? Surely, 
 where liberty dwells, there must be the country of Lafayette. 
 
 " Our fathers witnessed the dawn of your glory, partook of 
 its meridian splendour ; and oh, let their children enjoy the be- 
 nign radiance of your setting sun. And when it shall sink in 
 the horizon of nature, here, here with pious duty, we will form 
 your sepulchre ; and, united in death as in life, by the side of 
 the great chief you will rest in peace, till the last trump awakes 
 the slumbering world, and calls your virtues to their great 
 reward. 
 
 " The joyous shouts of millions of freemen hailed your return- 
 ing foot-print on our sands. The arms of millions are opened 
 wide to take you to their grateful hearts ; and the prayers of 
 millions ascend to the throne of the Eternal, that the choicest 
 blessings of Heaven may cheer the latest days of Lafayette." 
 
 General Lafayette having received the ring, pressed it to his 
 bosom, and replied : — 
 
 " Tlie feelings, which at this awful moment oppress my heart, 
 do not leave the power of utterance. I can only thank you, 
 my dear Custis, for your precious gift. I pay a silent homage 
 to the tomb of the greatest and best of men, my paternal friend." 
 
 On Monday, the General proceeded down the Potomac for 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 477 
 
 York-Town, in the steam-boat Petersburgh, accompanied by- 
 two other steam-boats. 
 
 The steam-boat Virginia left York the same day at 1 1 o'clock, 
 and proceeded down the river, followed by the steam-boat 
 United States from Baltimore, and Virginia from Richmond — 
 at 12, at the mouth of the river, met the steam-boat Peters- 
 burgh, with General Lafayette onboard, followed by the steam- 
 boats Potomac and Richmond, the former from Alexandria, 
 the latter from Norfolk. The General, according to previous 
 arrangement, debarked from the Petersburgh, and came on 
 board the Virginia, where he was met by the Committee of ar- 
 rangements ; the Virginia firing at the time a salute of 15 guns. 
 After the General and his suite, who were accompanied by the 
 Secretary of War, and several officers of distinction, both of the 
 army and navy, had entered on board the Virginia, she returned 
 to York followed by the steam-boats Petersburgh and Rich- 
 mond on the larboard side, and the Potomac and the United States 
 on the starboard ; the Virginia following in the rear in the centre, 
 thus forming, as it were, an ellipsis, when they moved up in a 
 very handsome style, the bands on board playing very appro- 
 priate airs, while the heights were thronged with troops and 
 spectators, anxious to see, and pay their respects to the man 
 whose career of life has never been equalled, and such a man 
 will probably never exist again. — The feelings of all present 
 were more or less excited when the General came on board 
 the Virginia ; but when he was addressed by B. W. Leigh, 
 Esq. in behalf of the State ; the manner in which the address 
 was delivered, as well as the style in which it was written, 
 together with the circumstances which gave rise to such an ad- 
 dress on this spot, all manifested an appearance such as cannot 
 be described. On the General's landing he was supported by 
 Colonels Bassett, Harvie, Peyton, and Jones, who introduced 
 him to the Governor of the State ; the latter received hirii with 
 the following address : — 
 
 " General Lafayette — 
 
 " Sir — In 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 per- 
 son, and your blood, in their behalf, the State of Virginia, is, if 
 possible, still more deeply indebted to you. You were her 
 
478 THE TOUK OF 
 
 defender in the hour of her greatest trial. At the enrly age ot" 
 twenty-four years, with an army greatly inferior in numbers, and 
 still more in equipments and discipline, you conducted your mili- 
 tary movements with so much judgment, that the ablest officer 
 of the British army could never obtain the slightest advantage 
 over you ; and whilst diat officer spent his time in harassing our 
 distressed state, you manoeuvred before him with the most unceas- 
 ing 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 princi- 
 ples 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 . 
 ihas ever received the effusions of a nation's feelings, which have y 
 Npome so directly from the heart." ^ 
 
 The General advanced, and grasping the Governor's hand, 
 said, — " I am gratified. Sir, most highly gratified, by the recep- 
 tion you have given me on the part of the State of Virginia. 
 The happy conduct and the successful termination of the de- 
 cisive campaign, in which you have the goodness to ascribe to 
 me so large a part, were attributable much more to the consti- 
 tuted authorities and people of Virginia, than to the General 
 who was honoured 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 
 honour to serve — and happy as I was to assist and witness the 
 accomplishment of American liberty and independence, I huve 
 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 procession formed, and the " Nation's Guest," in an 
 elegant barouche, drawn by four beautiful gray horses, moved 
 up into the town. The General 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. 
 
 On this day, Monday ISth, the reception was purely civic, 
 not a soldier appeared under arms. But on the 19th the mili- 
 tary spectacle was imposing and brilliant. Soon after break- 
 fast, Lafayette walked from his quarters, to the tmt of Washing- 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 479 
 
 ion surrounded by the Committee of Arrangements and others. 
 Numbers were then introduced to him — many ladies, the ve- 
 teran soldiers of the revolution, citizens from other states, and 
 all quarters of Virginia. The classic ground of York-Town was 
 converted into a camp ; and the harbour was filled with vessels, 
 steam-boats, &tc. In the midst of the camp the tent of Wash' 
 ington had a conspicuous situation, near the house where its 
 illustrious owner had his Head Quarters in 1782. — To this the 
 General repaired, and received the visits of the Ladies, stran- 
 gers, he. — after which he was introduced to Colonel Wm. I. 
 Lewis, of Campbell, who delivered an address suitable to the oc- 
 casion. * 
 
 Leaving this he passed under a splendid triumphal arch, 
 erected on the spot where once stood the redoubt, which La- 
 fayette stormed, and which bore the names of Lafayette, Ha- 
 milton, and Laurens. The other redoubt stormed by the French 
 troops, bore an Obelisk, bearing the names of Viomenil, Du- 
 pont, Dumas, De Novilles, Rochambeau, and De Grasse. On 
 every part of the battle ground were to be found balls, shells, 
 and fragments of bombs, the interesting evidences of the ardour 
 and peril with which the capture of York was characterized. 
 — The General, in his splendid barouche, accompanied by the 
 Governor of Virginia, Chief Justice Marshal, and Mr. Secre- 
 tary Calhoun, proceeded to the arch, where he was received 
 by General Taylor, and addressed as follows : — 
 
 " General — On behalf of my comrades, I bid you welcome. 
 They come to greet you, with no pageantry, intended to sur- 
 prise by its novelty, or dazzle by hs splendour. But they bring 
 you. General, an offering which wealth could not purchase, nor 
 power constrain. On this day, associated with so many thrilling 
 recollections ; on this spot, consecrated by successful valour, 
 they come to offer you this willing homage of their hearts. 
 
 " Judge, General, of their feelings at this moment by your 
 own. Every thing around them speaks alike to their senses and 
 sensibilities. These plains, where the peaceful ploughshai'e 
 has not yet effaced the traces of military operations ; these half 
 decayed ramparts, this ruined village, in which the bomb's havoc 
 is still every where visible, tell us of past warfare : and remind 
 us of that long, arduous, and doubtful struggle, on the issue of 
 which depended the emancipation of our country. 
 
 " On yonder hillock, the last scene of blood was closed by 
 the surrender of an army ; and the liberty of our nation per- 
 
480 THE TOUR OF 
 
 manently secured. With what resistless eloquence does it per- 
 suade our gratitude and admiration for the gallant heroes, to 
 whose noble exertions we owe the countless blessings which pur 
 free institutions have conferred upon us ? 
 
 " The spot on which we stand, was once a redoubt occupied 
 by our enemy. With how rapid a pencil does imagbation pre- 
 sent the blooming chieftain, by whom it was wrested from his 
 grasp. Can we be here, and forget that superior to the preju- 
 dices which then enchained even noble minds, he perceived in 
 the first and almost hopeless struggles of a distant and obscure 
 colony, the movement of that moral power, which was destined 
 to give a new direction ana character to political institutions, 
 and to improve human happiness. Can we forget, that, deaf 
 to the solicitations of power, of rank, and of pleasure, with 
 a noble prodigality, he gave to our country his sword, his trea- 
 sure, and the influence of his example. 
 
 " And when in the aged warrior who stands before us, we 
 recognise that youthful chieftain, with what rapidity does memo- 
 ry retrace the incidents of his eventful life ? With what plea- 
 sure do we see his manhood realize the promise of his youth ? In 
 senates or in camps, in tlie palaces of kings, or in their dungeons, 
 we behold the same erect and manly spirit. At one time tem- 
 pering the licentiousness of popular feeling ; at another restrain- 
 ing the extravagance of power, and always regardless of every 
 thing but the great object of his life, the moral and political 
 improvement of mankind. 
 
 " General — In the brightest days of antiquity, no artificial 
 stimulus of rank, or power, or wealth, was required to excite 
 noble minds to acts of generous daring. A wreath of laurel, 
 or of oak, was at once the proof and the reward of illustrious 
 merit. For this, statesmen meditated, warriors bled, and elo- 
 quence soared to its sublimest heights. The prize was invalu- 
 able ; for, it was won only by merit. It detracted, however, 
 somewhat from its worth, that it was conferred by the partiality 
 of compatriots, and in the fervour of admiration, inspired by re- 
 cent success. 
 
 " Your life, General, illustrious throughout, in this also is 
 distinguished. — Time, which dims the lustre of ordinary merit, 
 has rendered yours more brilliant. After a lapse of nearly 
 half a century, your triumph is decreed by die sons of those 
 who witnessed your exploits. 
 
 " Deign then. General, to accept the simple but expressive 
 
(iENERAL. LAFAYETTh'. 481 
 
 token of their gratitude and admiration. Suffer their leader to 
 place upon your veteran brow, the only crown it would not 
 disdain to wear, the blended emblems of civic worth and mar- 
 tial prowess. It will not pain you. General, to perceive some 
 scattered sprigs of melancholy cypress, intermingled with the 
 blended leaves of laurel and oak. Your heart would turn from 
 us with generous indignation, if on an occasion like this, amid 
 the joyous acclamations which greet you every where, were 
 heard no sighs of grateful recollection for those gallant men who 
 shared your battles, but do not, cannot, share your triumph. 
 The wreath which our gratitude has woven, to testify our love 
 for you, will lose nothing of its fragrance, or its verdure, though 
 time hang upon its leaves some tears of pious recollection of 
 the friend of your early youth : in war the avenger, in peace the 
 father of his country. 
 
 " In behalf then, of all the chivalry of Virginia ; on this^ 
 redoubt, which his valour wrested from the enemy at the point \ 
 of the bayonet ; I place on the head of Major General La- j 
 fayette, this wreath of double triumph : — won by numerous and I 
 illustrious acts of martial prowess, and by a life devoted to the j 
 happiness of the human race. In their names, I proclaim him 
 alike victorious in arms and acts of civil polity. In bannered 
 fields, a hero — in civil life, the benefactor of mankind." 
 
 Lafayette was deeply affected. There was a solemn earnest- 
 ness in his manners, a touching sensibility in his whole counte- 
 nance, which most deeply impressed every observer. Many 
 . \i;e£it;;;-;all were moved.. When General Taylor had closed his 
 address,Tie wasaHoutto fix the civic wreath upon the General's 
 head . But the considerate veteran, always himself, always atten- 
 tive to the slightest proprieties of word and action, caught the hover- 
 ing wreath as it approached his brow, with his right hand, and re- 
 spectfully bowing, dropped it to his side, when he thus replied : — 
 
 " I most cordially thank you, my dear General, and your 
 companions in arms, for your affectionate welcome, your kind 
 recollections, and the flattering expressions of your friendship. 
 Happy I am to receive them on these already ancient lines, 
 where the united arms of America and France have been glo- 
 riously engaged in a holy alliance, to support the rights of Ameri- 
 can Independence, and the sacred principle of the sovereignty 
 of the people. Happy also to be so welcomed on the particu- 
 lar spot where my dear Light Infantry comrades acquired one 
 of their honourable claims to public love and esteem. You 
 
 61 
 
482 THE TOUK OB' 
 
 know, Sir, that in this husiness of storming redoubts, with un- 
 loaded arms and fixed bayonets, the merit of the deed is in the 
 soldiers who execute it ; and to each of them, I am anxious to 
 acknowledge their equal share of honour. Let me, however, 
 with affection and gratitude, pay a special tribute to the gallant 
 name of Hamilton, who commanded the attack, to the three 
 field officers who seconded him, Gimat, Laurens, and Fish, the 
 only surviving one, my friend now near me. In their name, 
 my dear General, in the name of the Light Infantry, those we 
 have lost, as well as those who survive, and only in common 
 with them, I accept the crown with which you are pleased to 
 honour us, and I offer you the return of the most grateful ac- 
 knowledgments." 
 
 The General was not apprized of the address or the offering 
 of the wreath ; but with his never ceasing readiness he turned 
 /round, and drawing Colonel Fish to the front, said, " Here, 
 {half of this wreath belongs to yo2i." " No, Sir," replied the 
 iCoIonel, " it is all your own." " Then," rejoined Lafayette, 
 Iputting it into the Colonel's hand, " take it, and preserve it as 
 wur common property.'''' The whole scene was strongly mark- 
 ed with the moral sublime. 
 
 After this ceremony, the line passed and paid the Guest 
 military honours ; and the General then resumed his barouche, 
 and the military, in line of march, took up the escort. On a 
 platform and gallery erected on the field, were seated nearly 
 1200 ladies, and by their presence, gave additional delight and 
 splendour to the scene. — The General's attention was early ar- 
 rested by this fair assemblage, and requesting the escort to halt, 
 he directed the barouche to leave the line and drive up to the 
 platform, where, stopping at intervals, he expressed the gratifica- 
 tion and pleasure these marks of attention were peculiarly cal- 
 culated to afford. He resumed his place in the line, amidst 
 the cheerings of the citizens and strangers, and the waving of 
 handkerchiefs, and the procession then escorted him to his 
 quarters in the town. 
 
 The dinner which followed was sumptuous, and the toasts 
 were excellent. In the evening there was a splendid display 
 of fire-works. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 20th, the General partook of a miltary 
 breakfast in the tent of Washington, where all the officers 
 and soldiers in the field, were introduced. The most inte- 
 resting of these interviews were with the soldiers of the revolu- 
 
(iEiVKKAL LAKAY'KTTK. 483 
 
 tion. One of them advanced, seized the General hy the hand, 
 exclaiming, " I was with you at York-Town. 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 j 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 all 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 consi- 
 deration. 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 ex- 
 pression of its countenance. Others advanced with the deep- 
 est feelings of awe, with their eyes cast upon the earth. 
 
 General Lafayette, after the sublime scenes of York-Town 
 were closed, visited Williamsburg, Norfolk, Petersburgh, and 
 Richmond, by special invitations, where he was received with all 
 that magnificent parade, and those splendid decorations, as well 
 as civic feasts that have marked the whole progress of his tour, 
 from his first landing upon the shores of America. The limits 
 of this work will not admit of a particular detail. Suffice it to • 
 say that the offerings of American hearts in this glorious cause, ; 
 are every where the same, whether expressed by addresses, \ 
 triumphal arches, military parades, civic feasts, splendid balls, I 
 and illuminations, the smiles of the fair sex, or the sympa- | 
 ihetic tear of the old heroes of the revolution. All these, and I 
 much more that cannot be expressed, were displayed to their / 
 full extent m Virginia. ' 
 
 General Lafayette left Richmond on Tuesday, November 
 2d, on a visit to his illustrious friend Mr. Jefferson, agreeable 
 to invitation, and .arrived at Monticello on Thursday, Novem- 
 ber 4th, where he was received by Mr. Jefferson in a most 
 feeling and affectionate manner. They flew into the arras of 
 each other, by a most cordial impulse, and remained locked iii 
 a silent embrace for several minutes, before their feelings [ 
 could find utterance. Language cannot express the affection- j 
 ate salutations that followed. Mr. .Jefferson presented \\\s^ 
 
484 THE TOUR OF 
 
 friend to his fiimily and friends, who all gave him a cordial and 
 affectionate welcome. The whole scene was peculiarly inte- 
 resting and touching. 
 
 General Lafayette passed a week at Monticello, to enjoy the 
 repose of that beautiful seat, under the courteous hospitality of 
 his beloved friend, which also afforded him some leisure to re- 
 ply to his numerous correspondents.* 
 
 The General closed his most agreeable visit at Monticello ; 
 took leave of that classic ground, and his ever dear and venera- 
 ble friend, and departed for Montpelier, agreeable to his en- 
 gagements, to meet the welcome congratulations of his much 
 esteemed friend, Mr. Madison. Here he was also received 
 with open arms, and made welcome to the bosom of a family, 
 whose every heart cheered him with a most cordial reception. 
 His visit at Montpelier, as at Monticello, was peculiarly inte- 
 resting and gratifying, but his stay was necessarily short, on ac- 
 count of his engagements to be at Washington. He tore him- 
 self away from this happy family, and again commenced his 
 journey for the seat of government, where he arrived on Tues- 
 day, the 23d of November, and was received with the highest 
 testimonials of affectionate respect. He dined with the Presi- 
 dent on the same day, in company with the principal officers 
 of the government and city. On Wednesday, he set out for 
 Baltimore, accompanied by his Son and Secretary, the Hon. 
 James Barbour, of Virginia, and other gentlemen of the first 
 respectability. He was received at Baltimore with unabated 
 cordiality ; attended the great Cattle Show, he. and was com- 
 plimented with the delivery of tlie premiums. In the evening he 
 attended the theatre, and returned the next day to Washington. 
 
 Upon the return of General Lafayette to Washington, both 
 Houses of Congress, upon the report of committees, specially 
 appointed to recommend a suitable manner of receiving Gene- 
 ral Lafayette, resolved as follows : — 
 
 " In Senate Resolved, That the President of the Senate in- 
 vite General Lafayette to take a seat in the Senate Chamber, 
 agreeable to his wishes ; that the committee deliver the invita- 
 tion to the General, and introduce him into the Senate Cham- 
 ber, and that the members receive him standing." 
 
 Upon the report of a special Committee, the House passed 
 the following resolution : — 
 
 * It is said that his unanswered letters exceeded 400. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 485 
 
 " Resolved, That General Lafayette be invited by the 
 Committee to attend the House on Friday next, at 1 o'clock; 
 and that he be introduced by the Committee, and received by 
 the Members standing, and addressed by the Speaker in behalf 
 of the House. 
 
 " Committee of invitation to consist of 24 members, a re- 
 presentation of each State." 
 
 On Thursday, December 9th, at 1 o'clock. General La- 
 fayette entered the Chamber of the Senate, accompanied by a 
 Committee of that body. On entering the bar, Mr. Barbour, 
 Chairman of the Committee, announced the presence of the 
 General in the following words : " We introduce General La- 
 fayette to the Senate of the United States ;" whereupon the 
 President of the Senate and the Senators, rose from their seats, 
 and the General advancing towards the Chair of the Senate, 
 was invited by the President to take a seat prepared for him 
 on the right of the Chair, 
 
 Soon after the General was seated, Mr. Barbour moved that 
 the Senate adjourn. 
 
 Mr. Lloyd of Massachusetts concurred in the wish for the 
 Senate to adjourn, to afford the Members an opportunity of 
 paying their individual respects to General Lafayette. 
 
 The Senate then adjourned, and the Senators individually, 
 beginning with the President of the Senate, tendered him 
 their respects, which were cordially and feelingly reciprocated. 
 
 On Friday, December 10th, the House Resolved, "That a 
 messenger be sent to the Senate of the United States, request- 
 ing that body to attend in the Chamber of Representatives, this 
 day, at 1 o'clock ; seats were ordered for the Senate, and that 
 body shortly after entered, and took their seats accordingly. 
 
 At 1 o'clock, according to previous arrangement. General 
 Lafayette appeared, attended by the committee of 24 members 
 of the House of Representatives, and was introduced to the 
 House by Mr. Mitchell, Chairman of the Committee. 
 
 On the General's entry, the members and persons admitted 
 on the floor of the House, rose, and remained standing, unco- 
 vered. 
 
 Mr. Speaker then rose, and, in behalf of the House, ad- 
 dressed the Nation's Guest, in the following eloquent strain, 
 adorned by those graces of oratory, for which he is distinguish- 
 ed :— 
 
 " General — The House of Representatives of the United 
 
486 THE TOUR OF 
 
 States, impelled alike by its own feelings, and by those of the 
 whole American people, could not have assigned to me a more 
 gratifying duty, than that of being its organ to present to you 
 cordial congratulations upon the occasion of your recent arrival 
 in the United States, in compliance with tlie wishes of Con- 
 gress, and to assure you of the very high satisfaction which 
 your presence affords on this early theatre of your glory and re- 
 nown. Although but kw of the members who compose this 
 body, shared with you in the war of the Revolution, all have a 
 knowledge, from impartial history, or from faithful tradition, of the 
 perils, the sufferings, and the sacrifices, which you have volun- 
 tarily encountered, and the signal services in America and in 
 Europe, which you performed for an infant, a distant, and an 
 alien people ; and all feel and own the very great extent of the 
 obligations under which you have placed our country. But 
 the relations in which you have ever stood to the United States, 
 interesting and important as they have been, do not constitute 
 the only motive of the respect and admiration which this House 
 entertains for you. Your consistency of charact£x> yguruni- 
 form_ devo tion to regulated liberty, m "aTTtT ie^cissitudes oPa 
 long and arduous life, also commands its "Highest admiration. 
 During all the recent convulsions of Europe, amidst, as after the 
 dispersion of, every political storm, the people of the United 
 States have ever beheld you true to your old principles, firm 
 and erect, cheering and animating, with your well known voice, 
 the votaries of liberty, its faithful and fearless champion, ready 
 to shed the last drop of that blood, which here you so freely 
 and nobly spilt in the same holy cause. 
 
 " The vain wish has been sometimes indulged, that Provi- 
 dence would allow the Patriot, after death, to return to his 
 country, and to contemplate the intermediate changes which had 
 taken place — to view the forests felled, the cities built, the 
 mountains levelled, the canals cut, the highways constructed, 
 the progress of the arts, the advancement of learning, and the 
 increase of population. General, your present visit to the United 
 
 / States is the realization of the consoling object of that wish. 
 
 V,You are in the midst of posterity ! Every where you must 
 have been struck with the great changes, physical and moral, 
 which have occurred since you left us. Even this very city, 
 bearing a venerated name, alike endeared to you and to us, has 
 since emerged from the forest which then covered its site. In 
 one respect, you behold us unaltered, and that is in this senti- 
 
GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 487 
 
 ment oi" continued devotion to liberty, and of ardent affection 
 and profound gratitude to your departed friend, the father of his 
 country, and to your illustrious associates, in the field and in the 
 Cabinet, for the multiplied blessings which surround us, and for 
 the very privilege of addressing you, which I now exercise. 
 This sentiment, now fondly cherished by more than ten millions 
 of people, will be transmitted, with unabated vigour, down the 
 tide of time, through the countless millions who are destined to 
 inhabit this continent, to the latest posterity." 
 
 To which address, General Lafayette replied, in a tone in 
 which energy of character and sensibility of feeling were most 
 interestingly blended, to the following eifect : — 
 
 "Mr. Speaker, and 
 
 " Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : — 
 
 " While the people of the United States, and their honoura- 
 ble Representatives in Congress have deigned to make choice 
 of me, one of the American veterans, to signify in his person, 
 their esteem for our joint services and their attachment to the 
 prmciples for which we have had the honour to fight and bleed, 
 I am proud and happy to share those extraordinary favours with 
 my dear revolutionary companions — yet, it would be, on my 
 part, uncandid and ungrateful not to acknowledge my personal 
 share in those testimonies of kindness, as they excite in my 
 breast emotions which no adequate words could express. 
 
 " My obligations to the United States, Sir, far exceed any ■ 
 merit I might claim. They date from the time when I had the i 
 happiness to be adopted as a young soldier, a favoured son of 
 America. — They have been continued to me during almost half 
 a century of constant affection and confidence, and now. Sir, 
 thanks to your most gratifying invitation, I find myself greeted 
 by a series of welcomes, one hour of which would more than 
 compensate for the public exertions and sufferings of a whole life. > 
 
 "The approbation of the American people and their Repre- 
 sentatives, for my conduct during the vicissitudes of the Euro- 
 pean Revolution, is the highest reward I could receive. Well 
 may I stand, " firm and erect," when, in their names, and 
 by you, Mr. Speaker,! am declared to have, in every instance, 
 been faithful to those American principles of liberty, equality, 
 and true social order, the devotion to which, as it has been 
 from my earliest youth, so shall it continue to be to my latest 
 breath. 
 
 " You have been pleased, Mr. Speaker, to allude to the pe- 
 
488 THE TOUR OF 
 
 culiar felicity of my situation, when, after so long an absence, 
 I am called to witness the immense improvements, the admira- 
 ble communications, the prodigious creations of which we find 
 an example in this city, whose name itself is a venerated palla- 
 dium ; in a word, all the grandeur and prosperity of these hap\ 
 py United States, which, at the same time they nobly secure 
 the complete assertion of American Independence, reflect on 
 every part of the world the light of a far superior political 
 civilization. 
 
 " What better pledge can be given of a persevering national 
 love of liberty, when those blessings are evidently the result of 
 a virtuous resistance to oppression, and the institutions founded 
 on the rights of man and the Republican principle of self-go- 
 vernment. No, Mr. Speaker, posterity has not begun for me 
 — since in the sons of my companions and friends, I find the 
 same public feelings, and permit me to add, the same feelings 
 in my behalf, which I have had the happiness to experience in 
 their fathers. 
 
 " Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before a Com- 
 mittee of a Congress of thirteen States, to express the fond 
 wishes of an American heart. — On this day I have the honour, 
 and enjoy the delight, to congratulate the Representatives of 
 the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes, 
 even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost 
 -infinite prospects we can with certainty anticipate. 
 
 " Permit me, Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen of the House of 
 Representatives, to join, to the expression of those sentiments, a 
 tribute of my lively gratitude, affectionate devotion, and pro- 
 found respect." 
 
 After the General and the Members had resumed their seats, 
 and a short pause ensued, Mr. Mitchell, the organ of the Com- 
 mittee of reception, moved an adjournment. 
 
 The motion was agreed to, and the House was adjourned 
 to Monday. 
 
 The Speaker then descended from the Chair, and most 
 affectionately saluted the General. His example was follow- 
 ed by the Members of the House, individually, and some 
 tuTie was spent in this agreeable manner before the General 
 retired. 
 
 The sublime and touching realities of this whole scene sur- 
 pass the powers of imagination ; every eye, every ear, and 
 every heart, were wholly engrossed by the magnitude of the 
 
GENEllAL LAFAYETTE. 489 
 
 object before them. Nothing is to be found in the whole fieldN 
 of Grecian or Roman story, as a parallel to this. Of all the > 
 proud triumphs through which the veteran hero has passed • 
 since he first landed upon the shores of America, this was not 
 only the most glorious, but must have been the most interesting 
 to his feelings. ^ 
 
 The scene in the Senate was not less interesting and impo^ 
 ing than that of the House ; and it is well understood, that 
 General Lafayette is the only jmblic character that has ever 
 been received by the Senate of the United States. This vir 
 gin honour was reserved for the man who vv^as truly the most; 
 deserving. 1/ 
 
 On Monday, December 20th, Mr. Hayne, from the com- 
 mittee to whom was referred the subject of making provision 
 for General Lafayette, reported to the senate a bill, providing, 
 that the sum of 200,000 dollars be granted to Major General 
 Lafayette ; also, one complete and entire township of land, to 
 be located upon any of the public lands that remain unsold. 
 
 On Tuesday, December 21st, this bill passed the Senate, and 
 on Wednesday, December 22d, the bill passed the House of 
 Representatives. 
 
 Some slight objections were made to the bill while under 
 discussion in Congress, which were remarks by way of inquiry 
 for information, rather than serious opposition, which led one of 
 the members, in a conversation with General Lafayette, to offer 
 a delicate apology ; but the General with great naivete inter- 
 rupted him, by adding — " / too, Sir, am of the opposition. The 
 gift is so munificent, so far exceeding the services of the in- 
 dividual, that had I been a member of Congress, I must have 
 voted against it." 
 
 CIIAFTER Z V. 
 
 A SUMMARY OF THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN TOUR OF 
 GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 
 
 General Lafayette commenced his tour from WasWngton, 
 through the southern and western states, about the first of March. 
 In his course he visited the principal towns in the states of North 
 and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
 
 62 
 
490 THE TOUK OF 
 
 Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky,* Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. 
 He visited Pittsburg, and returned to Albany, by the way of 
 Buffalo and the western canal. From Albany he proceeded 
 directly to Boston, through Springfield, where he arrived on the 
 16th of June. 
 
 The author regrets extremely that the limits of this work 
 will not permit him to give a particular description of the in- 
 teresting scenes that awaited the General throughout this whole 
 tour. It must, however, be remembered, that descriptions of 
 scenes the most interesting, of feelings the most sublime and 
 touching, and of characters the most exalted, lose theirintended 
 effect, by being too minutely dwelt upon, or too often repeated, 
 and become irksome and tedious. A general sameness ne- 
 cessarily prevails throughout the whole ; as in the Atlantic so 
 in the western tour of General Lafayette, all classes of citizens 
 vied with each other in expressing the grateful emotions of their 
 hearts to the guest of the nation, the veteran hero, and the pa- 
 triot benefactor of America. 
 
 The orators of the country, the surviving heroes of the r,e- 
 / volution, the patriots, and sages, the fair daughters of Columbia, 
 
 * Extract of a letter from General Lafayette to a gentleman of 
 » Philadelphia, dated 
 
 Louisville, May 12. 
 
 '•In the night of the 8th and 9th inst. we ran foul of a snag, which lay 
 concealed two feet under water, and so well infdaded our steam-boat, that 
 it pierced through our upper deck, and sunk the boat in a few minutes. 
 We had time, however, to coine out of the ladies' cabin, before the water 
 had penetrated through the partition, and all landed safely without any 
 life being lost. The Paragon, which was descending the river in the 
 morning, was good enough to take us on board and bring us to tliis place. 
 This accident is not imputable to any one ; the conduct of the captain of 
 the Mechanic was such as to entitle him to the thanks which you will see 
 in the St. Louis Gazette. 
 
 " You will find in another part of that newspaper, an error, which I wish 
 much to be corrected. It is, that 1 have only lost my carriage and my hat ; 
 the latter was most obligingly replaced by a manufacturer of Louisville. 
 But amongst the lost trunks is that which contained all the papers which 
 I had preserved during my journey — all my letters to be answered — and a 
 great number of answers which I had prepared during twelve days naviga- 
 tion. This loss throws all my correspondence into confusion — I have not 
 saved a single memorandum — and as to every thing anterior to the ship- 
 wreck, I must rely on the indulgence of my friends. [One of the trunks 
 has since been found and is on the way to its owner.] 
 
 " I expect to be on the 28th or 20th of this month at Pittsburg, and 
 arrive at Boston on the 16th of June, by the way of Albany. I hope to be 
 at New-York on the 4th of July, tiience go to Washington, taking Phila- 
 delphia in my way, to take leave of several respected friends, and embark 
 for France on the 1.5th of August." 
 
(iKxNKKAL LAIAVETTK. 491 
 
 with their numerous ofrsprnig, and the whole mass of citizens, 
 all with one acclaim welcomed the man whom their united 
 hearts delight to honour. The same military parades, civic feasts, 
 cordial and affectionate addresses, triumphal arches, splendid 
 balls, and soldiers tears, that showed the joys of kindred souls, 
 greeted the arrival of Lafayette in every place he visited, 
 throughout this extensive route, from Washington to Charles- 
 ton, to New-Orleans, to St. Louis, to Cincinnati, to Pittsburg, 
 to Buffalo, to Albany, and to Boston, a distance of more than 
 4000 miles. ', 
 
 These were not the momentary triumphs of a conquel'or, \ 
 who returns flushed with some recent victory ; but the tri- 
 umphs of the hearts of other generations, who rise up to bless 
 the patriot hero of their country, who took their fathers by the 
 hand, led them to victory and glory ; and when he had given 
 them an exalted rank among the nations of the earth, stepped ( 
 aside, and left them to pursue their enjoyments of freedom, \ 
 happiness, and honour. Again, after a lapse of nearly fifty ' 
 years, he comes, at the united voice of more than 10,000,000 
 of people, as free, as happy, and as independent, as the nature 
 of man can possibly become, to receive the welcome plaudits 
 of the nation. 
 
 More than 3000 miles of the western tour of General La-' 
 fayette were a pathless desert when he last visited America ; \ 
 now they can proudly boast of nine new and valuable states, \ 
 covered with rich and flourishing cities, towns, and villages ; 1 
 possessing a free, a virtuous, and an intelligent population ; 
 richly enjoying all that is essential to the happiness of man. 
 Throughout this vast interior, the forests have bowed to the 
 axe of die wood-man, cities, towns, and villages, roads, canals, 
 manufactures, commerce, and the arts and sciences, have risen 
 into being, as by the wand of the magician ; and the all-pro- , 
 pelling power of steam has greatly facilitated the social and 
 commercial intercourse throughout the vast circuit of this west- 
 ern route. 
 
 The changes fln-oughout the eastern or Atlantic tour, in a 
 period of forty or fifty years, far surpass every thing of the 
 kind, either in ancient or modern story, and must have been 
 almost incredible to the patriot hero ; but the changes of the 
 west are far greater, and must have appeared to him like so 
 much of the section of a new creation. The sublime realities 
 of this whole scene, when taken collectively, surpass the 
 
492 THE TOUR OF 
 
 powers of the pen or the pencil, and are vast beyond the 
 stretch of imagination. 
 
 RECEPTION OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE BY THE LEGISLATURE OF 
 MASSACHUSETTS PROCEEDINGS AT BUNKER HILL. 
 
 On Thursday, June 16th, General Lafayette, agreeable to 
 invitation, met the Governor and Council, the Senate and 
 House of Representatives, in tlie Representative Chamber. 
 The several branches of the government being assembled, he 
 was introduced by a committee, and seated by the side of the 
 Governor, by the Speaker's desk. The Governor tlien rose 
 and made the following address : — 
 
 " General Lafayette, 
 
 " The immediate Representatives of the people of Massa- 
 chusetts, in the Executive and Legislative departments of the 
 government, have assembled on this occasion to offer you their 
 cordial congratulations, on your return in health and safety to 
 the capital of this Commonwealth, and in the name of their 
 constituents, to repeat to you the assurance of respectful and 
 affectionate interest, with which they shall ever regard your 
 presence among them. 
 
 " Your arrival in the country, on this happy visit to your 
 American brethren, was greeted by them with expressions of 
 the liveliest satisfaction and joy. Your own observation since, 
 will bear faithful witness how true are their hearts to the lan- 
 guage of salutation, with which they first welcomed you. The 
 population which has crowded your path-way, the prosperity 
 which has smiled along your progress, in your tour through the 
 Union, are but the fruits of events in which you largely and 
 gloriously participated. The remembrance of your early sacri- 
 fices in the cause of this country, has excited the deepest sense 
 of public obligation, and the breasts of millions of freemen 
 will never cease to swell with gratitude, in the recognition of 
 your services, most generously and effectually rendered to an 
 oppressed and suffering people. A nation just to itself cannor\ 
 I be indifferent to the fame of its benefactors, and while liberty 1 
 \is dear to the enjoyment of Americans, the names of those/ 
 
^ GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 493 
 
 who fought in its defence will be associated with every memo- 
 fial of the scenes through which it became triumphant. 
 
 " In offering to you, General, the congratulations of the Go- 
 vernment, upon your present visit, I have the highest personal 
 gratification, in further executing the pleasure of the Legislature, 
 by tendering to you the hospitalities of the Commonwealth 
 during its continuance." , 
 
 To which General Lafayette made the following reply : — 
 
 " Sir — The honour conferied upon me by the immediate 
 Representatives of the State of Massachusetts, in the Executive 
 and Legislative branches, at the same time it fills my heart 
 with the most lively, and the deepest sentiments of gratitude, 
 recalls to my mind recollections equally grateful and endearing ; 
 and while I am so kindly welcomed by your Excellency, in this 
 splendid State-House, I remember the remote times when similar 
 favours have been received on the floor of Faneuil Hall — the 
 consecrated cradle of American, and I hope, of universal liberty. 
 
 " In the long and happy series of visits through the several 
 parts of the Union, to which you have been pleased to allude, 
 Bunker Hill has ever been my polar star ; and I now rejoice 
 to be arrived in time to join, on the grand half century jubilee, 
 with my companions in arms, as being together the representatives 
 of the early and unshaken devotion of our revolutionary army 
 — of the patriotic wishes of such of us as are still on this land 
 ^-of the dying prayers of those who are no more ; and permit 
 me here. Sir, most deeply to mourn the recent loss of my two 
 friends, your respected Predecessors, who had so heartily 
 joined in the late welcome, I have had the happiness after a long 
 absence, to receive from the people of this State, and in this 
 beloved city of Boston, which I never entered without feeling 
 the warmest emotions of affection and gratitude. 
 
 " While I have continually to admire the rapid wonders of 
 creation and improvement, that have been the result of indepen- 
 dence, freedom, and those republican institutions, which alone 
 are equal to support the weight, and display the faculties of an 
 extensive empire, I have particularly delighted in the sentiments 
 of fellow feelings, and mutual affection, whereby the people of 
 every part of the confederacy are strongly attached to an union, 
 on which resides the safety of these states, and the hopes of 
 mankind. 
 
 " I beg. Sir, the gentlemen of the two houses of the legisla- 
 
494 THE TOUR OF 
 
 ture, and your Excellency, to accept my respectful thanks, and 
 cordial devotion." 
 
 The General was then introduced by the Governor to the 
 members of the Council severally, and by the presiding officers 
 of the two other boards, to the several members who came for- 
 ward to pay their respects to him. 
 
 BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 The celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the memora- 
 ble battle on Bunker Hill, and the ceremony of laying the 
 Foundation Stone of an OBELISK to commemorate that great 
 event, took place on the 17th of June. 
 
 The day was temperate and fair ; — and all the arrangements 
 made to honour it, were executed with a punctuahty and good 
 order, which could only be effected by the entire union of all 
 the hearts and hands in the ceremonies. 
 
 The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, having been requested 
 to assist on the occasion, assembled at an early hour in the 
 morning at their Hall, and soon after were visited by their illus- 
 trious Brother, General Lafayette, and their respected brothers 
 George Washington Lafayette and Le VasSeur. The meeting 
 was most interesting. After the fraternal greeting of Grand 
 Master Abbot, the distinguished Guest expressed the great 
 pleasure he felt in meeting his brethren in the beloved city of 
 Boston, on the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, and 
 in the Grand Lodge, whose first Grand Master had, in the true 
 spirit of a Mason, shed his blood in defence of the liberties and 
 institutions of his country, on that ever memorable occasion. 
 The assemblage of the fraternity was very numerous. The 
 Grand Lodges of Maine, New-Hampshire, Rhode-Island, Con- 
 necticut, Vermont, and New-Jersey, were represented by their 
 Grand Masters, or other distinguished members ; and the Grand 
 Royal Arch Chapters of several States, by their Grand High 
 Priests, and other officers. The distinguished Visiter was at- 
 tended from and to his residence at Mr. Lloyd's, by a deputa- 
 tion composed of past Grand Masters and Deputies. 
 
 The Grand Procession was formed near the State House 
 with the utmost precision and regularity, under the superin- 
 tending direction of Brigadier General Lyman, assisted by a 
 staff, composed of Majors Brimmer and Aspinwall of Boston, 
 Major Edwards of Brighton, Captains Sprague of Salem, Ford 
 
GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 495 
 
 of Milton, Talbot of Dedham, and Young of Charlestown, 
 Lieutenant Baxter, and Ensign Gardner, of Boston. 
 
 The Military Escort was composed of sixteen companies, 
 and a corps of cavalry commanded by Lieutenant Parker, all 
 volunteers, and in full uniform. 
 
 Survivors of the Battle. — Those worthies were in eight 
 barouches and carriages, and were about forty in number. — 
 Each wearing on his breast a badge, " Bunker Hill, June 17, 
 1775," and many bearing the implements of war they used in 
 the tight. 
 
 Then followed between one and two hundred Revolution- 
 ary Officers and Soldiers, each bearing an appropriate badge. 
 Their apjjearance was truly venerable. 
 
 The Bunker Hill Monument Association, in full numbers, 
 six deep, all wearing the badges, " B. H. M. A." 
 
 The Masonic Procession succeeded. — This section of the 
 Procession was very splendid, and exceeded two thousand of 
 the fraternity, with all their jewels and regalia. The Grand 
 Lodge of Massachusetts was fully organized, and bore the im- 
 plements and vessels used in laying the foundations of ancient 
 edifices. They were followed by the Grand Encampments 
 of the Knights Templars of Rhode-Island, Connecticut, 
 Vermont, Maine, New-Hampshire, and Massachusetts, in full 
 numbers with their banners, implements, and regalia ; by the 
 Grand Lodges of the above States ; by the Grand Chapters 
 of Royal Arch Masons, and by various subordinate Chapters 
 and Lodges, bearing banners. A full band of music was at- 
 tached to the Masonic procession. Of the regalia of the Grand 
 Lodge, was a gold Urn, borne by the Deputy Grand Master, 
 containing a relic of our departed Brother George Washington. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Webster, President, and other officers of the 
 B. H. M. Association. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Kirkland, the Rev. Mr. Thaxter, (a Revolution- 
 ary Chaplain,) and the Rev. Mr. Walker, Chaplains of 
 the day. 
 
 Directors and Committees of the Association. 
 
 General Lafayette, in a coach and four, accompanied by Lieu- 
 tenant General Lallemand, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Mr. George Washington Lafayette and the General's suite in 
 a carriage. 
 
496 THE TOUR Of 
 
 His Excellency the Governor. 
 
 The Hon. Council, Senate, and House of RepresentativeSj 
 accompanied by tlie Adjutant-General, Secretary, 
 Treasurer, &,c. 
 
 Governor Fenner, the Secretary of War of the United States, 
 and others. 
 
 Delegations from the various States. 
 
 Delegation from the Pilgrim Society in Plymouth. 
 
 Officers of the United States Navy and Army, and the Military 
 in uniform. 
 
 Citizens. 
 
 In this order the whole proceeded from the State-House, about 
 half past 10, and passed through Park, Common, School, Wash- 
 ington, Union, Hanover, and Prince-streets, to Charlestovvn 
 River Bridge, and from thence through Maine, Green, and 
 High-streets, in Charlestovvn, to the Monumental square. The 
 front of the procession had nearly reached the bridge when the 
 rear of it left the Common. 
 
 All the streets, the houses to their roofs, and in some instan- 
 ces to chimney-tops, and every situation on which a footing 
 could be obtained for a prospect of the procession, were filled 
 with a condensed mass of well dressed, cheerful looking per- 
 sons, of all sexes and denominations, many of whom had oc- 
 cupied their stations for several hours ; and who, at appropriate 
 places, spontaneously rent the air with joyous and orderly ac- 
 clamations, while the Ladies displayed their tokens of smiles, 
 and waving handkerchiefs, as the procession passed, particularly 
 when the Guest was in sight. 
 
 Arrived at the Monument spot, the various sections of the 
 procession formed a square around it ; when the Grand Master 
 of Massachusetts, accompanied by General Lafayette, Presi- 
 dent Webster, the Past Grand Masters, the District Deputy 
 Grand Master, bearing the Architectural Implements, the Grand 
 Wardens, bearing the Corn, Wine, and Oil, in vases, the Grand 
 Chaplam, Grand Treasurer, and Principal Architect, repaired 
 around the foundation stone, which having been squared, level- 
 led, and plumbed, by the Grand Master, Brother Fayette, and 
 Mr. Webster, and declared to be true and proper, the following 
 deposits were made in the cavity of the Stone : — 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 497 
 
 1. The official account of the battle of Bunker Hill, by the 
 Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay. 
 
 2. Official account by Genera! Gage. ^Both written on 
 parchment, and presented by Mr. John F. Eliot.] 
 
 3. All the printed accounts of the battle, viz. by Samuel 
 Sweet, by H. Dearborn, Major General U. S. A. — and by a 
 Bostonian, (Alden Bradford, Esq.) 
 
 4. Plan of the battle, and a plan of Charlestown. 
 
 5. Circular Letter of Bunker Hill Monument Association, 
 by Edward Everett. 
 
 6. Address of Bunker Hill Monument Association, by Wil- 
 liam Sullivan. 
 
 7. Account of the battle of Lexington in an address delivered 
 at Concord, by Edward Everett. 
 
 8. Life of Josiah Quincy, jun. containing letters and fac 
 shnilies of the writings of revolutionary characters. 
 
 9. Coins of the United States. 
 
 10. Jlfet?a?5 of distinguished persons connected with America, 
 presented by the Hon. Thomas L, Winthrop. The Medals 
 bore the following inscriptions, viz. 
 
 Comitia Americana 
 
 GEORGIO WASHINGTON, 
 
 Supremo Duci Exercituum, Adsertori Libertatis. Hostibus Primo 
 
 Fugatis ; Bostonia Recuperatas, 
 
 xvii. Martii MDCCLXXVI. 
 
 BENJ. FRANKLIN, 
 
 Natus Boston, xvii. Jan. MDCCVI 
 
 "Eripuit Coelo Fulmen, Sceptrumque Tyrannis." 
 
 CHRISTOPHORUS COLUMBUS, 
 
 Natus An. MCCCCXLII. Cogureti ad Gennam, Obiit in Valle 
 
 Oleti, Apud Hispanos, 
 
 An. MDVI. 
 
 Comitia Americana 
 
 GULIELMO WASHINGTON, 
 
 Legionis Equit : Prafecto. 
 
 Qui parva militum manu strenue prosecutus hostes, virtutis ingenitse 
 
 prsBclarum specimen dedit, in Piigna ad Cowpens, 
 
 xvii. Jan. MDCCLXXVI. 
 
 Comitia Americana 
 
 JOH. EGAR HOWARD, 
 
 Legionii Peditum Prafecto. 
 
 Qui in nutantem hostiura aciem subito irruens, praeclarum bellieae 
 
 virtutis specimen dedit, in Pugna ad Cowpens, 
 
 xvii. Jan. MDCCLXXXI. 
 
 63 
 
498 THE TOLR OF 
 
 THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO, 
 
 Natus An. MDCCXLVI. Siechuowier Ducat LithaiiiE inPolonia 
 
 Obiit An. MDCCCXVII. 
 
 Comitia Americana 
 
 JOANNI PAVLO JONES, 
 
 Prcefccto Classis. 
 
 Hostium Nivibus Captis aut Fygsetis ad oram Sevtise, 
 
 xxii. Sept. MDCCLXXVIII. 
 
 11. A fragment of ihe Plymouth Rock. 
 
 12. One of each of the newspapers of the week. 
 
 13. Specimens of Old Continental JWoney, presented by 
 Messrs. Lemuel Blake and Ebenezer Clough, and by Major 
 Bass. 
 
 1 4. The Silver Plate, twelve by eight inches, bearing the ' 
 following 
 
 INSCRIPTION. 
 
 " On the XVII. day of June, MDCCCXXV. at the request of the 
 Bunker Hill Monument Association, the Most Worshiptiii Juhn JlJjhot, 
 Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, did, in the presence of Gene- 
 ral Lafayette, lay this corner-stone of a Monument to testify the gratitude 
 of the present generation to their Fathers, who, on the 17th of June, 1775, 
 here fought in the cause of their country, and of free institutions, the me- 
 morable Battle of Bunker Hill, and with their blood vindicated for their 
 posterity the privileges and happiness this land has since enjoyed. Offi- 
 cers of the Bunker Hill Monument Association. President, Daniel Web- 
 ster ; Vice-Presidents, Thomas H. Perkins, Joseph Story ; Secretary, Ed- 
 ward Everett ; Treasurer, Nathaniel P. Russell. Directors, — Nathan Ap- 
 pleton, Loammi Baldwin, George Blake, Isaac P. Davis, Henry A. S. 
 Dearborn, Franklin Dexter, Benjamin Gorham, Samuel D. Harris, Seth 
 Knowles, Amos Lawrence, Theodore L3mian, jun. David L. Morrill, Francis 
 J. Oliver, William Prescott, Daniel Putnam, Jesse Putnam, David Sears, 
 Nathaniel Silsbee, William Sullivan, Samuel Sweet, George TicknoR 
 William Tudor, John Wells, Oliver Wolcott, John G. Warren. Standini 
 committees for collecting subscriptions, — Henry A. S. Dearborn, John C. 
 Warren, Edward Everett, George Blake, and Samuel D. Harris. Com- 
 mittee on the form of the Monument, — Daniel Webster, L. Baldwin, G, 
 Stuart, Washington Alston, and G. Ticknor. 
 
 President of the United States, John Quincy Adams. Governor of Massar 
 chusetts, Levi Lincoln. Governor of New-Hampshire, David L. Morrili 
 Governor of Connecticut, Oliver Wolcott. Governor of Vermont, C. P. 
 Van Ness. Governor of Rhode-Island, James Fenner. Governor of 
 Maine, Albion K. Parris. Alexander Parris, Architect." 
 
 These articles were deposited in a leaden box, and covered 
 with melted wax ; — the top of the box being soldered and se- 
 cured. — This was put in another leaden box, somewhat larger ; 
 the interstice filled with pitch, and the box hermetically secured. 
 Thus prepared, it was placed on a large fragment of granite, and 
 the Corner-Stone, having an excavation adapted to the box, 
 was lowered, by operative Masons, over it, so as to receive it, 
 
(iEXERAL LAFAYETTK. 499 
 
 and was then strongly fastened by iron clamps to the subjacent 
 granite. 
 
 The Grand Chaplain, the R. W. Br. Allen, of Chelmsford, 
 then pronounced a benediction ; the Grand Master strewed the 
 Corn, Wine, and Oil, and delivered the implements of Archi- 
 tecture to the Master Builder, with orders to erect the Monu- 
 ment on the true principles of Masonry, to which the Architect 
 made the following reply : — 
 
 Most Worshipful Grand Master — I receive from your hands 
 these implements of science and labour, belonging to my craft 
 and profession, with feelings of great personal diffidence, but still 
 in tlie strongest confidence and faith that such is the triumphant 
 spirit of the age, and such the numbers, ability, and power, of 
 those who have ordered the craftsmen to commence building, 
 that the work will go bravely on, and the fathers who have this 
 day come up, resting each upon his staff, to see you lay the 
 Corner- Stone, will live long enough to witness the dedication 
 at the completion of the structure. 
 
 The benediction being repeated, the Grand Master pro- 
 nounced the ceremonies ended. 
 
 The procession, which was inside the lines, then cheered, 
 and salutes were fired on Bunker Hill by the Charlestown Ar- 
 tillery, Captain Sanders, and on Copps Hill in Boston, by the 
 Sea Fencibles, commanded by Lieut. Lewis. 
 
 The procession then moved to an amphitheatrical area,where 
 accommodations had been made on a most ample scale, for the 
 accommodation of the auditors of the address of the President 
 of the Association. They included a large portion of the 
 north-eastern declivity of the battle hill. In the centre of the 
 base, a rural ai'ch and bower, surmounted by the American 
 Eagle, was formed for the government of the Association, and 
 some of the Guests, in front of which, after the venerable Mr. 
 Thaxter had addressed the Throne of Grace, the Orator, suh 
 ccelo, pronounced an Address, which none but its author is ca- 
 pable of doing justice to in a summary, and which will be printed 
 and read with a pleasure equalled only by that which electrified 
 the vast assemblage who listened to it for nearly one hour and 
 a quarter. It is enough for us to say, that it was in every par- 
 ticular worthy of the celebrity of the orator ; and that his address 
 to the silver-headed worthies of the Revolution, and to the dis- 
 tinguished Guest of the Nation, filled every heart with trans- 
 port. On each side of the bower, seats with awnings, had 
 
500 
 
 THE TOUR OF 
 
 been prepaj-ed, and were filled by more than one thousand 
 ladies, from all parts of the Union, presenting a spectacle of 
 animated beauty and intelligence, and offering a fine contrast 
 to the other parts of the auditory. — The exercises commenced 
 and closed with the following Hymns, sung by a powerful choirj 
 to the two good old tunes. ' 
 
 FIRST HYMN. 
 
 By Rev. John Pierpont Tune " Old Hundred." 
 
 O, is not this a holy spot ! 
 
 'Tis the high place of Freedom's birth : — 
 God of our Fathers ! is it not 
 The holiest spot of all the earth ? 
 
 Quenched is thy flame on Horeb's side ; 
 
 The robber roams o'er Sinai now ; 
 And those old men, thy seers, abide 
 
 No more on Zion's mournful brow. 
 
 But on this hill thou. Lord, has dwelt, 
 
 Since round its head the war-cloud curled, 
 And wrapped our fathers, where they knelt 
 
 In prayer and battle for a world. 
 
 Here sleeps their dust ; 'tis holy ground, 
 
 And we, the children of the brave, 
 From thy four winds are gathered round, 
 
 To lay our offering on tiieir grave. 
 
 Free as the winds around us blow, 
 
 Free as yon waves below us spread , 
 We rear a pile, that long shall throw 
 
 Its shadow on their sacred bed. 
 
 But on their deeds no shame shall fall, 
 
 While o'er their couch thy sun shall flame : 
 Thine ear was bowed to hear their call, 
 
 And thy right hand shaJl guard their fame. 
 
 SECOND HYMN. 
 
 By Rev. James Flint Tune " St. Martins." 
 
 O Glorious day ! that saw the array 
 
 Of freemen in their might, . _ 
 
 When here they stood, unused to blood, j ^ 
 
 Yet dared th' unequal fight. j 
 
 The sons are met to own the debt 
 
 Due to their fathers' fame ; 
 And here they place the column's base 
 
 To bear their deathless name. 
 
 "Tis not that here the victor's cheer 
 
 Rung o'er the falling foe, — 
 That earth here drank of many a rank^ 
 
 Th' life-blood's gushing flow. 
 
 The pledge here given to earth and heaven, 
 
 Freemen to live or die — 
 This gives their fame its sacred claim 
 ' To immortality. 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 501 
 
 To God, who vvill'd a state to build, 
 
 Based on the rights of man, 
 Glory we give, who this day live 
 
 To hail th" accomplished plan. 
 
 The Guests and Subscribers to the dinner were then escorted 
 to Bunker Hill, where an edifice, covering 38,400 square feet 
 of ground, had been erected, and in which at twelve tables, run- 
 ning its entire length, 400 feet, 4000 plates were laid, which 
 were all occupied. A spacious gallery contained an excel- 
 lent band of music ; and the following toasts, interspersed with 
 songs, and martial airs, were announced by Mr. F. C. Whiston, 
 amidst the most deafening bursts of applause. — The scene defies 
 description ; and as much order prevailed, as was compatible 
 with the festivity of the occasion and the magnitude of the com- 
 pany. 
 
 1st. The I7th of June 1775. — The marble may moulder ; 
 but while a heart beats in an American's bosom, there will be 
 a tablet from which the record of that day's glory shall never 
 be effaced. 
 
 An ODE.— -By Rufus Dawes, Esq. 
 
 2d. The Militia. — What more than to name the spot whereon 
 we stand, to proclaim its character to the world. Tune — " Yan- 
 kee Doodle.^^ 
 
 3d. The Committee of Safety. — The early guardians of our 
 nation's rights ; fearless, as faithful in the execution of their 
 trust. Tune — " Rise Columbia." 
 
 4th. The Martyrs of Bunker Hill Battle. — We inhale the 
 air they breathed ; we tread the ground they trod ; we surround 
 the altar where their lives were offered ; we swear devotion to 
 their cause ! — (drank standing.) 
 
 An ODE. — By Thomas Wells, Esq. 
 
 5th. Bunker Hill Monument. — Its proud summit shall 
 brighten with the morning's first beam, and the evening's last 
 ray ; it shall glow with a still richer and purer light in speaking 
 their deeds who repose beneath it. 
 
 An ODE. — By Dr. Percival. 
 
 6th. The Survivers of Bunker Hill Battle. The gloom of 
 that day may dwell on their recollection ; but in the brightness 
 of this, they feel, that they fought under the auspices of Heaven. 
 Tune — " Adams and Liberty.''^ 
 
 [After the 6th regular toast the following sentiment was given 
 and cordially received : — ] 
 
6U2 THE TOUR OF 
 
 The Orator of the Day. — A statesman and patriot, who 
 knows no party but his country, who feels no impulse but her 
 welfare. 
 
 7th. Lexington and Concord. — There the earnest was 
 given, that a people, resolved to he free, can never be en- 
 slaved ! Tune—" Old Soldier.'' 
 
 8th. The President of the United States. — " Washington's 
 March." 
 
 9th. The Governor of the Commonwealth. — " Governor 
 Brook's March." 
 
 10th. The Continental Army. — Whom victory could not 
 elate, whom defeat could not depress ; their cause their coun- 
 try ; their trust their God ! 
 
 An ODE. — By Reverend John Pierpont. 
 
 11th. The Memory of Washington. Dirge. 
 
 12th. The Continental Congress. — The embodied wisdom 
 of the nation ; which wrought the freedom of one hemisphere, 
 and promulgated the principles which will emancipate the other. 
 
 13th. The Memory of Warren. — Associated with this 
 occasion ; his name comes to us " as the gentle rain from 
 Heaven, refreshing the place beneath." 
 
 After the regular toasts the President of the Association said, 
 
 He rose to propose a toast, in behalf of the Directors of the 
 Association. Probably he was already anticipated, in the name 
 which he should mention. It was well known, that the distinguish- 
 ed personage near him, from the time when he first became ac- 
 quainted with the object of the Association, had taken much 
 interest in it, and had expressed an intention to be present at 
 the ceremony of laying the Corner-Stone. This purpose he 
 had kindly remembered, through the long course of his visits 
 to the several States. It was not at all necessary to say — in- 
 deed it could not be said — how much his presence had added 
 to the interest and pleasure of the occasion. He should pro- 
 ceed at once to the grateful duty which the Directors had en- 
 joined on him, and propose to the company 
 
 "Health and long life to General LAFAYETTE." 
 On which General Lafayette rose, and thus expressed him- 
 self:— 
 
 Gentlemen — I will not longer trespass on your time than 
 to thank you in the name of my Revolutionary companions in 
 arms and myself for the testimonies of esteem and affection, I 
 may say, of filial affection, which have been bestowed upon us 
 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 503 
 
 on the memorable celebration of tiiis Anniversary day ; and to 
 offer our fervent prayers for the preservation of that Republi- 
 can freedom, equality, and self-government, that blessed union 
 between the States of the confederacy for which we have fought 
 and bled, and on which rest the hopes of mankind. Permit me 
 to propose the following sentiment : — 
 
 Bunker Hill, and the holy resistance to oppression which has 
 already enfranchised the American hemisphere, — the next Half 
 Century Jubilee's toast shall be — to Enfranchised Europe. 
 
 By his Excellency the Governor. — That Monument, the base 
 of which was laid in 1775 — the Column of American fame^ 
 which time is strengthening to adamant, and raising with the 
 spirits of those who laid it — to Heaven. 
 
 By the Honourable James Barbour, Secretary of War. — 
 Bunker Hill — favoured spot, consecrated by valour, by grati- 
 tude, and by eloquence. 
 
 By the Delegation of the Pilgrim Society. — ^The Arm raised 
 on this Hill in the cause of human rights — and nobly sustained 
 by the strength of the whole body. 
 
 Thus passed this great and splendid celebration. Heaven 
 seemed to smile upon the day ; and nature never wore a more 
 delightful aspect. Upon this subject a Boston writer remarks : — 
 
 " The human eye never opened on a more delightful morn- 
 ing; not a cloud obscured the smallest portion of the firmament; 
 and the seasonable showers of the day j)receding had brightened 
 the emerald hue of the earth. The whole face of nature wore 
 its loveliest aspect ; the flooring was spread with her richest 
 variegated carpet ; the canopy was all azure and sunshine. The 
 thousands of human beings, congregated to witness the specta- 
 cle, seemed to inspire with the breathing atmosphere, compla- 
 cency and delight ; and every face, whether it belonged to the 
 feeble veteran of the silver lock, the manly soldier decorated 
 with plume and sword, the inquisitive and admiring child, or to 
 vi^oman, the still more interesting product of heavenly skill and 
 goodness, every face beamed with gratulation, and reflected 
 back the smile of the Creator." 
 
 The Guest of the Nation had no vacant time during his late 
 stay in Boston. — He forgets no one, and omits nothing, which 
 he ought to remember or perform. After the arduous duties 
 of Friday he passed the evening at a splendid party given by 
 Mrs. Daniel Webster, in Summer-street. On Saturday he 
 visited the venerable John Adams, at his seat in Quincy ; re- 
 
i-'^.- 
 
 504 THE TOUR OF, kc. 
 
 celved visiters at Mr. Lloyd's, where he dined ; and spent the 
 evening at a large party given by IVfrs. Lloyd. On Sunday he 
 attended divine service in the Church in Brattle-street, and in 
 Trinity Church. During the intermission he visited General 
 Hull and Lady, at the residence of Mr. McLellan, in Winthrop- 
 place, where he met his old companions in arms. General 
 Cobb, General Huntington, Colonel Putnam, and others. — He 
 then visited General Dearborn, and Honourable T. L. Winthrop, 
 at their residences. In the afternoon he visited the country 
 house of the Honourable Thomas H. Perkins, at Brookline. 
 In the evening be called on Mrs. Ticknor, in Common-street, 
 paid his respects to Madame Humphreys, the relict of his friend 
 and companion in arms. General H. at her residence on Mount 
 Vernon, and passed the residue of the evening at Mrs. Richard 
 Derby's, in Chesnut-street. 
 
 On Monday he breakfasted with Brigadier General Lyman. 
 About noon visited the Massachusetts General Hospital, in 
 company with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Mayor, 
 General Lallemande, Colonel M'Lane, Dr. Mitchell, Sic. — He 
 was received by the President, Directors, and Physicians ; ex- 
 amined all parts of the Hospital, and expressed the high grati- 
 fication he felt in the contemplation of the benefits to humanity 
 flowing from this extensive and useful institution. He then 
 visited the New-England Museum ; received several deputa- 
 tions at his residence, dined with the Mechanic Association at 
 4 o'clock, and visited the Theatre in the evening. 
 
 On Tuesday morning, about 9 o'clock, the General and his 
 suite, accompanied by Colonels Quincy and Davis, of the Go- 
 vernor's stafF, set out from Mr. Lloyd's on his Eastern journey. 
 
 The Legislature of IMassachusetts have made provision for 
 paying the expenses of Lafayette's late visit to Boston out of the 
 State Treasury. .Grants have also been made to the survivers 
 of Bunker Hill battle who attended the late celebration, of three 
 dollars each, and one dollar for every twenty miles travel. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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