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WITH AN ACCOUNT OF HIS VISIT TO AMERICA, AND OF HIS RECEPTION BY THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES; FROM HIS ARRIVAL, AUGUST 15TH, TO THE CELEBRATION AT YORKTOWN, OCTOBER 19TH, 1824 BY MARIE-JOSEPH-PAUL-YVES-ROCH-GILBERT DU MOTIER,
WITH AN ACCOUNT OF HIS VISIT TO AMERICA, AND OF HIS RECEPTION BY THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES; FROM HIS ARRIVAL, AUGUST 15TH, TO THE CELEBRATION AT YORKTOWN, OCTOBER 19TH, 1824 BY MARIE-JOSEPH-PAUL-YVES-ROCH-GILBERT DU MOTIER,
Be it remembered, that on the 2d day of November, A.D. 1824, in the forty-ninth year of the independence of the United States of America, E.G. House, of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit—Memoirs of General Lafayette, with an account of his visit to America; and of his reception by the people, of the United States, from his arrival, Aug. 15. to the celebration at Yorktown, Oct 19, 1824. In
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ADVERTISEMENT, BY THE EDITOR.
ADVERTISEMENT, BY THE EDITOR.
It is a poor apology to offer for any defect or omission in a work intended for the information of the public, that it was prepared in haste. Yet in the present case it can be offered with truth. The Editor of this volume knew nothing of the plan, until it had been some time proposed, and many subscribers obtained. The gentleman by whom it was first intended to have been prepared, was suddenly taken away, without writing, or even collecting any thing for the volume. It was undertaken with reluct
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"I have received your favour of the 13th instant, acquainting me of the honor Congress has been pleased to confer on me by their most gracious resolve. Whatever pride such approbation may justly give me, I am not less affected by the feeling of gratitude, and that satisfaction of thinking my endeavours were ever looked upon as useful to a cause in which my heart is so deeply interested. Be so good, Sir, as to present to Congress my plain and hearty thanks, with a frank assurance of a candid atta
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
During the year 1778, some propositions were made to Congress from the British ministry, through three commissioners, who were sent over to America. The object was to bring about a cessation of hostilities, and peace, without acknowledging our Independence. They were, therefore, immediately rejected. In the address of the commissioners to Congress, the French King and ministers were mentioned with great disrespect, and represented as secret enemies to America; and therefore, not to be believed i
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"This will be delivered to you by Major General, the Marquis de Lafayette. The generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic, and enter the army of the united States, are well known to Congress. Reasons equally laudable now engage him to return to France, who, in her present circumstances, claims his services. "His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and country, however great, could not influence him to quit the continent in any stage of an unfinished campaign; he resolve
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"GEO. WASHINGTON."
"GEO. WASHINGTON."
From the Marquis to Congress. " Philadelphia. Oct. 8th , 1778. "Whatever care I should take not to employ the precious instants of Congress in private considerations, I beg leave to lay before them my present circumstances, with that confidence which naturally springs from affection and gratitude. The sentiments which bind me to my country, can never be more properly spoken of, than in presence of men who have done so much for their own. As long as I thought I could dispose of myself, I made it
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
" In Congress, Oct . 21. 1778. " Resolved , That the Marquis Lafayette, Major General in the services 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 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 exertion of his courage and abilities on many signal
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"I had the honor of presenting to Congress, your letter, soliciting leave of absence: I am directed by them, to express their thanks for your zeal in promoting that just cause in which they are engaged, and for the disinterested services you have rendered to the United States of America. "In testimony of the high esteem and affection in which you are held by the good people of these States, as well as an acknowledgment of your gallantry and military talents displayed on many signal occasions, th
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"H. LAURENS."
"H. LAURENS."
To this note the Marquis made the following reply: " Philadelphia, Oct . 26, 1778....
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"I have received your excellency's obliging letter, enclosing the several resolutions Congress have honored me with, and the leave of absence they have been pleased to grant. Nothing can make me happier, than the reflection, that my services have met with their approbation. The glorious testimonial of confidence and satisfaction respectfully bestowed on me, by the representatives of America, though much superior to my merit, cannot exceed the grateful sentiments they have excited. I consider the
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
Letter of Dr. Franklin, to the Marquis Lafayette. " Passy, Aug . 24, 1779....
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"The Congress, sensible of your merit towards the United States, but unable adequately to reward it, determined to present you with a sword, as a small mark of their grateful acknowledgments. They directed it to be ornamented with suitable devices. Some of the principal actions of the battles, in which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and good conduct, are therefore represented upon it. These, with a few emblematical figures, all admirably well executed, make its principal value. By th
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"B. FRANKLIN."
"B. FRANKLIN."
The Marquis de Lafayette came again to the United States in April 1780, and landed at Boston, though the vessel first touched at Marblehead on its way to the former place. In his passage both to and from France, he was in danger of capture from the British. The frigate, in which he returned to this country, was chased by an English man of war; and when it was supposed, they must come to action, LAFAYETTE was found at one of the guns, preparing to act his part should they be attacked. In this vis
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"GEO. WASHINGTON."
"GEO. WASHINGTON."
" To His Excellency the President of Congress ." " Philadelphia, May 16, 1780. "After so many favors, which, on every occasion and particularly at my obtaining leave of absence, Congress were pleased most graciously to bestow on me, I dare presume myself entitled to impart to them the private feelings, which I now so happily experience. "In an early epoch in our noble contest, I gloried in the name of an American soldier; and heartily enjoyed the honor I have of serving the United States; my sat
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"LAFAYETTE"
"LAFAYETTE"
In Congress, May 16, 1780. "Resolved, That Congress consider the return of the Marquis LAFAYETTE to America, to resume his command in the army, as a fresh proof of the distinguished zeal and deserving attachment which have justly recommended him to the public confidence and applause; and that they receive with pleasure, a tender of further services of so gallant and meritorious an officer." "Soon after his return to America the Marquis was entrusted with the command of a select corps of the Ligh
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"On the 4th, the enemy evacuated Williamsburgh, where some stores fell into our hands, and retired to this place, under the cannon of their shipping. The next morning we advanced, and a part of our troops took post about nine miles from the British camp. The 6th, I detached an advanced corps under General Wayne, to reconnoitre the enemy's situation. Their light parties being drawn in, the pickets which lay near their encampment, were gallantly attacked by some riflemen, whose skill was employed
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
Under date of July 11th, an officer of rank gives some further account of this affair. "The enemy had 300 men killed and wounded; and among the latter were several officers. Their precipitate retreat the same evening, to Jamestown Island, and thence to the other side of the river, is a tacit acknowledgment, that a general action was not their wish. We hear that the British officers are much mortified at the issue, and confess they were out-generalled. Their numbers were far superior to ours; and
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"I have been honored with the resolutions which Congress have been pleased to pass in my favor. Testimonies of their esteem and their confidence that are so very flattering to me, could not but excite those exalted sentiments of gratitude, which I am unable sufficiently to express.—My attachment to America, the sense of my obligations, and the new favors conferred upon me, are so many everlasting ties that devote me to her. At all times, and in every part of the world, my heart will be panting f
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
When he transmitted the foregoing resolve of Congress, to the troops he had lately commanded, he observed to them, "In the moment the Major General leaves this place, he wishes once more to express his gratitude to the brave corps of light infantry, who, for nine months past, have been the companions of his fortunes. He can never forget, that, with them alone, of regular troops, he had the good fortune to maneuver before an army, which, after all its reductions, was still six times more numerous
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
" Boston, June , 1780: "My Dear Marquis, "Yesterday your very obliging letter of the 30th May was brought to me by Mons. Guinard. "The succour coming from France will be so seasonable and important, that if America is not wanting to herself, she will have it in her power by the blessing of heaven, to gratify the utmost of her wishes. His most Christian Majesty's expectations from us must needs be great; and gratitude to so generous an ally as well as a due attention to our own safety, interest a
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"SAMUEL ADAMS."
"SAMUEL ADAMS."
Marquis De Lafayette. The Legislature of Massachusetts did immediately, viz, on June 5, 1780, pass a resolve for raising four thousand men as a reinforcement of the continental army. The preamble to the resolve was as follows;—"Whereas a requisition has been made to this court for a reinforcement to the continental army, in order that it may be able to act vigorously the ensuing campaign, and the present situation of affairs requiring the utmost exertions at this period, and affords the most fla
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
The reply of Sir H. Clinton. " London, May 29, 1783. "Sir, In consequence of the letter you have done me the honor to write me, I have read over the publication in question; and I confess the remark alluded to, from the manner in which it is introduced, appears to make a part of your letter. You have, certainly, Sir, a right to this acknowledgment, and permit me, at the same time, to add the assurances, &c....
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"H. CLINTON."
"H. CLINTON."
In the summer of 1784, the Marquis de Lafayette once more visited America. He came to witness the prosperity and improvements of the country; and to enjoy the society of those brave and honorable men, with whom he had been associated in fighting the battles of liberty. Associates in danger form an attachment for each other, which time does not usually destroy. And when they have long struggled together for just and generous purposes, the attachment must be strong and permanent indeed. The heroic
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"H. KNOX."
"H. KNOX."
Reply of the Marquis. "From the instant of our parting, Gentlemen, I have been eagerly looking forward to this period. How far my pleasure is completed by your kind welcome, I leave, my beloved friends, to your own hearts to determine. "While your affection and confidence ever made me happy, let me gratefully acknowledge, that, for the marks of our beloved General's approbation, I felt myself wholly obliged to the gallant troops I commanded. Could my conduct, in any degree justify your partialit
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
At the public dinner given by the officers of the late army to this distinguished friend of American Independence, were also invited the Governor and Council, and many others of high rank and distinction. It may be gratifying to some who peruse this volume to know the sentiments offered as toasts on the joyful occasion. The following are selected: The United States—His most Christian Majesty. General Washington—The Cincinnati. The asserters and supporters of the rights of mankind through the wor
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
But after he was persecuted by the Petions and Robespieres of the day, because of his moderation, loyalty and attachment to the constitution, he was held in high esteem by the friends of rational freedom, and still enjoyed the confidence both of Louis and of the National Assembly. Toward the close of the year 1791, by request of the King, he was appointed to command the army of the centre, to oppose the foreign troops then invading France. When he accepted the appointment, he assured the Nationa
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"GENTLEMEN,
"GENTLEMEN,
"At the moment, perhaps too long deferred, in which I am about to call your attention to the highest public interests, and to point out among our dangers, the conduct of a ministry , whom I have for a long time censured in my correspondence, I learn that, unmasked in consequence of its own divisions, it has fallen a sacrifice to its own intrigues. [This was the Brissotin ministry.] It is not enough however, that this branch of the government has been delivered from its disastrous influence. The
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"LAFAYETTE."
"LAFAYETTE."
" Camp of Maubeuge, June , 16, 1792. "SIRE—I have the honor to send your Majesty the copy of a letter to the National Assembly, in which you will find expressed the sentiments which have animated me all my life. The King knows with what ardour and perseverance I have at all times been devoted to the cause of liberty and to the principles of humanity, equality and justice. He knows, that I have always been the adversary of faction , the enemy of licentiousness, and that no power which I thought i
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"LAFAYETTE"
"LAFAYETTE"
Letter of Lafayette on leaving Paris to join his army, after having appeared at the bar of the National Assembly, and protested against their proceedings, the last of June. "Gentlemen—In returning to the post where brave soldiers are ready to die for the constitution, but ought not and will not lavish their blood except for that, I go with great and deep regret in not being able to inform the army, that the National Assembly have yet deigned to come to any determination on my petition. [Alluding
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VISIT OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE TO THE UNITED STATES—IN 1824
VISIT OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE TO THE UNITED STATES—IN 1824
His arrival was anticipated with great interest and impatience. Preparations were in contemplation, particularly in New-York and Boston, several weeks before he arrived, to receive him with such public marks of veneration and joy, as were justly due to one so distinguished by an ardent love of liberty, and by meritorious exertions for the welfare of our country. General Lafayette arrived in the harbour of New-York on the morning of the 15th of August, accompanied by his son, George W. Lafayette,
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"SIR,
"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 recognize those who survive; the immense concourse of a free republican population, who so kindly welcome me; the admirable appearance of the troops; the presence of a
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"SIR, OUR FRIEND,—
"SIR, OUR FRIEND,—
"In the name of the government, and in behalf of the citizens of Massachusetts, I have the honor to greet you with a cordial, an affectionate welcome. "We thank God, that he has been pleased to preserve you through the scenes of peril and of suffering, which have distinguished your patriotic and eventful life, and that we are indulged with this occasion of renewing to you our grateful acknowledgements for the important services which you have rendered to our common country. "In the last survivin
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"SIR,
"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 honors and enjoyments of such a reception with my revolutionary companions and brother soldiers. Sir, I am delighted with what I see, I am oppressed 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 we
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"The Society of Cincinnati of the State of Massachusetts seize the earliest moment after your arrival in this city, of extending to you the hand of friendship 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 favored country, once the theatre of our united toils, privations, and combats with a powerful foe, but now the peaceful domain of a great, a free, and independent people. We hail you, sir, in unison
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"In behalf of the inhabitants of Charlestown, the committee 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 recollections, 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 wh
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"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"The selectmen of Medford, as the representatives of the town, deem it a grateful and honorable part of their duty to bid you welcome. "They are proud, sir, that Medford is the birthplace 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 honor to himself. "We rejoice, sir, that you both live to meet again, and to enjoy together the consolations fairly derived from your virtuous and h
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"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"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 vigor of your youth and the resources of a mind intent on the cause of freedom and humanity, and committed to a common lot with her, your own destinies,—that country can never forget the services you rendered, and the sacrifices you in
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"SIR,
"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. I have ever considered it my pride and my honor, that I embarked 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
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"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"The citizens of Newburyport are happy in this opportunity of greeting, with the warmest welcome, a distinguished benefactor of their country. "The important services, which you rendered this people in the day of their distress; the devotedness which you manifested in their perilous cause, and the dangers which you sought for their relief, are incorporated in our history, and firmly engraved upon our hearts. "We would lead you to our institutions of learning, charity and religion; we would point
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"The selectmen of Portsmouth, in behalf of their fellow citizens, most respectfully and heartily bid you welcome. "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 t
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"GENTLEMEN,
"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 several towns 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 towards the seat of government, at Washington, I am happy to revisit at least the town of Port
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"GENERAL,
"GENERAL,
"Forty years have rolled away since you left this asylum of liberty, for your native country. During this eventful period our cities have advanced, and villages have been reared; but our Langdon, our Cilley, 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, their sons survive, and the patriotism and love of liberty which animated their breasts and excited them to those glorious acts, during ou
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"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"The citizens whom you see assembled around you, have spontaneously thronged 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 75000 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 salutations, which elsewhere have been so
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HIS RETURN TO NEW-YORK.
HIS RETURN TO NEW-YORK.
General Lafayette reached New-York on the following day, about noon; and was conducted to the City Hotel by the committee of arrangements, who were in waiting to receive him, when he arrived at the wharf. Multitudes assembled, who greeted his return, and renewed their joyful acclamations on meeting him again as a guest of their city. On Monday, the Cincinnati of the State of New-York gave a public dinner, in honor of "their old companion in arms," at which were also present several other persons
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"GENTLEMEN,
"GENTLEMEN,
"While the name of this city recalls important military remembrance, it is also connected with that of the illustrious college, which, in diffusing knowledge and liberal sentiments, has greatly contributed to turn those successes to the advantage of public liberty. Your library had been destroyed; but your principles were printed in the hearts of American patriots. I feel much obliged, sir, to your kind recollection of the diploma, which the signature of my respected friend Doctor Witherspoon, r
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"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"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; the enlightened statesman, philanthropist and patriot of both hemispheres. "The sincere and universal joy which your arrival has diffused over the nation, is no where more deeply or enthusiastically felt, than in Pennsylvania; whose field
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"GENERAL,
"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 government, they are, on this occasion, peculiarly anxious but unable to express a deep felt sentiment of pure affection toward those venerated men whose martial and civil virtues, under Providence, have conferred upon themselves and their descendents, this mighty blessing. "Forty-eight years ago, in this city, and in this hallowed hall, whi
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"MY DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
"MY DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
"Amidst the enjoyments with which my heart is filled in this happy country, I experience a very great one in seeing myself surrounded by the testimonies of your friendship. It was in the hall in which now receive you, that the sacred sovereignty of the people was recognized by a French Minister, eleven years before it was proclaimed on the 11th of July, 1789, in the bosom of the Constituent Assembly. You are right in thinking that this first impulse of 1789, has, notwithstanding our misfortunes,
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"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"To receive you at this naval station with the highest honors, is not less in obedience to our instructions, than to the impulse of our hearts. "We rejoice in the opportunity of testifying to you, and to the world, our gratitude to one distinguished among that band of glorious heroes, to whom we are indebted for the privilege we now enjoy. "You, sir, whose whole life has been devoted to the extension of civil liberty, must at this period be enriched by feelings which rarely fall to the lot of ma
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"GENERAL,
"GENERAL,
"A few of your brother soldiers of Maryland, who remain after a lapse of forty years, and the sons of some of them who are now no more, are assembled in the Tent of Washington, to greet you on your visit to the United States; and to assure you of their affectionate and sincere regard. This Tent will call to your recollection many interesting incidents which occurred when you associated in arms with Washington, the patriot and soldier, saviour of his country, and friend of your youth. "Accept, Ge
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"In bidding you a hearty welcome to the state of Maryland, whilst I gratify the feelings of my own heart, I express, though feebly, those of the people, whom it is my pride and pleasure, on this occasion to represent. Beneath this venerable canopy, many a time have you grasped the friendly hand of our illustrious Washington, aided his council with your animating voice, or shared with him the hardy soldier's meal. The incidents which the association so forcibly recalls, however inspiring, it were
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"SIR,
"SIR,
"I received, on the 2d instant, your favor of September 27, conveying to me the obliging invitation of the volunteer companies of the state, to meet them and their distinguished guest; Gen. Lafayette, at York on the 19th instant. No person rejoices more than I do at the effusions of gratitude with which our fellow-citizens, in all parts, are receiving this their antient and virtuous friend and benefactor; nor can any other more cordially participate in their sentiments of affection to him. Age a
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"TH. JEFFERSON."
"TH. JEFFERSON."
Hon. Mr. Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States, Major-General Taylor of the Virginia militia, Mr. Bassett, many years a member of Congress from the state, and a committee from Yorktown, went in the steamboat to meet General Lafayette. The address of one of the committee, on his entering the Virginia steamboat, was as follows: "We are deputed by our fellow citizens now assembled at Yorktown, to welcome you to Virginia. "We will not recount, in your presence, the real services you have
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"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"SIR—On behalf of the people of Virginia, I tender to you a most cordial and hearty welcome to our State. "In you we recognise the early, the steadfast, the consistent friend. Whilst the United States in general, owe you so large a debt of gratitude, for the liberal tender of your purse, your person and your blood in their behalf, the state of Virginia, is, if possible, still more deeply indebted to you.—You were her defender in the hour of her greatest trial. At the early age of twenty four yea
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"GEN. LAFAYETTE,
"GEN. LAFAYETTE,
"The sons of the mountains join most cordially their low land brethren in welcoming your return to this country, they are the more delighted at this particular period, because after an absence of about forty years, you will now be a witness of the happy effects of self government, founded on the natural rights of man—rights, which you so nobly contributed to establish. Little did you think when in youthful age, you voluntarily put your life in your hand, and crossed the stormy billows of the dee
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"GENERAL,
"GENERAL,
"On behalf of my comrades, I bid you welcome. They come to greet you, with no pageantry, intended to surprise by its novelty, or dazzle by its 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
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