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LAFAYETTE IN AMERICA IN 1824 AND 1825; OR, JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES:
LAFAYETTE IN AMERICA IN 1824 AND 1825; OR, JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES:
Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to wit: Be it remembered, That on the sixth day of November, in the fifty-fourth year of the independence of the United States of America, A. D. 1829, Carey and Lea, of the said District, have deposited in this Office the title of a Book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words following, to wit: “Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825; or Journal of a Voyage to the United States: by A. Levasseur, Secretary to General Lafayette during his journe
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THE AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
THE AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
In publishing at this late period the journal of my voyage to the United States, along with General Lafayette, in 1824 and 1825, I think it right to account for the circumstances, which have so long delayed this publication. The duties of private secretary, which I performed for General Lafayette, were prolonged for three years after our return. During all this time, I thought that the intimacy of my relations with him, rendered it a point of delicacy, that I should not cause to emanate from his
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TRANSLATOR’S NOTE.
TRANSLATOR’S NOTE.
The MSS. translation of the first volume, was revised by an intimate friend and correspondent of the author, P. S. Duponceau , Esq. whose name is justly associated with deep learning, great intellectual acumen, and urbanity of manners; he also furnished the occasional notes marked with the letter D....
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CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
Invitation of the Congress of the United States to general Lafayette: departure from Havre: voyage: arrival at Staten Island: reception at New York: review of the troops: entertainments given to Lafayette: statistics of New York: its constitution, &c. Nearly half a century had elapsed, since Lafayette, inspired by the love of glory and liberty, tore himself away from the sweets of domestic affection and the dangerous seductions of a court, to offer the aid of an illustrious name and ampl
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
Departure from New York: journey from New York to Boston: entry at Boston: visit to the University of Cambridge: visit to Charlestown and Bunker’s hill. We left New York on the morning of the twentieth of August, for Boston, in the state of Massachusetts. At day light several military corps were drawn up in front of the hotel, for the purpose of escorting the general out of the city, where a parting salute was fired from a battery of six pieces of cannon, two of which had been taken from the Eng
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
First settlements in Massachusetts: sketch of revolutionary events in this province: its actual condition. The first settlements made in that part of North America called Massachusetts, owed their origin to the religious persecutions in England under the reigns of Elizabeth, James I. and Charles the first. The history of the first emigrants, who came to seek amidst the savages of the New World, liberty of conscience, which the European philosophy of the seventeenth century refused them, offers n
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
Camp of Savin Hill. Visit to John Adams: review of the regulations of the Massachusetts militia. On the 28th of August general Lafayette was invited by the governor to visit the camp at Savin Hill, a few miles from Boston; he accepted the invitation, and we arrived there at noon. Savin Hill is a very picturesque situation on the borders of the sea, where during the fine season the volunteer militia companies of Boston go successively to pass some days in camp, for the purpose of military exercis
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CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
Journey from Boston to Portsmouth: sojourn at Portsmouth: history, constitution and statistics of New Hampshire: journey from Portsmouth to New York: description of Long Island. The state of New Hampshire having sent a deputation to invite general Lafayette to visit the navy yard at Portsmouth, we set out for that place on the 31st of August, by the way of Lexington, Concord, Salem, Marblehead and Newburyport. We delayed but a few moments at Lexington, but we left it deeply impressed by the touc
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CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
Entertainment given by the Society of Cincinnati: origin and statutes of the society: visit to the public establishments: dinner given by the French of New York: ball at Castle Garden. On his return to New York, General Lafayette was informed that the society of Cincinnati intended to celebrate the next day, 6th of September, the anniversary of his birth, and he received an invitation to dine with them, which he willingly accepted. About four o’clock in the afternoon, a long file of venerable me
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CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
Voyage upon the Hudson: Treason of Arnold: Military School at West Point: Newburgh: Poughkeepsie: Clermont: Catskill: Hudson: Albany: Troy: Return to New York. The steam-boat James Kent , in which we were embarked, had been prepared for this trip with the greatest care by the committee appointed by the city of New York to accompany general Lafayette; but as it had not been foreseen that so many ladies designed to be of the party, it happened that the greater part of the men were obliged to sleep
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CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
Streets of New York: Drunkenness: Prostitution: Lotteries: Hospitality: Bankruptcy: Women and young girls: Luxury: Hotels: Police: Anecdote: number of passengers arriving at New York from 1818 till 1819. On returning from our voyage up the Hudson, general Lafayette expressed his desire to enjoy the calm of private life, that he might consecrate some moments to the kind intimacy which a great number of his old friends demanded. In consequence public entertainments were suspended, the citizens res
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CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
Departure from New York: journey from New York to Trenton: battles of Trenton and Princeton: visit to Joseph Bonaparte: state of New Jersey. On the 22d of September we left New York for the third time. The profound silence of the crowd which filled the streets, and the sadness impressed upon all countenances, indicated that this third absence of Lafayette was to be prolonged. How much this departure contrasted with our arrival. At present not one cry of joy, not one acclamation; but how much of
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CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
Entry of Philadelphia: history and constitution of the state of Pennsylvania: commerce, agriculture, &c.: city of Philadelphia: public buildings, public institutions, prisons, &c. On Monday, the 27th of September, we crossed the Delaware upon a bridge about nine hundred feet long, and entirely roofed, so as effectually to preserve it from the weather. Foot passengers cross on a good side walk; the middle of the bridge is divided into two roads, one of which carriages take in goin
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CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
Voyage from Philadelphia to Baltimore: American aristocracy: Fort M’Henry: Entry of Baltimore: Description of Baltimore: Defence of the city in 1814. On the 5th of October, received the touching adieus of the inhabitants of Philadelphia, and at 8 o’clock, P. M. we embarked on the Delaware to go down to Chester. We were accompanied by the committee of arrangement, a battalion of volunteers and a great number of staff officers. We arrived at Chester by 11 o’clock at night, and found the town illum
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CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XII.
Farewell to Lafayette, by the inhabitants of Baltimore: Journey from Baltimore to Washington: Entry of that city: Visit to the President: Description of Washington: Jesuits. Our departure from Baltimore was as brilliant as our entry, but not like the latter enlivened by resounding acclamations of public joy. The troops paraded on the plain between the city and fort M’Henry, to perform some grand manœuvres in presence of general Lafayette, after which we were invited to a farewell dinner, under a
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CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIII.
Departure for Yorktown: Washington’s tomb: Celebration of the anniversary of the surrender of Yorktown: Details of its siege in 1781. The Virginia militia had long since expressed their desire to general Lafayette, of having him present at the celebration of the anniversary of the capture of Yorktown, on the very soil where this great event occurred, which, in terminating the revolutionary war, forever secured the independence of the United States. To accept this honourable invitation, general L
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CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XIV.
Journey from Yorktown to Richmond by Williamsburg and Norfolk.—History of Virginia. Some considerations on negro slavery. The acclamations of gratitude and tumult of arms, which momentarily interrupted the habitual calm of Yorktown, had already ceased, when on the morning of the 20th, we departed for Williamsburgh, formerly the capital of Virginia, but at present a small town retaining very little of its ancient importance. Its college which was founded under the reign of William and Mary, and b
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CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XV.
Masonic Entertainment: Journey to Petersburg: Visit to Mr. Jefferson: his mansion: plantation: slaves: Montpelier: Mr. Madison: Religious Liberty: Return to Washington by Orange Court House and Fredericksburg. Among the splendid festivities prepared by the citizens of Richmond for the National Guest, the particular description of which I am obliged to forego, there was one I must speak of, as affording an idea of free-masonry in the United States; an institution, for whose persecution the Inquis
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LAFAYETTE IN AMERICA IN 1824 AND 1825; OR, JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES:
LAFAYETTE IN AMERICA IN 1824 AND 1825; OR, JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES:
Be it remembered, That on the sixth day of November, in the fifty-fourth year of the independence of the United States of America, A. D. 1829, Carey and Lea, of the said district, have deposited in this Office the title of a Book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors in the words following, to wit: “Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825; or Journal of a Voyage to the United States: by A. Levasseur, Secretary to General Lafayette during his journey. Translated by John D. Godman, M. D.” In
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CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
Maryland Cattle Show—Indian Deputation introduced to Gen. Lafayette—President’s Message—Extraordinary honours paid to the Nation’s Guest—National recompense presented by Congress. On arriving at Washington, we went to dine with the president; and after reposing for twenty-four hours, we set out for Baltimore, where we were invited as members of the Agricultural Society to the annual meeting of the farmers of Maryland. The object of this society is the distribution of rewards and encouragements t
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
Election of the President—Public character of the President—Public officers—Congress—Grand public dinner on the 1st of January. When we landed at New York, in the month of August, the people of the United States were occupied in the choice of a new political chief. This choice takes place every four years. It is always accompanied with much popular excitement, which may be readily conceived, as it equally interests every individual. Nevertheless, this excitement does not occasion any tumults. Si
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
Departure from Washington—American Feelings—Sea-Lion—Family of Free Negroes—Raleigh—Fayetteville—North Carolina. About the first of February, General Lafayette had received from all the southern and western states such pressing invitations, that he could no longer hesitate as to what course he should pursue; and immediately we were all actively employed in determining our order of march, and the means of surmounting the difficulties which every one assured us, would be very great in a journey of
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
Entrance into South Carolina—Route from Cheraw to Cambden—Monument erected to Baron de Kalb—Road from Cambden to Charleston—Rejoicing in Charleston—Colonel Huger—History, Institutions, and Manners of the South Carolinians. Twenty-four hours after our departure from Fayetteville, in the midst of a pine forest, we met the deputation of the state of South Carolina to General Lafayette. This meeting took place on the confines of the two states. Our kind and amiable travelling companions from North C
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CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
Fort Moultrie—Edisto Island—Alligators—Savannah—Funeral Monuments—Augusta—State of Georgia. The roads of South Carolina being generally very bad, the Charleston committee resolved to conduct the general by sea to Savannah, where he had been expected for some time. We embarked on the 17th of March, on board of an elegant steam-boat, prepared and well provisioned by the attentions of the committee, and took leave of the inhabitants of Charleston, who, assembled on the wharf and crowding the vessel
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CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
Departure from Milledgeville—Macon—Indian Agency—Meeting with Indians during a Storm—Hamley—M’Intosh’s Tribe—Uchee Creek—Big Warrior—Captain Lewis—Line Creek—Montgomery—Farewell of M’Intosh—Cahawba—State of Alabama—Mobile. On the 29th of March, after having taken leave of the citizens of Milledgeville, and expressed our thanks to the committee of arrangement, the authorities of the town and the state, for the kindnesses with which we had been loaded, we resumed our route with some aides-de-camp
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CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
Departure from Mobile—Gulf of Mexico—Passage of the Balize—Landing at the entrenchments near New Orleans—Entrance into the city—Entertainments and Public Ceremonies—Battle of New Orleans. The vessel on board of which we had retired, on leaving the ball, was the Natchez, an excellent and handsome steam-boat, sent by the city of New Orleans to transport the general from Mobile to the shores of the Mississippi. An experienced captain, Mr. Davis, commanded her; she had on board the Louisiania deputa
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CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
History and Constitution of Louisiana—Baton-Rouge—Natchez—State of Mississippi—Voyage to St. Louis—Reception of General Lafayette in that city. For a long time after the French had founded large and prosperous establishments in Canada, they were ignorant of the existence of the Mississippi; when some of their traders learnt from the Indians with whom they trafficked, that to the westward of their country there was a great river, that communicated with the Gulf of Mexico. This was in the year 166
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CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
Changes produced in the navigation of the Mississippi since the introduction of Steam—Arrival at Kaskaskia—The Canadians and Indians—Singular meeting with a young Indian educated among the Whites, and returned to savage life—Indian Ballad—State of Illinois—Departure from Kaskaskia—Separation of General Lafayette and the Louisiana deputation. Governor Coles, who had embarked with us, requested of General Lafayette and obtained his consent, that he would not leave the river Mississippi without vis
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CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
Cumberland River—Arrival at Nashville—Tennessee Militia—Residence of General Jackson—Shipwreck on the Ohio—Louisville—Journey from Louisville to Cincinnati by land—State of Kentucky—Anecdote. On the 2d of May, at 8 o’clock in the evening, we entered Cumberland river, which we ascended all night, notwithstanding the darkness. This river, which is one of the largest tributaries of the Ohio, rises to the westward of Cumberland mountains, waters the state of Kentucky by its two branches, and Ohio by
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CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
Arrival at Cincinnati—Entertainments given by that city—Swiss of Vevay—State of Ohio—The Vinton family—Journey from Wheeling to Uniontown—Speech of Mr. Gallatin—New Geneva—Bradock’s field—General Washington’s first feat of arms—Pittsburgh. On the 19th of May, at 10 o’clock in the morning, we arrived on the left bank of the Ohio. The first object that attracted my view on the side, and almost opposite to us, was the handsome city of Cincinnati, majestically covering a large amphitheatre, at the f
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CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XII.
Route from Pittsburg to Erie—Commodore Perry’s Victory—Night Scene at Fredonia—The Indian Chief at Buffalo—Falls of Niagara—Visit to Fort Niagara—Appearance of Lockport—Passage from Lockport to Rochester—Aqueduct over the Genessee River—Route by land from Rochester to Syracuse—Passage from Syracuse to Schenectady, Rome, and Utica—Grand Canal. On leaving Pittsburg, the general was obliged to part from his old friends of the state of Ohio, represented by Governor Morrow, who had accompanied him wi
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CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIII.
Return to Boston—Reception of Lafayette by the Legislature of Massachusetts—Celebration of the anniversary of Bunker’s Hill—History of the Revolution familiar to the Americans—Departure from Boston. We arrived at Albany before sunrise, on the 12th of June, and some hours afterwards we had already crossed the Hudson, and advanced rapidly towards Massachusetts, whose western border is traced parallel to that river at about twenty-five miles from the left bank; we had still to travel one hundred an
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CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XIV.
Rapid and hasty visit to the states of New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont—Return to New York—Celebration of the Anniversary of American Independence—American vessels of war—Patriotism and disinterestedness of the Seamen of New York. In commencing this journal, I had determined to record each day, all the events of this extraordinary journey, but their multiplicity, and above all, the rapidity of our movements, often obliged me to forego the rigorous fulfilment of this plan; and it was in traversi
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CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XV.
Letter of Mr. Keratry on the anniversary of Bunker’s hill—Fair Mount Water Works at Philadelphia—Germantown—Mr. Watson’s Historical Box—Field of the Battle of Brandywine—Invocation of the Rev. William Latta—Clergy of Lancaster—Return to Baltimore, lighted by a fire. Whilst the citizens of the United States were exhausting every means to prove their grateful recollections of the ancient friend of their fathers, of their country, and of their institutions, France was not indifferent to the honours
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CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVI.
Return to Washington—Character of the new President—Visit to the ex-president, become a farmer and justice of peace—Government offers Lafayette a ship of war to return in to France—Presents made to Bolivar through Lafayette—New homage from the city of New York—Farewell of the President to the Nation’s Guest—Departure from Washington city—Embarkation in the Brandywine—Voyage—Testimonies of attachment and regret of the crew of the Brandywine to Lafayette—Reception at Havre—Some hours at Rouen—Rece
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