Fredericksburg, Virginia

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FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA,

NOVEMBER 27, 1824.

RECEPTIO N OF

I GENERAL Li FMETTE

IN FREDERICKSBURG.

\KE within pages contain the full history of the
visit of General La Fayette to the City of Fred-
ericksburg during his visit to America in 1824. Nearly
all the actors on that interesting event have passed over
the river and joined the silent majority, including the
illustrious chief actor ; but the narration as then written
and now here reproduced, will be read with interest by
the living feneration, and preserved for the use and
information of those who are to come after us.

My.

RUFUS B. iVjJiRCHANT,

pubi.is'her,

fredericksburg, va.

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J V\

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FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA,

NOVEMBER 27, 1824.

RECEPTION OF GEN. LAFAYETTE

IN J?'REDERICKSBURG.

The citizens of Fredericksburg having been informed
that General La Fayette would visit them, in compliance
with their previous invitation, on Saturday (20th) the
Committee of Arrangements deputed four of its mem-
bers and two marshals, to meet him at the Wilderness
Tavern, near the dividing line between Orange and
Spotsylvania, distant 15 miles from town, to welcome his
entrance into the county, to express the satisfation which
was felt by the citizens in his expected visit, and to con-
duct him to town. He did not arrive at the Wilderness
until half-past two in the evening, escorted by a number
of the citizens and the officers of Orange county, accom-
panied by Capt. Robert Lewis and the Hon. James Bar-
bour, Senator of the United States, (who was an invited
guest,) and by the General's usual attendants, his son,
and his friend, Mr. La Vasseur. Upon his arrival here
he was received by a corps of about forty officers, hand-
somely uniformed and equipped, wlio had assembled
themselves from this and the neighbouring counties,
under the command of Col. Gulielimus Smith, of Spot-
sylvania ; Col. George M. Cooke, of Stafford ; and Col.
John Stuart, of King George, as an escort upon the oc-
casion, and by the deputies from Fredericksburg, who
i.^ade known to him their duty, which called forth his
tha.ikful acknowledgments. The tavern and the yard
"ere thronged with young and old, male and female
\ .Jtors, who had flocked from the neighbourhood to
behold the nation's guest. The general and his company
remained here about 30 minutes, whilst they partook of
an excellent collation and the refreshments which had
been provided for the occasion by Mr. Almond, the land-
lord, who had been a soldier of the revolution. Having
taken an affect" nate farewell of the citizens and the
escort from C '-..ge, the General and his suite then took

2

tlieir departure for Fredericksburg, about 3 o'clock in
the evening, in two carriages, each drawn by four horses,
which had been provided and sent on for their convey-
ance by the citizens of Fredericksburg. In the foremost
of the two were seated Gen. La Fayette, Capt. Lewis and
CoL Barbour, and in the second, George AVashington La
Fayette, Mr. La Vasseur, and CoL LIugh Mercer, one of
the deputies from Fredericksburg; and both preceded
by the marshals and the carriage in which the other
deputies rode. It was exceedingly interesting during the
rapid ride to town, to behold the display of feeling
which manifested itself along almost every part of the
way ; the houses on the road-side were thronged witli
spectators, — and frequent accessions of horsemen, some-
times one and two, and sometimes inconsiderable num-
bers, were falling into the ranks to increase the escort.
In an hour and fifty minutes, and just at sunset, the
party reached the parade ground, west of Fredericks-
burg, in the following order :

Two Marshals,
Col. Smith,

1st Corps of Officers,

Committee of Arrangements,

Guest,

in a ca.rriage drawn by

four white horses,

Cols. Stewart and Cooke,

2nd Corps of Officers,

Gen'ls Suite

in a carriage drawn by four black horses,

Citizens on horseback.
As the General approached the parade ground, the
military, commanded by Maj. O. M. Crutchfield, and
aided by Capt. D. Green, were formed in line upon the
left, and parellel with the turnpike road, in the follow-
ing order : On the right of the whole, a company com
posed of youths, between 12 and 16 years of age neatly
uniformed and armed with pikes, who had embodied
themselves by the name of La Fayette Cadets, to the
number of 40, under the command of Col. \Vm. F. Gray,
by whose skill and diligence they had been trained to
the most exact precision in all their evolutions. This
corps of little military gave inexpressible interest to
this and all the subsequent military exhibitions, and
which seemed to be very sensibly felt by the General
himself. Next to them was stationed Capt D. Green's

handsome company of Riflemen, from Falmouth ; next
in order, the Rifle Company of Capt. T. H. Botts, and
upon their left, the Washington Guards, all of them
liandsomely uniformed and equipped ; in the centre of
the whole, the Marine Band from Washington, which
was politely lent by Col. Henderson for the occasion.
As the General and Suite advanced upon the right the
whole line saluted, and as they cleared the left, Col.
Stanard, who was apprised by signal, fired a Federal
salute from the artillery stationed in the suburbs, and
thus announced to the eager and anxious citizens the
approach of their father, the friend and benefactor of
mankind. In the rear of the military, and under the
directiefri of Major H. M. Patton, chief marshal, aided
by Capt. Jas. Green, between two and three hundred
citizens from the town and neighborhood on horseback
were arranged in line, and added greatly to the beauty
and eft'ectof the most imposingandgratifying spectacle.
Tlio carriages having passed, the military wheeled into
column and fell into procession ; next followed, in reg-
ular order, citizens on horseback. Upon approaching
the town a numerous body of respectable citizens joined
the procession, and the whole advanced down Hanover
towards Caroline street. The day-light began to close,
and as the procession moved slowly on, darkness was
stealing over the scene, and began to impair, in some
degree, its imposing effect. Witliout any i3revious notice
or concert, (for the arrival had been expected some hours
sooner,) the light beamed from window to window, as if
by magic, until almost a general illumination lighted
its march. The procession having arrived at the corner
of the Farmers' Hotel, on Caroline street, suddenly the
adjacent houses on both sides of the street were beau-
tifully and tastefully illuminated, and the effect was
as gratifying as unexpected. It would be unjust to omit
noticing tiie beautiful and appropriate transparency
exhibited in front of the residence of H. Marshall, Esq.,
in which the features of the 'guest' were correctly de-
lineated ; an angel hovered over his head ; the genius of
liberty stood by his side, and blew from her trumpet,
'• Welcome La Fayette " Underneath was written, —

■'A name iuseiibed deeply in tlie roll of fame;
It shall descend honored to the latest posterity."

Its effect upon the assembled multitude was evinced
by a slight pause in the procession and whisx)ered sounds

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of applause. The procession continued to move on
slowly to the Town Hall, in front of which it halted ;
and the military advancing, took position in front of the
Hall, extending a line from each flank to the sides of the
platform, their banners and bright arms glittering in the
blaze of the illumination. When thus formed, the La
Fayette Cadets were admitted into the centre, their
white uniforms neatly trimmed with red, gleaming
spears and handsome banner, added greatly to the inter-
esting-scene. The General and suite were conducted
tlirough the lines to the platform, where he was ad-
dressed by the Mayor, as follows :

"Gex. La Layette: In the name of upwards of four
thousand of my fellow-citizens of the town of Freder-
icksburg and Falmouth, I bid you a cordial welcome to
this section of Virginia, not very remote from one of
the most important scenes of your heroic achievements
in the cause of our beloved country, the inhabitants of
tliis district feel a long and fondly cherished veneration
for your illustrious name, and tender you the expres-
sions of their affectionate regards and high considera-
tion with unfeigned sincerity and delight.

The presence of the friend of AV^ashington excites the
tenderest emotions and association among a people
whose town enjoys the distinguished honor of having
been the residence of the Father of His Country during
the days of his childhood and youth, and among wliom,
also, the gallant Mercer lived, and the veteran Weedon
died.

(jur limited population and facilities will not admit
of the pageantry of a splendid reception to our gener-
ous benefactor. We cannot vie with our sister cities in
the erection of triumphal arches, the display of mili-
tary parades, and other magnificent exhibitions, but in
feelings of unmingled gratitude and love towards your
venerable person, we cannot yield to any, tmdare happy
in the assurance tliat this is the offering which will
prove most grateful to one who, having done so much
to break the fetters of tyranny from the human mind,
has evinced how highly lie can estimate its free and un-
biased sentiments. Li the various manifestations of
I)ublic homage and exultation which have everywhere
greeted your arrival on our shores, we have, however,
truly sympathised. We have rejoiced to see that the
National feeling has so cordially responded to the voice

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of duty and obligation, and tliat in tlie unwearied and
reiterated efforts made to honor your illustrious pres-
ence, it has been strikingly evinced that the nation con-
siders itself as owing you a debt which can never be paid.

Numbering ourselves among those who most deeply
feel the weight of obligation imposed on us by your
chivalric and magnanimous devotion to the honor and
interest of America, we again beg you to accept the
tender of our most respectful salutations and cordial
welcome to our homes."

To which the General replied, —

''I cordially rejoice, sir, in the happy opportunity to
re-visit this district, where the united citizens of Fred-
ericksburg and Falmouth, in addition to the obligations
they had formerly conferred upon me, are pleased to
welcome my arrival with new and highly valued testi-
monies of their friendship.

At this place, sir, which recalls to our recollection
several among the most honorable names of the revo-
lutionary war, I did, many years ago, salute the first
residence of our paternal chief , received the blessing of
his venerated mother, and of his dear sister, your own
respected parent.

Here now, as at Mount Vernon, Vv^e are left to mourn
for departed friends and parents. An immense Wj'sh-
ington Monument has already been erected on the whole
basis of American Independence. Indeed, to our own
revolution we may proudly ascribe tlie emancipation of
those new and vast southern republics, in behalf of
Avhich, at every step of my i)rogress througli the United
States, I have found the unanimous spirit of the people
most warmly interested.

With a profound sense of your flattering and affec-
tionate reception in tiiis city, with a lively satisfaction
in the great improvements I have the pleasure to wit-
ness, I beg you, sir, and all of you, gentlemen, to accept
my devoted wishes and respectful acknowledgments. "

The General and his suite were then conducted into
the Town Mall, which liad been decorated with ever-
greens and flowers by the ladies with their own hands,
in a style of simplicity and neatness, which reflects as
much credit upon their zeal and industry as upon their
taste. As soon as lie entered the room, a choir of little
girls, crowned with garlands, who were seated on the
opposite side of the room, rose and sung to an appro-

— G—

priate air, the followin,i? words, composed by William
McFarlaud, Esq., for the occasion :

Our Father has flar'cl the wild strife of the sea.

And come o'er to the home and the hearts of the free;

The shouts of a nation attend on his march,

And the soft hands of beauty his pathway o'erarch,

As he moves in his triumph all bloodless and pure,

Thro' the land where he hew'd out his red path of yore.

In our darkness and peril the light of his brand
Blazed a beacon to point thro' the tempest to land.
And Fayette was the first, when the deluge was o"er,
'I'o bear us the palm branch of peace from the shore.
When the ark of young freedom found rest from the wave.
And our land was no longer the land of the slave.

Thou art with us again, and all words are too weak
The deep tlioughth that burn in our bosom to speak ;
Thou art with us again, and the sky looks more bright.
And the breath of the air blows more balmy and light,
And our streams as they move in their coolness along.
Seem to brighten with pleasure and burst into song.

Lov'd friend of our Fathers! brave champion of truth.

The stem which you batli'd with the blood of your youth

Has bourgeois'd and grown till its arms spread a shade ^

Where the \vrong"d and the wretched find shelter and aid;

And the exile of Europe pours blessings on thee

As the green boughs wave o"er him of freedom's fair tree.

Then rest dearest Father! rest thou in its shade.
Now that time his cold hand on thy temples has laid;
The deeds of thy youth will pass freshlv in view.
And the grasp of old comrades thy spring time renew
Our mothers will cherish and watch thy repose.
And the smiles of their children cheer life as it close.

This song was sung inimitably ; and the exquisite efiect
produced by this melodious ett'usion of infant love to the
iUustrious benefactor of our country can only be conceived
by those who witnessed it. It was manifest that he felt it
deep!}-, and he returned his thanks to the young ladies after
the song was finished, with the most affectionate tender-
ness, lie was then introduced to the members of the
committee of arrangements, and to the members of the
council and justices of the peace. After remaining some
short time in the Town Hall the General and his suite
returned to their carriages, when the procession formed
again, and conducted them around by the Masonic Hall
into Caroline street, and up to his apartments in the spa-
cious building of Mr. James Ross, who had in a manner,
which does much honor to his zeal and sjenerosity, surren-
dered his house and furniture to the Cc^rporation for the
occasion. These apartments had been embellished and fur-
nished in a style of the utmost neatness and comfort, under
the direction of the ladies and with the assistance of the
committee appointed for the purpose. Immediately on his
arrival here refreshments were presented, and soon after
the guest and his suite and sevei'al of tlie gentlemen wdio
had been in attendance upon him during the day, sat down

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to a veiy handsome dinner. About 9 o'clock the party
retired from the dinner table, and the General and his suite,
accompanied by the Ma^'or and Col. Mercer, were conveyed
to the Farmer's Hotel, to partake of a very splendid ball,
which wlinted nothing that expense could procure, or taste
could embellish, to make complete. It was attended by an
overflowing company from all the adjoining counties, and
sehlom has an occasion been graced with so much beauty,
or enjoyed with such decent festivity. At 11 o'clock the
(4eneral retired to his lodgings, and at 12 the ball ended.

SUNDAY.

On Sunday morning, by previous ijivitation, the General,
his son, and iVTr. La Vasseur visited "Fredericksburg Lodge,
No. 4," which on this occasion was joined by many of the
brethren from the neighboring Lodges. The spacious Hall
was completely tilled. The ceremonies were touching and
solemn. The perfect order, profound silence and deferen-
tial respect which was evinced by each individual, spoke in
plainer language than words the intense feeling that per-
vaded the assembly. Previous to the General's reception
in the Lodge he was, on motion of one of the members,
duly elected an /iO?;orrt/7/ ??i£;w.6er. On his etitrance, as his
name was announced, the members rose, and the Worshipful
Master, (Col. Wm. F. Gray,) descending from his seat,
addressed him as follows :

"Brother La Fayette: Li the name of my assembled
brethren, I bid you welcome to our Lodge, welcome to our
homes, welcome to our hearts. We tliankyou, my Brother,
heartily thank you, for this visit. We are proud of this
opportunity of standing on a level with one whose noble
exertions in the cause of humanity has filled the world with
his name. Whilst millions of freemen are rushing forth
with enthusiasm to liail yonv arrival, and exhausting every
device of taste and liberality to swell the full tide of a
nation's gratitude to one of her most illustrious benefactors,
we, as Masons, desire to greet you by the endearing ties of
our profession, and renew to you, in the sincerity of our
hearts, those mystic and sacred pledges of fidelity and
brotlicrl}! love, which are due to your exalted virtues.

On this occasion, my Brother, it cannot be uninteresting
to you, as the earlj- friend and companion-in-arms of our
beloved Washington, to know that this Lodge boasts the
honor of being his parcni Lodge. Our records assure us, that
on the 4th day of November, A. L. 5752. the /^//^^o/ M<.sw?r_y
here first burst upon his sight; antl that within the pale of

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this Lodge he subsequently sought and obtained* further
illumination. Here he first studied those libei'al, tolerant
and benevolent principles of our order, which have since,
under Heaven, been througli him and his worth}- compat-
riots so happily diti'nsed through the free institutions of our
Government, lie is gone from among us, but the recollec-
tion of his sei'vices and his virtues is indelibly engraven on
our hearts.

We feel a peculiar gratiiication, ni}- honored Bi'other, in
l)eholding jioa standing within the body of the Lodge where
he has so often stood and assisted in our labors of love. We
would gUidly avail ourselves of the occasion to testify to
you our respect and fraternal regard by receiving you into
■ our liousehold. I have the pleasure of informing you that
this Lodge has to-day elected you an honorary member;
and I am instructed to express to you our united earnest
recpiest that you will, before you leave us, inscribe your
name upon the list of members. It already bears the names
of Washington, Mercer, Woodfoed, Weedon, and many
others distinguished for their virtues, and whose names live
in oar country's history. It will be a lasting source of
honorable pride to know that it also bears the name of
La Fayette. Future inend)ers will peruse the proceedings
of this day with devout interest, and will delight to trace
the characters inscribed by your hand.

My beloved Bi'other, you will soon leave us, we may
never more meet; but the anniversary of your advent
among us will hereafter form a bright day in our calendar;
and yearly, as we assemble to celebrate it, your good deeds
will be freshly remembered. We would fain indulge the
hope that the evening of your days may be spent in this
happy country, peacefully sheltered under the vine and the
fifj tree, which your youthful hands assisted in plantim;, and
your valor in defending. But, if that may not be, where'r
you go, in whatsoever land you may bide the remainder of
your time in this tabernacle of clay, our earnest and un-
ceasing prayer shall be, that the blessing of Heaven may be
round you and over you, and when it shall [ilease the
Omniscient to call you hence, may you bei-eceived into the
Grand Lodge above, amowg thespirits of the Just nutde [)eri'ect.

To which the General replied, to the following etl'ect:

Ml/ Dear Sir, and you mij Brethren, — The [jleasure 1 ever
feel in our fraternal meetings cannot be enhanced on this
occasion l)y the consideration that in this cit}' the first les-
sons of childhood, in this Lodge, the first lights of Alasonry,
were conferred upon the num who wasfii'st in all our hearts.

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In .Masonry he was our brother, in matters of state he was

our father. I shall be happy, sir, to see my name united

with those respected names, most dear to my heart, that

3'oujiave jast mentioned. And I beg yon ail, my Brethren,

to Accept my affectionate thanks for the favor you have

conferred upon me, and whicli you, sir, have been pleased

so kiiidl}' to announce. The General was then conducted

to his seat, and the book containing the roll of members

tieing [)resented to him, he subscribed his name to it.

A procession was then formed, consisting of the most
numerous assendilage of the Masonic Brethren that had
ever been witnessed in Fredericksburg. In their peculiar
order, the Committee of Arrangements, the civil authori-
ties of the town and the military oiKcers, and the General
.and his suite, wei;^ conducted to the Episcopal Church,
where an excellent'discourse was delivered to an overflow-
ing congre>ration, by the Kev. Ed. C. McGuire. The text
was taken from 139th Psahn, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 verses,
and the subject, the omnipotence of God, involving reflec-
tions on his jiarticular agency in the affairs of men. The
following is an extract:

"It inspires us with precious hope for ourselves and for
all mankind. It is full of promise that ice shall grow and
})ros[)er in every principle and work of holiness, and that
soon the world throughout its darkest and most aiflicted
regions shall reahze at once the brightest visions of the
philanthropist, and the longing expectations of the saint,
when God wlio hears the groans of nature in this nether
world, and hears in inflnite compassion, will put forth His
[)Owerin surrounding us with those scenes of accomphshed
i)liss, foretold by prophets and by poets sung, in which
universal peace and love shall reign, in which the sword
shall be beat into the plough-share, and the spear into the
priming-hook, in which the wolf and the lamb shall feed
together, and none shall bo found to hurt or to destroy in
all God's holy mountain.

"That this glorious day is already dawning upon the
world, whoever notes the signs of this distinguished age,
nmst surely see. In hindrance of that illustrious era the
civil and spiritual degradation of many of the nations of
Christendom has heretofore opposed the must unyielding
obstacles. Slavery in mind or body is the deadly foe of
human happiness and human honour.

" Tis liberty alone that gives the flow'r
Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume.
Aiul we are weeds without it. All constraint,
Except what wisdom laj's on evil men,

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Is evil; hurts the faculties, impedes

Their progress in the road of science; blinds

The eye sight of discovery; and begets

In those that suffer it, a sordid mind ;

Bestial, a meagre intellect, unfit

To be the tenant of man's noble form.

But in relation to all the obstructions of human happi-
ness, God hath said, "1 will overturn, overturn, overturn,
till he comes, whose right it is." In doingtliis, God works
by means. lie lays under c(nitribution all the powers of
nature, puts in requisition all the energies of man, when he
would achieve his bright designs. And is not the history
of our day strongly marked with the indications of His
agency in unsettling the foundations of tyranny, in vindi-
cating the equal rights of man, and furthering the cause of
universal liberty atid peace ? What else can mean this
mighty moral excitement, so widely pervadingthe reviving
nations? What means tliis growing activity and thought-
fulness of the human mind ? What this restless longing
after some new and untried goods? Never surely was the
human mind more in earnest than at the present moment.
The political conmiotions, which from such prominent dis-
tinctions of our age, have sprung from some deep and pow-
erful working of the human soul. Men seem to have caught
glimpses, however indistinct, of the dignity, rights and
great interests of their nature; and a thiist for prohibited
blessings, and impatience of long-endured wrongs, have
broken out wildly, like the fires of Etna, and shaken and
convulsed the earth. See you not in these things, assem-
bling and eml)attling his hosts for deeds of glorious war, in
riijhteous judgment waged against his foe, that subduing
them under his feet, he may urge on to their bright and
glorious consummation, his sublime and merciful designs in
favour of our afflicted race ? May God in mercy speed tbe
auspicious end, in pity and forbearance wielding his ''rod of
iron," 3-et with resistless energy, constraining the benign
and propitious reign of universal peace and love. In fur-
therance of his purposes of unquestionable love, may he raise
up and long sustain the friends and aven<»:ers of oppressed
and suffering humanity. May He especially regard with
favour, and crown with bles.sings, the illustrious advocate
and defender of man's equal riglits, at whose feet this ha] tpy
and grateful land dclighis to lay its tribute of profoundest
gratitude and love. May the evening of his days be crowned
with the blessings of providence and grace, and his eternity
with the joys of Heaven, through the merits and interces-
sions of Jesus Christ our Lord and ^Saviour." — Amen.

After service, the order of procession was resumed, and

— li-
the (Tencral waseondiicted to his apartments. Hiscarriao;e'
Avas ill waitinii* f<»i" him at tlie church, hut he flecliued the
use of it, and insisted on walkino- in the procession. This
wns an additional gTatiticati'Mi to tlie anxious multitude
Avho with eaarer gaze followed the procession to get a near
look (ti ]nm. Tlie Masonic Brethren having returned to their
Lodge Room, he was waited upon by a number of gentle-
men who called during tlie morning to lie presented. His
company at dinner was small, an^ong whom were the Hon.
Judges Brooke and Coaller, and such of the citizens whose
duties rerpiired them to he present. Atter dinner Mr. Geo.
W. ]ja Fayette departed alone in a privatecarriage, having
refused tlie most eai'nest solicitation of the Committee of
Arrangement for some of its members to accompany him.
The evening was spent by the General in the company of a
few of the rehitives of Washington, at Gapt. Bobert Lewis's,
when he reUred to his lodgings about 9 o'clock at night.

MONDAY.

On Monday, at 11 o'clock, the military, accompanied by
the La Fayette Cadets, proceeded to escort the General
from his quarters to the Town TTall, and the General, alone
in a chariotee. drawn by four white horses, accompanied by
the Mayor and sovei'al distinguished persons in a carriage
di'awn hy fourlilack horses; the whole pi'eceded by a corps
of officers under the command of Cols. Cooke and Stuart,
jToceeded tin ough the principal streets of the town, sur-
rounded and followed !)}• sti'angers and citizens, all evincing
the utmost solicitude to behold him. '^I'lie solicitation of
the officers could not induce the General to remain covered,
though exposed throughout to the glare of the sun. As
he passed, the fair sex greeted him in every dii-ection, and
upon his arrival at the Hall, hundreds of ladies thronged to
welcoiue and show how happy his presence made them all.
The General remained 'till 2 o'clock, and was introduced to
all who desired and had not previously been introduced.
This occupied aliout three hours, and it is but just to the
citizens to remark upon their exemplary conduct upon this
and all occasions where the (ileneral made his appearance;
it was maui tested by their respectful silence as lie passed
among them.

At 2 o'clock the General proceeded in the same order to
his quarters, and as the period of his departure approached
many crowded to have a better, perhaps a last look; and
tlie anxiety seemed to pervade the aged and 3'outhful of
either sex. At half-past 2 o'clock the General and his asso-

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ciate, Mr. La Vasseur, were conducted to Mr. Gray's Tav-
ern, where a most sumptuous dinner had been provided, to
Avhich about one liundred and twenty, from various parts of
tlie country, among whom were the Hon. F. T. Brooke,
iMajor (Tabriel Lonii and Col. A. Murray, and other survi-
ving officers unci soldiers of the revolution, sat down. The
Mayor presided at the first table, supported by Capt. George
Buckner, vice-president; and at the second. Judge Brooke,
aided by Col. Thomas Minor, vice-president. The arrange-
ment of the feast was excellent; the festivity was clieerful
and becoming; every heart was animated with love and
with joy. Col. Henderson's fine musical band, belonging to
the Marine Corps at Washington, heightened the display.
The following toasts were drank:

1 The Spirit of '76.— The ligrht, beamins: truth upon the ways of error, and diffusing^
warmth through all the social relations of man. Air: "The Rights of Man."

8 France— She was the first ally of the United States— may the friendship between
them be indissoluble. Air: "The White Cockade."'

3 Tlte Memory of Washington. — His services belons: to us, his fame to the world, and
his virtues to Heaven. Air: "Washington's Dead March."

4 TIic Heroes of the American Revolution — A host of names worthy to follow those
of Washinsrton and La tayette — our liberties shall never perish but with their memory.
Air: "Roslin Castle. "

5 General Hugh Mercer — Fredericksburg was adorned by his life, his country by his
death. Air: "German Hymn."

6 General La. Fayette. — The Dungeon of Olmutz has brightened into glory, and its
chains have budded into an imperishable evergreen around the brow of the friend of
freedom and of man. Air: "General La Fayette's March."

When this toast was drank, the General arose, and with
much feeling expressed his acI<now]edgments for the honors
wliich had been done him, and gave the following toast:

The City of Fredericksbiti-g—tirst residence of Washington.— May she more and more
attain all the prosperity which independence, republicanism and industry cannot fail to
procure.

Col. Gray and Mr. Austin then sung the following song,
which was composed for the occasion, by Wm. Macfarlane,

Esq.:

Tune, "A7iacreon in Heaven.''''

There are moments so bright, in the darkness of time.

That they pour, as they pass, amillenium of bliss!
And a moment more ardent, more glowing, sublime!
Never brightened our brows and our bosoms like this.
From the ocean's deep roar.
On our dear native shore,
Stands the friend of our fathers, whose young blood of yore,
The shoots of fairlilierty's blossom first wet
The fearless, reproachless and peerless Fayette.

O'er our fathers who followed thy banner of old.

The grass of the dark dreamless grave is now waving ;
But they told to their sons, e'er their spirits grew cold.
That whei'e blood freest flovv'd in the battle's wild raving,
Thy crest of pure white
Flew abroad o'er the fight.
And thy sword flash d a meteor avenging and bright!
And they left us thy curse, should we ever forget
Th' young champion of freedom, the brave La Fayette.

—13—

Can we ever forget? ask our brothers arorinrl.

Whose spirits flash out as tliey hear the proud story.
Like our fathers of old, vvlien tlie trumpet's hixh souiiJ
Bade them follow thy foot-prints to freedom and jclory.
Oh 1 there cannot be found,
Of the freemen around,
A man who'd not pour his best blood on the g;round,
E'era pansf shouM assail, or a tear-drop should wet
The eye of "our Father," the good La Fayette

And is virtue a name, as the proud Roman said?

Let the cold hearted skeptic peruse thy life's story.

And behold the fjreen circle trutli binds round thy head.

As the pledfje of thy virtue, and meed of thy glory,

And say what are all.

The Crown, Sceptre and Ball,

To the tears from the freeman's veiled eyelids that fall,

"Till his cheek and the folds of his mantle are wet

With the dew which the spirit pours out to Fayette

And /.s virtue a name? Man's vain marbles of clay.

Shine proudly awhile, and destruction rolls o'er them.
And the "pageants" that rear'd them are transient as they,
And shall pass like a dream with the slaves who adore them.
But virtue stands fast,
And serene to the last.
And shines out when the last wave of time has roU'd past,
And while earth bears a freeman, he cannot forget
Humanity champion— the great La Fayette.

7 The American Rei-oluf ion. —"May the immense temple which we have raised to
libertv ever offer a lesson to oppressors, an example to the oppressed, and an asylum to
the rights of mankind." Vide La Fayette's parting address to Congress. Air: "Jeffer-
son and Liberty."

8 The Family of La Grange. —

"When soon or late they touch the coast,

O'er life's rough ocean driven,
BJay they rejoice, no wanderer lost,

A family in Heaven."

Air: "Portuguese Hymn."

0 The Aiinij and Navy of the United States.— They have supported the glory of their
Fathers. Air: "Hearts of Oak."

10 The President of the United States. — Air: "Monroe's March."

11. The Memory of Franklin.— France and America have vied in honoring his great-
ness. Air: "Constitutional March."

12 South America.— \i> she has followed the example, may her destinies be as glorious
as those of North America. Air: "Liberty,"

1.3 The American i^air.— Their gratitude is as warm as their virtues are pre-eminent.
Air: "Haste to the Wedding.''

VOLUNTEERS.

By the Mayor.— Our respected Senator in the Congress of the United States, Col.
James Barbour; and our immediate representative, Col. P. P. Barbour.

The health of Coh James Bai'bour being drank, as well
as of his bi-othei', Col. P. P. Barbour, our representative in
Congress, who "was absent, the former rose, and in a very
impressive manner returned his thanks to the people of
Fi-edericksburo; for invitins; him to ioin with them on the
present occasion, and took the opportunity, m a strain ot
very happy eloquence, of paying a just tribute of praise to
our distinguished guest and the officers of tbe revolution
who were present, and concluded -with the follow^ing toast:

The grateful offering of freemen to the benefactor of mankind must be acceptable to
Heaven.

By Mr. La Vassevr.— The citizens ot the United States; let the monarchs of Europe
visit them, and even they would fall in love with liberty.

By Col. Hugh JVfercer.— Patriotism, ardently and nobly displayed in greeting and
welcoming to our shores with expanded hearts and arms, the illustrious benefactor of
our country.

—14—
By Mr. William Bernard, —

General La Fayef^e.— The associate in arms of our beloved Washington, may his de-
clininfr days pass away asserenely as his former wei'e brilliant ami jjlorious.
By Mr. Herard. —The triumph of liberty in every part of the world.

At 5 o'clock a damp was thrown npon the whole com-
paii}^ bv its being' annonnced that the carriages waited to
conduct the (-Jeneral on his road to Washington. Tlie
feeling evinced can be known only to those who have ex-
perienced how distressing it is to separate from those they
love, when it is probable they part to '-meet no more."
For a mile or two, the road was thronged by the eager
crowd, composed of ladies of the lirst respectability and of
all ages, who encountered on foot the danger and inconven-
ience of the situation, to bid him a dieu again and again.

At the boundary of Stafford county, the military from
Fredericksburg and Falmouth, with the La Fayette Cadets,
formed in line, and the General bid them an affectionate
adieu; and it was here that the Committee of Arrange-
ments, through their oflicers, surrendered the conduct of
the procession to the care of Col. Cooke, and other officers
and citizens of Stafford. The Col. welcomed the guest in
an affectionate and eloquent address, to which a feeling"
rpply was given; at the conclusion of which, the procession
moved on to the steamboat landing, distant 8 miles, where
an anxious crowd were assembled to greet and bid him
adieu, and accordingly escorted him to the steamboat,
amidst the blaze of torches and the music of the Marine
Band.

Whilst the citizens were surrendering, with lingering
comi)liance, to their brethern of Stafford the charge of the
personage, around whom their affections were clinging
with so much warmth, a little incident originated in the
spontaneous effussions of the Cadets, which greatly lieight-
ened the feeling of the separation. When the carriage
stopped in Stafford, this little corps was drawn up along
side of it — the General, bowing to them from the window,
with the tenderest affection said, "Farewell my little
Guards." On voices of faltering love, they all immediately
responded, "Farewell, La Fayette," was exclaimed by all.

Tiie intense and ardent feelings which mingled in the
scenes which we have faintly attempted to describe, which
tlirobbed in the bosoms and glistened in the eyes of all of
every age and sex, and condition, who attended them, we
have not attempted to exhibit. They will long dwell upon
the remembrance of those who witnessed and partook in
them; and they will be readily supplied by those who feel,

—15—

or can catch the sympathy of American affection for the
great and good La b'aj'ette. In none were these feelings
more conspicuous than the female part of our citizens, who
contributed all that zeal could prompt or industry could
prepare, or beauty could grace, or taste display, or affec-
tion could make acceptable, for the benefactor whom the}'
delighted to honor.

The honors which have welcomed the arrival of this
distinguished guest in our country, and the tribute of una-
bated love and admiration which continues to cheer him
wheresoever he moves in the extensive dominion of this
free i»eople, exhibit a moral spectacle to the world as novel
as it isimposino:. Wlieresoever hei)resents himself, amidst
every variety of situation, of circumstance, and of charac-
ter, his presence excites but one sentiment, so intense as to
suspend every other feeling, and so entire as wholly to
engross the heart. However that sentiment may manifest
iiself, whether in the splendor of metropolitan refinements,
or in the offering of village or rural simplicity, it is still
the same, equally sincere and equally ardent. It is still the
homage of love and gratitude and admiration to virtue, a
homage which seeks every varied mode of expression, and
still is conscious how much remains that could not be
expressed We are erecting the proudest monument which
virtue could claim foi- her commemcration, and we are un-
consciously perpetrating, in the honors erected to her, the
memorials of our own love of virtue and of truth. It is
at the same time exhibiting to the world the most striking
evidence of the value of our institutions, the price at which
our people estimate them, and the spirit which guards and
[protects them. As the offering of individual affection to
a benefactor, how interesting is the scene ! All ages and
sexes and conditions, uniting and blending the testimonials
of their love to one man whom all consider alike their
friend But, as the concentrated admiration of ten mil-
lions of freemen, offered to the steady friend of freedom
and of man, by whom the cause of liberty has been so em-
inently promoted throughout the world, it is a subject
worthy of history to record, and for nations to peruse and
draw instruction from.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

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