This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to Massachusetts August 23, 1824 to September 3 1824.
Arrival
As Lafayette passed the town line Lynn and Danvers Artillery fired a thirteen gun salute. Major Geene’s Battalion of Artillery fired a twenty four gun salute as the General passed the common. There was also a salute from the Sea Fencibles. There was a military escort and a cavalcade of citizens on horseback under Chief Marshal Train including the Sea Fencibles, a battalion of cavalry and two corps of light infantry. The Procession led to the Bank House.
Hon. N. Hooper introduced Lafayette to the Authorities of the Town. Hon John Price chair of the committee addressed the General. He met several revolutionary soldiers including the pilot who landed him in Marblehead. Lafayette wanted to speak with descendants of General Glover, He was introduced to Mrs.Robert Hooper, daughter of the late General.
Welcoming Address
John Prince Chairmen of Selectmen addressed the General.
“Sir, in behalf of the Inhabitants of Marblehead, we bid you welcome to this town, after an absence of forty years- in which time, alternately the victim of tyranny under various shapes, you have experienced a variety of scenes and sufferings, peculiar to human nature, for no other cause but advocating the Rights of the People.
Since your first arrival in this country, in the dark days of our Revolution, to assist and promote the same, your name has been familiar with us as an adopted Patriot. But your landing here on your arrival from France – your commanding afterwards in the expedition at Rhode Island, where numbers of us were – and your visit to this town after the peace of 1783 – has created a peculiar attachment in us towards you in addition to the general attachment throughout the country universally expressed at this time, At the same time, our attachments are not altogether confined to you, for attentions of services to us, or to our country, in war or peace; if so they would imply local prejudices such as we do not admit- but we presume they are from a higher source.
Lafayette! like thy friend and associate Washington, thou hast immortalized the name not o the tombs of slaughtered millions nor on the ruins of mournful principalities, kingdoms and empires – but on the brilliant pages of illustrious Philanthropists, on the durable annals of the great, the good, the divine-like benefactors of man.
Your return to this Country, at this time, we consider providential, and your life having been thus prolonged, we consider to be for some wise and good purpose, by him who overrules the destinies of men.
You are among the surviving Patriots of the Revolution, who remain to this day as monuments of the same – as such, among other traits of character we receive you – above all, as the friend of Man.
Numbers of us are personally acquainted with you ; and though not present with you in your absence, we have sympathized with you all your various fates, through Revolutions and counter-Revolutions- at Magdeburg and Olmutz – There was no separation in our attachments; though Oceans rolled between, and climates interposed, there could be no bar to mind. An now, restored to your adopted country, our enjoyment is only marred by anticipating your departure, never to return. Could this land (by your assistance) a land of liberty, retaining the ashes of the fathers of the revolution, contain your also, they may be preserved as relics to lighten up the name of liberty to future generations.
But, while remaining here, or returning, we can only express to your our sincere gratulations on the occasion, and leave the issue with Him, in whose special care and directions may you be continued whilst here, and afterwards be received to enjoy the rewards of the virtuous. And to Him who maketh and unmatketh, who humbleth and exalteth at his will, we commend you.”
Response
Lafayette replied
“I am very happy to find myself once more among the patriotic citizens of Marblehead. The very active part they took in the Revolution – the scores and sufferings they have experienced-I am well acquainted with. To be thus cordially received is to me a source of joy and satisfaction. Accept the testimony of my pleasure and gratitude for the affectionate feeling you have evinced toward me.”
Tribute From Pupils
Nathaniel Hooper rode in the barouche with the General. When ascending Washington Hill they were met by pupils of eleven public and twenty private schools all wearing Lafayette badges. Master John Bartlett and Miss Mary Dana presented him a roll containing and address written by Master Nicholson Broughton Devereux.
To General Lafayette – The pupils of the Public and Private Schools of the town which we have been taught are the fruits of that Liberty and Independent your disinterested councils and valour contributed so largely to establish, respectfully request, by us their companions, your acceptance of this offering of their filial gratitude. –
Departure
After breakfasting with the town authorities, the ladies and citizens were introduced. Lafayette passed through the principal streets receiving loud, cordial and enthusiastic cheers.There was another salute of 24 guns as he was escorted to the Salem line, where he was received by the Salem Committee.
Acknowledgement
Lauren McCormack, Executive Director of the Marblehead Museum provided some archival material that added detail to this piece.
For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out lafayette200.org.