This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to Massachusetts August 23, 1824 to September 3 1824.
A deputation for the committee met Lafayette at the Hamilton line around 7:00 PM and conducted him to the North Meeting House. Notwithstanding the violence of the storm there was a large number of people including ladies and the children of several schools adorned with Lafayette badges. There were several soldiers and officers of the Revolution. There were shouts of “Welcome, Hero of America and friend of man”. At Lafayette’s request an escort of Light Infantry was dispensed with due to the storm.
Nathaniel Lord Jr of the Committee of Arrangements addressed the General:
“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 big you 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 incurred, for her defense and protection, when assailed by overbearing power.
We rejoice in having an opportunity of presenting ourselves in this house, consecrated to the worship of the God of our fathers, who has kindly raised up friends and patrons of the cause of our country and of liberty, to pay your our grateful respects for your eminent labors.
Most of those who acted in, or witnessed the great scenes in which you bore so conspicuous a part, have now descended to the tombs of their fathers. The present generation can rehearse only what they have heard with their ears, and their fathers have told them. But the name of Lafayette is not confined to any generation. While the liberties of America shall endure it will descend from father to son, associated with those of the friend of our country, of liberty, and of man.
Illustrious Benefactor –may the blessing of Heaven ever attend you, and may your remaining days be as happy, as your past have been perilous, useful, and honorable.”
The General replied:
“Sir, – The attention paid me by my American friends, I receive with inexpressible gratitude. I regret that so many of my friends her 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 of your attachment, and receive my best wishes for our individual prosperity and happiness.”
Approximately 100 ladies and others were introduced to Lafayette. He then went to Mr. Treadwell’s house where he and his suite and invited guests had refreshments.
After about an hour and a half, around 9:00 PM he continued on attended by members of the Committee of Arrangements and others in carriage. Lafayette requested that all other escort be dispensed with because of the storm in one account. In a different account he was escorted by a battalion of cavalry. He took the route through Rowley over Parker Rive. The houses along the road were illuminated with that of S Newman Esq standing out for its beauty and taste.
The difference about the escort is interesting. I think that what happened in some cases was that the papers wrote the stories based on what the program was without actually having anybody on the scene reporting.
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For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out lafayette200.org.