This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to Massachusetts August 23, 1824 to September 3 1824
On August 27 at 10:00 AM Lafayette accompanied by Governor Eustis and former Governor Brooks, “other revolutionary worthies, the New-York Deputation and the Mayor and Committee of Arrangements traveled in carriages to Charlestown. On the Mill Bridge a cavalcade of citizens formed as the group crossed the line between Suffolk and Middlesex. A procession formed which included a regiment of Light Infantry with battalions from Charlestown, West Cambridge and Waltham and a battalion of Artillery. The procession moved to the “Monument of Warren, on Breed’s (commonly called Bunker’s) Hill”.
Dr, A.R. Thompson addressed Lafayette:
“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 the rights of mankind a steadfast Champion. While we participate in the thrill of delight which everywhere hails the visit of our illustrious friend, we cannot suppress the peculiar emotion of our hearts on receiving you, Sir, on the memorable heights of Bunker. On this holy ground, immortalized by the deeds and sacred to the manes of Revolutionary Heroes:- Over these heights, Liberty once moved in blood and tears – her chariot in wheels of fire. Now she comes in her car of peace and glory; drawn by the affections of a happy people, to crown on these same heights, with civic honors, a favorite Son, whose early strength was given to her sacred struggles, and whose riper years are now permitted to behold the splendor of her triumphs. In the fullness of our hearts we give thanks to Almighty God, who has guided and guarded your high career of peril and renown.
Permit us, beloved General, again to welcome you to our borders; to express our ardent hopes, that your valuable life may be prolonged to the utmost limits of earthly happiness; that the land which has been enriched with the dew of your youth, may be honored as the asylum of your old age; -and that, during the residue of your years , you may live amidst the attentions, as you will forever live in the hearts of a grateful and admiring people.”
Lafayette replied:
“With profound reverence, Sir, I tread the holy ground, where the blood of American patriots- the blood of Warren and his companions, early and gloriously spilled, aroused the energy of three millions, and secured the happiness of ten millions, and of many other millions of men in times to come. That blood has called both American continents to republican independence; and has awakened the nations of Europe to a sense, and in future, I hope, to the practice of their rights. Such has been the effects of a resistance to oppression which was, by many pretended wise men of the times, called rashness; while it was duty, virtue; – and has been a signal for the emancipation of mankind.
I beg you, Sir, and the magistrates, and the citizens of Charlestown to accept the homage of my gratitude for your kind welcome, and of those sentiments of affection and respect, which, for so many years, I have cherished toward their town.”
The Artillery fired salutes and the crowd responded to Lafayette’s reply by three times three of loud and hearty huzzahs. The two battalions of troops were decorated with Lafayette badges.
They then proceed to Bunker’s Hill where they partook of a sumptuous repast.
It was while he was on Bunker Hill at this time that General Lafayette was informed by Governor Brooks that an association had been formed for the erection of a monument, whereupon he requested that he might be considered a subscriber and be present at the laying of the corner-stone if he were still in the US at that time. Lafayette was given first position on the list of subscribers.
After the repast the General and the Procession from Boston joined by the Charlestown Committee of Arrangements proceeded to the Navy Yard where the General was received by Commodore Bainbridge.
William Bainbridge
Bainbridge’s long naval career included a stint in command of the Constitution which today remains a commissioned US Navy ship docked in the historic Nary Yard.
Robert D Wainwright
A fine body of Marines, under Major Wainwright saluted him on his entrance followed by a national salute from the water battery of the Yard.
Robert D. Wainwright had only recently gained some fame from the cool manner in which he and a detachment of 30 marines had put down a riot in the state prison in Charlestown with no bloodshed. He would go on to become the acting commandant of the Marine Corps 1836-1837.
After inspecting the Yard, the good order of which impressed him, Lafayette took a barge to the Columbus, a ship of the line, in the harbor.
Lafayette met the Ladies of the Commodore and other officers and partook with the ship’s company of a sumptuous collation at the Commodore’s residence. He later visited Major Wainwright’s quarters.
On his return to the city Lafayette visited Faneuil Hall where he was met by cheering crowds. He took a carriage to South Boston stopping to view the spot near Boylston Market where the “Liberty Tree” once stood.
According to the Columbian Sentinel there was an address by the Society of Cincinnati on this day, but it does not indicate where.
“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 with the millions of our fellow citizens; most respectfully hail you as a Statesman, as a Philanthropist, and as the early, inflexible, and devoted friend, not only of our beloved country, but of the sacred principles of civil liberties and human rights. But we greet you under more tender and hallowed associations,- in the endearing relation of a brother-soldier, who, in the ardor of youth commenced in the field with us your career of glory in the holy cause of Liberty and American Independence.
But there recollections crowd upon our minds too powerful for utterance. Words would but mock the deep emotions of our hearts should we attempt to express them, in contemplating the character, attributes, and services of the parental Chief under whose auspices we trod together the field of honor. To the profound veneration and love of his memory that penetrates your bosom, we refer you as to a transcript of our own. It would be vain to imagine the joy that would swell the great mind of Washington, were he still living to recognize with our nation, the generous disinterestedness, the glowing ardor, the personal sacrifices, and the gallant achievements of his much-loved Fayette. But it is equally vain to endeavor on this occasion, to exclude such interesting reflections from the mind, or to deny it the melancholy pleasure of lingering on the solemn reality, that not a single individual of the General Staff of the Army of the American Revolution now survives to participate in the joy that your presence in the U. States has awakened.
To us it is peculiarly grateful that you are permitted after the lapse of so long a period, to witness the consummation of the principles of our revolution. You will perceive, Sir, that the hopes and predictions of the wise and good men who were your particular associates in the arduous struggle, have been fulfilled and surpassed. You will behold a great people united in their principles of jurisprudence, cemented together by the strong ties of mutual interests, and happy under the fostering influence of a free and energetic government.
You will, therefore, allow us to reiterate our felicitations on your safe arrival among us, and to welcome you once more to the good land which your youthful valor contributed to elevate and distinguish.
May your future life be as tranquil and happy as your past has been useful, uniform and glorious.”
Lafayette replied
“Amidst the inexpressible enjoyments which press upon my heart, I could not but feel particularly eager and happy to meet my beloved brothers in arms. Many, many, I call in vain; and at the head of them, our matchless paternal Chief, whose love to an adopted son, I am proud to say, you have long witnessed. – But while we mourn together, for those we have lost, while I find a consolation, in the sight of their relations and friends, it is to me a delightful gratification, to recognize my surviving companions of our revolutionary army- that army so brave, so virtuous, so united by mutual confidence and affection. That we have been the faithful soldiers of independence, freedom and equality, those three essential requisites of national and personal dignity and happiness; that we have lived to see those sacred principles secured to this vast Republic, and cherished elsewhere by all generous minds, shall be the pride of our life, the boast of our children, the comfort of our last moments. – Receive, my dear brother soldiers, the grateful thanks, and constant love of your old companion and friend.”
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For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out lafayette200.org.