This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to Massachusetts August 23, 1824 to September 3 1824
On August 28 Lafayette visited the immediately previous Governor of Massachusetts John Brooks at his home in Medford.
Portrait of John Brooks by Gilbert Stuart circa 1820
Lafayette passed through Charlestown and West Cambridge and arrived at Medford around 3:00 PM. He passed through Salem Street which was decorated with fifteen arches.
There were various decorations including an arch that read “WELCOME To our hills and BROOKS”.
Turrell Tufts chairman of the selectmen delivered an address:
“General Lafayette – The Selectmen of Medford as the Representatives of the town, deem it a grateful and honorable part of their duty to bid you welcome. They are proud, Sir, that Medford is the birthplace of one of your companions in arms – A man, who, by his bravery in the field, his patriotism and civic virtues, contributed to acquire as much glory to our country, as honor to himself.
We rejoice, Sir, that you both live to meet again, and to enjoy together the consolations fairly derived from your virtuous and heroic deeds.
The minds of our countrymen traced your course with anxious solicitude, through the French Revolution, form your first success in the cause of Liberty, until the spirit of oppression confined you to a dungeon; and their hearts were gladdened, when, by the influence of Great and Good Washington, their Friend was a last set free. In the rich harvest you are now gathering of the expressions of esteem and gratitude of this numerous people, whose freedom and happiness your exertions so essentially contributed to establish, we hope you find some compensation for all your trials, sacrifices, and sufferings-and we feel much complacency-that, in this respect you have gained so complete a triumph over the Monarchs of the world.
Again, Sir, we bid you a most cordial welcome! And hope, the testimonials of approbation you are receiving from every heart and every tongue, will forever remain an instructive lesson to mankind, that Patriots who endure faithfully to the end, shall not lose their reward.”
The substance of Lafayette’s reply was:
“Sir – I am most happy, in visiting the town of my old brother Soldier and Friend, General BROOKS, to be received with so kind a welcome. You speak of some compensation! Compensation, Sir, – the smallest part of the delight which I have experienced, would more than repay me for all sufferings, past, or to come.
I beg you, to accept my grateful acknowledgements for this cheering welcome.”
On his return from Medford he called on Mrs. Armory and attended a party given by Mrs. Lloyd in Somerset Street
For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out lafayette200.org.