This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to Massachusetts August 23, 1824 to September 3 1824.
A salute of 13 guns announced Lafayette’s arrival. A beautifully decorated arch was on the bridge bearing the inscription:
“Welcome Lafayette, the man whom we delight to honor”
He arrived at the Bank House, where there was a display of national flags. There were a large number of people cheering in spite of the heavy rain. Robert Rantoul of the Committee of Arrangements addressed Lafayette:
“General – The inhabitants of Beverly bid you welcome. We welcome you to our country – that country which owes so much to your aid in the acquisition of her independence. We receive you not merely as the friend of our beloved country, but as the friend of man. Your labours, your sacrifices, your sufferings in the cause of liberty, demand our gratitude. Tyrants receive the commanded adulation of their slaves, but to the benefactors of our race belong the spontaneous effusions of our hearts. Accept our sincere congratulations that you live to witness the order, the prosperity, the happiness that results from our free institutions; and may the evening of your days be solaced with the reflection that those principles of government, to the support of which your life has been devoted, and which alone can secure the enjoyment of rational liberty are fast spreading their influence through the whole family of man. Wishing you long life and uninterrupted happiness we bid you farewell.”
Lafayette made an affectionate reply and the journey continued.
Other Notes
The ceremonies were marred by a tragic accident. Mr. Peter Jowder was wounded by the discharge of a field piece he was ramming down and had both his hands blown to pieces. Subsequently one of his arms was amputated.
Some of the planning that went into the tour can be seen from this note from Mayor Quincy in Boston from the collection of the Marblehead Museum.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————-
For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out lafayette200.org.