This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to Massachusetts August 23, 1824 to September 3 1824
Here I have to discuss a chronology problem that I have been unable to solve. I call it the “Savin Hill Mystery”. . Lafayette’s secretary, Levasseur relates that on August 28th Lafayette visited the Guards of New England encamped on Savin Hill.
According to Levasseur, Governor Eustis invited Lafayette to visit the camp at Savin Hill. They arrived around noon. The camp was occupied by the Guards of New England. Engaged in target practice. The militia invited Lafayette and the Governor to fire a shot with their own hand. The General’s shot struck the target a little above the center. He then dined at Governor Eustis’s home. The front of the house was beautifully decorated and fireworks were exhibited on the lawn.
Lafayette returned to Boston at 8:00 PM to attend a ball given by Mrs. Sears on Beacon Street.
There are newspaper accounts that put the visit to Savin Hill on the 27th, but it is difficult to reconcile that with everything else he is supposed to have done after the Navy Yard. On the other hand, Levasseur’s account does not seem consistent with Lafayette being in Medford in the afternoon of the 28th.
Levasseur’s work is rich in anecdotes but on the weak side in terms of detail and chronology.
For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out lafayette200.org.