This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to Massachusetts August 23, 1824 to September 3 1824
John Gorham Palfrey
On Sunday Lafayette attended divine service at the Brattle Street Church. He sat in a pew formerly owned by John Hancock and then owned by Massachusetts Chief Justice Isaac Parker. John Gorham Palfrey (1796-1881) delivered the sermon.
Portrait of John Adams by Gilbert Stuart 1823
In the afternoon the General dined with former President John Adams (1735-1826) in Quincy. Charles Francis Adams (1807-1886), John Adam’s grandson, who had just turned seventeen observed the meeting which included Governor Eustis who had served as a surgeon during the Revolution.
“The Marquis met my Grandfather with pleasure and I thought with some surprise, because really, I do not think he expected to see him quite so feeble as he is. It struck me that he was affected somewhat in that manner. Otherwise the meeting was a pleasant one. Grandfather exerted himself more than usual and, as to conversation, appeared exactly as he ever has. I think he is rather more striking now than ever, certainly more agreeable, as his asperity of temper is worn away. . . . How many people in this country would have been delighted with my situation at this moment, to see three distinguished men dining at the same table, with the reflections all brought up concerning the old days of the revolution, in which they were conspicuous actors and for their exertions in which, the country is grateful! It is a subject which can excite much thought as it embraces the high feelings of human nature. . . . My grandfather appeared considerably affected and soon rose after dinner was over.”
Citizens of Dorchester, Milton and Quincy greeted him as he passed. He stopped a brief time at the residence of Dr. Holbrook on the way back to Boston.
On his return to the city he visited the mansions of Chief Justice Isaac Parker (1768- 1830), General Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) and George Ticknor (1791-1871). Ticknor is the author of Outlines of the Principal Events in the Life of General Lafayette.
For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out lafayette200.org.