This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to New England – June 13 to June 29 1825.
Lafayette breakfasted with General Lyman.
Accounts vary as to whether he visited the Massachusetts General Hospital or the New England Museum at Court St at noon.
Lafayette dined with the Mechanics Society at 3:00 PM at the Marlboro Hotel
The President addressed Lafayette as follows:
“General Lafayette: In behalf of the Massachusetts Mechanic Charitable Association, and as their representative, I bid you welcome. I felicitate myself in being the organ of this communication, and consider it one of the happiest circumstances of my life in having this opportunity of expressing for the Association and myself our acknowledgements of your great sacrifices and interesting services in the Revolutionary struggle. The importance of the sanction given by you to our institution is deeply felt, and convinced as we are of the intimate relation between freedom and the useful arts, affording free scope for laudable competition and enterprise, we cannot too strongly express our sense of that enthusiasm and zeal which has contributed so essentially to the establishment of our free institutions. The fervent prayer of each and all of us is, that you, who have achieved so much in this behalf, may long live to enjoy the contemplation of that happiness resulting from the joint efforts of yourself and our fathers, and that on your return to your native land you may enjoy in the bosom of your family that serenity and peace which so largely contributed to secure for a nation.”
A deputation from King Solomon’s Lodge in Charlestown presented a silver-mounted walking cane made from wood form the column erected by the lodge in memory of General Warren on Bunker Hill.
He attended the Theatre at Federal Street in the evening with Mr. Lloyd. In the course of the evening a drop scene portrayed a view of La Grange. He had a special box prepared for him. The audience enthusiastically reacted to him. The Governor and lady, Lt. Governor, Mr. Lloyd, the staff of the executive. The next box was occupied by the mayor, his lady and family.
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For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out Lafayette200.org