This is part of a series on Lafayette’s visit to New England – June 13 to June 29 1825.
As the party progressed they found that Elijah Aikens of the old Aiken Stand had gathered pretty much the whole population of Barnard to welcome the Nation’s Guest. Elijah Aikens was the first selectman of Barnard, He was assisted by other selectmen Captain John S. Bicknell and Ebenezer Richmond.
Elisha Chamberlin, Nathaniel Stevens and Jasper Richmond manned the gun, the pride of Barnard’s artillery company commanded by Captain Apollos Warner. It is reported that Lafayette complimented the gunners saying “That is a smart gun and well handled”
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
For information on the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour check out Lafayette200.org