ADVERTISEMENT, BY THE EDITOR.
Reading edition
It is a poor apology to offer for any defect or omission in a work intended for the information of the public, that it was prepared in haste. Yet in the present case it can be offered with truth. The Editor of this volume knew nothing of the plan, until it had been some time proposed, and many subscribers obtained. The gentleman by whom it was first intended to have been prepared, was suddenly taken away, without writing, or even collecting any thing for the volume. It was undertaken with reluctance, as it was known the public would he impatient for the work, and as the publisher was also desirous it should be prepared in a few weeks. It is only fifty days since the task was begun. It is believed, however, that several documents, not yet published, will be found in this volume; and that many events and incidents are preserved, which would otherwise have been lost to the public.
Everything relating to the life and character of this extraordinary man, is certainly worthy of remembrance by the benevolent and intelligent through the civilized world, and especially by Americans, to whom he has rendered the most essential services. The endeavour has been to avoid panegyric; though in this case, a plain statement of facts may be construed, by those ignorant of the life of Lafayette, into a disposition to bestow extravagant praise.
It has been a source of much satisfaction to the Editor, to find so many proofs of consistency and of principle, as well as of zeal in the cause of rational liberty, which the life of this heroic and disinterested personage affords. And if he shall appear in this hasty memoir, as the ardent, undeviating, and sincere friend of civil freedom and of the rights of man, it will be because he justly merits such a high character.
In the account of his reception by the people of this country, in various places, during his present visit, it may be thought that we have been too particular. It was promised, however, in the proposals for the volume, that such relation would be given. It is believed that it will be found to be interesting, and that it will be a satisfaction hereafter, to recur to it. This account embraces the time which elapsed after he landed at New-York, August 15, 1824, to the celebration of the capture of the Brittish [sic] army at Yorktown, October 19. These statements were, copied principally from the public newspapers; and it was thought to be unnecessary to give credit for them, or to insert the usual marks of quotation.
Boston, Nov. 1, 1824.
CONTENTS
ADVERTISEMENT, BY THE EDITOR.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MEMOIRS OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introductory remarks
Birth and education of Lafayette
His purpose to visit America in 1777
His arrival and early service in America
Battle of Brandywine
Washington's attachment to him
Commands in northern department
Escape from British near Philadelphia
Battle of Monmouth
Brave conduct of Lafayette
A volunteer to R. Island
Journey to Boston
Proposal to visit France
Resentment of the conduct of British Commissioner
Visit to Boston
Embarks there for France
Resolve of Congress honorable to Lafayette
Letter of Franklin
Return to America in 1780
Services in France in behalf of America
Letter of Gen. Washington
Commands in Virginia in 1781
His services and bravery in that department
Escapes from Cornwallis
His troops deserting
Critical situation
His conduct approved by Washington
He applauds Gen. Wayne
Proposes to visit France again
Resolves of Congress approving his conduct
Letter to Congress
His letter to S. Adams
Mr. Adam's reply
Doings of Massachusetts
Details of service at Yorktown
Events on his return to France
Letter to Sir H. Clinton
Visit to America in 1784
Arrives in Boston
His reception
Honorable notice of his services, by Congress
His public conduct in 1786
Meeting of States' General, 1787
In favor of reform
New Constitution in 1789
Supported by Lafayette
Parties in France and civil commotions
Commands the Militia of Paris
The Parisian mob
Struggle for power between monarchists and reformers
Louis attempts to leave France
Jacobin clubs
Letter to Bouille
His enemies cabal
Commands part of the French army
Letter to the national assembly, June 1792
Letter to the King
Letter to the assembly
Opposed and denounced by the Jacobins
His firmness and patriotism
His address to the soldiers
Leaves France
Arrested and confined
Removed to prison at Olmutz
His letter
Washington seeks for his release
Fox and others intercede for his release
Bollman and Huger attempt his deliverance
Failure, and subsequent confinement
Madame de Lafayette
Her imprisonment
Lafayette released
Reply to Emperor of Austria
Proceeds to Holland
Return to France 1800
Offered a seat in the Senate by Bonaparte
His income and estates
His letter to the First Consul
Not a supporter of Bonaparte
Neglected by Napoleon
G. W. Lafayette
Death of Madame de Lafayette
Her character
Retirement of Lafayette
Louis XVIII restored
Lafayette desirous of constitutional liberty
His conduct after the battle of Waterloo and abdication of Napoleon
Retirement to private life
Correspondence with A. Hamilton
His family
Madame de Stael's opinion of him
Elected a member of assembly 1819
His efforts for constitutional liberty
His mode of life, and employment
His Benevolence
Gen. Washington's kindness to his son
Visit of Mr. Fox to Lafayette
Manners of Madame Lafayette
Religion of Lafayette
Charity among Christians
His character and opinions
His decision and consistency
Invitation of Congress, from Boston, &c.
His replies
His arrival at New-York
His reception in New-York
Journey to Boston
His arrival in Boston
Address of the Mayor
His answer
Address of Governer of Massachusetts
Address of Cincinnati
Answer to do.
Commencement
Visited by Bostonians
Phi Beta Kappa
Visit to Charlestown and Bunker Hill
Bunker Hill Monument
Visit to Gov. Brooks
Evening Parties
Brattle Street Church
Visit to President Adams
Military parade
Apology for great rejoicings
Militia
Visit to Salem
Address of Judge Story
Visit to Ipswich, and Newburyport
To Portsmouth
Return to Boston
Visit to Lexington and Concord
Bolton, Lancaster
Visit to Worcester
Judge Lincoln's address
Journey to Connecticut
Reception at Hartford
Return to New-York
Lafayette's toasts
Visit to the schools
Grand ball at Castle Garden
Visit to West-Point
Visit to Newburgh
His visit to Hudson
Arrival at Albany
Kindness to soldiers, in 1777
Returns to New-York
Journey through New-Jersey
Princeton
Trenton
Philadelphia
Governor's address
Reply to the same
Address of Mayor
The answer
Illumination
Vindication of Quakers
Reply to Frenchmen
Capt. Barron's address
Answer to same
Journey through Delaware
Visit to Baltimore
Address of Cincinnati
Address of Gov. Maryland
Answer
Governor Sprigg
Visit to Washington
Reception by the President
Address of Mayor of Washington
Visit to Alexandria
To the tomb of Washington
Arrival in Yorktown
Jefferson's letter
Address of Committee of Virginia
Answer of Lafayette
Address of Governor of Virginia
Reply of Lafayette
His reception at Yorktown
Address of Col. Lewis
Answer to same
Parade and ceremonies, on 19th Oct.
Custis' address
Departure for Norfolk
Conclusion