Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825
Journal of a Voyage to the United States (Complete)
9781465642455
281 pages
Library of Alexandria
Overview
Nearly half a century had elapsed, since Lafayette, inspired by the love of glory and liberty, tore himself away from the sweets of domestic affection and the dangerous seductions of a court, to offer the aid of an illustrious name and ample fortune, to a nation, which, though bravely combating for independence, seemed by the inequality of the contest to be threatened with destruction. After his return to France, Lafayette, although entirely occupied by the French revolution, for the success of which he sacrificed his fortune and repose, and sometimes endangered his popularity and life, often turned his thoughts upon America, the theatre of his first exploits; in the dungeons of Olmutz, and under the imperial despotism, he comforted himself with the thought, that in America, at least, the tree of liberty he had assisted in planting, bore fruits as delightful as abundant, and that a happy people, worthy of the happiness they enjoyed, remembered him with sentiments of lively gratitude. But withheld by various causes, he could only cherish the wish of again beholding America, without being able to form any plan for revisiting it. The confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, who after the events of 1815, recalled him into political activity, appeared to be a still stronger reason for his remaining in France. Nevertheless in 1824, the intrigues of a corrupt and corrupting minister, having removed him from the national representation, he was free from engagements, when the following letter was addressed to him by the President of the United States. It was impossible for Lafayette to refuse so honourable and so pressing an invitation, and the month of July was resolved on for his departure. He had refused the offer of Congress to send a frigate to convey him with greater safety and comfort, and he was also obliged to refuse numerous applications of his fellow citizens, who thinking perhaps that some new expedition in favour of liberty, was to be attempted, wished to share with him the perils and the glory. Accompanied only by his son, and the writer of this narrative, he left Paris on the 11th and arrived at Havre on the 12th of July, where the Cadmus, an American merchant ship, had waited for him some weeks. The patriotism of the citizens of Havre had prepared for him a reception well calculated to gratify his feelings, but the absurd jealousy of the police checked this expression of the public sentiment, and would have produced a scene of disorder and bloodshed, if the inhabitants had been less discreet. Police officers, gendarmes, and Swiss soldiers, rivalled each other in their zeal to repress the noble ardor of the citizens, during the short time that general Lafayette remained among them. However, it was in the presence of the whole people, and amid the most vivid demonstrations of public feeling, that he embarked at noon on the thirteenth of July, 1824. The weather being fine, and the sea perfectly calm, we embarked with facility; all the crew, paraded upon deck, waited for the arrival of the general, with an expression of joy mingled with noble pride. As he passed beneath the American flag, to whose glory and independence he had so freely contributed, he was greeted with three cheers, which were re-echoed by all the crews in port, and by the crowds which thronged the shore. Some particular friends who accompanied the general on board the Cadmus, received his final adieus. Almost immediately afterwards, our sails were filled by a fresh breeze, which wafted us along until we lost sight of that loved land, in which, in spite of all that may be said or done, virtue and patriotism will always find courageous defenders. In a good vessel, skilfully commanded and managed as was the Cadmus, our voyage could scarcely be otherwise than prosperous.
