USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Reminiscences of Worcester from the earliest period, historical and genealogical with notices of early settlers and prominent citizens, and descriptions of old landmarks and ancient dwellings, accompanied by a map and numerous illustrations > Part 23
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in his honor. On the top of this arch was a gallery in which was a select choir of singers of both sexes. In the middle of the gallery over the arch was erected a pyramid, at the top of which were the Arms of the United States. On one side over the arch were inscribed the words : " To the man who unites all hearts." On the opposite side : " To Columbia's Favorite Son." At the end of the arch next to the State House on a large ground were the words: "Boston relieved March 17, 1776," with devices cm- blematical of the union between France and America.
The different military companies formed on State street, and Washington was conducted through them to the State House, and through that to the west end of that building, where a handsome gallery on seven large pillars was erected near the triumphal arch. At the back of this gallery, which was covered with rich carpeting, stood erected on a pedestal a handsome, emblematical figure of the Goddess of Harvest, holding the Cornucopia, or Horn of Plenty. On his arrival at this gallery, in view of so many thou- sands, instantly the welkin rang with loud huzzas ! Washington bowed gracefully to all around, and the choir sang an ode, " To Columbia's Favor- ite Son.'
The Vice-President, John Adams : the Lieut .- Governor. Samuel Adams ; Ex-Governor James Bowdoin ; the members of the Executive Council ; United States Marshal, Sheriff and other officials were in the gallery with President Washington.
The procession then passed in view of the "President General," after which the Independent Military Companies escorted the President to his re- sidence on Court street, fired three volleys, and were dismissed. The re- joicings of the day were followed by illuminations in the evening. Wash- ington remained in Boston till Oct. 29, when he left for New Hampshire, through Salem and Newburyport, returning the following week.
Washington returned to Philadelphia, after his northern tour, from Boston, by what was called the "lower route," through Mendon, Uxbridge, etc. He stopped in Uxbridge at the house of one Samuel Taft. The old homestead dwelling of this Samuel Taft, where Washington was thus entertained and lodged the fore part of November, 1789, with the brave old oak tree in front of it, remains to the present day in possession of the family, sacredly preserved in commemoration of the " Father of his country." Washington was so well pleased with his recep- tion and entertainment in Uxbridge, that after his arrival at Hartford, on the way to New York, he wrote Mr. Taft the fol- lowing letter :
" HARTFORD, Nov. 8, 1789.
SIR :- Being informed that you have given my name to one of your sons, and called another after Mrs. Washington's family," [Dandridge,] " and being moreover very much pleased with the modest and innocent looks of your two daughters, Patty and Polly, I do for these reasons send each of these girls a piece of chintz ; and to Patty, who bears the name of Mrs. Washington, and who waited more upon us than Polly did, I send five guineas, with which she may buy herself any little ornaments she may want, or she may dispose of them in any other manner more agreeable to herself. As I do not give these things with a view to have it talked of, or even to its being known, the less there is said about the matter the better you will please me ; but, that I may be sure the chintz and money have got safe to hand, let Patty, who I dare say is equal to it, write me a line informing me thereof, directed ' To the President of the United States, at New York.' I wish you and your family well, and am your humble servant. GEORGE WASHINGTON."
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On his way through Mendon, Washington called on one of his old companions in arms, who served under him, Col. Am- midon, but did not find him at home. On returning home at night, Col. Ammidon feeling sorely disappointed at the loss of this opportunity of seeing his old commander, started out im- mediately with his daughter for Uxbridge, and called upon Washington at the place where he had stopped, the old Samuel Taft mansion. Washington had retired, but on the name of his visitor being announced, he immediately came down in his slippers, and a cordial interview was had. At the close, before parting, Washington said to the daughter, " You have come so far to see an old man,-how far would you have come to see a young man ?" The reply was not handed down.
Independence Whipple, (referred to on page 61,) who died Oct. 24, 1873, aged 96, and was consequently twelve years old, when Washington passed through Uxbridge and Donglas on this return trip, used to tell of his having received a bow from the " Father of his country" on that occasion. While standing in the road near his father's house on the old Douglas and Hartford Turnpike, he saw a great carriage coming up the road, from Boston, with outriders, and when it came opposite to him, he saw a military gentleman looking out of the window. True to his native instincts for politeness, and as little boys used to be taught to do in those old fashioned times to their superiors passing them on the highway, Independence took off his hat and made as graceful a bow as he could, which was as gracefully returned by the military gentleman in the carriage, who proved to be no less a personage than President Washing- ton himself, on his return home from this northern trip. In- dependence Whipple gave the following description of Washı- ington's equipage on this occasion, of which he made a particular notice, it being the same as passed through Worcester three weeks previous :
1. A gentleman in uniform on a beautiful dapple grey horse.
2. Next, two aids on dapple grey horses in uniform.
3. Bay horses with two negro boys as riders, the horses attached to a traveling carriage in which sat Gen. Washington.
4. Behind was the baggage wagon with two bay horses, containing the baggage.
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LAFAYETTE'S FIRST VISIT TO WORCESTER IN 1824.
Lafayette landed in New York City, Aug. 15, 1824, on his sec- ond visit to this country after the achievement of our independ- ence in which he bore so memorable and conspicuous a part. Coming by invitation of Congress, his progress through the country resembled a " continuous triumphal procession." Leaving New York for Boston, by the route through New Haven, New London and Providence, he reached the residence of Gov. Win. Eustis in Boston, at two o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 24. From that time until noon of Thursday, Sept. 3, he was the recipient of ovations, civil and military, from the citizens and public bodies of Boston and vicinity, (including a trip through Salem and Newburyport to Ports- mouth, N. H.,) as he had been in New York City and during his journey to Massachusetts.
An interesting incident relative to one of Lafayette's officers from this county, which happened at this time, is too good to be omitted. When he arrived at Gov. Eustis' from Rhode Island, it being so late, the numerous party who had been so long waiting there to receive him, had retired, all but one per- son, a young man named Moses Mandell from Hardwick, who has recently deceased at Barre, who was in the vicinity deter- mined to get a look at his father's old commander. When La- fayette came at last, all unexpected, the Governor rushed around, in his exultation of delight, to find somebody to intro- duce his distinguished guest to. Coming across young Mand- ell, he said to him, "Come in and see the most distinguished man in the world." Mandell went in, and after some little conversation, Lafayette inquired more particularly about the name of his visitor. The latter said to him, " Do you remem- ber the officer who dismounted from his herse and served a gun alone after the enemy had driven us back at the battle of Brandywine ?" Lafayette, after a little reflection, replied, " It was Mandale !- Major Mandale !" " That was my father," said the young man, and then followed a season of warm em- bracings and congratulations on the part of both.
Meanwhile arrangements were being made on a magnificent scale for the reception of the nation's distinguished guest in
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Worcester. A committee of prominent citizens, of which Gov. Levi Lincoln, (then judge of the Supreme Court,) was chair- man, had charge of the affair, in co-operation with the civil and military authorities, the sixth division of the State militia be- ing called out to aid in the display.
The general and staff of the sixth division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Ivers Jewett of Fitchburg, and of the second brigade, commanded by Gen. Frank Gregory of Royalston, with the companies of cavalry attached to the first and second regiments of infantry, assembled at Bolton on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 2, to receive Gen. Lafayette at the line of the county, and con- duet him to the residence of S. V. S. Wilder, and thence the following morning to Worcester. The company of cavalry at- tached to the sixth regiment of infantry of the first brigade, was paraded on West Boylston Common early Friday morning, to assist in the escort to Worcester. Brig. Gen. Nathan Heard and staff of the first brigade with the companies of cavalry in his brigade, were in readiness at Worcester the same morning to continue the escort to the confines of the county, at the de- parture of the illustrious guest from our midst.
General Lafayette, with his son. George Washington Lafayette, and suite, left Boston about two o'clock on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 3, 1824, accom- panied by Cols. Samuel D. Harris and John Everett of Gov. Eustis' staff. They passed through Lexington and Concord. spending about an hour in each place receiving the congratulations of the citizens and indulging in the recol- lections which those places so noted in the revolution, excited in their minds. At Concord, Lafayette was welcomed, in behalf of the citizens, with an ad- dress by Hon. Samuel Hoar, (father of Hon. E. R. and Hon. Geo. F. Hoar,) in a magnificent arbor erected for the purpose.
LAFAYETTE'S RECEPTION AT BOLTON.
He arrived between 8 and 9 o'clock in the evening at the line of this coun- ty, in Bolton, where the party were received by the escort of cavalry and a large cavalcade of military officers, in full dress uniform, in waiting, and were conducted by them to the hospitable mansion of S. V. S. Wilder, Esq., at which place the nation's distinguished guest was sumptuously entertain- ed. Mr. Wilder, who was an ardent, though an eccentric patriot, signalized his devotion by erecting over the entrance to his mansion an arch with the following inscription, called " Wilder's Trinity :" " The Great Jehovah, Washington, and Lafayette." This place was reached about ten o'clock at night. Here Lafayette was met by a deputation from the committee of ar- rangements of Worcester, consisting of F. W. Paine and others, and notified by them of the earnest desire of the citizens of this town to pay their re- spects and acknowledge their obligations to the early friend of the country, who had saved her in the war that established our independence. At the same time the chairman of the committee, Judge Levi Lincoln, through
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this deputation, invited the distinguished guest, with his suite, to breakfast with him on the following morning.
RECEPTION AT LANCASTER.
On Friday morning, about seven o'clock, after a brief stop for repose at Bolton, Lafayette, conducted by the same escort, arrived at Lancaster, where he was greeted by the citizens of that ancient town with a salute of artillery, honored with an arch highly decorated, and welcomed with an address by Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Thayer, to which he made a pertinent response.
RECEPTION AT STERLING.
The party proceeded thence through Sterling, where Lafayette was re- ceived with every demonstration of joy, his approach to the village being hailed with thirteen discharges of artillery, and the ringing of bells. Hle here received the additional escort of two companies of light infantry under command of Capt Caleb Dana of Princeton, (afterwards of Worcester,) and Capt. Merriam of Sterling. The General was received at the entrance of the village by the selectmen of the town under a spacious arch fancifully de- corated with flowers and evergreens, appended to the centre of which were the words inscribed in gold letters, " Welcome Lafayette, America's Adopted Son, Brother and Friend of Washington."
" Our land in trouble found a friend in thee, We'll not forget thee in prosperity."
He was then addressed by the chairman of the board of selectmen, Isaac Goodwin, Esq., (afterwards of Worcester,) as follows :
ADDRESS OF WELCOME BY ISAAC GOODWIN.
" Gen. Lafayette :- The selectmen, in behalf of the citizens of Sterling, welcome your arrival at their village. The name of this town associates with it the recollections of another transatlantic hero, who, like yourself, sir, felt a sympathy from father's wrongs, and whose sword was unsheathed for their redress. Lord Sterling, the gallant and the generous, now sleeps in dust, but the memory of America's benefactors will survive the decay of time. The multitudes that hail your march through this part of our coun- try are not the assemblages of idle crowds, seeking to gratify a morbid curi- osity, but, sir, the men around you are the independent possessors of their fields, and the defenders of their homes. From hoary age to lisping child- hood, our whole population are eager in contributing deserved honors to the companion of Washington, the benefactor of our country, and the friend of mankind."
Lafayette responded, in substance, as follows :
" I feel grateful for my kind reception here. I rejoice in your prosperity, and am happy to be once more among you. The name of your place recalls the recollection of Lord Sterling. He was my intimate friend as well as companion in arms. I venerate his memory, and when at New York, I had the pleasure of calling upon his family."
The General then reviewed the troops, including the two companies of light infantry, a company of militia in full uniform under command of Capt. Hol- comb, and a company of artillery under command of Capt. Maynard.
Lafayette then proceeded on his route for Worcester, making a short stop at West Boylston, where another company of cavalry under command of Capt. James Estabrook was added to the escort, and he arrived at the northern limits of the town about half-past ten o'clock A. M., where he was received with a general burst of joy from a large number of citizens. Here the com- mittes of arrangements in coaches, and the Hon. Judge Lincoln, their chair-
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man, in a barouche drawn by four beautiful grey horses, waited his arrival. When the cheering had subsided, Judge Lincoln invited the General to take a seat with him in the carriage, provided by the town. The procession then moved in the following order, under the direction of ten marshals, preceded by the military escort, including two companies of cavalry : Committee of arrangements in carriages ; Gen. Lafayette and Judge Lincoln in a barouche ; Lafayette's son, and suite ; cavalcade of officers of the militia of the sixth division, in full dress ; cavalcade of citizens.
When the tavern then kept by Leonard Clark, on the west side of Belmont street, opposite Adams Square, about a mile and a half north of Lincoln Square, was reached, the escort was joined by a regiment of light troops, under com- mand of Lieut. Col. Samuel Ward who had turned ont to honor the occasion. and added much to the splendor of the scene. At this place the road be- came much thronged with people, impatient to greet the distinguished guest with a hearty welcome, commingled with enthusiastic cheers. When the procession reached the declivity near " The Oaks" Paine mansion, then oc- cupied by Dr. William Paine and his son, Frederick William, it passed under a number of flags tastefully arranged, when a national salute was fired, and the bells commenced ringing a merry peal. The concourse of people now became very great, and the cheerings and tokens of welcome almost continual, and the scene impressive beyond description. The grey headed soldiers of the revolution, in their impatience to salute their old companion in arms, seemed to forget their infirinities and to banish all cer- emony. They pressed up to the barouche as it passed along, and extend- ed their arms to embrace the object of their affection. The veteran him- self seemed deeply moved by these spontaneous demonstrations of gratitude and respect, and shook many of his old soldiers by the hand as he passed along. After crossing the bridge, [at Lincoln Square,] the procession passed through the then middle street, upon Court Hill, over which had been thrown a triumphal arch, so tastefully decorated by the ladies as to excite the admiration of all who saw it. On each side of this street were ranged, under the care of their respective teachers, the children of the schools, ornamented with appropriate badges, who threw laurel in his path as he passed. There was no spot more interesting than this. Children whose parents had not existence when our obligations were incur- red, were taught to lisp his name with reverence, and to assoicate with it our proudest thoughts of national glory ; and here could our nation's bene- factor find the best evidence that his labors had not been in vain, since even infancy was instructed to blend the thought of liberty, and the independence of our country, with the names of Washington and Lafayette.
THE SCENE ON MAIN STREET.
Near the Worcester Bank [then in the old Central Exchange] the proces- sion passed under several flags extended across the street, from one of which was suspended the following motto : "Hitherto I have only cherished your cause, now I go to serve it." This was the reply made by Gen. Lafayette when the American commissioners endeavored to dissuade him from embark- ing in the war of the revolution, because the gloomy aspect of affairs at that time (1776) almost destroyed the hope of final success. Underneath was inscribed : "Brandywine, Jamestown, Valley Forge, Yorktown."
EXERCISES IN FRONT OF THE LINCOLN MANSION.
Soon afterwards, Lafayette, amidst cheers and welcomes, uttered by thou- sands pressing around him, alighted at the gate of the spacious mansion house of Judge Lincoln, which had been thrown open for such ladies as chose to avail themseives of his hospitality to see the hero. Here language
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fails to do justice to the scene. Each individual of a vast multitude seemed anxious to proclaim a hearty welcome to him who " not for the fading echoes of renown or purple robe of power," left a home where he was rich in every thing that endears life to man to prop the sinking fortunes of our country. The gate and portico were decorated with evergreens and flags, and the win- dows even to the upper story were crowded with ladies greeting his ap- proach with smiles and tears, while their hankerchiefs waved in token of welcome. Take it altogether the effect was such as must be seen and felt to be realized.
The General was introduced to the committee near the entrance of the house, when their chairman, Judge Lincoln, delivered in an animated and impressive manner the following address :
WELCOMING ADDRESS TO LAFAYETTE BY HION. LEVI LINCOLN.
" Gen. Lafayette :- The citizens whom you see assembled around you, have spontaneously thronged together, to offer you the tribute of their af- fection, their respect, their gratitude. In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the shire of an extensive county of more than 75,000 population ; in behalf of all who are present, and in anticipation of the commands of those whom distance and want of opportunity occasion to be absent from the joyous scene, I repeat to you the salutations, which elsewhere have been so impressively offered upon your arrival in this country, and your visit to this Commonwealth. Welcome, most cordially welcome, to the presence of those who now greet you !
Your name, sir, is not only associated with the memorable events of the revolution, with the battle of Brandywine, the retreat from Valley Forge, the affair near Jamestown, and the triumph at Yorktown, but the memorials of your services, and our obligations, exist in the independence of the nation which was accomplished in the government of the people, which is establish- ed in the institutions and laws, the arts, improvements, liberty and happi- ness which are enjoyed. The sword was beaten into the plowshare to cul- tivate the soil which its temper had previously defended, and the hill-tops shall now echo to the sea-shore the gratulations of the independent propri- etors of the land to the common benefactor of all ranks and classes of the people.
Wherever you go, General, the acclamations of freemen await you-their blessings and prayers will follow you. May you live many years to enjoy the fruits of the services and sacrifices, the gallantry and valor of your earlier days devoted to the cause of freedom and the rights of man; and may the bright examples of individual glory and of national happiness. which the his- tory of America exhibits, illustrate to the world the moral force of personal virtue, and the rich blessings of civil liberty in a republican government."
To this the general made a pertinent and affectionate reply, the substance of which is as follows ; though neither the expressions nor the arrangement of topics is recollected, nor does this pretend to do justice to what was actual- ly uttered :
LAFAYETTE'S RESPONSE.
He said that " he received with much sensibility the expressions of kind at- tention with which he was received by the inhabitants of the town and county of Worcester-that he was delighted with the fine country which he had seen, and the excellent improvement and cultivation which he had witnessed-that he saw the best proofs of a great, prosperous and happy people, in the rapid advancement of the polite and useful arts, and in the stability of our free institutions-that he was especially much gratified in the great improve- ments of the face of the country, because he was himself a farmer-that he
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felt happy to observe such decided proofs of industry, sobriety and prosper- ity. He begged the citizens to be assured of his affectionate and grateful recollection of their reception of him. He thanked them for all they had manifested towards him, for the kind expressions which had been offered him by the committee, and in a feeling, impressive manner reciprocated their good wishes."
EXERCISES IN THE LINCOLN MANSION.
Lafayette then entered the house, where a breakfast awaited him, doing equal honor to the known hospitality of our distinguished townsman, and to the taste of his lady. After partaking of this, he mingled with the citizens, appearing to participate deeply in the interest of the day, and received, in rapid succession, the congratulations of vast numbers ; but was at length constrained to decline further introductions for want of time ; many, there- fore, went away regretting that they had no opportunity to pay their respects to him.
About two o'clock P. M., Lafayette took a station at the gate near the street, and the troops marched in review before him. With their appear- ance and deportment he expressed great satisfaction, their appearance and equipment not being excelled by any body of militia in the United States.
Lafayette then entered his coach amid the loud and reiterated cheering of the citizens, and was accompanied by the committee about four miles on his way to New York, where they took their leave of him.
His dress was plain, his manners simple and prepossessing, his language good, though strongly marked with foreign accent. Speaking of the atten- tions he received, he said : " It is the homage you pay to the principles of your government, and not to me."
LAFAYETTE'S RECEPTION AT ROCHDALE.
When the party arrived at Rochdale, they were met by a large procession of citizens, headed by Capt. Howe, who escorted him to the front of Hezekiah Stone's tavern, where an address of welcome was made in behalf of the citi- zens of that village, by Rev. Joseph Muenscher of the Episcopal Church, to which an appropriate response was made by Lafayette.
RECEPTION AT CHARLTON NORTH SIDE.
The next place where a demonstration was made, was at Charlton North Side, a few miles further, where Lafayette was desirous of stopping to have an interview with an old comrade who served under him, Lieut. Dunbar, who came out from the crowd, and a greeting of the most cordial character on both sides took place.
Of the officers of the sixth division of the Massachusetts militia, who took part in the escort services to Lafayette on this occasion, nearly fifty-three years ago, but very few now survive. Among the few survivors is our venerable fellow-citizen, Gen. Nathan Heard, then commanding the first brigade, and after- wards commander of the division, who is now in his 88th year, and looks back with particular delight upon the events of these times in which he participated. His aide de camp on this oc- casion was the late Ex-Gov. Emory Washburn, then of Leicester. They accompanied Lafayette as far as Sturbridge, on the route
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