USA > Vermont > Early history of Vermont, Vol. III > Part 4
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"Sir, I most cordially thank you, for the friendly
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and flattering manner in which you are pleased to express the feelings of the people of this State; a most gratifying specimen of this goodness I now have the gratification to witness. I thank you for your sympathy, for the delight I feel to see the happy citizens of Vermont enjoying all the bless- ings of republican liberty, and among them to rec- ognize many of my beloved companions in arms. Be pleased to accept in your own name, and in be- half of the people and representatives of Vermont, the tribute of my respectful devotion and grati- tude."
At Woodstock the General was welcomed on behalf of the citizens of the town by Hon. Titus Hutchinson, who said in part that,-
"Although one generation and almost a second have passed away, a few patriots of the revolu- tion still survive. Some of these present have marched in defence of their country in obedience to your commands. These all yet live to tell us and their posterity what our liberties cost and how they were attained: nay more, they are the living heralds of your disinterested and efficacious exertions to redeem us from colonial bondage and guarantee to us those free institutions which are at once the glory and happiness of our country, and are extending their benign influence through the world.
"We should rejoice in your longer continuance here if other and higher claims would permit; but we know you must speedily progress on your tour, and we express the sincere desire of our hearts that your path may be strewed with flowers, fra-
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grant flowers, till you arrive at the blissful horses of immortality."
To which the General made an apt and im- promptu reply, and then proceeded to Royalton, where he was welcomed in behalf of its citizens, to the green hills and happy villages of Vermont, by Hon. Jacob Collamer, who said in part that,-
"In the full enjoyment, in common with our splendid cities, of all those privileges and bless- ings which flow from the liberality of our republi- can institutions, and surrounded with the light and intelligenee which attend those institutious, we cannot be insensible from whence these bless- ings flow, or the debt of gratitude which they imply. These are the happy results of your early labors and those of your compatriots. Hence the thrill of pleasure which, at your condescending visit, vibrates with electric rapidity and sympa- thetic orison to the most obscure and remote extremities of our nation."
To which the General made a happy reply. He was welcomed at East Randolph by Rev. Wilbur Fisk. General Lafayette and his party arrived at Montpelier about 10 o'clock in the evening of June 2Sth, and was addressed on behalf of the citizens of Montpelier and vicinity by Hon. Elijah Paine, Judge of the U. S. Court for the District of Ver- mont, and said in part :-
"We congratulate you on having nearly com- pleted the tour of the United States in health, and hope you have received great pleasure and satis- faction in witnessing the fruits of your early toils and sacrifices, in the improvement and prosperity
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of a widely extended Republic. We believe you have seen a great Nation enjoying the blessings of liberty without licentiousness.
"When you left this country after the war of the Revolution, the State of Vermont had but just begun to have a name. At that time almost the whole State was a wilderness -- yet we are proud of some of the feats performed in that war by the arms of Vermont. We count upon ourselves as principals in the capture of a whole British army under Burgoyne, the consequences of which aretoo well known to you to need a rehearsal.
"The State of Vermont cannot show to you large towns and cities ; but it can show to you what is perhaps of as much consequence: it can show to you a sober, substantial, intelligent, and well informed yeomanry." In reply to which La- fayette said :---
"The welcome I receive from the citizens of Montpelier, the great number of friends who at this late hour have been pleased to wait my ar- rival, and the particular gratification to hear their affectionate feelings expressed by you, my dear Sir, fill my heart with the most lively sentiments of pleasure and gratitude.
"Well may I, Sir, acknowledge the patriotic ti- tles of this State, not only as having been the the- ater of a most important event, the victory of Bennington, and having largely contributed to the happy turns in the north-but also, as having by her devotion to the general cause, and by the gal- lantry of her hardy sons, constantly taken a great proportionate.share in our revolutionary struggle;
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nor shall I omit this opportunity to express my early interest in the local feelings and wishes of the State of Vermont.
Sir, I have now accomplished one of the great- est objects of my life; I have visited the twenty- four States of the Union; I have been the happy witness of the immense, rapid, and ever increasing results of Indepenpence, Republican institutions, and self government, and you, Sir, and all of you whom I have the pleasure to address, I most cor- dially congratulate on the public and domestic happiness which is enjoyed by the citizens of Ver- mont, and I beg you to accept my affectionate and respectful thanks."
On the morning of the 29th of June, the ladies of Montpelier assembled in the Congregational Church, now called Bethany Church, where Mrs. Erastus Watrous addressed General Lafayette as follows :-
"Permit me, Sir, in behalf of the ladies present, to express to you how highly we are gratified with this visit to our metropolis. To us, born free as the mountain air we breathe, the man whose bosom warmed with the sacred glow of patriot- ism when beholding an infant nation struggling for liberty, who sacrificed the sweet endearments of domestic society, the splendor of rank, and staked for time and life, to secure to us and ours the blessings we now enjoy ; to us, he is welcome. We greet you with a cordial welcome, to our coun- try, our homes and our hearts.
"Great must be your satisfaction, in your prog- ress through the States, to behold in many places
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the wilderness to have 'budded and blossomed as the rose,' the arts of civilized life to have advanced in the scale of perfection to a competition with Europe, while far and wide are diffused the bless- ings of peace and plenty, and on every side the children of those who were companions in arms, vieing with each other in expressions of gratitude to our country's benefactor.
"Accept, dear General, our united aspiration for your health and long life. With you, may the eve- ning of life be peculiarly pleasant-like the setting sun after a glorious day, sinking gradually, and throwing back increasing beauty and splendor with every expiring beam. May kind hands and affectionate hearts soothe and administer to every want, and smoothe the pillow of declining age; and when at length the 'vital spark' shall quit its earthly tenement, may the angel of Death open to you the portals of eternal bliss in Heaven.
With us, and with every freeborn child of Amer- ica, the name, the bravery, the virtues, the disin- terested generosity of Lafayette will ever be per- petuated with our beloved Washington."
To which Lafayette made a happy response.
At Burlington, on June 25th, 1825, Hon. Will- iam A. Griswold was deputed to tender General Lafayette the hospitalities of the town and bid him a cordial and affectionate welcome, and he said in part :-
"The circumstances attending your visit to this land of liberty, present a spectacle unparalleled in the history of the world. While the sons of those, who were formerly your companions in arms, are
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testifying their joy and gratitude, their wives and daughters are not less grateful for the delightful privilege they enjoy, of telling their children of your illustrious deeds, and of instructing them to imitate your brilliant examples. It has also re- kindled a spirit of increased devotion to the prin- ciples of free government, and one which, we trust, will not be extinguished until history is dumb, and memory becomes extinct.'
Few, very few of the Revolutionary heroes, then the hardy sons of our Green Mountains, were eye witnesses to your valor and constancy displayed throughout our Revolutionary contest; and fewer still have survived the lapse of half a century, to unite with us in rendering honor to an early pat- riot and our distinguished friend. Yet a small and highly favored remnant have been kindly pre- served, and tottering with age and infirmity, are now embodied before you with hearts bounding with joy and exultation at your presence. And it is a proud consolation to them and us to know, that they still hold a transcendent place in your affections.
"During the gloomy period of 1781, the citizens of this State were violently assailed by two pow- erful neighboring States, claiming jurisdiction over her territory, and the while contributing liberally to the common cause, her bold and inflexible patriots were nobly struggling for self exist- ence and state independence. The waters of yon- der beautiful Lake were covered with an hostile fleet and powerful army, and all her strongholds in the undisturbed possession of the enemy. This
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was a time for coward hearts to despond. But the statesmen of that day were strangers to fear, and Washington, the sainted Washington, your illus- trious compeer, was our mediator and our friend. An intrepid self-created board of war, consisting of eight persons only, wielded the destinies of a scat- tered population of about thirty thousand souls. Although the ambiguity of their conduct for a short time created some distrust abroad, yet their stern integrity inspired confidence at home, while their masterly and resolute policy rendered the en- emy inactive, retarded their operations, and pro- tected an extensive and defenceless frontier from pillage and devastation. At this critical moment, when the destinies of this State (then an almost outlawed territory,) were approaching a crisis, when despondency came creeping even upon the stoutest hearts, the cheering news of the surrender of Cornwallis was proclaimed. The independence of our country was sealed, and with it, the people of Vermont delivered from peculiar and trying em- barrassments. Then the name of LAFAYETTE re- sounded through the air, hung with rapture upon every tongue, and still remains enshrined in every American heart."
The General made the following reply :-
"While the warm greetings of the citizens of of Burlington, and the multitude of friends, who came to join them on this happy spot, excite the most grateful feeling of my heart, I particu- larly thank you, sir. for your kind remarks, on the enjoyment of my passage through every part of the great Confederacy, and namely through
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the State of Vermont. Among the revolutionary soldiers, whom it is my delight to meet, I have the gratification, in the sons of the Green Moun- tains, to find many who have been my intimate companions, and while in the throngs of friends of both sexes, and of every age, who so kindly wel- come me, I often recognize the features, I can ever recognize the feelings of my American co-tempora- ries. There shall never be need, my dear sir, to re- kindle in American hearts the sacred flame of re- publican patriotism; to keep it up forever, it suf- fices to see and feel the blessings of liberty, equal- ity, and self-government; the more so, when those dignified and prosperous blessings are compared with the situation of another hemisphere; yet nothing can be more gratifying than the observa- tion that my visit through the United States, so delightful to me, has been attended with some public utility, and I am happy to acknowledge it has afforded an opportunity once more to assert the devotion of the American people to the princi- ples for which we have fought, for the institutions which they enjoy, at the same time it once more recalls to the attention of others the practical re- sults of those principles, of those institutions.
"I am Happy to think, that while the success- ful termination of our Virginia campaign has helped to settle difficulties of a general concern, it has peculiarly contributed to satisfy the anxious feelings of this State, in which from an early peri- od I have myself felt deeply interested.
"To your kind references to very remote time, permit me, sir, to add a mention of the later peri-
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od of the late war, in which the citizens of Ver- mont also took a spirited part. One of the thea- ters of the honorable achievements of that war, both on water and on land, we may almost greet from this place, on the opposite shore."
Many of the surviving revolutionary soldiers attended these receptions, and at Burlington they assembled, and Sergeant Day of Lafayette's early Revolutionary regiment bearing the sword pre- sented to him by Lafayette. David Russell ad- dressed General Lafayette as follows :--
"A few of the surviving officers and soldiers of the American Revolution here present themselves to bid you a cordial reception, among those who have so long anxiously waited your coming ; some of whom were with you on the tented field, and on the ramparts, that witnessed your undaunted bravery in defence of a country almost in despair. But we had a WASHINGTON, 'whose head was a Senate, and whose arm was a Host,' to direct and lead us, who, with his Cabinet Council of brave officers, (foreign and American, most of whom now sleep with their fathers,) inspired their humble followers in arms with that courage, with that zeal in the cause of liberty, and that love of country, which could not fail of leading to the im- portant result, Freedom and Independence.
"We rejoice to meet you here, sir, although it be but for a moment, to pass in review, and then be separated forever. Here we reciprocate the feel- ings which can never be obliterated, in the breasts of those who have been associated in arms, in a just cause, although half a century has nearly
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elapsed since those associations were first formed.
"You here behold, sir, a frontier, then a savage wilderness, now witnessing by its improvements the blessed effects, the glorious result of those pat- riotic exertions, in which you performed so dis- tinguished a part.
"We reluctantly bid you adieu, sir, and pray our Almighty Father that you may return in health and safety to your country and family; that the remainder of your days may be peaceful and happy; and that thereafter you may join your great Prototype in Heaven, and, with him and other departed Saints and Heroes, forever rejoice together in the Paradise of God."
To these revolutionary soldiers Lafayette said : "I am delighted, my dear comrades, whenever I find myself among my revolutionary brothers in arms; for we were all brothers, fighting in the same cause of independence and freedom; we all enjoy together the happy results of our toils; vet it is to me a particular gratification to recognize among you many of the intimate companions who served with me in the army, and several of my beloved Light Infantry soldiers. If I have ob- tained, in our military events, some fortunate days, it is to your gallantry in action, your perse- verance under every hardship, to your personal affection, that I am indebted for them. That name, so dear to my heart, of the soldier's friend, which you gave me in my youth, I am happy again to find on your lips in our old age. Receive, dear comrades, my most affectionate thanks, love, and good wishes."
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On this visit to Burlington Lafayette was in- vited to lay the corner stone of the South College of the University of Vermont. Rev. Willard Pres- ton, President-elect of the University, addressed General Lafayette as follows :-
"In behalf of the University of Vermont, the pleasing duty devolves on me of bidding you wel- come to this spot, consecrated to Science and Lit- erature; and bid you a most cordial welcome. We are not insensible of our obligations to you and to your compatriots in arms for the distinguished privileges we enjoy, no less of a literary than a civil and religious character. While freedom is the nursery of science, knowledge and virtue are the grand supporting pillars of a free government. Mutilate those and the fair fabric falls. Support them, and they stand against the combined at- tacks of a frowning world. These are supported in all our institutions of learning. And it must have afforded you the highest satisfaction, to see everywhere planted, throughout this extensive country, seminaries of learning, from the Univer- sity to the lowest elementary schools.
"The University of Vermont is comparatively in her infancy. She has sustained a series of dis- asters. One year since, and her noble edifice was reduced to ruins. But from those ruins, other edi- fices are rising and her prospects are brightening. One edifice is already erected, and we ask you to confer on us the honor of laying the corner stone of a second."
To which Lafayette expressed the high sense he had of the honor conferred upon him in permit-
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ting him to lay the corner stone of so interesting a building, and said: "I am sure that the sons of Vermont will ever evince, in their studies, the same ardor and perseverance which at all times and on every occasion have characterized the spir- ited inhabitants of the Green Mountains."
The proceedings at Burlington, and in Vermont, closed by a reception and splendid entertainment at the residence of Gov. Van Ness, when General Lafayette and his suite embarked on the steamer Phoenix, and left Vermont for Whitehall, N. Y. It is probable that no Revolutionary officer then living, and none but Washington in his lifetime, could have aroused the enthusiasm with which Lafayette was greeted in Vermont. The writer has not gone into the details of the arrangements and display and of the military demonstrations along the route taken by Lafayette through the State, nor of the processions, marches, public din- ners but will give three of the toasts offered by Lafayette.
At Montpelier he gave the following: "Ver- mont, Montpelier and the Green Mountains, from which was early echoed and valiently supported the Republican cry for Independence and Freedom -may its happy results be more and more enjoyed by the sons of the Green Mountains. At Burling- ton he gave the following: "The town of Bur- lington-may the Holy Alliance of Agriculture, Manufacturing, Industry and Commerce under the influence of her Republican institutions and her fortunate situation, more and more ensure her prosperity and happiness." And on being asked
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gave the following: "The memory of Ethan Al- len, and his early companions, the old Green Mountain Boys." Lafayette, before he left Amer- ica for France, learned that an officer of the Revo- lution, General William Barton, one of his compan- ions in arms, had been for a long period imprisoned for debt in jail at Danville, Vermont; thereupon Lafayette immediately furnished means for his re- lease. Lafayette while on board the Brandywine, addressed to Gen. Isaac Fletcher of Lyndon a let- ter, in which he enclosed a draft, with a request that the sums for which Gen. Barton was confined should be paid. The request was complied with and Barton, the valiant capturer of Prescott, was released and at liberty to return to his family at Providence, Rhode Island, after a confinement in jail and a separation from them for more than thirteen years.
In an account of his return to his family, pub- lished in the "Boston Gazette" in 1826, it was stated :-
"It seemed to astonish the old General to see the great alterations on the road as we approach- ed Providence; and when he spoke of the Marquis, (as he always calls Lafayette,) his eyes filled with tears of gratitude. He has been a very powerful man, and retains now, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, much of the vigor of his younger days. He would often sing a few lines of an old revolu- tionary song, with a clear and strong voice: when he had arrived near Providence, he sang,
" And since we're here.
" With friends so dear,
" We'll drive dull care away."
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But when the old General entered his ancient home, and embraced the wife of his youth, his children, and his children's children, and met his old black servant, it was a scene which I cannot attempt to describe-they were all overjoyed and melted into tears. It was a long time before he could believe it to be a reality."
Undoubtedly the tour of Lafayette was of great value to the nation, in rekindling the patriotic spirit in the old, and inspiring it in the young, and will serve to perpetuate the sentiment of Liberty and Union.
Governor Van Ness in his speech to the Council and House of Representatives in October 1825, said :-
"Having given General Lafayette an invita- tion to visit this State, in pursuance of the resolu- tion on that subject, he accordingly passed through the State the latter end of June last, entering it at Windsor, and leaving it at Burlington. His time was so limited, that it was not in his power to present himself in any parts of the State, not on the route between the two places mentioned. But as it was, every practicable arrangement was made, to favor the people of the State with an opportunity of beholding this beloved friend and patriot. A particular account of the expenses in- curred on the part of the State, will be laid before you." The amount of the expenses was $564.77, mainly for transportation and express messengers.
In closing what we have to say as to this great man's last visit to Vermont and to America, it will not be out of place to show how he was regarded
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by one class which was opposed to him in the Revo- lutionary War as well as by those who were his comrades in arms. Lafayette had been frequently called upon to treat with the Indians during the war and possessed a strong hold over their rude minds. At the time of his visit, negotiations with the allied tribes of Indians were in progress, and he was invited to join the commissioners of peace and assist them in their talk with the Indians. The meeting was at Fort Schuyler. The Indians arranged themselves to listen to the words of La- fayette; he pointed out to them the advantages of peace and the inevitable destruction which await- ed them if they persisted in ravaging the frontiers. An Indian Chief replied : "Father we have heard thy voice and we rejoice that thou hast visited thy children, to give to them good and necessary ad- vice. Thou hast said that we have done wrong in opening our ears to wicked men, and closing our hearts to thy counsels. Father! it is all true; -we have left the good path; we have wandered away from it, and been enveloped in a black cloud. We have now returned that thou mayest find in us good and faithful children. Father! we rejoice to hear thy voice among us ;- it seems that the Great Spirit has directed thy footsteps to this council of friendship to smoke the calumet of peace and fellowship, with thy long lost children." Ever after Lafayette had done such valiant service in the Revolutionary struggle he had taken great in- terest in the prosperity of America and had been entreated to return to America and revisit the theatre of his former toils and glory. He deter-
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mined to come and longed to embrace his old com- rades, and especially General Washington. Wash- ington had retired to Mount Vernon, and in his letter inviting the Marquis to visit America, he said, "at length I have become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac; and under the shadows of my own vine, and my own fig tree, free from the bustle of the camp and the busy scenes of public life * I have not only re- tired from public employment, but am retiring within myself, and shall be able to view the soli- tary walk and tread the path of private life with heartfelt satisfaction. Envious of more, I am de- termined to be pleased with all; and this, my dear friend, being the order of my march, I will move gently down the stream of life until I sleep with my fathers." When Lafayette came he spent twelve blissful days with Washington at Mount Vernon. At Annapolis the two parted, for the last time; they both seemed to have a premonition that they should see each other's face no more. John Jay as chairman of a committee of Congress expressed to Lafyette in befitting terms the esti- mation in which he was held by Americans, and extended to him their best and kindest wishes to which Lafayette replied: "In unbounded wishes to America, Sir, I am happy to observe the pre- vailing disposition of the people. to strengthen the confederation, preserve public faith, regulate trade, and in a proper manner guard, our continental magazines and frontier posts, in a general system o: mlitia, in foreseeing attention to the navy, to ensure every kind of safety. May this immense
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