In 1824, Lafayette was invited on a special tour of the United States by President Monroe and Congress in honor of the 50th anniversary of the American Revolution. From August 1824 to September 1825, he was the “Nation’s Guest,” traveling more than 5,000 miles across the then 24-state union. As the last surviving Major General from the Revolution, the charismatic Lafayette was greeted with much pomp and circumstance wherever he went. His presence on American soil provided much-needed common ground between Americans amidst the deep partisan divisions polarizing the nation during the 1824 U.S. presidential election.
Americans looked to Lafayette for clues, recognition, and reassurance of the success of the American Experiment. Lafayette, the close friend of Washington, consolidated the belief among Americans that the federal republican form of government adopted in this country was unique and worthy of pride. His visit led to an increased sense of national awareness, to a renewed interest in the conflict leading to national independence, and to a greater understanding that the ideals of the American Revolution ought to be preserved for future generations.
On October 22, 1824, the Marquis and his party arrived in Norfolk via steamboat from Williamsburg following his visit to Yorktown. This began what would be a 3-day visit to Norfolk, Portsmouth/Gosport, and Fort Monroe, culminating in his departure for Petersburgh/Richmond via steamboat late at night on October 25. Today’s post is an account of his visit to Hampton Roads as reported in the newspapers of the day. All material is clearly marked as to what newspaper and Issue it came from so there will be no "References" section in today's post
Editor’s Note: Items in red parenthesis are added by me for clarity to modern readers.
Friday, October 22, 1824
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
On Friday morning the General left Williamsburg at 10 o'clock, for James Town where the steam boat Petersburg, with two navy barges, under the command of Captain Morgan, awaited him. He was met at James Town by a deputation from Norfolk, consisting of L. W. Tazewell, Tho. Newton, Geo. Loyall, Walter Herron, B. Pollard and Wm. B. Lamb, Esqrs. and Dr. R. B. Starke, and was conducted on board, where a sumptuous collation (a light, informal meal) was served. The effect of his reception on board the steam boat was enlivened by the fine band of the U. S. ship North Carolina.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald - October 25, 1824
GENERAL LA FAYETTE'S RECEPTION— IN NORFOLK.
The man whom the people delight to honor who is the joy of all hearts and the name on all tongues, is now among us, receiving from the good citizens of Norfolk every testimony of affection and respect which the most enthusiastic emotions of gratitude can suggest. Though not equaling the grandeur and magnificence which have characterized his reception in the wealthier places through which he has passed, we may congratulate ourselves that in Norfolk the Nation's Guest has received a "Welcome" not less cordial and respectful, nor, we will even venture to add, less gratifying to him. Arrangements were made for receiving him at four o'clock on Friday afternoon, and Ferry stairs (Underneath what is now the Sheraton Waterside Hotel) was designated as the place of landing, where a flag staff bearing aloft the American Ensign, was erected, and two forces of artillery stationed, under the direction of Capt. George Ott, to fire a salute when the General landed. The two Volunteer Companies of Norfolk, the Independents, Capt. Capron, and the Juniors, Capt. Gibbons, and two from Portsmouth, the excellent Rifle corps, commanded by Capt. Young, and the Portsmouth Greys, Capt. Langhorne, formed a line, along the left side of the avenue through which he was to pass, and a line composed of the Corporate Societies of the Borough, and citizens generally, was formed on the opposite side, extending from the wharf, up Market-square (What is now Commercial Place) to the corner of Main-St., where a handsome Civic Arch, had been erected. The whole area of Market square was kept clear by the vigilance of the Marshals; on the foot ways, however, the throng was very great. Along the foot ways and on Main Street fronting Market square, there ranged in handsome order, the children of the numerous schools, male and female, and those of the Female Orphan Asylum. At the Arch was stationed the Corporate Authorities of the Borough, the Reverend Clergy of all denominations, and gentlemen of the profession of Law and Physic (Medicine). The whole of Market-Square presented a mighty animating picture. In addition to the great number of our population ranged along both sides of Market Square and in Main street, every window within view, and the doors of several of the houses were crowded with ladies, who, although not equaling in number those which in similar situations greeted the arrival of the Nation's Guest, in the larger cities, might, we think, justly claim the palm of beauty.
At 5 o'clock a signal gun announced the approach of the Petersburg within sight from the town, and shortly after a full salute of artillery from the Revenue Cutter Monroe, Capt. Jones, gave notice that she had arrived at the mouth of the harbor; on nearing the Portsmouth side, the General received a salute from the Portsmouth Artillery Company, under Capt. Cooke, stationed on the hill fronting the harbor, which was echoed by a similar one from the Navy Yard below. The Petersburg having anchored at the County Wharf, an Elegant barge having 18 oars, in which was seated Capt. Warrington, of the Navy, and George Newton and William Maxwell, Esqrs. the Committee deputed by the Court and Common Council, to receive our Guest, put off to her. Ten minutes after, he was landed, with his son, George Washington, and suite; Cols. Barron and Harvie, (the Governor's Aids) who attended him as a Commission on the part of the State; the Secretary of war; Major General Taylor, and Brigadier Gen. Cocke, and their aides, General Macomb; Col. Roberdeau; General Jones; and other distinguished personages, under a salute from artillery at the flag staff, and proceeded through the avenue formed by the parallel lines of citizens and military to the Arch, where he was received by the Mayor, John E. Holt, Esq. who delivered an appropriate and handsome address, to which the General replied in a manner expressive of the finest feelings and best sentiments. — (We thought it impracticable to be as circumstantial in our details, as the expectations of readers, no doubt, require us to be. — We cannot at this time present even an outline of the address or the answer — both will appear in our next.)
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald - October 27, 1824
The following is a copy of the address which was delivered to him by the Mayor at the Civic Arch.
General La Fayette,
In the name of our Corporate Authorities, and of our good people of Norfolk, I bid you welcome to our Borough. We thank you indeed for the opportunity you have given us by this visit, of assuring you thus publickly of that grateful sense of your merits and services to our nation, which in common with all our countrymen, we have long cherished in our breasts. We recall at this moment especially all that you have done in the war of our revolution, by the side of our Washington, for the maintenance of our rights, and the achievement of our independence. Your name is associated with his on the pages of our history, and shall be embalmed along with it in all our hearts.
Nor are we ignorant of the tenor of your life since you left our shores. We have heard from time to time, by the voice of Fame, of all that you have done and wished to do for the happiness of your own country, once the ally, and still the friend of ours. — That cause of a wise and sacred freedom secured by law and sanctioned by religion to which you have consecrated your life, is naturally dear to our people; and your generous devotion to its interests, entitles you of right to the homage of its friends.
With these sentiments of a pure and perfect veneration, we feel our selves honoured in thus receiving you on our own soil, at the threshold of our Commonwealth, whose annals you have adorned with some of the most graceful passages of your life; and we embrace you as the Guest of our Nation, and of our Borough, whilst you shall please to favor us with your presence, we hope for many days.
To this address the Genl. replied at once, taking the mayor affectionately by the hand, and speaking with great feeling:
"I thank you my dear Sir, and all the good citizens of Norfolk for your kind welcome. The sufferings, nay the destruction of this town, in the first time of our revolutionary struggle, the warm and constant patriotism, of her citizens, our sympathizing hopes and repeated attempts to relieve her from the presence of the enemy, and our final success in the delivery of these much exposed shores, form an association of feelings which cannot but increase my grateful sense of your kind reception. I am delighted to see the town and her population, so happily sprung from the ruins of a merciless war; and while I rejoice to anticipate the great future destinies of Norfolk, I request her present citizens, and their honored Mayor, to accept my most affectionate and respectful thanks.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
The General was then handed to the carriage which was in waiting to receive him, and seated with the Mayor and Committee, proceeded on up Main street, followed by other carriages containing the Gentlemen accompanying him, to the elegant apartments prepared for him at Mrs. Hunsford's Boarding House (Located either at the Norfolk Central Energy Plant, or the parking lot on the other side of East St.).
As the General passed up Market Square, after landing, the line of volunteers successively wheeled in by platoons and followed; and as he proceeded up Main street, after leaving the Arch, the Marine and Mechanic Societies, and citizens generally, wheeled six deep, after the volunteers had passed, and formed a procession. On arriving at his quarters the General, his suite and company attending alighted and went in. As the procession of military and citizens came opposite, it halted and wheeled into line, facing the General's quarters, and leaving a space large enough for another procession of a most interesting description to pass in review before our— paternal Guest; — this consisted of the children of the different schools the little girls, all neatly dressed, passed first, some with baskets, strewing flowers; then came the boys, several hundred in number, and presenting on the whole a most interesting and heart-touching scene.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 27, 1824
While he was standing in the porch of the house, with the mayor and other gentlemen around him, as the children of the Lancaster School came by him in their turn, a little boy stepped out from the ranks, and handed him a small scroll with the following lines:
TO GENERAL LA FAYETTE.
By the Children of the Lancaster School.
It is a maxim of our school,
And certainly a golden rule,
That nothing is without its grace,
If only in its proper place,
And where is ours on this free day,
When all come out in fair array,
To welcome one? Where should we be,
But here to shew ourselves to thee,
The Nation's Guest, the Nation's Joy,
And dear to every girl and boy;
Whose name we never shall forget,
The great and gentle La Fayette.
Another scroll too, we understand, had been prepared to be presented in like manner by a little girl of the Orphan Asylum, but in the hurry of the movements was not handed in at the time. The Mistress of the School, however, repaired the omission of the evening by sending three of the little children to wait for him at his levee (A reception in the General’s honor) next morning, with the scroll & a bunch of flowers, which he took very kindly from their hands. The lines, a copy of which has been furnished to us, were simply these:
TO GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
By the little girls of the Orphan Asylum.
The orphans of the ladies' care,
Our city's good and lovely fair.
We come on this auspicious day,
When Pleasure bids all hearts be gay,
We come to see the Nation's Guest.
And pay our duty with the rest.
And here our tears may cease to flow;
We had no parents left below;
But soon from Heav'n new mothers came,
E'er worthy of that tender name,
And now to crown our joy, we see,
We have a Father too in thee.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
The good old General was delighted with this spectacle and expressed himself in the most rapturous terms. The whole procession, having passed in review, returned to Market-Square, where it was dismissed.
During the landing of the General, and his passage to his lodgings, the greatest order and respect were observed. On landing, there were some huzzas and waving of hats, but generally, the citizens preferred the more silent, and, we think, the more expressive mode of shewing their respect by uncovering their heads while he was passing them. Never did we see joy and gladness so visibly depicted in the human countenance, as they were in the face of every individual in the vast concourse which attended this interesting scene.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 27, 1824
On the morning of the Levee, General La Fayette received a visit from the clergy of the different denominations, and the Rev. Doctor French delivered an address to him in their behalf, with much energy and feeling.
We are gratified that it is in our power to present it to our readers, as follows: —
General La Fayette. — We, ministers of the Gospel, of different de nominations, gladly present ourselves before you, to offer that tribute of respect which is so much your due. We remember, sir, with grateful emotions, your labour and your toil in the tented field, when every thing was at stake that was dear to America and to man. We remember that the liberty, both civil and religious, which we have so happily enjoyed, was purchased by the aid of your counsel, your treasure, and your blood. With cordial joy we hold the hand which when some of us were children, and others unborn, wielded the sword that so strangely made us free.
As the least return we are able to make, we shall not fail to remember you before the throne of God, at whose altar we serve.
Our regard for the human race will cause our petitions to be interspersed with, long may La Fayette live to bless mankind. And above all, we shall pray that when called to go the way of all flesh, you may be crowned with living joy in another world.
To this short address which could not but have pleased him, the General replied (taking the preacher by the hand) in something like these words.
"I thank you, my dear sir, for your kind sentiment and wishes. Among the many pleasing testimonies of respect which I have received during my visit to this happy country, I remember with much satisfaction those of the reverend clergy of all denominations whom I greatly esteem. I beg you, my dear sir, to accept my best thanks."
He then shook all of them severally by the hand and appeared highly gratified with the attention they had paid him.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
At night, the town was brilliantly illuminated. Main Street was one continued blaze of light throughout, and scarcely a house in any part of the town was dark. Some of the houses shewed great taste in the arrangement of lights, and also in the transparences, devices and mottos. The seat of Walter Herron, Esq. at the head of Fen Church Street, remote as it was from the more populous part of the town, attracted crowds of company to view by the splendor and taste with which was illuminated. There were many others also worthy of notice, among which Lyford's Commercial Reading Room and dwelling above, Mr. J. T. Allyn's, Mr. C. Hall's and Mr. John Johnson's were the most conspicuous. The Masonic Lodge (Located where the Plume Street Parking Lot, next to the Courtyard Hotel is today) deserves particular notice. Its transparencies and mottos were splendid and exceedingly happy in conception. Our Guests, accompanied by a few friends, took the rounds at 8 o'clock, and expressed much gratification at the joyous scene. The streets were thronged with gay company, and everything seemed to bespeak the utmost good humor and good feeling. In his circuit he paid a visit to the Lodge, where he was received with becoming respect.
Our sister town of Portsmouth vied with us in the brilliancy of her illumination. The town exhibited a blaze of joy. Forty-two bonfires illuminated the shore in front of the town and produced a splendid effect.
Saturday, October 23, 1824
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
On Saturday, the General received visits from the ladies and citizens. — At 12 o'clock he was waited on by a Committee of the Norfolk Benevolent Mechanic Society, when an address was delivered by Mr. John McPhail, (one of the Committee) expressive of the warmest feelings of love, veneration and gratitude.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald - Oct. 27, 1824
A committee of the Mechanic Society, as we have already stated, next waited on him and delivered the following address, by Mr. McPhail. The General received them with great warmth of affection, and assured them of his best wishes for the prosperity of their institution, and of the gratification with which he received this tribute of their respect:
General, — We have the honor to wait on you as Committee appointed by the Norfolk Benevolent Mechanic Society — To bid you a hearty welcome — and to express to you our sentiments of love, veneration and gratitude — recognizing in you the early friend and associate of our beloved Washington, and one amongst the most distinguished instruments in the hands of Divine Providence in effecting our deliverance from despotic rule and ecclesiastical tyranny, and in establishing our Independence, as a Nation we hail you as the firm undeviating friend of Liberty and of man, and believe that in witnessing the prosperity of these United States, you have the strongest evidences of the correctness of your own principles. That free representative government the best calculated to promote the arts of civilized life — and to render the people virtuous, prosperous and happy. — In unison with the general voice of our nation we most sincerely wish that Providence which smiled on your efforts in our behalf, may crown your useful life with its choicest blessings.
We are promised some further notices of these interesting proceedings which we hope to lay before our readers in our next.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
The General's reply was extremely affectionate, and full of the pure feelings of benevolence which beamed in his eye and animated his countenance.
In the afternoon he was conducted to a Civic Banquet, ordered by the citizens of Norfolk, and prepared by Mrs. Davis, at the Exchange (Corner of Martins Ln and East Main St. Where Prince Bookstore is located.). The number who sat down with him was about 300, among whom were a number of invited guests, comprehending all those who accompanied him from James Town; the Mayor and Corporate Authorities of the Borough, &c. The Mayor, John E. Holt, Esq. presided, supported by the Members of the Select and General Committees. The entertainment was truly splendid, and gave the most perfect satisfaction to all who partook of it. The tables were highly ornamented, and everything was arranged with the utmost taste and elegance. The room was fancifully decorated with flags, paintings, transparencies, &c, all tastefully dressed with evergreens, and exhibiting in the “tout ensemble” (all together) a brilliant and animating scene. (The toasts and volunteer sentiments drank at the dinner, will be found below. They were accompanied with appropriate airs by the Mozart Amateur Band.)
TOASTS
Drank at the Civic Dinner, given by the Citizens of Norfolk, in honor of General La Fayette, at the Exchange, on Saturday last.
1. The Memory of Washington; the Father of our Country.
2. General La Fayette; the disciple of Washington, the friend of the United States, and the votary of Freedom.
The General rose and after a short address which we could not hear distinctly, gave the following: Norfolk—And may her former sufferings be more and more rewarded by the prosperity which her happy situation warrants her friends to anticipate.
3. The old Continental Congress; the founders of a new nation.
4. The Officers and Soldiers our Revolutionary War, dead and living; the dead are living in our hearts, and the living shall never be dead.
5. The United States of America; free, sovereign and independent.
6. The President and Congress of the United States; the true interpreters, and faithful ministers of the People's will.
7 The Judiciary of the United States; the wise and independent guardians of the People's liberty.
8. The Army and Navy of the U. States; the gallant and victorious defenders of our nation's rights and honor.
9. The Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures, Arts and Sciences of the United States; the sinews of our nation's wealth, happiness, and glory.
10. The Siege and Victory of York; an epoch in the annals of Liberty.
11. The young Republics of South America; new stars in the constellation of free states.
12. Greece; herself again.
13. The cause of Liberty throughout the world; it is great and must prevail
VOLUNTEERS
(Toasts offered by those stood to offer toasts throughout the dinner)
By the Secretary of War—The Chesapeake Bay; on her shore our settlement first commenced, and the struggle of the Revolution terminated—May she never again be profaned by the presence of a hostile fleet.
By Col. McLane —The gallant defenders of Craney Island.
By Miles King, Esq.—The family at La Grange; those who are dear to our friends will ever be dear to us.
By Gen. C. F. Mercer —Public Virtue, and her sons, Washington, Lafayette, and Bolivar.
By Henry St. Geo. Tucker, Esq.—The spirit of civil liberty, which unites as a band of brothers, those who are separated by language, religion and country.
By Gen. J. Mason—Public Gratitude; the manner in which the great benefactor of this people is every where received, will assure the future generations of our country of the value we set on our rights and liberties, and stimulate their efforts to transmit them, unimpaired, to their latest posterity.
By Col. J. P. Preston—The gems presented by the Genius of Norfolk to Gen. La Fayette; may they be found decorating none but the bosoms of the brave.
By Gen. Macomb—Kosciuszko; In revering the living defenders of Liberty, let us not forget the dead.
By Col. Eustis.—Virginia's Jewels; the living Gracchi, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe.
By Mr. J. B. Moussier. —The State of Virginia; placed in the centre of the Union, she forms the heart of it. The pages of history are adorned by the names of her statesmen and heroes.
By Thomas Newton, Esq.—Knowledge; the Aegis of freemen.
By John Cowper, Esq.—The next President, the President of the People
By Dr. R. Archer—Patriotism and Philanthropy, when combined in the same individual, he may be justly styled the noblest work of God.
By Mr. P. I. Cohen—The Memory of our first friend and ally, Louis 16th.
By Everard Hall, Esq.—La Fayette, the noble of Nature—among other nobles a star of the first magnitude.
By Mr. J. McPhail—Thomas Newton, our worthy Representative; the firm and consistent patriot.
By Mr. Bernard Mulhollan—Major General Richard Montgomery, a son of Erin, who nobly fell in the cause of liberty and in defence of American Independence.
By Dr. Rich'd Kennon—The Memory of Lieut. W. H. Cocke, who was sacrificed at Porto Rico — the officer, the seaman and the gentleman.
J. A. Chandler, Esq. — "Let the brave ne'er despair, for tho' myriads oppose, "The arm nerved by freedom shall conquer all foes."
The following toast was given by one of the company: — George Washington La Fayette; worthy of both his names.
M. [G. W.] La Fayette then rose, and tendered his thanks for the honor
At 8 o'clock the General retired, and passed the evening at the house of General Taylor, (Underneath MacArthur Mall, near the west entrance.) where he supped in company with a numerous party.
Sunday, October 24, 1824
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
Yesterday the General attended Divine Service at Christ Church, (Not sure of the exact location, but most likely in the vicinity of St Paul’s Blvd and City Hall Ave.) whither he was conducted from his lodgings by the Brethren of the different Lodges, forming the largest Masonic procession Norfolk has ever witnessed. The Rev. Mr. Wilmer from Alexandria officiated, and delivered a discourse expressly adapted to the occasion of General La Fayette's visit to the United States. We were not present, but have heard from many that the Rev. gentleman was extremely happy in the manner and matter of his discourse, and we believe it is the general wish that he would commit it to the press.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 27, 1824
We have before stated that the different Lodges convened on Sunday at the Masons' Hall to pay honors to General La Fayette. — A deputation of old Members was sent to escort the General and his suite from his Quarters to the Lodge Room, where he was received with the most exalted Masonic honors. An address was delivered to him by the Presiding Master, W. B. Benjamin Pollard, to which General La Fayette returned a neat and suitable reply. He was then unanimously elected an Honorary Member of Lodges No. 1, 16, 56 and 100, and Master elect, and presented with an elegant jewel, emblematical of his office, with this in scription. — "Voted unanimously, Oct. 24th, 1824, by Lodges No. 1, 16, 56 and 100, Norfolk, Virginia, to our Venerated Brother and Honorary Member, General La Fayette."
Mr. George Washington LaFayette (Lafayette’s son] and Mr. (Auguste) LaVasseur (Lafayette’s personal secretary) were then elected Honorary Members of the same Lodges, and all subscribed their names to their several Constitutions. The whole then conducted General La Fayette and suite to Christ Church in Masonic procession, with the elegant band of the Mozart Society. After Divine Service he was escorted by the whole fraternity back to his lodgings.
On the return of the Members to the Lodge Room, it was unanimously resolved, that a vote of thanks be presented to the Presiding Master, with a request to furnish a copy of his Address for publication. It was also resolved that the thanks of the fraternity be presented to the Rev. Doctor Wilmer for the very appropriate discourse delivered by him at the Church.
After partaking of refreshments provided for the occasion, the Norfolk Lodges escorted the Portsmouth Lodge to the Ferry wharf and then dispersed. The following is the Address delivered by the Presiding Master:
Most Venerated Brother, — Among the variety of cordial welcomes and heartfelt congratulations with which you have been greeted since your arrival in our happy country, permit us to enroll that of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Borough of Norfolk and Town of Portsmouth, congregated here in one Lodge for the purpose of tendering you the assurances of their respect and fraternal love. We will not detain your attention by eulogies on the antiquity of our order, nor dwell on the honorable character it has universally maintained — neither will we fatigue you with a recapitulation of the many virtuous and distinguished characters who have adorned our annals; but in the presence of the friend and companion of our beloved Washington, permit us to boast, that he was a Member of our Craft, and was proud to be hailed as the Grand Master of the Lodge of Virginia, from which stock we derive our descent as Masons. — You, Sir, who have stood in the presence of princes and potentates, have often practically experienced the sovereign influence of our principles, wherever there has been found capacity to comprehend them; and in the day of danger, and in the field of carnage, have probably witnessed the benevolence and magic sympathy they have extorted amidst the din of battle, and from the deadliest foe. We, however, are not ignorant of your sentiments upon this subject; they are recorded in the toast with which you were pleased to honor our fraternity in the city of New York, in which you have contrasted names dear and precious to liberal and enlightened man, throughout the civilized world, with those which are associated with darkness and despotism, with the degradation of human nature and the perpetuation of ignorance and superstition.
Permit us, dear Brother, as we may never again be favored with the honor and happiness of your presence, to record for the edification of our successors, and of generations who are to follow us, that we have your sanction to enroll the name of La Fayette with those of Washington and Franklin, in our annals; for which purpose, allow us to confer upon you the title of Honorary Member of Lodges No. 1, 16, 56, and 100, here assembled, and permit me, also, to invest you with a Past Master's Jewel, bestowed by the unanimous vote of the Brethren, as a lasting memorial of their respectful regard. We also beg that you will yourself inscribe your name in the books of the Constitutions of these several Lodges, which are here presented by their respective Secretaries for that purpose.—We wish your signature to be preserved amongst the archives and ancient landmarks of our order, to which our successors and offspring may point with elated feelings, and honor it as a Star in the East — that Masons yet unborn may glory in your name and be stimulated to emulate your virtues.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 25, 1824
From Church the General was escorted back to his lodgings by the Masonic procession, and at 5 o'clock in the afternoon left here on a visit to Fortress Monroe, to return this morning at 10 o'clock.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 27, 1824
As we mentioned in our last the General left here on Sunday after noon on a visit to Fortress Monroe, where he was received with the highest military honors. The General was conducted by Col. Eustis to his Quarters, where he partook of a handsome collation and spent the evening.
Monday, October 25, 1824
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 27, 1824
The next morning he reviewed the troops, and received the visits of the officers and inhabitants of the place. After taking breakfast with Col. Eustis, he visited the adjacent fortification of Castle Calhoun, (Now known as Fort Wool is now operated by the City of Hampton) an island formed by the deposit of stone on the opposite side of the channel, a stupendous work. He then embarked on board the steam boat Hampton, and agreeably to the invitation of a committee of the citizens of Portsmouth, paid a visit to that town.
The Hampton arrived opposite the Ferry wharf at Portsmouth at half past two, and as she anchored seven barges detached from the Navy Yard, put off to her to receive the honored Guest and the gentlemen who attended him. A line of military composed of the volunteer companies of Portsmouth and Norfolk had been previously formed at the place of landing, and Capt. Cooke's company of Artillery was posted on the hill to fire a salute. At the upper end of the street leading from the river, a beautiful Civic Arch was erected, of an elliptical shape, with a pillar rising on each side to the height of the arch, painted in exact imitation of stone. — The Arch itself was elegantly and fancifully decorated with festoons and wreaths of flowers intermingled with sprigs of evergreen, tastefully interwoven by the fair hands of the young ladies of Portsmouth, and from the center of the ellipse was suspended a large crown of laurel interwoven with red roses.
The whole had quite a rural appearance, and produced a charming effect. The Arch was planned and constructed by Mr. Henry Singleton, of Portsmouth, and is highly creditable to his taste and ingenuity. Under the Arch were stationed the Members of the Committee, Mordecai Cooke, Esq. who was deputed to deliver an address to the General on behalf of the citizens, the Magistracy and Revolutionary worthies. On the left of the arch was a group of thirteen young Misses, representing the 13 original states, who were to present a wreath of laurel to the General on his arrival at the Arch, and extending down the street on the left were ranged the female pupils of the several schools and a large concourse of ladies, anxiously waiting to have the pleasure of seeing the gallant old chieftain. On the right of the Arch the boys of the different schools were marshalled, and in like manner as on the left, the citizens generally, forming a line for a considerable distance down the street. The arrangements were excellent and had a happy effect.
As the General landed, the Artillery fired a salute. He was received on the wharf by Capt. John Cox and Dr. R. B. Butt, who handed him to a carriage in waiting. He then proceeded along the line of military who presented arms as he passed and wheeling into column followed in procession. — When arrived within 100 yards of the Arch the General dismounted, and the carriage proceeded up the street, while the military marched by him and followed it, the whole passing through the Arch-way. Next came the General, with the numerous train of officers and others in attendance. On reaching the Arch, Mordecai Cooke, Esq. delivered the address prepared for the occasion, to which the General made a suitable reply.
Master Winchester Watts, who was chosen for the occasion, then stepped forward and delivered the following address to the General, in behalf of the boys of the town of Portsmouth, to which he made an affectionate and feeling reply:
General. — Appointed by my associates, the boys of the town of Portsmouth, who are now assembled before you, to express to you our feelings on this joyous occasion, I congratulate you that you have arrived in our country, and in our town. We have heard, General, of your philanthropy, of your magnanimity, of your distinguished services in our Country's cause; and we have been taught from the cradle, by our fathers, to lisp your praise. The history of our Country has recorded and associated your name with that of our beloved Washington, and, General, although we are young, yet, it is recorded in our memories, never to be effaced. Our hearts swell with the purest gratitude and respect, which we beg you, General, to accept.
Miss Nancy Collins then came forward from the group of young misses, of whom we have spoken, holding in her hands a wreath of flowers, and delivered the following address:
General. — Your love of liberty, your disinterested Labor for the Independence of these United States, endeared you to our Fathers, and Mothers, whose recapitulations of your valor and of your friendship for our beloved Washington, have awakened in our young hearts feelings of gratitude which we cannot express. Be so kind, Sir, as to receive from our hands this Wreath. We wish it to express our most unfeigned respect for your heroism, your regard for our country, and for us, the happy people of our Union.
The General replied in a few words, but they were full of courtesy and kindness. We could now distinguish but little that passed — so great was the anxiety of the crowd which pressed in on all sides, to seize his hand "and share the good man's smile." The old men of the revolutionary period first claimed the honor of approaching him. Among these was the Rev. Jesse Nicholson, now a faithful soldier of the cross, but in the times that tried men's souls a valiant soldier of liberty. Clasping the General's hand, he in a manner highly affecting, recounted the battles in which he had fought for the independence of his country. “I was" said he "at Brandywine and Valley Forge—I saw you often, but at that time I was only-a private soldier, and discipline, the soul of armies, forbade a nearer approach to your person. That pleasure is reserved for my old age, when both of us may soon expect to join the hosts of heaven where reigns eternal peace. It is a pleasure I cannot describe — Farewell. I will not detain you." The aged veteran recounted many other engagements in which he had borne a part in the struggle for independence, and when he had done, the General with much feeling, replied, "I thank you, my fellow soldiers, for your recollections of old times. It gives me great pleasure to take by the hand a soldier of the American revolution." The bystanders were much affected.
From the Arch the General proceeded to the Market Wharf, where boats were provided to take him to the Navy Yard.
On arriving at the Navy Yard, he landed under a salute of artillery, and was conducted on board the North-Carolina, 74 (guns), when he had an opportunity of seeing one of the handsomest and best equipped ships of war in the world. The North-Carolina was gorgeously dressed for the occasion, in the flags of all nations, the effect of which, highly pleasing to the eye, was increased by having her yards manned in a superior style. She exhibited on the whole a spectacle which could not fail to command intense admiration. In passing the North-Carolina on the General's approach to the landing place he was greeted with three hearty cheers from the jolly tars who manned her yards; and upon going on board a salute was fired from the guns of the ship.
We understand that the General, after leaving the North-Carolina, partook of a collation with Capt. Warrington, in a grotto prepared for the occasion, in quite a novel and romantic style, being entirely encrusted with laurels, so as to exclude the light and give effect to a multiplicity of tapers with which it was lighted.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald – October 27, 1824
The following is a description of the Ball given in honor of Lafayette, which was the last event of his reception in Norfolk.
The Ball
The citizens having determined on giving a Ball to the Nation's Guest during his visit, a serious difficulty arose in the want of a room sufficiently large to entertain so unusually great an assemblage of company as it was obvious would be present. The largest one adapted for the purpose was incapable of containing more than 250 people with comfort. Necessity, however, is the mother of invention, and to entertain the distinguished stranger, who would not put his ingenuity to the task? The new Custom House (located where the Dominion Tower Building now stands) was said to afford the largest space of any other building in its second story, and as it happened to be unencumbered, was recommended. But how to turn a rough floor, bare brick walls, with no ceiling overhead, into a ballroom, and adapt it to the graceful movements of the dance in which beauty, taste and fashion might be displayed with becoming effect, was the next question. But no matter, perseverance and a determined mind overcame all obstacles. The Collector politely gave his consent, and the managers set to work. In a week's time a complete metamorphosis was wrought in Uncle Sam's warehouse; so great a one indeed that it might almost be ascribed to the power of magic. On Monday night last the ball took place, and it has never fallen to our lot to describe so splendid a scene as it exhibited. But lest we should get before our story let us commence the description in regular order. — A double flight of steps ascends to the entrance of the first story in which the offices are kept. The Surveyor's office, on the right of the entrance or passage, was quickly changed into a retiring room for the ladies, handsomely furnished and decorated in fine style. — Beyond this on the same side was the entrance to one of the Public Stores, through which was the passage to the stairway leading to the ball and supper rooms. From the outer door to the stairway, was presented the appearance of a natural grove of myrtle, branches of which, mingled with boughs of ivy were thickly spread along the walls or formed into arbors. The steps were richly carpeted, and the rough pine banister was lost in a handsome covering of striped bunting. At the head of the steps the brilliancy of the ball room burst into sight with an overpowering effect. The rough plank floor had been carefully cleaned and chalked, the walls neatly white-washed, and nearly covered with a tapestry and flags—overhead, instead of naked beams, and rafters, was a thickly woven ceiling of myrtle, ivy and cedar boughs, which appeared to have been formed by the intermingling of the branches of eight trees which grew up from the floor in two rows so completely had the hand of taste metamorphosed the sturdy pillars by clustering vines and sprigs of evergreen richly laden with fruits of various descriptions. Immediately beneath this umbrageous canopy, hung innumerable variegated lamps, disposed in rows and circles and shedding a glare of light surpassed only by the noon day sun. Their effect was indescribable; and they might have recalled to the mind of some fair reader of romances the description of fairy towers and palaces. Indeed, it appeared as the dark green ceiling beneath which they hung, was studded with gems of various hues. The window spaces were filled with elegant transparent paintings of landscapes, cascades, &c. highly illuminated, — and in a favorable view was placed a superb transparency of Liberty, holding a scroll with the inscription, "Welcome La Fayette," on it. At the upper end of the room, in the center, were placed three Grecian sophas (sofas); the middle one being reserved for the illustrious Guest, was distinguished by the elegant and fanciful decorations which over hung it. It was placed beneath a canopy of evergreens and wreaths of roses, from which was suspended a beautiful chaplet of real laurel and bay. At the back of the seat were displayed with much taste, several banners among which were those of the Junior and Independent Volunteers, and one of rich crimson silk, which belonged to a battalion of the Maryland cavalry during the revolution, and was displayed at the battle of Brandywine, in which La Fayette was wounded. — Over each of the two large arched doors entering the room were corresponding arched-boxes covered with red stuff and rendered luminous by lights placed within — on one was inscribed, "Washington," and on another "La Fayette". Busts of Hamilton and Washington also contributed to give interest to the scene. Instead of a cornice the room was handsomely ornamented with a drapery of flags.
We should have before observed that the area of the building is divided exactly in the middle. The part to which the stairs ascended, was, however, again partitioned off for this occasion, parallel with the original partition, so as to leave a wide passage between the ball and supper room. The ball room is said to be about 70 by 90 feet in size, capable of course, of containing as great a number as might have been expected from our population to have attended. By 8 o'clock it was pretty well filled, though not too much so as to produce any interruption or inconvenience in dancing. The number of ladies present on this occasion we judged to be about 200, and about the same number of gentlemen. The invitations to gentlemen included the officers of the army and navy with those who attended the Gen., among whom were Mr. Secretary Calhoun, Gen. Macomb, Col. McLane, and Cols. Peyton, Harvie and Preston.
As the General did not arrive till 9 o'clock, until which time the dancing was kept back, the company promenaded the room in pairs, to the music of the violins, and gave a highly picturesque effect to the scene. So great an assemblage of female beauty, for the number of ladies present, probably has seldom been witnessed anywhere. — Norfolk may indeed point to it and feel proud of her attractions. The dresses of the ladies were elegant, becoming, and in good taste. No particular costume was observed as in some of the other cities on like occasions, but all was left to fancy.
At 9 o'clock the General was introduced, and being seated the music struck up, and the dancing commenced. After the first cotillion, he was led around the room by one of the managers, and severally introduced to all the ladies.
(This was the usual practice at all the "balls" that Lafayette attended. He did not dance himself, and all verbal accounts that any certain lady had the honor of dancing with Lafayette during "his triumphal tour" in 1824-25 are erroneous. He was unable to dance because of lameness, caused by the faulty setting of a bone fractured in a fall on the steps of his house in Paris many years before. As a young man he is reported to have been very fond of "balls" and dancing.
In his visit to America, many towns "gave a ball" in his honor. The usual routine was for Lafayette to be led around the room and be introduced either before the dancing began or between dances as described here. He was then taken to a seat, specially prepared for him, where he remained watching the dancing for a time. He often retired early, fatigued by a long, eventful day, even though the dancing continued much later.)
The superior band of musicians from Fortress Monroe, attended during the evening, and played a number of animating airs during the intervals in the dancing. At half past 10 o'clock, it being near the time for the General to embark for Richmond, he was conducted to the supper table, along with his suite and other gentlemen in attendance; the ladies also took their seats at this table, and the whole partook of an elegant supper prepared by Maj. Cooper. At half past 11, our honored Guest took his leave of this animating scene, and of our Borough, but not of our hearts. There he is permanently fixed.
It would require more leisure, and a greater space in our paper than we can devote to the subject to do full justice to the elegance, taste, and splendor of this entertainment; both require us to be brief. But we cannot conclude without paying a compliment to the zeal and indefatigable industry of the Managers in getting it up, under such untoward circumstances, and to Thos. Reilly, Esq. to whose elegant taste and friendly assistance they acknowledge themselves indebted for the arrangement of a great part of the decorations.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald - Nov.1, 1824
The Ball, having excited such general admiration and eulogy by its novelty and splendor we must take to ourselves the pleasure of naming the gentlemen who formed the Committee of Management, and who really deserve the thanks of our community. They are John E. Holt (Mayor), Stephen Wright, Mrs. King, Geo. Newton, Mordecai Cooke, Drs. P. Barraud and R. B. Stark; Mrs. Arthur Emmerson, Jno. R. Triplett, P. E. Tubb; and Conway Whittle, Arch'd Taylor, Walter F. Jones and John R. Steed.
We hope you enjoyed today's post, “The Marquis de Lafayette Tours Hampton Roads.” This is the third of three posts we have created in honor of Lafayette’s October 1824 visit to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. We hope this will interest you in learning more about the Marquis de Lafayette’s role in American History. Please join us again next month as we resume our regular posting of articles on Social, Political, and Military history of the late-18th and early-19th century in the United States.
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