A complete history of the Marquis de Lafayette, major-general in the American army in the war of the revolution. Embracing an account of his tour through the United States, to the time of his departure, September, 1825. By an officer in the late army.

GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 337
of the exertions you made to obtain them, that you came to
them in the darkest period of their struggle —that you linked
your fortune with theirs, when it seemed almost hopeless-that
you shared in the dangers, privations and sufferings of that bitter struggle, nor quitted them for a moment, till it was cofisummated on the glorious field of Yorktown. Half a century has
passed since that great event, and in that time your name has
become as dear to the friends, and as inseparably connected
with the cause of freedom, in the old, as in the new world.
The people of the United States look up to you as to one of
their most honoured parents-the country cherishes you as one
of the most beloved of her sons. I hope and trust, sir, that not
only the present, but future conduct of my countrymen, to the
latest period of time, will, among other slanders, refute the unjust imputation, that republics are always ungrateful to their
benefactors.
In behalf of my fellow citizens of New-York, and speaking
the warm and universal sentiments of the whole people of the
United States, I repeat their welcome to our common country.
Permit me to add, that the moment of my life, to which I
shall look back with the greatest pleasure and pride, will be
that, in which it fell to my lot, to be an organ, for expressing,
however feeble, a nation's gratitude.
General Lafayette's answer.
Sir-While I am so affectionately received by the citizens
of New-York and their worthy representatives, I feel myself
overwhelmed with inexpressible emotions. The sight of the
American shore, after so long an absence, the recollection of the
many respected friends and dear companions, no more to be
found on this land, the pleasure to recognise those who have survived, this immense concourse of a free republican population,
who so kindly welcome me, the admirable appearance of the
troops, the presence of a corps of the National Navy, have excited sentiments, to which no human language can be adequate. You have been pleased, sir, to allude to the happiest
times, the unalloyed enjoyments of my public life; it is the pride
of my heart to have been one of the earliest adopted sons of
America: I am proud also to add, that upwards of forty years
ago I have been particularly honoured with the freedom of this
city. I beg you, Mr. Mayor, I beg you, gentlemen, to accept
yourselves, and to, transmit to the citizens of New-York, the
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