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.

340 THE TOUR OF
behalf, the sword of your youth was drawn, and personally to
bear your testimony to the blessings which have followed the
achievements that have been accomplished by'the united efforts
of a Washington, and his illustrious companions in arms. General, my bosom glows at the associations which these events
bring to our recollection, and every heart in this assembly throbs
with inexpressible emotions at the sight of the herb who this
day enters their Hall, and confers a lasting honour upon the
sittings of this Society.
" Long, long, Sir, may you live to enjoy the homage so
justly due, and spontaneously offered from the hearts of a free
and grateful people, for the services you have rendered to this
nation, to the world, to liberty, and to the ever memorable establishment of the only example on earth-a pure unmixed republican fbrm of government.
" The same heroic page that records these events, will also
inscribe in golden capitals, the immortal names of WASHINGTON
and LAFAYETTE."
General Lafayette thereupon rose and replied as follows:" Sir-With the most lively gratitude, I receive, the honour
which the Historical Society of New-York have conferred by
electing me one of their members.
"Permit me also thankfully to acknowledge the flattering
manner in which you are pleased to announce this mark of their
benevolence.
"The United States, Sir, are the first nation, on the records
of history, who have founded their constitutions upon an honest
investigation, and clear definition of their natural and social
rights.
" Nor can we doubt, but that, notwithstanding the combinations made elsewhere by despotism and aristocracy, against
those sacred rights of mankind, immense majorities in other
countries, shall not in vain observe the happiness and prosperi.
ty of a free, virtuous, and enlightened people."
The President of the Society next addressed M. George
Washington Lafayette as follows:
"George Washington Lafayette —In accordance with the
resolution of the New-York Historical Society, I have also the
honour to present you a similar evidence of membership, with
that conferred upon your illustrious Sire.
"May you, Sir, emulate his talents and his virtues; and may
the same undaunted spirit which led him to offer his life at tho