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.

476 THE TOUR OF
fections of all the Americans to the person and posterity of
Lafayette, now and hereafter. And when your descendants
of a distant day shall behold this valued relic, it will remind
them of the heroic virtues of their illustrious sire, who received
-It, not in tile palaces of princes, or amid the pomp and vanities
of life, but at the laurelled grave of Washington.
"Do you ask-Is this the Mausoleum befitting the ashes of
a Marcus Aurelius, or the good Antonius? I tell you, that the
father of his country lies buried in the hearts of his countrymen;
and in those of the brave, the good, the free, of all ages and
nations. Do you seek for the tablets which are to convey his
fame to immortality? They have long been written in the
freedom and happiness o'f their country. These are the monumental trophies of Washington the great; and will endure
when the proudest works of art have " dissolved and left not a
wreck behind."
"' Venerable man! Will you never tire in the cause of freedom and human happiness? Is it not time that you should
rest from your labours, and repose on the bosom of a country,
which delights to love and honour you, and will teach her
children's children to bless your name and memory? Surely,
where liberty dwells, there must be the country of Lafayette.
~" Our fathers witnessed the dawn of your glory, partook of
its meridian splendour; and oh, let their children enjoy the benign radiance of your setting sun. And when it shall sink in
the horizon of nature, here, here with pious duty, we will form
your sepulchre; and, united in death as in life, by the side of
the great chief you will rest in peace, till the last trump awakes
the slumbering world, and calls your virtues to their great
reward.
" The joyous shouts of millions of freemen hailed your returning foot-print on our sands. The arms of millions are opened
wide to take you to their grateful hearts; and the prayers of
millions ascend to the throne of the Eternal, that the choicest
blessings of Heaven may cheer the latest days of Lafayette."
General Lafayette having received the ring, pressed it to his
bosom, and replied:" The feelings, which at this awful moment oppress my heart,
do not leave the power of utterance. I can only thank you,
my dear Custis, for your precious gift. I pay a silent homage
to the tomb of the greatest and best of men, my paternal friend."
On Monday, the General proceeded down the Potomac for