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.

488 THE TOUR OF
cullhar felicity of my situation, when, after so long an absence,
I am called to witness the immense improvements, the admira
ble communications, the prodigious creations of which we find
an example in this city, whose name itself is a venerated palladium; n a word, all the grandeur and prosperity of these happy United States, which, at the same time they nobly secure
the complete assertion of American Independence, reflect on
every part of the world the light of a far superior political
civilization.
"What better pledge can be given of a persevering national
love of liberty, when those blessings are evidently the result of
a virtuous resistance to oppression, and the institutions founded
on the rights of man and the Republican principle of self-government. No, Mr. Speaker, posterity has not begun for me
-since in the sons of my companions and friends, I find the
same public feelings, and permit me to add,.the same feelings
in my behalf, which I have had the happiness to experience in
their fathers.
" Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before a Committee of a Congress of thirteen States, to express the fond
wishes of an American heart.-On this day I have the honour,
and enjoy the delight, to congratulate the Representatives of
the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes,
even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost
infinite prospects we can with certainty anticipate.
" Permit me, MIr. Speaker, and gentlemen of the House of
Representatives, to join, to the expression of those sentiments, a
tribute of my lively gratitude, affectionate devotion, and profound respect."
After the General and the Members had resumed their seats
and a short pause ensued, Mr. Mitchell, the organ of the Committee of reception, moved an adjournment.
The motion was agreed to, and the House was adjourned
to Monday.
The Speaker then descended from the Chair, and most
affectionately saluted the General. His example was followed by the Members of the House, individually, and some
time was spent in this agreeable manner before the General
retired.
The sublime and touching realities of this whole scene surpass the powers of imagination; every eye, every ear, and
every heart, were wholly engrossed by the magnitude of the