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. 419
were such as to secure perfect safety and order in entering the
Castle, and to prevent detention.
Immediately in front of the gate which forms the first entrance to the Garden, was erected a pyramid of the height of
seventy-five feet, brilliantly illuminated, and surmounted by a
double triangle, likewise illuminated, presenting the appearance
of a star encircling the letter F. The Bridge leading to the
Castle, which stands off from the Battery, into the bay, 250
feet, was this evening an immense covered way, carpeted the
entire distance, hung with numerous lamps, and decorated with
ever-greens. Through this magnificent entrance, the company
found their way into the interior of the Garden.
The Castle, which is a circle, and covers a surface of about
600 feet, was enclosed with an awning at an altitude of seventyfive feet, the dome of which was supported in the centre by a
column dressed with pale blue and white, and inscribed with
the names of men immortalized with that of Lafayette, in the
cause of freedom. This column was encircled with an immense cut glass chandelier, composed of thirteen separate ones,
representing the thirteen original states; while it formed at its
summit, the centre, whence hung the flags, signals, and standards
of various nations, looped and festooned with much good taste,
making a covering for the company, and a splendid military
and naval dress for the coarser canopy above.
This object, which was the first that met the eye, and formed
at the base but a slight obstruction, had a very imposing appearance, and produced a fine effect. The whole seemed to
operate like a charm upon the visiter, as he entered, who, with
elevated and sparkling eyes, and with looks of enraptured admiration, came forward from the massy and low-browed
entrance, with increased grace in his step, and airy lightness in
his feelings. Every one seemed to feel at home, and to appropriate the scene and its pleasures to his individual enjoyment
and use.
The roof was supported by thirteen transparent columns,
capped with a circle of light, and based with the armoreal insigna
of the several states, under a shield of the Union, to denote
their dependence on the same, and richly flanked with a falling
drapery. Between the columns were to be seen the names of
the original states, in gilded letters, encircled by laurel wreaths,
and suspended between American ensigns, and a profusion of'striped bunting.'