"GENERAL,
"The citizens of Philadelphia welcome to their homes, the Patriot who has long been dear to their hearts.
"Grateful at all times for the enjoyment of a free government, they are, on this occasion, peculiarly anxious but unable to express a deep felt sentiment of pure affection toward those venerated men whose martial and civil virtues, under Providence, have conferred upon themselves and their descendents, this mighty blessing.
"Forty-eight years ago, in this city, and in this hallowed hall, which may emphatically be called the birth place of independence, a convention of men, such as the world has rarely seen, pre-eminent for talents and patriotism, solemnly declared their determination to assume for themselves the right of self-government; and that they and their posterity should thence forth assert their just rank among the nations of the earth. A small, but cherished band of those who breasted the storm and sustained the principles thus promulgated to the world, still remains—In the front rank of these worthies, history will find, and we now delight to honor, General Lafayette, whose whole life has been devoted to the cause of freedom and to the support of the inalienable rights of man.
"General—Many of your co patriots have passed away, but the remembrance of their virtues and their services, shall never pass from the minds of this people; their's is an imperishable fame, the property of ages yet to come. But we turn from the fond recollection of the illustrious dead to hail with heart-felt joy the illustrious living, and again bid welcome, most kindly and affectionately welcome, to the guest of the nation, the patriot Lafayette."
The general made the following answer:
"My entrance through this fair and great city, amidst the most solemn and affecting recollections, and under all the circumstances of a welcome which no expression could adequately acknowledge, has excited emotions in my heart, in which are mingled the feelings of nearly fifty years.
"Here, sir, within these sacred walls, by a council of wise and devoted patriots, and in a style worthy of the deed itself, was boldly declared the independence of these vast United States, which, while it anticipated the independence, and I hope, the republican independence, of the whole American hemisphere, has begun, for the civilized world, the era of a new and of the only true social order founded on the unalienable rights of man, the practicability and advantages of which are every day admirably demonstrated by the happiness and prosperity of your populous city.
"Here, sir, was planned the formation of our virtuous, brave, revolutionary army, and the providential inspiration received, that gave the command of it to our beloved, matchless Washington. But these and many other remembrances, are mingled with a deep regret for the numerous cotemporaries, for the great and good men whose loss we have remained to mourn.—It is to their services, sir, to your regard for their memory to your knowledge of the friendships I have enjoyed, that I refer the greater part of honors here and elsewhere received, much superior to my individual merit.
"It is also under the auspices of their venerated names, as well as under the impulse of my own sentiments, that I beg you Mr. Mayor, you gentlemen of both councils, and all the citizens of Philadelphia, to accept the tribute of my affectionate respect and profound gratitude."
General Lafayette remained in Philadelphia a week; and the repeated and constant attentions shown him by public societies and by distinguished individuals, were such as might have been expected from the celebrated hospitality and civism of that city, and such as was not unworthy of their eminent guest. The governor of the state was attentive and courteous to him during his whole visit; and other public functionaries, both civil and military, were eager of the honor of manifesting their great respect for his character. That portion of the citizens, who belong to the religious society of Friends, appeared equally cordial and happy in an opportunity to assure him of their esteem. It is not consistent with their principles to make a great parade, or to prepare expensive and useless ceremonies. They did not all approve of the plan of illumination. In the wish to have it general, some ardent citizens censured the friends for declining to do it—But this was a mistaken zeal. The religious opinions and conscientious scruples of all classes of people are entitled to respect. It would have been altogether unjustifiable, had there been an attempt to force the friends into the measure. They are a very respectable class of citizens; and we trust, that for no purposes of parade or ceremony, they will ever be required to violate their consciences, or be subjected to insult for any non-compliance. The following lines were written by one of that religious society, on the occasion, and cannot fail to be acceptable to every liberal mind.
TO LAFAYETTE.
O! think not our hearts void of gratitude's glow,
For the friend of our country, for liberty's friend,
Tho' we do not with others loud praises bestow,
The kind hand of friendship we freely extend.
We welcome thee back to the land where thy name,
In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere;
Tho' we bind not thy brows with the chaplet of fame,
Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute—a tear!
Yes—a tear of affection which starts to the eye,
When tracing thy storm-beaten pathway through life;
That thy principles pure could ambition defy,
Thy humanity prompt thee to stay the fierce strife.
In thee we behold not the chieftain whose sword
Delighting in bloodshed is ever unsheath'd;
But the friend of mankind, whose mild actions afford
A proof that his lips no hypocrisy breath'd.
Then welcome once more to the land where thy name
In boyhood we lisp'd, and in manhood revere;
Tho' we twine not thy brows with the war-wreath of fame,
Accept, beloved guest, a warm tribute—A TEAR.
While in Philadelphia, General Lafayette visited the navy yard. The Governor accompanied him in this visit, and he was also attended by a large escort and procession. He was addressed by commodore Barron, in a very appropriate and feeling manner. A great number of ladies were presented to him at the commodore's quarters. On his return, he attended a splendid entertainment provided for him by the Free Masons. A ball was also given in honor of Lafayette, while he was in Philadelphia, the must brilliant and the most numerous ever known in the city. The Miss Bollmans, daughters of Dr. Bollman, who generously attempted the rescue of Lafayette from the prison at Olmutz, were present. On one day, 2000 children assembled at the State House to be presented to him; and one of them addressed him. The scene was said to be uncommonly interesting.—The following was his reply to the address of the Frenchmen in Philadelphia:—