"GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
"SIR—On behalf of the people of Virginia, I tender to you a most cordial and hearty welcome to our State.
"In you we recognise the early, the steadfast, the consistent friend. Whilst the United States in general, owe you so large a debt of gratitude, for the liberal tender of your purse, your person and your blood in their behalf, the state of Virginia, is, if possible, still more deeply indebted to you.—You were her defender in the hour of her greatest trial. At the early age of twenty four years, with an army greatly inferior in numbers, and still more in equipments and discipline, you conducted your military movements with so much judgment, that the ablest officer of the British army could never obtain the slightest advantage over you; and whilst that officer spent his time in harassing our distressed state you maneuvered before him with the most unceasing caution and vigilance, with a steady eye, to that grand result, which brought the war to a crisis on the plains of York.
"Forty-three years from that period, we have the happiness to find you in our country, the vast improvement of which is the most conclusive evidence of the correctness of the principles for which you contended by the side of Washington.
"I will conclude, sir, by the expression of a sentiment, which I believe to be strictly true; It is, that no man, at any time has ever received the effusions of a nation's feelings, which have come so directly from the heart."
The General advanced, and grasping the Governor's hand, said,—"I am gratified sir, most highly gratified, by the reception you have given me on the part of the state of Virginia. The happy conduct and the successful termination of the decisive campaign, in which you have the goodness to ascribe to me so large a part, were attributable much more to the constituted authorities and people of Virginia, than to the general who was honored with the chief military command. I have the liveliest recollection of all the scenes of my services in this state, and of all the men with whom it was my happiness and honor to serve—and happy as I was to assist and witness the accomplishment of American liberty and independence, I have been yet happier in the assurance that the blessings which have flowed from that great event, have exceeded the fondest and most sanguine expectations."
The General was then successively introduced to the councilors, the judges, the revolutionary officers, and a number of citizens. The procession then advanced—Gen. Lafayette, the Governor, Chief Justice, and Mr. Calhoun, the Secretary of War, seated in the barouche. Next Lafayette's son and suite, and the Council, &c. &c. in regular succession. It advanced (the General's head uncovered) amidst the salutes from the artillery company stationed on the heights and from the steamboats and small craft—and amid the full swell of music. It passed through the long lines of citizens and old revolutionary soldiers arranged in two columns. It wound up the hill; and finally terminated at the General's quarters.—On entering the house (Gen. Nelson's) he was cheered by a crowd of citizens.
The introduction of a number of ladies and citizens followed—receiving all with interest and the quiet dignity of a spirit at peace within itself, and pleased with all the world. The most interesting of these interviews were with the soldiers of the revolution. One of them advanced, seized the General by the hand, exclaiming, "I was with you at Yorktown. I entered yonder redoubt at your side. I too was at the side of the gallant De Kalb, your associate in arms, when he fell in the field." The tears streamed from the veteran's eyes; and Lafayette showed by his countenance the sympathy he felt. "Yes, my brave soldier, I am happy to have lived, to meet you once more."
After a short time, Lafayette, respecting that inestimable spirit of equality which pervades over free institutions, went forth to salute the crowd of citizens who stood in the street. He was stationed at the gate, and the long line of gratified spectators passed by him. Each person seized his hand as he passed him. To all Lafayette extended some mark of kindness and consideration. The spectacle was deeply impressive. The variety of manners in the different spectators was singularly striking. Some as they approached, fixed their eyes on his face, and lingered after they had passed, as if to drink in the last expression of its countenance. Others advanced with the deepest feelings of awe, with their eyes cast upon the earth.
On Monday, Lafayette dined with a select company of some 20 or 30, consisting of the revolutionary officers, &c. At night, some transparencies were exhibited over the door of his house, and under the Richmond marquee."
In truth, the scene exceeded all rational expectation: The committee of arrangements deserve much encomium for their enterprising spirit and judicious efforts. It is a seem which no man who saw it will ever forget. The Virginians appeared in their true colours.—The moral effects of this spectacle were sublime. There was an effect in it, which no words can describe, "tears streamed from an hundred eyes. The sentiments it diffused through several thousands of spectators, were of the loftiest character.
On this day, Monday 18th, the reception was purely civic, not a soldier appeared under arms. But on the 19th the military spectacle was imposing and brilliant. Soon after breakfast, Lafayette walked from his quarters, to the tent of Washington, surrounded by the committee of arrangements and others. Numbers were then introduced to him—many ladies, the veteran soldiers of the revolution, citizens from other states and all quarters of Virginia.
Col. Wm. I. Lewis, of Campbell, was introduced to him, and delivered the following address:—