The next morning, October 8th, the court of the hotel was filled by young men on horseback, intended as an escort to the general as far as the first post-house. Their countenances, and some words I overheard, proved to me that they were full of the scene of the evening before, and were firmly resolved that it should not be renewed with impunity. The posts of the infantry and gens d’armerie had been doubled during the night, as if the day was to be productive of great events; but the magistracy confined itself to those ridiculous demonstrations, and General Lafayette left the city in peace, receiving on his way numerous testimonials of the good wishes of the citizens.
At the end of the suburb, the escort was augmented by more young horsemen, who accompanied him to the first relay of horses, where they took leave of him, after having presented him with a crown of “Immortelles,” which was laid in his carriage on the sword given him by the New York militia.
That evening we slept at St. Germain-en-Laye, and the next day, October 9th, we arrived at La Grange, where, for the three last days, the neighbouring districts had been occupied in preparations for a fete on the arrival of one so long and ardently looked for.
At a certain distance from the house, the carriage stopped; and the general on descending from it, found himself in the midst of a crowd, whose transports and joy would have deceived a stranger, and led him to suppose that they were all his children. The house was filled until evening, by the crowd, who only retired after having conducted the general, by the light of illuminations and to the sound of music, under a triumphal arch, bearing an inscription, in which they had dedicated to him the title of “friend of the people.” There he again received the expressions of joy and happiness induced by his return.
The next day, the general was occupied in receiving the young girls who brought him flowers and chaunted couplets in his honour, the company of the national guard of Court Palais, and a deputation from the town of Rosay. The inhabitants of the commune in offering a box of flowers to their friend, congratulated him on his arrival through their leader M. Fricotelle.
The following Sunday, the inhabitants of Rosay and its environs gave the general a brilliant fete, the expenses of which were defrayed by common subscription. The preparations which had required several days’ labour, were the work of the citizens, who did not wish to be aided by any mercenary hands. At five o’clock in the evening, more than four thousand persons, many of whom had arrived from a distance of some leagues, filled the apartments and courts of La Grange, to salute him, whom all voices hailed as the friend of the people. At seven o’clock, a troop of young girls marching at the head of the population of Rosay, presented a basket of flowers to the general, and chaunted some simple and touching couplets; after which Mr. Vigne pronounced in the name of the canton a discourse filled with noble sentiments. After the general’s reply, which was received with transports of joy, he was conducted in triumph to the meadow, where an elegant tent had been erected for him and his family. Illuminations artfully disposed, fire-works prepared by Ruggieri, animated dances, a great number of booths of all kinds, and a population of upwards of six thousand persons, all contributed to recall to Lafayette some of the brilliant scenes of his American triumph; and with the more truth, since he found so much conformity in the feelings which dictated both.
The dancing lasted all night; the cries of “long live the people’s friend” were to be heard until the next day, when Lafayette, once more in the bosom of his family, enjoyed that happiness and calm which only result from the recollection of a well spent life.
THE END.
[1]. Since our return to France, the general has received a similar boiler from Mr. Morris of Baltimore, which is now in use at La Grange.