"With the hearty cheers of these hardy sons of Neptune, the General appeared to be peculiarly impressed. Over South Salem bridge were two tastefully decorated arches—one bearing the inscription "WELCOME ILLUSTRIOUS CHIEF! Receive the pledges of thy Children to sustain with fidelity the principles that first associated LAFAYETTE with the destinies of America." These arches were surrounded by an immense number of citizens, who made the air ring with their huzzas and welcomes. The figure of an Indian Chief characteristically dressed, bore labels inscribed "Lafayette and Liberty. Welcome generous Lafayette."
"The procession passed through the principal streets, which were thronged with spectators; while the windows of the houses were crowded with females, all eager to see and welcome the heroic visitor.
"Civic Arches, historical and patriotic Inscriptions, memorable eras, wreaths of flowers and evergreens, banners and flags, were displayed in many of the streets, enlivening the scene, animating the cheers, and affording grateful recollections.
"Central street was gaily dressed in colours, and on an elegant arch were inscribed the names of distinguished patriots of the revolution, crowned with those of WASHINGTON and LAFAYETTE. In North-street a similar arch bore the inscription:—"Honor to him who fought and bled for the peace and happiness we now enjoy." On an arch at Buffum's corner, was inscribed, "LAFAYETTE, the friend of Liberty, we welcome to the land of liberty. He did not forget us in our adversity—In our prosperity we remember his services with gratitude." Near the above, another arch bore a likeness of Lafayette, surmounted by an eagle.
"Near the avenue leading to the bridge at which, in February, 1775, Col. LESLIE, with a detachment of the British 64th regiment, met with a repulse in an attempt to carry off some canon deposited in the vicinity, were banners, with the following inscription:—
"Leslie's Repulse, 1775.
Lafayette's Renown, 1824."
"In Winter-street an arch bore the following inscription on American duck, made at the factory in Salem—
AMERICAN DUCK
"While winds shall blow, and seas shall roll,
While aught remains that's good and great,
Our Native Duck, from pole to pole,
Shall waft the fame of Lafayette."
"Washington-square was decorated with two arches, tastefully ornamented, one bearing the name of the General in oaken characters and the second a bust of Washington.
"On Washington-square the General passed between two lines of boys, about one thousand in number, arrayed under their respective instructors, all bearing Lafayette badges. One of the gates of the square bore this inscription.—"The children welcome with joy, the illustrious benefactor of their fathers." And as the General passed, they shouted "Welcome Lafayette."