A writer concludes the account of this fete thus; "Taking into view the immense space of the area, the gigantic ceiling of which was lined with the flags of all nations, festooned in a thousand varied shapes, and the whole most brilliantly illuminated, we can safely assert that there was never any thing to equal it in this country.
"The seats now erected around the area will accommodate about 3000 persons.
"There were 200 servants employed on this occasion, dressed in white under clothes, and blue coats, with red capes and cuffs."
He did not arrive at West-Point until about noon, having been detained some hours on the passage, by the steam boat getting on the flats in a thick fog. Before he reached this memorable spot, and as he passed near the banks of the Hudson, the people collected in great numbers, at several places, tendering him the hearty welcome of freemen, and expressing, by loud and long acclamations, their joy at his presence. On his arrival at West-Point, the whole establishment were in readiness to greet him. He was received under a national salute. Generals Brown and Scott of the army of the United States were also here, to bid him welcome, and bestow those honors due to the highest general officer in the national service, as well as to one who justly merited the nation's gratitude. He passed several hours at this celebrated spot; highly pleased with the appearance of the cadets, and with the evidences exhibited of improvements in military science. The recollection of times long since gone by gave a deep interest to the visit at this memorable post, some time the Head-Quarters of the American army; and the place where the infamous Arnold attempted to barter away the independence of the country. Some of the cadets wear the swords presented by Lafayette to a corps of American troops in the war of the revolution.
At a late hour in the afternoon, he proceeded up the river to Newburgh, where nearly 20,000 people were collected to greet him. They had been waiting his approach with great eagerness, and arrangements had been made to receive him with due honors, and expressive of their unbounded affection and regard. The lateness of the hour prevented their being carried into full effect. A splendid ball was given, and a sumptuous repast prepared; and he was addressed in behalf of the town, by one of the principal citizens. Arches were thrown across the principal street, and most of the buildings were illuminated. He regretted, that he had not more time at Newburgh; for this, too, is memorable as the residence of WASHINGTON, and a part of the continental army in 1781. He embarked on board the steam boat, at twelve o'clock, and proceeded up the river, on his way to Albany. He reached Poughkeepsie at the rising of the sun. But the militia were assembled, the banks of the river, and the wharves were crowded by a happy population, impatient to present their offerings of gratitude and esteem to their heroic and benevolent visitor. Their repeated cheers made the welkin ring. When he landed, he was received by a battalion of the militia, in full uniform. A procession being formed, he was conducted through the most populous part of the town, to the city hotel, receiving as he passed, the constant greetings of the people.
The spacious hall in which breakfast was provided for him, was tastefully ornamented, and in various public places, inscriptions and mottos were displayed, which were expressive of the affection and respect of the inhabitants for their distinguished guest. A number of his old companions in arms were presented to him, both at this place and at Newburgh; among them was one who had served with much credit as an officer through the war, who was ninety-five years of age, with all his faculties unimpaired.
The reception of Lafayette at Catskill, Hudson and Livingston's manor, was highly gratifying to him, and honorable to the sensibility and patriotism of the people. He was every where met with demonstrations of joy. The overflowing gratitude, the sumptuous hospitality, the military pride, which were manifested wherever he paused, if but for an hour, were new proofs of one universal feeling of affectionate attachment to the friend of WASHINGTON and adopted son of the nation.
Very splendid preparations were made in Albany for his reception: and a great number of people had assembled from all the neighbouring towns. He did not enter the city till evening, which prevented in some measure, the brilliant honors which had been intended to be offered. A committee proceeded to meet him several miles from the city, and to conduct him on his way. They were attended by an escort of dragoons, and a great number of the citizens in carriages. The roar of cannon announced his approach, and the houses in the city were at once illuminated. The procession moved on to the capitol, amidst the cheers and welcomes of 40,000 people. General Lafayette was here addressed by the mayor of the city; and being introduced to the governor, he also offered him the salutations of the state. A number of the revolutionary officers and soldiers were then presented to him. The interchange of greetings was most affectionate between the parties, and most interesting to the spectators. A standard of Gansevort's regiment, which had waved at Yorktown, under the command of Lafayette, attracted particular attention among the numerous decorations in the capitol. In the course of the evening, he was conducted to the splendid ball room, where the ladies appeared in all their attractions, and were anxious to show their respect to the far-famed hero, who almost fifty years ago, had devoted his life and his all, to the cause of America.
On the following day, many of the inhabitants of both sexes were introduced to him, at the capitol. The old soldiers of the revolution were among them. One, when he took his hand, said, "General, I owe my life to you; I was wounded at the battle of Monmouth. You visited me in the hospital—you gave me two guineas, and one to a person to nurse me. To this I owe my recovery, and may the blessing of heaven rest upon you."
He afterwards visited Troy and the great canal, recently made in the state of New-York, the commencement of which is not far from the city of Albany. He was accompanied by the governor, Hon. De Witt Clinton, the chief projector and patron of this great work, by a deputation of the city council, and several other gentlemen of distinction. When passing to the canal, he was greeted with repeated welcomes by the people who crowded the streets and the public roads. The steam boat which he entered, was commanded by a captain of the revolutionary army. On passing the arsenal, he was saluted by three field pieces captured at Yorktown. Here he was also shown the field train taken from Burgoyne, and some French field pieces which he was instrumental in procuring to be sent to the United States, in 1779. At Troy, he was received by a deputation of the city, and one of them addressed him in the name of the inhabitants; referring to his meritorious services, and declaring the joy they experienced in beholding him in this favoured land of peace and freedom. He also received an affectionate address from the Free Masons, and one still more affectionate from the ladies of Troy. They bid him welcome, and acknowledged that to him, with others, they were indebted for the blessings of social, and the joys of domestic life. The misses of the academy were then presented to him, and sang a hymn prepared for the occasion. He made a short reply, but was so much affected, that it was not sufficiently understood to be preserved. He then returned to Albany, followed by the cheers and blessings of the people, who crowded about him on the water and on the land.