"On that spot, sir, we are most proud to receive you. We hail you as the hero of liberty and the friend of man. We greet you as the bosom friend of Washington. We greet you as one of the father's of the republic."
General Lafayette answered—
"I am happy, sir, to find myself again, after a long absence, and to be so kindly welcomed, on the beloved sail of the state of Virginia; that state, to which I am bound by so many old ties of gratitude, devotion, and mutual confidence. It is to the patriotic support I found in the civil authorities of this state, whose generous spirit had already shone from the beginning of the revolutionary contest; it is to the zeal, the courage, the perseverance of the Virginia militia, in conjunction with our small gallant continental army, that we have been indebted for the success of a campaign arduous in its beginning, fruitful in its happy issue. Nothing can be more gratifying to my feelings, than the testimonies I receive of my living still in the hearts of the Virginians; and I beg you, sir, to be pleased to accept, and transmit to the citizens of this state, the cordial tribute of my grateful, constant and affectionate respect."
The beach and the heights of Yorktown were filled with anxious spectators: the anticipation was intense. The Governor and Council were stationed on a temporary wharf, erected for the occasion, to receive him. Judges, revolutionary patriots, officers of the army, invited guests and citizens, were also in waiting, in a separate group. Lafayette landed with his companions, and supported by Colonels Fassett, Harvie, Peyton and Jones; who introduced him to the Governor of the State. The latter received him with the following speech:—
"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."