ing

from the devastations of war.-You find us an exalted nation; our republic honored and respected by foreign powers; our public credit not surpassed; our country rich and prosperous; our people free and happy, protected by a government of their own choice, and whose energy and power are founded in the affections of its citizens. What can be more grateful to the heart of the patriot, and to him, who, by his sword, his fortune, and his sacrifices, assisted in consecrating the principles of our independence? We, who daily witness the supremacy of the laws, their faithful administration, and the equal rights they secure, are emulous to join in the loud acclaim which bursts from every corner of the land; the spontaneous effusion of a nation's heart!

But, with us, one remembrance tempers exultation.— Would that the feelings of the New York Bar might have been uttered by him, now no more, who passed with you, through dangers and honour, in the emulation of youthful gallantry, and was your associate in the bril liant crowning scene of the war of the revolution. That commanding intellect which was so powerfully felt in the organization of our government-in the establishment of its finances, and in the vindication of the great principles of freedom ingrafted in our constitution, equally displayed its superiority in the pursuits of forensic life. Had it been permitted to your early friend and companion, to present himself the representative of a profession his talents and principles adorned, his eloquence would have done justice to our grateful sense of your services, and to our high respect for your character."

THE GENERAL'S ANSWER.

"Testimonies of esteem from so respectable a body as the Bar of New York, are highly flattering to me. I most deeply sympathise, gentlemen, in your regrets for the friend whose prodigious talents made him as eminent in your profession as he had been in our military labours, when he deserved Washington's most intimate confidence. The truly republican forms of the Ameri

can constitutions, cannot but endear them to every citizen of the United States. Yet to any one, who with an American heart, has had opportunities of a comparison with other countries, the blessings of those institutions must appear still more conspicuous. I beg you, sir, and all of you, gentlemen, to accept my grateful and affectionate thanks."

The General, during his tour to New York visited the Navy Yard at that place. He was attended by the Committee of arrangements; and a select circle of ladies and gentlemen proceeded in the elegant steam boat Chancellor Kent, to visit the Navy Yard at Brooklyn.— On his way to the Navy Yard, and on his return, he received salutes from the forts and vessels in the harbor. On visiting the Steam Frigate he was much pleased with the construction of this formidable and unique naval battlement.

The General was then conducted on board of the Washington 74, where refreshments were provided for the whole party. After refreshing himself, he took a rapid survey of the ships, and those now building, and returned on board of the Kent, when another salute was fired by the Constitution.

In re-passing the Grampus another salute, was fired, and the sides were manned, and three cheers given by the patriotic crew.

At one o'clock, the boat again came to the wharf, and the general disembarked; having enjoyed a charming excursion, and been much gratified with viewing the works, and witnessing the admirable order and discipline preserved.

Notwithstanding the fatigue which the veteran General must have encountered on Monday, in going through the arduous ceremonies of the day, he nevertheless found time in the evening to withdraw, and pay a a visit to the widow of General Hamilton; to dwell upon the recollection of his public services, and condole upon the loss sustained in his death, by his country.-There is

a delicacy of character in such marks of attention, which render them truly valuable.

On Monday, between the hours of 12 and 2, the General received the visits and congratulations of his fellowcitizens at the Governor's room, in the city hall. The crowd was immense, and many grey hairs, and old soldiers of the revolution, were seen making their way to the General. There was no order of people, no privileged communities. Mechanics in their shirt sleeves-laborers, generals, and judges, clergymen, and ALL classes, pressed forward to take him by the hand.

On Thursday evening, the General visited lady Kitty Nelson, the daughter of his old friend and associate in arms, General Lord Sterling; Mrs. S. L. Governeur, the daughter of the President; and Mrs. Charles King, whom he had known intimately in France.

While the escort was passing the United States Arsenal, a salute of 19 guns was fired by Lieut. James Monroe. Two of the guns used on this occasion were taken at the battle of Yorktown, in which General Lafayette was personally engaged,

On Friday morning at half past seven o'clock, the General left the city of New York for Boston. He was escorted by a large cavalcade of New York troops as far as Byram river, the boundary of the state, where he was met by a company

ty of Stamford of Connecticut troops from the vicini

During the stay of the General in New York, he réceived the following letter from the Mayor of Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA, July 31, 1824. To General Lafayette.

SIR.It is with the utmost pleasure I fulfil the duty enjoined upon me by an unanimous vote of the councils of Philadelphia, in inviting you to become the Guest of the city. The enclosed resolutions faithfully represent the feelings of all classes of our citizens. By all, you are anxiously expected, and to all, your presence

will be most welcome. In their name, therefore, and on their behalf, I beg you, Sir, to gratify this universal desire; and give to the city of Philadelphia, a participation in the joy which your arrival in America will pro

duce.

To me, personally, Sir, it will ever remain a subject of pride and pleasure that it has fallen to my lot to be the medium of this communication.

I have the honor to be,

With the greatest respect,

Your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH WATSON,

Mayor of the city of Philadelphia.

NEW YORK, August 18, 1824.

SIR,-With the most profound gratitude I have received the kind flattering resolutions of the honorable councils of the city of Philadelphia, and the letter by which you have been pleased to transmit them. They could not but increase the anxious desire I feel to revisit the illustrious city, where so glorious scenes of the revolution have taken place, and where I have passed so many happy days. I am now going on a previous engagement towards the eastern part of the Union, to return to New York in the first fortnight of September, and I do antici pate the delight I shall enjoy to pay my thankful, affectionate respects about the middle of the same month, to the citizens of Philadelphia, when I will have the highly valued gratification to tell you in person, Sir, how respectfully and gratefully I have the honor to be,

Your most obedient servant,
(Signed)

LAFAYETTE. His Honor Joseph Watson, Esq. Mayor of the city of Philadelphia.

He arrived at Harlæm about half past nine o'clock, and stopped for half an hour at the hotel on the bridge. As he approached, a salute was fired by the light artillery of the second regiment; and he was greeted by loud

cheers on all sides from the inhabitants of Harlem, who were assembled to welcome him. At ten o'clock, the cavalcade of citizens having taken leave of him, the carriages were sent on before, and the general walked over the bridge, accompanied by the committee: he paused for some minutes under a tree, on the other side, and received the congratulations of the residents of Morrisania; among whom we observed several ladies, on horseback, tastefully mounted, who paid their respects with a grace, elegance, and feeling, which must have been as highly gratifying to the general, as it was interesting to the spectators.

Some trifling alterations being required in the springs of the travelling carriage, the General proceeded on in the barouche, accompanied by Alderman Doughty and Mr. Hone. Every cottage and farm-house, near enough to the road for its inhabitants to be apprized of his near approach, was emptied of its inmates, who lined the wayside, their countenances gleaming with the most animated curiosity, while they bowed with respect and gratitude. The hardy sons of toil," leaving their ploughs in the half-furrowed field, and casting aside their implements of husbandry," at the sound of " the General is coming," were seen rushing to the road-side, waving their hats with enthusiasm, and giving vent to their feelings in shouts and huzzas. And this continued, not for ten or twenty miles, but throughout the whole of this day's route. At West Farms, at West Chester, and East Chester, the inhabitants were assembled en masse ; and the waving of handkerchiefs and scarfs, amidst the most animated plaudits and cheering, gave the General a heartfelt assurance of welcome. The cavalcade of citizens on horseback continued to receive recruits at every town. All was animation and gaiety, and in strict accordance with the spirit of the occasion.

treme.

At New Rochelle, the scene was brilliant in the exThe balcony and the roof of the Post Office, and of Capt. Peler's hotel, on the opposite side of the street, at which house the General stopped, were filled with la