Two hundred years ago, the Marquis de Lafayette, one of the greatest heroes of the American Revolution, began a 13-month “Guest of the Nation” tour that would take him through all 24 states.
Following an act of Congress in February 1824, President James Monroe invited the last surviving Revolutionary War general to visit the United States. With fewer Americans remembering the conflict half a century ago, Monroe turned to the return of Lafayette to raise awareness of the many lives lost in that conflict.
According to WhiteHouseHistory.org writer Lina Mann, the trip “celebrated past victories and stirred a new sense of patriotism in the hearts of Americans.” During his stay, Lafayette became the first foreign official to address a joint session of Congress. He rekindled decades-old friendships with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. He also established a new connection with Andrew Jackson.
The legend of destiny was born: Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roque Gilbert du Motiers de Lafayette. He later declared: “I was baptized like a Spaniard, with the names of all the saints I could think of who would protect me better in battle.”
The Americans in Paris recruited this wealthy young aristocrat not as a soldier in the Continental Army, but because of his connections to the court of Louis XVI. The 19-year-old idealist liked to join the fray. Lafayette used his fortune to buy a ship and sail to a new nation facing conflict to enlist in America's fledgling military.
Arriving in South Carolina on June 13, 1777, “Lafayette and other French officers embarked and headed to Philadelphia, where he took up the Rear Admiral's sash on July 31,” according to an article on MountVernon.org. I received it.'' Five days later, he met George Washington and they quickly bonded. The future president was attracted to the young Frenchman's enthusiasm and commitment to the American cause.
Lafayette worked without pay, and paid for the salaries and expenses of his staff and junior officers with his own funds. He won Washington's admiration for his September 1777 Battle of Brandywine. During the skirmish he was seriously injured in one leg. Dr. Washington told the surgeon, “Please take care of him as if he were your own son, because I love him just as much.”
The injured Lafayette was initially treated by 18-year-old captain James Monroe. Afterwards, the two endured Valley Forge's harsh winters together. Their joint combat experience formed lifelong friendships. While Monroe was minister to France in 1795, he helped free Lafayette's wife from prison during the French Revolution.
Returning to France in 1779, Lafayette persuaded the king to send a French fleet and additional troops to support the American war effort. Returning to the United States in 1881, he played a key role in the success of the Washington-led Yorktown Campaign. This young French general was present at the British surrender that ended the bloodshed and secured American independence.
The two war heroes remained close friends after the conflict. The two had a touching reunion at Mount Vernon in 1784. In a touching eulogy, French named his only son George Washington Motiers de Lafayette. They continued to correspond regularly until the founding father's death in 1799.
Lafayette developed relationships with other future presidents.
When John and Abigail Adams were in Paris on a diplomatic mission, they often met with Lafayette and often dined with his family. Adam's young son, John Quincy, accompanied him to the continent and spent many years in European schools. During this period, the precocious young man became well acquainted with Lafayette and strengthened a long-term relationship.
Lafayette's interactions with Thomas Jefferson became apparent when the Virginian became Minister to France after the Revolution. Tom Chaffin wrote in American Heritage: “In Paris and Versailles, their friendship blossomed as Lafayette opened his doors to the new diplomat.” They shared similar philosophies and a shared love of all things French.
Like the wise man at Monticello, James Madison also fell under the marquis' spell. An account by Hilary Hicks of Montpelier.org states that in September 1784, “Madison happened upon Lafayette in Baltimore, where he was on his way to New York, and invited him to travel with him.” It would be 40 years before the two met again, but their month-long road trip together was a bonding experience. During that time, they regularly exchanged letters.
On August 14, 1824, almost half a century after he first came to America as a teenager, Lafayette arrived in New York Harbor to begin a journey across the United States that would cover an estimated 5,000 miles and last 13 months. Crowds of thousands greeted him as he was lauded in cities large and small across the country. Some highlights include:
- I visited 88-year-old John Adams in Quincy, Massachusetts.
- I met with soldiers who survived the revolution all over the country.
- We visited Mount Vernon and George Washington's grave.
- Attended an honorary reception at the White House with President James Monroe, President-elect John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson.
- In Williamsburg, he stayed at the Peyton Randolph House and attended an honorary banquet at the Raleigh Tavern with Chief Justice John Marshall.
- We traveled to Jefferson's Monticello, Madison's Montpelier, and Jackson's Hermitage.
- The steamboat sank in the Ohio River, and all the passengers made it to shore. Lafayette lost some of his property and money.
- On September 6, 1825, the day before his return to France, Lafayette addressed a joint session of Congress and celebrated his 68th birthday with President J.Q. Adams at the White House.
This tour led to universities, buildings, streets, and towns being named after him, including the city square directly across from the White House. When Lafayette died in 1834, he was buried in Paris, and his coffin was covered with soil taken from Bunker Hill. This was a fitting tribute to this leader of the Knights who had served in the War of Independence.
Jonathan L. Stoltz is a resident of James City County.
