Letters were written to General Lafayette, before he left France by several
distinguished individuals, and by the Mayor of New-York and of Boston, in
the name and behalf of those corporations, expressing a strong desire, that
he would visit America, as it was reported he intended, and informing him
of the universal and sincere disposition of the citizens, to present him a
tribute of esteem and gratitude.

In a letter dated at Paris, May 26, in reply to the invitation of the
citizens of Boston, communicated to him by the Mayor, in their name, under
date of March 20th, 1824, he observed, "that amidst the new and high marks
of benevolence which the people of the United States and their
Representatives had lately deigned to confer upon him, he was proud and
happy to recognize those particular sentiments of the citizens of Boston,
which had blessed and delighted the first years of his public career, the
grateful sense of which had ever been to him a most valued reward and
support." "I joyfully anticipate the day," he added, "not very remote,
thank God, when I may revisit the cradle of American, and in future, I
hope, of _universal_ liberty. Your so honorable and gratifying invitation
would have been directly complied with, in the case to which you are
pleased to allude. [Footnote: This was the particular request that he would
land at Boston, if he did not come in a public ship, and feel obliged to
arrive at Washington.] But while I profoundly feel the honor intended by
the offer of a national ship, I hope I shall incur no blame, by the
determination I have taken, to embark as soon as it is in my power, on
board a private vessel. Whatever port I first attain, I shall with the same
eagerness hasten to Boston, and present its beloved and revered
inhabitants, as I have now the honor to offer it to the City Council and to
yourself, the homage of my affectionate gratitude and devoted respect."