to Washington, when he made the tour of the United States in 1789, was ever
greeted with such a sincere and enthusiastic welcome.

"At an early hour, the whole city was in motion; almost every man, woman
and child was preparing to witness the landing of their much respected
guest. The shops and stores were closed, and all business was suspended for
the day. The ringing of bells, the roar of cannon, and the display of the
national flag, at all public places and on board the shipping, proclaimed
that it was a day of joy, in which all were anxious to partake. Before 12
o'clock, the battery, the adjoining wharves and every place commanding a
view of the passage from Staten Island, were crowded to excess. It was
supposed there were nearly 50,000 persons upon the battery, including the
troops. This elegant promenade, since its enlargement, is said to be
capable of holding nearly the whole population of the city, (130,000) but a
large portion of the front was occupied by the brigade of artillery and
other troops. The castle garden, almost contiguous to the battery, and its
gallery, were also crowded by the citizens.

"Between 10 and 11 o'clock, a large steam ship, manned with about 200
United States seamen, and decorated with the flags of every nation, sailed
for Staten Island. She was followed by six large steam boats, all crowded
with passengers, decorated with flags, and enlivened by bands of music. In
one of them, which exhibited only flags of the United States and of the
State of New-York, proceeded the committee of, arrangements of the city,
the officers of the United States army and navy, the general officers of
the militia, the committee of the Society of Cincinnati, &c. On board this
steam boat, General Lafayette embarked at Staten Island, for the city, at
about one o'clock. This was announced by a salute from the largest steam
ship, manned by the national troops, and from fort Lafayette. The
procession then moved for the city, and presented to its inhabitants, a