waited on him, and presented congratulatory addresses.

In his answer to the committee of the Historical Society, he
observed,--"The United States are the first nation on the records of
history, who have founded their constitution upon an honest investigation
and clear definition of their natural and social rights. Nor can we doubt,
but that, notwithstanding the combinations made elsewhere by despotism
against the sacred rights of mankind, immense majorities in other countries
will not in vain observe the happiness and prosperity of a free, virtuous
and enlightened people."

To the gentlemen of the Bar, he replied--"Testimonies of esteem from so
respectable a body as the Bar of New-York, are highly flattering. I most
deeply sympathize, gentlemen, in your regret for the friend (Hamilton)
whose prodigious talents made him as eminent in your profession, as he had
been is our military, when he deserved Washington's most intimate
confidence. The truly republican form of the American 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 these institutions must appear still more
conspicuous."

The address of the French gentlemen in New-York, was very affectionate and
respectful, referring, in highly complimentary style, to the services of
Lafayette both in France and America. His reply is indicative, at once, of
patriotism, of attachment to the cause of rational freedom, and of his
regard for the United States, the land of his adoption. "It is a great
happiness for me, on my arrival in this land of liberty, to receive the
congratulations of my countrymen. At the moment of my departure, the
testimonials of affectionate attachment of many of my fellow citizens, the