truly affectionate and cordial.

On Tuesday the 24th the inhabitants of Boston hailed the morning light
with peculiar emotions, and were abroad at an early hour, preparing for
the general testimonies of gratitude and respect to be presented to the
"nation's guest." Many of the older citizens recollected him in his
youthful days; when he visited the town, _forty-six_ years ago, at the
request of Congress and Washington, to prevail on the French admiral to
co-operate with his fleet in some contemplated attack upon the British
Forces. They had not forgotten his zeal and ardor in the cause of America.
They knew his great attachment to and respect for the _immortal_ chief of
the American army, and the confidence, which Washington cherished for
Lafayette. Here too were many revolutionary officers and soldiers, who had
often witnessed his unwearied activity and personal courage in seasons of
difficulty and danger. The Society of Cincinnati in this State contained
many of his personal friends, who shared with him in the toils and honors
of the war of independence; they had assembled, also, to offer the hand of
friendship and affection to their distinguished brother in arms; and to
tell him of the happiness which he had been instrumental, with others, in
securing to _ten millions_ of freemen. The curiosity of the young was
awakened to hear of the generous deeds and meritorious services of this
celebrated visitor from the old world. They were eager to learn his worth
and, his virtues. For they knew their grave and sober sires would not be so
greatly moved by the approach of any ordinary character, whatever might be
his title or his fame. The sensibility of the female breast was excited to
a lively glow, in reflecting upon the character of this eminent foreigner,
who had not only given proofs of great devotion to the cause of America,
and to the interests of civil liberty, but whose moral and social virtues
claimed for him the respect and admiration of all those who loved innocence
or commiserated distress. And all classes, without intending to lessen the