associated in fighting the battles of liberty. Associates in danger form an
attachment for each other, which time does not usually destroy. And when
they have long struggled together for just and generous purposes, the
attachment must be strong and permanent indeed. The heroic actors in our
glorious revolution were linked together by the most disinterested ties.
They will never forget each other's services and virtues: And we trust,
their children will never cease to venerate their characters, or to
acknowledge their exalted merit.

When General Lafayette visited the United States in 1784, he was received
with an affectionate welcome, little less enthusiastic and splendid, than
that with which he has been lately greeted on landing again on our shores,
after a lapse of forty years. He then also arrived at the port of New-York;
and in October following made a visit to Boston, where he had so many
particular friends ready to receive him with the most cordial greetings. He
was met at Watertown by the officers of the (then) late continental army,
and addressed by his ardent friend, General Knox, in behalf of the whole
body, and a public dinner was provided for him on the occasion. The
feelings excited by the visit of their beloved fellow officer, will be best
described by giving the address; which was as follows:

"We, the late officers of the Massachusetts line of the continental army,
embrace the first moment of your arrival, to welcome you with all the
sincerity and ardour of fraternal affection: an affection commenced in the
dark hour of our conflict, elevated and perfected through the successive
vicissitudes of the war.

"We beg leave to observe, that we have had repeated occasions to witness
the display of your military talents, and of joining in the approbation and
applause which our beloved Commander in Chief so often expressed of your