Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-02-07

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an American citizen.
| will pass over the troubles in which he
has been constantly involved since his gH,uru
to France, with the single remark, that IL
will be recorded by the candid historian Of this
eventful age, that amid scenes nf blood. in
which unhappy France has heen STEPPED, the
hands of Lafayette were unstoined /: and, thv'
surrounded by temptations, before which the
best hearts and best minds of Europe ha,e
fallen, he has "held fast his integrity TO The
end" The u. States have at no period been
unmindful Of the debt which they owe to the
Marquis Lafayette. They have record-d
their gratitude, not merely by repeated vow
of thanks, but by more substantial deeds ;n0r
should il ever he forgotten, that it was an
American citizen who opened the doors oil
his dunge0n at Oimusz.
Let il not be supposed that these resolu-
tions are superf1uous, or that they add nuih
ing to the expressions of the national graft
tude. The moral effect of measures Of this
character is very great. They act on public
opinion, THAT lever by which the modern
world is moved y they purify public feeling
and ennOble public sentiment, teaching the
rising generation the great lessons Of patrio-
tism and of duty. Republicans have been
charged with ingrati,ode, and Europeans is-
D0rant Of the Whole structure Of our govern
.
posed that the charge is justified by our own
example. But, WHEN it shall at some future
period, come to be known abroad how the u.
States have, on all occasions, acted towards
the Marquis Lafayette; when it shall be I'M
derstood that, in addition TO the other proofs
of our gratitude, (which I am not disposed
here TO ennmerate,) we approached him in
his old age with the expressions of our affec-
tionate attachment, it may perhaps he &C.
knowledged, that there can be no better nhe-
ritance than the gratitude of free people.
There is another view Of this subject, said
Mr.. ii. entitled to some weight. 1t is the mo-
rat ebect of the proposed measure on our
DION country. No one acquainted with the
American character, can doubt that the Mar
quis Lafayette will meet with such reception
here, as is due TO the friend of Washington.
He will be met by the few survivors of the
Revolution, This former companions in arms, ]
with the warmth ofan old and tried affection,
he will find in the hands Of some 81 them the
treasured memorials of his ancient fri.ndship,l
he will be- greeted with enthusiasm by mil
lions of freemen. How enviable will be the
feelings of that venerable man, when, in ira
rrrsng this great republic, he shall behold o.
| very where the triumph Of order, peace, poll
teal and religious liberty, unexamrIrd prospp-
rity, and unrqualled happiness ?aad when he
S"N'' 49,, e"' hhU'3 obo hFHif " tNti NHtTf
ackM oirtedged. that these blessings are in part
the fruit of his efforts
The Marquis Lafayette has signifed hia
wish to visit our country. He must not be
suffered TO approach il an up,.isiinguished
stranger. He must come protected by our
flag under which he has sc often fought, and
so often conquered.
These Resolutions are worthy of the Ma
tional Legislature they will find response
in every American bosom. I hope, trust,
they will pass the Senate, as they have done
the H. of X. by a unanimous vote
| The happiest moment in the life of the
Marquis Lafayette WAS probably that when
finding that France had acknowledged the in
dependence of the United States, he rushed
Into the presence of Washington, and throw
ing himself on the bosom of his friend, bur.
into flood ofpatriotic tears. But, should ".
pass this resolution, he is destined to expert
ence still more exalted happiness, when h,
shall he assured, by the unanimous vote %
the American Congress, i" Of the grateful ant
afrctIona'e attachment still cherished for hin
by The government and people of the Unitet
States" and when he shall be hailed by ter
millions OF freemen as their benefactor.
| After few observations from other gentle
men, the question was taken on the Resou
lions, and they were agreed TO, unanimously
NAVAL COURT MARTIAL.
| We were incorrectly informed when giving