The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-09-16
THE "NATION'S GUEST"

.Ne7v York, September 10-Gencral Ia
FAYETTE was present yesterday at the
Grand Oratorio performed by the Choral
Society, at Paul's Church. On his entrance
the audience rose and the Choir struck up
the animated air of g see the conquering here
comes" The Marseillcs Hymn was alsc
performed in full chorus, and the effect was
grand beyond description. The whole oi
the performances are said to have done great
credit to the Society.
From the church the General proceeded
in his carriage, attended by an immense
crowd to the Park, for the purpose of cX-
amining the Fire Engines, review the differ
ent companies, and witnessing grand eN-
bibiton of their united power. The whole OF
the Engines of the CITY, with two from Brook
lyn, amounting to 46 in number, and the
hook and ladder companies, were arranged
in order around the whole inside of the Park
fence, with the Firemcn holding on to the
drag-ropes. The whole Of the Park, the
steps of the CITY Hall, and the windows of the
houses on all sides fronting upon the green,
were crowded with people. The General
was received on the platform amidst the en-
thusiastic cheers of the multitude, and adj
dressed by Mr.. Benjamin Brown, on behalf Of
the Fire Department, as follows
New York, participating in the common feel
ing of their fellow citizens, upon this, your
visit to your adopted country and holding in
the highest estimation, your important and
valuable services in our revolutionary con-
test, present to you, the firm constant friend
of the Father of his country" the Offering
of grateful hearts, in the cheering hope that
the thread of your valuable life may be eX-
tended to still further usefulness.
The name of La Fayettc, will ever be as
sociated with the darkest and brightest peri
DDS of our Revolution, and in con junction with
that of Washington. cmbellish and adoln the
proudcst page of American history for to
YOUR united cxcrtions, and firm ANA un-
dcviating conduct, with that OF our brave
and gallant countrymen, are we indebted,
under Providence, for the blessings that we
this day enjoy.
In departing from the shores Of your own
country, to the relief of a brave, but deeply
oppressed people; in sacrificing the cndcar
ments Of domestic life, and AL the sweets Of
social friendship, for a land Of strangers,
struggling in a glorious but doubtful contest,
YOU displayed one Of the most noble prin-
ciples of our nature and for which you are
entitled to, and will ever receive, thc lasting
gratitude Of this Western World.
The General in answered observed, thath
duly appreciated the kind wishes Of the Fire
Department that it was pleasing circum
stance to him, to once more revisit this conn-
try and it would be q pleasure now to re-
view the Fire Department, and hoped they
would always perscverc Ill the good cause IN
which they were engaged.
The General then spent few moments
IN the Recorders room, where lie received
the congratulations of several distinguished
visiters.-IIe then proceeded to view the
Engines and Fire companies, and was intro
duced to the officers of each by the Chief
Engineer, Mr. Thomas Franklin, and gave
his hand, as he passed, to many ladies, and
TO members of the companies, who pressed
forward to grasp it. Thc Engines were hll
in excellent order, and several q them were
richly and beautifully decorated with ever
greens, flowers and banners.
No. 27 exhibited an arch, trimmed with
cyergreens and rose, and inscribed in letters
Of laurel e II Washington ana La Fayett".'
Festoons of laurel extended from the centre
to the sides of the arch, and served to sus
pend fircman's trumpet, decorated with
flowers. The arch was surmounttd with
wreathes of evergreen and roses, in the form
Of pyramid on the top of which was cap
of Liberty.
After the review the Genclhl returned 10
the City Hall, ard shortly after made his
appearance on the Portico, with the chief
Engineer, and many ladies and gentlemen.
His appearance WAS announced by uniycr-
sal shout. Two fircladders were then rails
ed in the centre of the Park, fastened together
atthe tops and supported BY hooks. The i'll
ling of the engines then commenced by
drawing water into the first, and transferring
it by the hose, from one to another, till tho
whole were filled.
In the centre Of the Park, the ladders of
the company were erected i'll the form OF Il
Pyramid, on the top Of which was placed a
miniature house, filled with combustibcs.
The Engines having all approXimNtcd the
centre. to within suitable distance, and
having been charged with water, at signal
tbe house was fired, and forty six powerful
water spouts were all directed at the object i'll
an'instant. The spectacle, for the moment,
was bautiful beyond description.-9uch was
the skill OF the Engineers, that every spout
seemed to strike the common centre, and
a mighty fountain, i'll the form of coos-
sal column, or cone, was thus, as II BY en-
chantmcnt, in the twinkling OF aneye, bcheld
rushing up and descending like shower Of
liquid silver. i.
When the sun shone out, the fountains
(says the Daily Advertiscr,) sparklcd al
over like palace Of ice, or magnlhcent
dome of chrystal and the wind now and
then blew upon the spray and carried OH a
cloud Of vapour: the arch OF a rainbow ap-
peared above, with all its brilliant colours,