Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-05-24
From the Illinois Gazette, May IA.
GENERAL LAFAYETTE.

I'll A-AAIh1 lAEhJ "a l. L
The citizens otthis place being informed
by express from Gov. Coles, who wrote
from The mouth Of Cumberland (whilher
he had accompanied The Hero from Kas-
kaskis, and from whence he would pro-
coed with him 10 Nashyille) that the H.
lusrrions General LAFAYETTE would
visit our village on his passage from
Nashville 10 Louisville, on Saturday the
9Th, public meeting was called on
"Wednesday the 4,h, al the house of NJ
M. Rawlings, Esq. TO make such ar
rangements Tor his reception, as the
shor.ness Of the notice would permit.
On Saturday afternoon, about four
O'Clock, the steam boat Mechanic appear
ed in sight, upon which deputation from
the committee OF arrangement waited up
the General to apprise him OF the pre-
paratioDs made tor his reception. A sa-
Lutte OF "a rounds was fred as the steam
boat approached the landing. The citi-
zeps OF Shawneetown and the neighbor-
ing country, were then formed in two
lines extending from Rawlings Hotel 10
the waIer's edge. The committee of ar
arrangement, and the trustees of the town
passed down the line of citizens, and re-
celved the NATIONS GUEST at the
steam boat. He was accompanied by bis
son, Mr.. George Washington Lafayette,
MIR. lie Vasseur, Mr.. De Syon, Cover
nor Carroll, Of Tennessee, and Cots. r.
win and Shelby, his aids, Governor Coles,
OF Illinois, and by Col. O'Failon and
Major Wash, Of ST. Louis, who were de-
pulsed to attend the General on the part
OF that city. AS he passed up the line,
the citizens uncovered themselves. and
observed the most perfect silence, uotil
bis arrival at the door of Mr.. Rawlings
Hotel, where large number of ladies
were assembled. Here the veteran pa
triet was met by the Hon. James Hall,
Judge Of this Circuit, who delivered an
address.
The reply Of Lafayette was short and
unprecedented, and was delivered in
voice which seemed tremulous rather
with emotion than with age. He SAID
tina, he thanked the citizens of Shawnee
town for their attention to him--rhat he
was under many obligations to the peo-
pie of the United States for their kindness
to him--lhat he had lon. wished 10 visi,
America, but had been prevented by
circumstances which he could not con-
trol--,hat his visit had afforded him un-
speakable gratiGcation-that he wished
every blessing might attend the people
of this town and OF Illinois, &c.
The General was then conducted into
the Hotel and introduced to the ladies',
and afterwards to the gentlemen. He
then partook Of handsome COLLATION.
prepared by the citizens at Mr. Raw
lngs', at which Gen. JosehA M. Street
presided, assisted by Judge Hall, as vice
president. The following toasts were
drank:
The President Of the United States.
The immortal memory Of Washing
tpn.-( Drank standing and in silence.)
The Heroes OF the Revolution. Our
Gears for the dead. for the living our
brightest smiles.
The 18th of October, i79i-May that
day never be forgotten by those who ho.
nor Washington, or love Lafayette.
). Our illustrious Guest-Hs virtues
have earned him the mobiles, reward of
human excellence-a peoples love /;
may he long live in its enjoyment!
Here the General rose and offered the
following toas, I'll
The Cilizeps OF Shawneetown aud
Gallatin County-May they long CONT
nue. to enjoy the blessings which are
Justly due to industry and the love Of
freedom.
The Vice President gave
Our distinguished fellow citizen Co.
vernon Carroll.
The Governor rose, and expressed his
acknowledgements for the unexpected
comrIiment-he was happy to meet his
fellow citizens Of Illinois, and begged
leave to offer the following toast -
The STATE Of Uiinois--May it be at
,ended with the blessings OF prosperity
and health.
The President gave-GoverDor Coles.
Mr.. Washington Lafayette gave-Li-
berry and Intelligence; we sse their mo-
raj effects forcib!y depicted in the pre-
sent state Of the American people.
The company then retired, and Gen.
LAFAYETTE was conducted to the steam