Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-06-29
majestically stretch themselves through the

majestically stretch themselves through the
midst Of them.
1t Is, too, source of no small grail
fcation to me that they can number among
them, many of the worthy veterans who
served in the same cause in which
you so gloriously distinguished yourself.
But If am so inadequate to express the feel
ings of others, how far beyond Inc Is 1t to
describe the emotions, which must agitate
the bosoms of these venerable fathers, on
salutlng, at this lapse of time, one OF their
old and beloved generals, whom, In all proba-
bility, their eyes arc to behold for the last
time on this side of the grave. With their
bodies enfccbled by the ravages OF many u
year and their locks bleachcd by the suns Of
many Summer, their heart yet warm as
the warmest and tender as the tendcrcst,
will be lighted up and animated with blaze,
kndlcd by spark from the altar of '7G, but
whose blissful warmth none but they and
you can be permitted fully to realize.
General-In the name and in behalf of the
State, once more cordially greet you. And
on my own part, be assured, my dear cir,
that every faculty of my soul responds to the
sentiments l have delivered for my consti-
tucns.
Reply of Gen. Lafayette.
The testimonies of esteem and affection
bestowed upon mo by the people OF Vermont
and their representative and chief magistrate,
are the more gratifying as | had eagerly
anticipated the pleasure, in my hap
py visit through the United States once
more to behold those celebrated mountains
the very thought of which recalls to my mind
glorious, patriotic and endcaring associations.
From this State. sir, by gallant band of
81. tt,nt. thtr mud
type, was for the first time proclaimed on
the ramparts of a British fortress the name IF
tie Continental Congress- Nor ever did the
vicinity Of the enemy on the northern from
tier and family difficulties on every other
side, for one instant, cool the ardor OF the
Sons of Vermont, to defend the general cause
of American independence and freedom.
Now, have the happiness to see the hardy
and the virtuous Inhabitants of this State
peacefully cultivatng their lofty hills and
their handsome valleys, with the intelligence
aud spirit which characterized them; l see
them in common with their sister States, en-
joying the blessings Of the new American So
cial order, so far superior even 10 the least
exceptonable institutions OF Europe. What
hitherto, was at best religious liberation has
been here exchanged for religious Liberty and
cquality-privilege for right-royal char
ter mock representatives, inefficient COM
promises between nations and few loyal
aud aristocra,ic families, for the sovereignty
of the people, for truly representative and
self government.
Sir, l most cordially thank you for the
friendly ana nit,erihg manner III "n'cn
In". IIu of ,he neo,lc of his Stale
most gratifying specimen of this goodness
now have The gratiticalionto witness. l thank
you ior your s.ipn;;ny in tnv uesn' iev
inc MI ,ba hlcs sinrs of rcnublcan liberty and
among them to recognize many of my, beloved
companions IN arms. be pleased 10 accept
m W, ,in om, nan a ~ " Varnn, u ,ha a' ,,i,,,o
of NV respectful devotion and gratitude.
The contemporary historian says, "Atter
breakfast the distinguish guest was intro
duced to number of the Revolutionary SOL
diers who had focked in from miles around to