The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1885-01-28
For the Farmer and Mechanic
Interesting Anecdotes
favette's visit to Raleigh

"ta1jc by G. Jay Harris, recalls some
anecdotes OF the same which may inter-
est its readers.
In reality Gen. Lafayette spoke but
little English, and understood less, but
he had learned a few phrases which he
would utter, generally in an effective
manner. but some times most NAL dp-
Thanks, my dear friend great coun-
try.'-Happy man, ali, remember
we re his stock in trade.
He was received at the borders Of
each State by appointed commissioners,
escorted through il, and delivered to
those of the next State. Old Henry
lett, Col. William Folks coachmau,
who drove the second carriage, in which
were George Washington, Lafayette and
GOV. Burton, is still living on a lot given
him by his late mistress, Mrs. Polk,
near the Raleigh & CASTOR r. Il. depot.
At Halifax the cortege were received
by Gen. Daniel, who had stationed a
company Of soldiers by the road-ide,
fianked by the ladies assembled to do
honor to the distinguished visitor.
He had given orders that when he eN-
claimed WELCOME LAFAYETTE.,' the
whole company should repeat 1t after
HIM. while the ladies were to wave their
handkerchief as soon as Lafayette APP
peared.
But the ladies misunderstanding the
programme, waited too long, and were
~sternly called to order by a stentorlan
command of "Flirt Ladies. Flirt. Flirt
| Say - from the General, as he walked
down the line to meet Lafayette.
Equally misunderstanding their part,
the soldiers. instead Of shouting together
''U'eicoGse Lafayette :" at the close OF
the Generals address, one by n re-
peated the sentence in varying tones.
Now a deep bass voice exclaimed "WeI-
come Lafayette ~ then in a shrill squeak
Welcome Lafayette :" was uttered by
the next: and so or down the line; while
the General, frantic at this burlesque Of
his order vainly attempted to correct IT.;
but, as he unfortunately Stammered
whenever he became excited, his
ssSa-sa sa i-i-it a-a-all toto to9ether!!'
could not overtake the "Wecome La
fayette - which was far ahead before
he got his order out.
Great country! Great county! '" re-
piled Gen. Lafayette, turning as he
spoke to Col. Polk, who was yainly
striving not TO smile.
At one of his receptions an old ac-
q~uaintance, whom he recognized, was
received by Lafayette with great etlu-
sion.
"Ah! my dear friend-so glad to see
YOU once more; hope YOU have had good
fortune these years and prosper"
Yes, General, yes, but | have had
one great misfortune since [ saw you, |
have lost my wife"
Catching only the yes General, and
the last word, wife," Lafayette sup
posed he was informing him of his mar
riage and exclaimed: Happy Man 4.
Happy Man
Nor could he be made to understand
that the reference was not a happy one.
After making the address, on the
steps of the capitol, spoken Of by Mr..
Harris, Lafayette, with all the dramatic
action of IA Frenchman, turned to Col.
Polk who stood beside him, and before
the old soldier knew what he was about,
threw his arm around his neck, aud at
tempted to kiss him on the cheek Col.
Polk. who was a tall man, Strengthened
himself to his full height and threw his
head back to escape the caress, but La
fayette, who was short tiptoed and hung
on. while a shout of laughter burst from
the spectators which was with difficulty
turned into a cheer.
When the North Carolina Commits
.ioners delivered their guest up to those
from South Carolina a young gentleman
from Charleston, who had visited Gen.
Lafayette at LaGrange, his estate. rode
up TO the carriage. in which Lafayette
-, Lo,ilD lN.1 Dali onl aUfn,lnt, lie
hand said:
General Lafayette, l am happy to
see you again, and welcome you to my
home as cordially as you last year well
coined Inc at LaGrange." And then
mentioned his name.
"Ah. NV dear friend! I remember
l can never forget you, Happy man
visit this great country. tlud 80 many
friends, zone | more glad to see than
you!"
The gentleman bowed, delighted at
the recollection, and rode off.
As he did so Lafayette turned 10 Col.
Polk. who sat beside him aud said,
POLK, who de devil is dat: | not re-
member him at all"
The young lady who is represented in
the engraving OF the statue of Washing.
ton as standing with Gen. Lafayette be-
side It, was Miss Betsey John Haywood
as she is generally called, the daughter
of Treasurer John Haywood, a celebra-
ted beauty and reigning belle of North
Carolina at that time. The sister o.
DR.. E. Burke Haywood.
Had | time, | could record some other
anecdotes of Lafayette, but these are all
pertaining to his visit to this State which!
| have collected from the tradition OF
that time. M. b. G..