The Frankfort roundabout. [volume] (Frankfort, Ky.) 1882-1908, 1905-03-18

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with every manifestation of re-
joicirg, and in every part of the
country with the warmest ex-
pressions of delight and enthusi-
asm, being proclaimed by popular
voice: AS the the noble guest of
the nation. Everywhere his pres
ence was the signal for festivities
and great bonfires.
Having celebrated at Bunker
Hill. the anniversary of the first
conflict of the Revo' ution, and at
Yorktown that of it's closing
scenes in which he himself had
become so conspicuous a part, and
taking leave of four ex-Presidents
of the United States, he received
the farewell of the President. in
the name of the nation, and sailed
from the Capitol, in frigate
named the Brandywine, Septem-
Der Z, 1926.
Il have been thus particular in
speaking of this illustrious gentle
man because no man before, and
no other man in all time, will
have such exhibitions of love and
attention paid to him.
Here Ipause to state that mud
roads prevailed in Kentucky, and
this present month of May the
roads were well nigh impossible
on account of two weeks of rain.
Gen. Lafayette left Frankfort in
a splendid coach, drawn by six
fine horses, and the Governor and
two other gentlemen accompanied
him. The roads being so muddy,
they failed to reach their destina-
tion that night and stopped within
four miles of Lexington. The
next day he was received in Lex
ington as no other man was ever
welcomed. The road from George
town to Lexington was lined with
people from all parts of the State.
"You remember the present
cemetry gate on the hill at George
town? On both sides of the road
there was a strong stake and rider
worm fence, and i was opposite
that gate ON top of the fence when
the grand party came along. He
was in an open barouche with his
hat off bowling to either side of
the road which was alive with
men, women, and children, ne
groes and horses, and such shouts,
with the roar of musketry and
cannon, old Georgetown will never
again witness. And now comes
in the little romance of your papa.
Your dear mother had been my
one sweetheart, but would never
encourage my heart by word or
action. She was we'll grown for
her age, fourteen years, so full of
fun and happiness, with dimpled,
rosy cheek and sparkling eyes. A
born leader among the girls, ready
for foot races or handy. and up in
arms to fight, if occasion de-
manded it.
IN the parade of welcome there
were fifty girls, dressed in white,
with wreaths of flowers. They
rode in open carriages to meet the
royal guest. Your mother got the
plate out of which the General
ate. also winning, at q chance,
one bushel of ginger cakes which
she distributed among her friends.
One boy tried to steal her plate
and cakes, but she pitched into
him with doubled fist and ran him
off mid great shouts of laughter.
So much of the romance in the
life history of the beloved French
general touched with mine that
It's influence has swept forever
across my earthly destiny. Your
dear mother this day promised to
marry me, some time, and kept
me waiting eight long years. But
she made me happy at last, and
for this blessing l give in memo
riam this brief sketch of Wash
ington's friend and the guest of
Kentucky, the immortal Gen.
de Lafayette. "
N. S. COX.
March II. 1908.