The last adieu : Lafayette's triumphant return, the echoes of revolution, and the gratitude of the Republic / Ryan L. Cole.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cole, Ryan, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States--19th century.

United States.

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834.

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier.

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834--Travel--United States.

Statesmen--France--Biography.

Statesmen.

Genre:

Biographies.

Endpapers

Physical Description:

xi, 449 pages ; 24 cm

Other Title:

Lafayette's triumphant return, the echoes of revolution, and the gratitude of the Republic

Place of Publication:

[New York] : Harper Horizon, an imprint of HarperCollins Focus LLC, [2025]

Summary:

"'Memories of the Revolution have come back to life...' In the summer of 1824, the aging Marquis de Lafayette, defeated politically and distraught over the fate of liberty in Europe, set sail one last time from France for America after an absence of forty years. Across the sea waited a nation transformed: Thirteen colonies were now twenty-four states, stretching from the Atlantic Coast to the Mississippi River. The number of Americans had more than tripled; their industry and creativity had ushered in a new era of individual prosperity and civic improvements. But progress brought worries. Shocks--an economic collapse, a crisis over the westward creep of slavery--foreshadowed a new political age, increasingly democratic and impassioned. The presidential election of 1824 was a precursor to this era. It was fought among four men, and was so bitter and divisive some observers wondered if it heralded the end of the Union. All while the Declaration of Independence neared its fiftieth anniversary and the first generation of Americans passed on, leaving a second to lead their great experiment in liberty into the uncertain future and stirring tender nostalgia for the Revolution and its quickly vanishing stars. Chief among them was Lafayette, the last living major general of the Continental Army. When he arrived at last in August 1824, the old hero met once more with the young republic. One of the greatest celebrations in American history followed. Citizens put aside their differences and rallied together around the spirit of their Revolution, rejoicing over the return of the 'Nation's Guest,' as Lafayette was called. For thirteen months, Lafayette traveled thousands of miles, reaching every state in the Union and met with parades and delirious crowds. The nation was spellbound by their benefactor. And Lafayette was overjoyed and stunned by the nation's growth and advances, all made possible by the freedom he had fought for long ago. The Last Adieu narrates Lafayette's farewell tour, capturing both its spectacular pageantry and emotional impact--not only from Lafayette's perspective, but through eyewitness accounts and recollections of the everyday Americans who participated in the great celebration. Co-starring the swarm of fascinating characters Lafayette encountered across the American landscape--elderly founding fathers, populist politicians, idealistic reformers--this is not simply the record of an incredible journey, but a panorama of a rising America and a chronicle of a time when, as Lafayette wrote, memories of its Revolution came back to life, and its citizens were united in gratitude to the men who had won it." -- Description provided by publisher.

This book recounts the Marquis de Lafayette's farewell tour of the United States in 1824-1825, exploring its historical significance and cultural impact. It describes Lafayette's journey across the states, the nationwide celebrations, and the political and social context of early 19th-century America. Drawing on Lafayette's perspective and contemporary eyewitness accounts, the narrative offers insight into a nation reflecting on its revolutionary past while facing a changing future.

Contents:

Prelude. An episode that belongs to the poetry of history

Part one. The walking monument

The shrine of sainted excellence

An eagle of glorious omen or a turkey buzzard?

Disappointments and disgusts

His heart is fixed upon a voyage to America

Interlude: The nation's guest

Part two. See, the conqu'ring hero comes!

Happy omens

Memories of the revolution have come back to life

It surpasses my imagination, I know

Where independence was declared

A cherished father

They who sin against the liberty of their country

Republics are not ungrateful

The approaching crisis

Part three. The grand voyage

The living and the dead

If only you knew these poor Indians!

Vive la liberte! Vive l'ami de l'Amerique! Vive Lafayette!

Majestic river, Republican shores

General Lafayette and General Jackson marched arm in arm

I exclaim we are sinking!

In 1776, a wilderness

In 1815, a civilized community!

Here we are approaching the ocean

Part four. The last adieu

The Lord will not permit it to rain on that day

Never to meet again, unless beyond the grave

Go then, our beloved friend

Epilogue. When Lafayette was here.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (page 443-449).

Athenaeum copy: Maps on lining-papers.

Local Notes:

Athenaeum copy: Kennedy fund bookplate.

ISBN:

1400251311

9781400251315

OCLC:

1482162311