The year 1824 was marked by the visit of Washington's and America's best
friend General Lafayette. As every boy has read of the visit of this
good man, only a brief mention of so important an event is necessary. He
arrived at New York August 15, 1824, and never did visitor receive so
warm welcome by any nation.
"Many interesting incidents occurred during Lafayette's tour through the
country. A touching one was related to the writer, many years ago, by
George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of General Washington.
In October, 1824, Lafayette visited Mount Vernon and the tomb of
Washington. He was conveyed to the shore from the steamboat in a barge,
accompanied by his son (who had lived at Mount Vernon with Custis when
they were boys), secretary John C. Calhoun, and Mr. Custis. At the
shore, he was received by Lawrence Lewis, a nephew of Washington, and
the family of Judge Bushrod Washington, who was absent on official
business. He was conducted to the mansion where, forty years before, he
took his last leave of the patriot, whom he most sincerely loved as a
father. Then the company proceeded to the tomb of Washington (the old
one on the brow of the hill), when Mr. Custis, after a brief speech,
presented the general with a gold ring containing a lock of Washington's
hair. Lafayette received it with emotion, and, after thanking the donor,
he affectionately embraced him and the other gentlemen present.
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