Country’s Preeminent Lafayette Interpreter, Mark Schneider, to Visit Suffolk
This is the sixteenth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration.
Colonial Williamsburg’s professional Lafayette interpreter, Mark Schneider, will appear at three bicentennial events in Suffolk in February 2025. Mark immerses himself in the role, captivating audiences with his unique blend of history and theatrical interpretation. Attendees will be transported to February 1825 and see Lafayette brought to life.
It is an exceptionally busy time for the man who has portrayed “America’s favorite fighting Frenchman” for the past 25 years. He was in New York City in August, where the American Friends of Lafayette kicked off a 13-month commemoration of Lafayette’s triumphant 1824-25 farewell tour of the United States with a parade down Broadway and a ceremonial welcome at City Hall. He has already appeared in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, and was at events here in Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fort Monroe, Portsmouth and Norfolk in October.
Although Mark will share the role with three other interpreters at the hundreds of scheduled events in the 24 states visited by Lafayette, he is uniquely qualified and an exceptional performer. “His knowledge is second to none, and he’s the best orator I’ve ever seen,” said Chuck Schwam, the executive director of American Friends of Lafayette, which is organizing the tour. “Also, he just looks damned good in the uniform.”
Mark has always been fascinated with history. “I often say that I did not choose history. History chose me because I have been a lifelong lover of history. In fact, my mother used to say she could never remember a time when I was not fascinated by history.” He learned French from his mother and speaks it fluently.
Mark continues to hone his craft. Although he has a degree in history from Christopher Newport University, “the learning never stops,” he says. “There is always new information that is going to come out. There is information that you need to know about being an 18th century person…not just dance, not just equestrian skills, but how to fence, how to move across a room, how you gesticulate, how you talk with people.”
Like Lafayette, Mark is military veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1997 and was deployed as cavalry scout to Bosnia-Herzegovina. After leaving active duty, he joined Colonial Williamsburg’s trades division in 1999 and soon became their Lafayette.
Thomas Jefferson, in a 1787 letter to John Adams, described the historic Lafayette as having “a canine appetite for popularity and fame.” Although Mark gives an exuberant portrayal of Lafayette, he is low-key and self-deprecating in person -- someone who is a genuine pleasure to meet. He is generous in his interactions with audiences and happy to answer questions with a unique blend of humor and historic knowledge.
Long before the musical “Hamilton” introduced Lafayette to a new generation, he stood out as a unique historic figure. The 19-year-old fought alongside the American colonists in their struggle for independence and, in the process, because a close friend of George Washington and one of his most trusted generals. Lafayette was an outspoken critic of slavery and advocate for Native Americans. With input from Thomas Jefferson, he wrote the first draft of France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789. “He was just an incredible individual,” Mark observes. “He was very 21st-century in an 18th-century world.”
Mark does not take his role as an interpreter lightly. “I’m hopeful that Lafayette would approve of how I’m portraying him,” he says. “All I want to do is honor him, the time period that he is from, and all that he has done.”
TowneBank is the presenting sponsor for events in Suffolk. The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Riddick’s Folly, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, and the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Events include “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Quotes were taken from an article published in the New York Times on August 15, 2024, entitled “For the Man who Plays Lafayette, It’s a Marquis Event.”
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
It is an exceptionally busy time for the man who has portrayed “America’s favorite fighting Frenchman” for the past 25 years. He was in New York City in August, where the American Friends of Lafayette kicked off a 13-month commemoration of Lafayette’s triumphant 1824-25 farewell tour of the United States with a parade down Broadway and a ceremonial welcome at City Hall. He has already appeared in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, and was at events here in Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fort Monroe, Portsmouth and Norfolk in October.
Although Mark will share the role with three other interpreters at the hundreds of scheduled events in the 24 states visited by Lafayette, he is uniquely qualified and an exceptional performer. “His knowledge is second to none, and he’s the best orator I’ve ever seen,” said Chuck Schwam, the executive director of American Friends of Lafayette, which is organizing the tour. “Also, he just looks damned good in the uniform.”
Mark has always been fascinated with history. “I often say that I did not choose history. History chose me because I have been a lifelong lover of history. In fact, my mother used to say she could never remember a time when I was not fascinated by history.” He learned French from his mother and speaks it fluently.
Mark continues to hone his craft. Although he has a degree in history from Christopher Newport University, “the learning never stops,” he says. “There is always new information that is going to come out. There is information that you need to know about being an 18th century person…not just dance, not just equestrian skills, but how to fence, how to move across a room, how you gesticulate, how you talk with people.”
Like Lafayette, Mark is military veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1997 and was deployed as cavalry scout to Bosnia-Herzegovina. After leaving active duty, he joined Colonial Williamsburg’s trades division in 1999 and soon became their Lafayette.
Thomas Jefferson, in a 1787 letter to John Adams, described the historic Lafayette as having “a canine appetite for popularity and fame.” Although Mark gives an exuberant portrayal of Lafayette, he is low-key and self-deprecating in person -- someone who is a genuine pleasure to meet. He is generous in his interactions with audiences and happy to answer questions with a unique blend of humor and historic knowledge.
Long before the musical “Hamilton” introduced Lafayette to a new generation, he stood out as a unique historic figure. The 19-year-old fought alongside the American colonists in their struggle for independence and, in the process, because a close friend of George Washington and one of his most trusted generals. Lafayette was an outspoken critic of slavery and advocate for Native Americans. With input from Thomas Jefferson, he wrote the first draft of France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789. “He was just an incredible individual,” Mark observes. “He was very 21st-century in an 18th-century world.”
Mark does not take his role as an interpreter lightly. “I’m hopeful that Lafayette would approve of how I’m portraying him,” he says. “All I want to do is honor him, the time period that he is from, and all that he has done.”
TowneBank is the presenting sponsor for events in Suffolk. The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Riddick’s Folly, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, and the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Events include “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Quotes were taken from an article published in the New York Times on August 15, 2024, entitled “For the Man who Plays Lafayette, It’s a Marquis Event.”
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette’s Return to Hampton Roads Continues
This is the fifteenth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration.
Photo courtesy Hill House Museum, Portsmouth
The Suffolk Lafayette Bicentennial Committee is pleased to announce that TowneBank will be our Presenting Sponsor for the opening of the Lafayette Memorabilia Exhibit, “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights” on January 23, 2025, at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and also the Lafayette Bicentennial Banquet on January 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront. Additional events include Lafayette’s arrival at the Visitor’s Center on February 23, and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Somerton.
As we prepare for our Bicentennial events in Suffolk, the commemoration of Lafayette’s visit to Hampton Roads continues with unique events in Portsmouth from October 23 to 26, at Fort Monroe on October 24, and in Norfolk from October 26 to 27. For more details on the events highlighted below, please see Lafayette200.org.
On October 23, 24, and 25, Hill House Museum, 221 North Street, Portsmouth, will open for tours from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m. on October 23, Moses Myers remembers Lafayette at the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, 607 Effingham Street, Portsmouth.
Lafayette will be entertained at a cocktail reception at the Historic Chamberlin on Fort Monroe on October 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event will echo the reception that Lafayette enjoyed when he was at the fort as the overnight guest of commanding officer Colonel Abraham Eustis in 1824.
Portsmouth City Park will host unique events to celebrate Lafayette Day in Portsmouth on October 25. At 9:00 a.m., the Fort Nelson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution will rededicate the Lafayette Centennial Monument. The Virginia State Regent, Laurie Nesbitt, will preside. It was originally placed in October 1924.
The Virginia Youth Regiment’s Revolutionary War encampment will be in the park from 10:00 a.m. to noon. When Lafayette visited Portsmouth in 1824, he looked on as citizens reenacted the Battle of Scotts Creek. Lafayette will once again be present as the Virginia Youth Regiment recreates this skirmish at 10:00 a.m. Guests can visit the regiment’s encampment and learn what life was like for a soldier or camp follower. Members of the Ethiopian and 1st Rhode Island Regiments will be on hand to explain which side they chose and why. The Children of Portsmouth will greet Lafayette at North Landing at 2:00 p.m. with a Children’s Arch Ceremony and bid him farewell as he departs in his carriage.
At 3:00 p.m., Lafayette will visit the historic Emanuel AME Church at 637 North Street. He will be greeted by Nathan Richardson, who will be interpreting Frederick Douglas. They will be welcomed by Pastor Sylvester and Mrs. “Frankie” Colvin for a 20-minute program, including a history of the church and a brief address by Lafayette.
The procession to the Triumphal Arch in Olde Town Portsmouth will begin at 3:30 p.m., including stops at Trinity Church and at the corner of High and Crawford to see the Lafayette Stone. That evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Portsmouth will host a progressive dinner at three historic homes with Lafayette. The Hill House will host a Lafayette Farewell Tea on October 26, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on October 26. Period attire welcomed!
On October 26 at 3:00 p.m., author and historian John V. Quarstein will lecture on "Lafayette's Victory in the Battle of the Capes" at the Portsmouth Police Headquarters auditorium, 711 Crawford Street. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum.
During the evening of October 26, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Norfolk will host a dinner and ball at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. This event is now sold out!
Finally, the Moses Myers Museum, 323 E. Freemason Street in Norfolk, will feature a lecture and tour the morning of October 27, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. commemorating Lafayette’s visit through the eyes of the Myers family. See chrysler.org to register.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
As we prepare for our Bicentennial events in Suffolk, the commemoration of Lafayette’s visit to Hampton Roads continues with unique events in Portsmouth from October 23 to 26, at Fort Monroe on October 24, and in Norfolk from October 26 to 27. For more details on the events highlighted below, please see Lafayette200.org.
On October 23, 24, and 25, Hill House Museum, 221 North Street, Portsmouth, will open for tours from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m. on October 23, Moses Myers remembers Lafayette at the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, 607 Effingham Street, Portsmouth.
Lafayette will be entertained at a cocktail reception at the Historic Chamberlin on Fort Monroe on October 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event will echo the reception that Lafayette enjoyed when he was at the fort as the overnight guest of commanding officer Colonel Abraham Eustis in 1824.
Portsmouth City Park will host unique events to celebrate Lafayette Day in Portsmouth on October 25. At 9:00 a.m., the Fort Nelson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution will rededicate the Lafayette Centennial Monument. The Virginia State Regent, Laurie Nesbitt, will preside. It was originally placed in October 1924.
The Virginia Youth Regiment’s Revolutionary War encampment will be in the park from 10:00 a.m. to noon. When Lafayette visited Portsmouth in 1824, he looked on as citizens reenacted the Battle of Scotts Creek. Lafayette will once again be present as the Virginia Youth Regiment recreates this skirmish at 10:00 a.m. Guests can visit the regiment’s encampment and learn what life was like for a soldier or camp follower. Members of the Ethiopian and 1st Rhode Island Regiments will be on hand to explain which side they chose and why. The Children of Portsmouth will greet Lafayette at North Landing at 2:00 p.m. with a Children’s Arch Ceremony and bid him farewell as he departs in his carriage.
At 3:00 p.m., Lafayette will visit the historic Emanuel AME Church at 637 North Street. He will be greeted by Nathan Richardson, who will be interpreting Frederick Douglas. They will be welcomed by Pastor Sylvester and Mrs. “Frankie” Colvin for a 20-minute program, including a history of the church and a brief address by Lafayette.
The procession to the Triumphal Arch in Olde Town Portsmouth will begin at 3:30 p.m., including stops at Trinity Church and at the corner of High and Crawford to see the Lafayette Stone. That evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Portsmouth will host a progressive dinner at three historic homes with Lafayette. The Hill House will host a Lafayette Farewell Tea on October 26, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on October 26. Period attire welcomed!
On October 26 at 3:00 p.m., author and historian John V. Quarstein will lecture on "Lafayette's Victory in the Battle of the Capes" at the Portsmouth Police Headquarters auditorium, 711 Crawford Street. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum.
During the evening of October 26, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Norfolk will host a dinner and ball at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. This event is now sold out!
Finally, the Moses Myers Museum, 323 E. Freemason Street in Norfolk, will feature a lecture and tour the morning of October 27, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. commemorating Lafayette’s visit through the eyes of the Myers family. See chrysler.org to register.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette Visits Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Norfolk
This is the fourteenth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration.
Lafayette’s triumphal 13-month Farewell Tour of the United States is well underway. After the joyous welcome in New York Harbor on August 16, 1824, and four days of nearly continuous celebration, he visited towns in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Delaware. Not to be outdone by New York, Philadelphians welcomed him with stunning pageantry at the end of September. Lafayette gave an impassioned speech at the Old State House, where the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. This event helped save the building from destruction. We know it today as Independence Hall, where the ringing of the Liberty Bell in July 1776 proclaimed a new nation.
After visiting Baltimore, Washington, Arlington, and Alexandria, Lafayette embarked on the Potomac River on his first journey southward in mid-October. He stopped at Mount Vernon on October 17, where he met with members of the Washington family and paid his respects at Washington’s tomb before continuing to Yorktown.
Lafayette spent eight days in Hampton Roads, one of his longest stays in a single geographic area. His arrival at Yorktown was carefully planned to coincide with the 43rd anniversary of General Cornwallis’ surrender. Lafayette had commanded the light infantry division during the siege. Troops under his command, led by Alexander Hamilton, stormed and took Redoubt #10 in a critical nighttime battle using only their fixed bayonets. His return was marked by artillery salutes, thousands of spectators, and a welcome speech by Virginia Governor James Pleasants. A grand review and banquet on the battlefield also marked the event.
Flashback: The Suffolk Columbians, “a fine martial corps,” attended Lafayette’s welcome at Yorktown, which they had been planning since his arrival in New York. Lafayette would later recognize them in his remarks when he visited Suffolk in February 1825.
The American Friends of Lafayette will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return to Yorktown with two days of events portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider. On October 18, he will arrive at the Riverwalk Landing Pier at 3:00 p.m. on the tall ship Luna. This free, family-friendly event includes a cannon salute, an official welcome, and performances by the 29th Infantry Division Band and the Fife and Drums of Yorktown.
The Victory Celebration on October 19 marks the 243rd anniversary of Cornwallis’ surrender. This is certain to be popular, so arrive early to ensure a parking space. Events include ceremonies at the French Cemetery at 8:25 a.m. and French Monument at 9:10, the Yorktown Day Parade at 10:30, and patriotic exercises at the Victory Monument at 11:15. In a first-ever event, the French Air Force will fly over historic Main Street at 10:30. The Williamsburg Youth Orchestra will give a free performance at 3:00 p.m. at 405 Main Street.
Lafayette journeyed onward to Williamsburg on October 20 where he received another joyous welcome and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the College of William and Mary. The college will commemorate this event at 11:00 a.m. in the Wren Building, which Lafayette also visited in 1824. Lafayette’s original degree, on loan from the Chambrun Foundation in France, will be on display that afternoon. At 1:00 p.m. Lafayette will proceed by carriage down the Duke of Gloucester Street from the Capitol Building to the Colonial Courthouse, where he will be welcomed by city and community officials and speak to attendees. At 3:00 p.m., Lafayette and other historic figures will be at the Kimball Theater to reminisce about their days during the American Revolution.
Mayor of Norfolk Kenneth Alexander will welcome Lafayette on October 22 at a park outside the southern entrance to City Hall at 2:30 p.m. At 4:30, the 1824 Mayor of Norfolk, John Holt, will greet Lafayette as he steps ashore in Norfolk at Fountain Park. The arrival program will include Black American double agent James Fayette and others. In our next article, we will discuss future events at Fort Monroe, Portsmouth, and Richmond.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Riddick’s Folly, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, and the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Events include “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
After visiting Baltimore, Washington, Arlington, and Alexandria, Lafayette embarked on the Potomac River on his first journey southward in mid-October. He stopped at Mount Vernon on October 17, where he met with members of the Washington family and paid his respects at Washington’s tomb before continuing to Yorktown.
Lafayette spent eight days in Hampton Roads, one of his longest stays in a single geographic area. His arrival at Yorktown was carefully planned to coincide with the 43rd anniversary of General Cornwallis’ surrender. Lafayette had commanded the light infantry division during the siege. Troops under his command, led by Alexander Hamilton, stormed and took Redoubt #10 in a critical nighttime battle using only their fixed bayonets. His return was marked by artillery salutes, thousands of spectators, and a welcome speech by Virginia Governor James Pleasants. A grand review and banquet on the battlefield also marked the event.
Flashback: The Suffolk Columbians, “a fine martial corps,” attended Lafayette’s welcome at Yorktown, which they had been planning since his arrival in New York. Lafayette would later recognize them in his remarks when he visited Suffolk in February 1825.
The American Friends of Lafayette will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return to Yorktown with two days of events portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider. On October 18, he will arrive at the Riverwalk Landing Pier at 3:00 p.m. on the tall ship Luna. This free, family-friendly event includes a cannon salute, an official welcome, and performances by the 29th Infantry Division Band and the Fife and Drums of Yorktown.
The Victory Celebration on October 19 marks the 243rd anniversary of Cornwallis’ surrender. This is certain to be popular, so arrive early to ensure a parking space. Events include ceremonies at the French Cemetery at 8:25 a.m. and French Monument at 9:10, the Yorktown Day Parade at 10:30, and patriotic exercises at the Victory Monument at 11:15. In a first-ever event, the French Air Force will fly over historic Main Street at 10:30. The Williamsburg Youth Orchestra will give a free performance at 3:00 p.m. at 405 Main Street.
Lafayette journeyed onward to Williamsburg on October 20 where he received another joyous welcome and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the College of William and Mary. The college will commemorate this event at 11:00 a.m. in the Wren Building, which Lafayette also visited in 1824. Lafayette’s original degree, on loan from the Chambrun Foundation in France, will be on display that afternoon. At 1:00 p.m. Lafayette will proceed by carriage down the Duke of Gloucester Street from the Capitol Building to the Colonial Courthouse, where he will be welcomed by city and community officials and speak to attendees. At 3:00 p.m., Lafayette and other historic figures will be at the Kimball Theater to reminisce about their days during the American Revolution.
Mayor of Norfolk Kenneth Alexander will welcome Lafayette on October 22 at a park outside the southern entrance to City Hall at 2:30 p.m. At 4:30, the 1824 Mayor of Norfolk, John Holt, will greet Lafayette as he steps ashore in Norfolk at Fountain Park. The arrival program will include Black American double agent James Fayette and others. In our next article, we will discuss future events at Fort Monroe, Portsmouth, and Richmond.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Riddick’s Folly, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, and the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Events include “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette Is Welcomed Back To His Adopted Country
This is the thirteenth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration.
Lafayette waves the French flag in front of the Statue of Liberty before stepping foot on American soil in New York City for the first time in 200 years.
The American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) began its celebration of the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour on August 15 with four days of activities in New York City and surroundings. We were honored to be joined by Lafayette descendants Virginie Bureaux de Pusy-Dumottier de Lafayette and her daughters, Heloise and Adelaide Barbier-Dumottier de Lafayette, as we welcomed General Lafayette, portrayed by Colonial Williamburg’s Mark Schneider, at a dinner on Staten Island. Over the next 13 months, Lafayette will be feted in cities large and small, just as he was in 1824 and 1825.
On August 16, Lafayette arrived to an enthusiastic welcome at Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan. The Cadets Lafayette led the procession to a crowd of cheering people, where he was greeted by Damian Laban, Deputy Counsel General of France in New York City. Lafayette reviewed a detachment of New York Army National Guard soldiers and was then escorted down Broadway in a horseless carriage. The procession ended at Evacuation Plaza, named for the day in 1783 when the last British garrison left the city. There the American and French flags were raised. The AFL President Alan Hoffman read a proclamation signed by New York City Mayor, Eric Adams.
Next we visited City Hall, where Lafayette received an official welcome, and viewed the life-sized portraits of Lafayette, by Samuel F. B. Morse, and George Washington, by John Trumbull. Afterwards, we visited the nearby National Museum of the American Indian, where Ray Halbritter, a representative of the Oneida Nation, gave a presentation on Lafayette and the Oneida. The day concluded with a special Lafayette exhibit and dinner at Fraunces Tavern.
The morning of August 17th featured a Living History event at South Street Seaport with a talk on the French ship, L'Hermione, aboard the tall ship Wavertree. Later we enjoyed a delightful lunch and presentation at the Park Avenue Armory, followed by book signings. Next there was a visit to L'Alliance New York Florence Gould Hall Theater, where we heard the music of African-American composer, Francis Johnson. A lively question and answer session featured New York Times bestselling author Mike Duncan. The evening culminated with a reception hosted at the French Consulate.
Mighty rains off the coast on August 18 failed to dampen the enthusiasm. We began the day at Bartow Pell Mansion, followed by a visit to St. Paul’s Church, where Lafayette was warmly greeted by fellow Masons. Our journey continued to Westchester County, with stops in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Rye. Lafayette was given the key to the city in New Rochelle, which he compared to his gift to George Washington of the key to the Bastille. He was greeted by an outpouring of bell ringing, singing, and honors bestowed on him. Mamaroneck and Rye issued formal proclamations in Lafayette’s honor and celebrated with joyous salutes and costumed reenactors.
Looking ahead to the next two weeks, Lafayette will travel throughout eastern Massachusetts and briefly visit the New Hampshire seacoast. On September 6, he will celebrate his 67th birthday in Weathersfield, Connecticut. On September 7, AFL will host a daylong symposium, “Lafayette and the Enduring Struggle for Human Rights and Democratic Governments,” at Fairfield University in Connecticut. For more details, see Lafayette200.org.
Flashback: An article published in the American Beacon on August 30, 1824, reported that “The Citizens and ‘Columbians’ of Suffolk, hearing the very pleasing and anxiously expected intelligence of the arrival of Gen. La Fayette,” met on August 21 with the intent of joining the October 19 celebrations in Yorktown. Joseph Prentiss, John Murdaugh, Richard D. Webb, Nathaniel D. Wright, and Thomas G. Benton were “appointed a committee to make suitable arrangements.”
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour: “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
On August 16, Lafayette arrived to an enthusiastic welcome at Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan. The Cadets Lafayette led the procession to a crowd of cheering people, where he was greeted by Damian Laban, Deputy Counsel General of France in New York City. Lafayette reviewed a detachment of New York Army National Guard soldiers and was then escorted down Broadway in a horseless carriage. The procession ended at Evacuation Plaza, named for the day in 1783 when the last British garrison left the city. There the American and French flags were raised. The AFL President Alan Hoffman read a proclamation signed by New York City Mayor, Eric Adams.
Next we visited City Hall, where Lafayette received an official welcome, and viewed the life-sized portraits of Lafayette, by Samuel F. B. Morse, and George Washington, by John Trumbull. Afterwards, we visited the nearby National Museum of the American Indian, where Ray Halbritter, a representative of the Oneida Nation, gave a presentation on Lafayette and the Oneida. The day concluded with a special Lafayette exhibit and dinner at Fraunces Tavern.
The morning of August 17th featured a Living History event at South Street Seaport with a talk on the French ship, L'Hermione, aboard the tall ship Wavertree. Later we enjoyed a delightful lunch and presentation at the Park Avenue Armory, followed by book signings. Next there was a visit to L'Alliance New York Florence Gould Hall Theater, where we heard the music of African-American composer, Francis Johnson. A lively question and answer session featured New York Times bestselling author Mike Duncan. The evening culminated with a reception hosted at the French Consulate.
Mighty rains off the coast on August 18 failed to dampen the enthusiasm. We began the day at Bartow Pell Mansion, followed by a visit to St. Paul’s Church, where Lafayette was warmly greeted by fellow Masons. Our journey continued to Westchester County, with stops in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Rye. Lafayette was given the key to the city in New Rochelle, which he compared to his gift to George Washington of the key to the Bastille. He was greeted by an outpouring of bell ringing, singing, and honors bestowed on him. Mamaroneck and Rye issued formal proclamations in Lafayette’s honor and celebrated with joyous salutes and costumed reenactors.
Looking ahead to the next two weeks, Lafayette will travel throughout eastern Massachusetts and briefly visit the New Hampshire seacoast. On September 6, he will celebrate his 67th birthday in Weathersfield, Connecticut. On September 7, AFL will host a daylong symposium, “Lafayette and the Enduring Struggle for Human Rights and Democratic Governments,” at Fairfield University in Connecticut. For more details, see Lafayette200.org.
Flashback: An article published in the American Beacon on August 30, 1824, reported that “The Citizens and ‘Columbians’ of Suffolk, hearing the very pleasing and anxiously expected intelligence of the arrival of Gen. La Fayette,” met on August 21 with the intent of joining the October 19 celebrations in Yorktown. Joseph Prentiss, John Murdaugh, Richard D. Webb, Nathaniel D. Wright, and Thomas G. Benton were “appointed a committee to make suitable arrangements.”
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour: “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette Arrives
This is the twelfth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration.
The military escort for the arrival of Lafayette forms at Castle Garden, New York
After a month-long journey on the Cadmus from Le Havre, France, Lafayette and his party: his son, Georges Washington Lafayette, his secretary, Auguste Levasseur, and his valet, Bastien, arrived off Sandy Hook, New Jersey on August 14, 1824. The next day he landed on Staten Island after a 40-year absence from his adopted country. Because it was a Sunday, he was asked to delay his arrival into New York City until the following day. Lafayette spent the night at the home of Vice President Daniel Tompkins. On the morning of August 16, he embarked on the steamboat Chancellor Livingstone, which would convey him to New York Harbor.
Levasseur struggled to describe the scene: “It is impossible to describe the majesty of this procession towards the city. The sea was covered with boats of every sort, elegantly decorated with flags and filled with people. These boats, which moved swiftly with an almost inconceivable lightness, appeared to fly around us. The Cadmus, which followed us, appeared rather to be led in triumph than to be towed by the two steamboats which accompanied her. As we advanced … we could distinguish the crowd which everywhere covered the shore, perceive its agitation, and hear the shouts of joy.”
The New York Commercial Advertiser reported that Lafayette “landed in this city amidst every demonstration of joy and admiration our citizens could bestow. The news of the General’s arrival had spread through the surrounding country with the rapidity of lightning; and from the dawn of day until noon, the roads and ferryboats were thronged with people who were hastening to the city, to participate in the fete, and testify their gratitude for the services, and respect for the character of the illustrious “National Guest.” Our citizens also turned out in immense numbers … and together with the military, presented the most lively and moving spectacle that we have witnessed on any former occasion.”
The American Friends of Lafayette welcomes Lafayette back to New York City again this week to begin the thirteen-month-long bicentennial celebration of his Farewell Tour. Four days of events will feature Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider as Lafayette, best-selling authors including Mike Duncan, and French and American dignitaries. Attendees will have access to unique locations, boat excursions, plays, period music, historic walking tours, book signings, and a chance to meet special guests: eighth- and ninth-generation granddaughters Virginie, Heloise, and Adelaide La Fayette, who are making their inaugural visit to the United States.
The welcoming party will feature the Cadets Lafayette band, Boy Scouts, military personnel, dignitaries including representatives of the Oneida Nation, and devoted fans. Following a 13-gun salute from Fort Hamilton and a ceremonial troop review, attendees will proceed to Evacuation Plaza for a flag-raising ceremony. The journey continues up Broadway to City Hall for a reenactment of the historic speeches delivered in the same location where Lafayette was originally welcomed.
From New York City, Lafayette will travel next to Norwalk, New Haven, and Norwich, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; Dedham, Roxbury, Boston, Medford, Charlestown, and Quincy, Massachusetts, where Lafayette and John Adams will reminiscence about the American Revolution. For more details, see Lafayette200.org
Every two weeks, your reporters will share highlights of Lafayette’s travels and upcoming events until he arrives here in Suffolk in February 2025. The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour:
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Levasseur struggled to describe the scene: “It is impossible to describe the majesty of this procession towards the city. The sea was covered with boats of every sort, elegantly decorated with flags and filled with people. These boats, which moved swiftly with an almost inconceivable lightness, appeared to fly around us. The Cadmus, which followed us, appeared rather to be led in triumph than to be towed by the two steamboats which accompanied her. As we advanced … we could distinguish the crowd which everywhere covered the shore, perceive its agitation, and hear the shouts of joy.”
The New York Commercial Advertiser reported that Lafayette “landed in this city amidst every demonstration of joy and admiration our citizens could bestow. The news of the General’s arrival had spread through the surrounding country with the rapidity of lightning; and from the dawn of day until noon, the roads and ferryboats were thronged with people who were hastening to the city, to participate in the fete, and testify their gratitude for the services, and respect for the character of the illustrious “National Guest.” Our citizens also turned out in immense numbers … and together with the military, presented the most lively and moving spectacle that we have witnessed on any former occasion.”
The American Friends of Lafayette welcomes Lafayette back to New York City again this week to begin the thirteen-month-long bicentennial celebration of his Farewell Tour. Four days of events will feature Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider as Lafayette, best-selling authors including Mike Duncan, and French and American dignitaries. Attendees will have access to unique locations, boat excursions, plays, period music, historic walking tours, book signings, and a chance to meet special guests: eighth- and ninth-generation granddaughters Virginie, Heloise, and Adelaide La Fayette, who are making their inaugural visit to the United States.
The welcoming party will feature the Cadets Lafayette band, Boy Scouts, military personnel, dignitaries including representatives of the Oneida Nation, and devoted fans. Following a 13-gun salute from Fort Hamilton and a ceremonial troop review, attendees will proceed to Evacuation Plaza for a flag-raising ceremony. The journey continues up Broadway to City Hall for a reenactment of the historic speeches delivered in the same location where Lafayette was originally welcomed.
From New York City, Lafayette will travel next to Norwalk, New Haven, and Norwich, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; Dedham, Roxbury, Boston, Medford, Charlestown, and Quincy, Massachusetts, where Lafayette and John Adams will reminiscence about the American Revolution. For more details, see Lafayette200.org
Every two weeks, your reporters will share highlights of Lafayette’s travels and upcoming events until he arrives here in Suffolk in February 2025. The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour:
- “Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
- Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly
- A banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront
- A reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette’s Legacy Lives On
This is the eleventh in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration. Previous articles are available at suffolkva250.com/history.
Throughout his life, Lafayette was a proponent of the ideals of the Age of Enlightenment. These included the rights of the individual, the natural equality of all people, and the view that all legitimate political power must be “representative” and based on the consent of the people. Lafayette was the author of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789 and a staunch opponent of slavery. He made his position clear on this controversial topic through letters addressed to friends and colleagues such as Washington and Jefferson. The anti-slavery movement, however, was just one of many human rights causes Lafayette supported. He lobbied for the restoration of civil rights to French Protestants and Jews, supported and promoted women writers and reformers, was a friend to Native Americans, and opposed solitary confinement and the death penalty.
The public perception of Lafayette in the United States was derived from his fighting without pay for the freedom of a country that was not his own. Samuel Adams praised him for “foregoing the pleasures of Enjoyment of domestick Life and exposing himself to the Hardship and Dangers” of war when he fought “in the glorious cause of freedom.” During the French Revolution in 1789, Americans viewed him as an advocate for American ideals, seeking to transport them from New World to Old.
In 1824, Lafayette returned to the United States at a time when Americans were questioning the success of the republic. There had been a disastrous economic panic in1819 and also the sectional conflict over the expansion of slavery into new states resulting in the 1820 Missouri Compromise. Layette's hosts considered him a judge of how successful independence had become. According to cultural historian Dr. Lloyd Kramer, Lafayette "provided foreign confirmations of the self-image that shaped America's national identity in the early nineteenth century and that has remained a dominant theme in the national ideology ever since: the belief that America's Founding Fathers, institutions, and freedom created the most democratic, egalitarian, and prosperous society in the world."
Lafayette’s love for America was so great that his wish was to be buried in American soil. He returned to France after his thirteen-month visit in America with barrels of earth taken from Bunker Hill. Upon his death in 1834, his son, Georges Washington Lafayette, scattered the earth around his casket when he was interred in Picpus Cemetery in Paris. The United States flag has flown at the site continuously since 1890, even during German occupation in World War II.
Lafayette’s efforts began the Franco-American friendship that our two nations enjoy today. Official U.S.-French relations began during the early stages of the American Revolution, when Louis XVI’s regime came to America’s aid by providing money, soldiers, and arms. French assistance, best symbolized by Lafayette, was essential in the revolution’s success. The French gift of the Statue of Liberty in the late 19th century solidified Franco-American bonds, which became even more secure during World War I.
Marc Leepson concluded his study of Lafayette's life: “The Marquis de Lafayette was far from perfect. He was sometimes vain, naive, immature, and egocentric. But he consistently stuck to his ideals, even when doing so endangered his life and fortune. Those ideals proved to be the founding principles of two of the world's most enduring nations, the United States and France. That is a legacy that few military leaders, politicians, or statesmen can match.”
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in early 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
The public perception of Lafayette in the United States was derived from his fighting without pay for the freedom of a country that was not his own. Samuel Adams praised him for “foregoing the pleasures of Enjoyment of domestick Life and exposing himself to the Hardship and Dangers” of war when he fought “in the glorious cause of freedom.” During the French Revolution in 1789, Americans viewed him as an advocate for American ideals, seeking to transport them from New World to Old.
In 1824, Lafayette returned to the United States at a time when Americans were questioning the success of the republic. There had been a disastrous economic panic in1819 and also the sectional conflict over the expansion of slavery into new states resulting in the 1820 Missouri Compromise. Layette's hosts considered him a judge of how successful independence had become. According to cultural historian Dr. Lloyd Kramer, Lafayette "provided foreign confirmations of the self-image that shaped America's national identity in the early nineteenth century and that has remained a dominant theme in the national ideology ever since: the belief that America's Founding Fathers, institutions, and freedom created the most democratic, egalitarian, and prosperous society in the world."
Lafayette’s love for America was so great that his wish was to be buried in American soil. He returned to France after his thirteen-month visit in America with barrels of earth taken from Bunker Hill. Upon his death in 1834, his son, Georges Washington Lafayette, scattered the earth around his casket when he was interred in Picpus Cemetery in Paris. The United States flag has flown at the site continuously since 1890, even during German occupation in World War II.
Lafayette’s efforts began the Franco-American friendship that our two nations enjoy today. Official U.S.-French relations began during the early stages of the American Revolution, when Louis XVI’s regime came to America’s aid by providing money, soldiers, and arms. French assistance, best symbolized by Lafayette, was essential in the revolution’s success. The French gift of the Statue of Liberty in the late 19th century solidified Franco-American bonds, which became even more secure during World War I.
Marc Leepson concluded his study of Lafayette's life: “The Marquis de Lafayette was far from perfect. He was sometimes vain, naive, immature, and egocentric. But he consistently stuck to his ideals, even when doing so endangered his life and fortune. Those ideals proved to be the founding principles of two of the world's most enduring nations, the United States and France. That is a legacy that few military leaders, politicians, or statesmen can match.”
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in early 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette and Emancipation
This is the tenth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration.
Lafayette’s legacy extends beyond his military service to include a lifelong commitment to human rights. His earliest concern was for the enslaved men and women he encountered during the American Revolution. By the mid-1780s, Lafayette was a committed anti-slavery activist. He purchased plantations in French Guiana to experiment with gradual emancipation. Joining anti-slavery societies on both sides of the Atlantic, he frequently corresponded with leading political figures about abolition. In 1791, he was influential in passing a decree in the French National Assembly giving limited rights of citizenship to free men of color in French colonies.
During his 1824–1825 return to America, Lafayette made many symbolic gestures that conveyed his interest in the welfare of African Americans, including visiting the African Free School in New York City, shaking hands with black veterans of the War of 1812 in New Orleans, and greeting slaves and free blacks he had known during the Revolution.
Lafayette was personally involved in gaining the freedom of James Armistead Lafayette, the patriot spy and double agent who provided critical information to him and disinformation to British commander Lord Cornwallis in the events leading up to the victory at Yorktown. By the end of July 1781, James had successfully gained access to Cornwallis' inner circle as a servant to the British commander. He later described in a petition to the Virginia legislature that "he often at the peril of his life found means to frequent the British Camp, by which means he kept open a channel of the useful communications." He used that channel to convey "inclosures from the Marquis [la Fayette] into the enemies lines, of the most secret & important kind," although, as la Fayette reported to George Washington, Cornwallis "is so shy of his papers that my honest friend says he cannot get at them." Nevertheless, Lafayette informed Washington near the end of August that it was through James that he learned of Cornwallis' move from Portsmouth to Yorktown, the British army's fortification of the town, and the untenable tactical position that the British would be in if the French fleet could cut off Cornwallis' escape or reinforcement by sea.
With the end of the fighting came the end of James' service to Lafayette, so he returned to the life of a slave owned by William Armistead. Unfortunately for James, because he was a spy and not an enlisted soldier, the 1782 law passed by the Virginia legislature to provide for the freedom of slaves who had served in the war did not apply to him. Lafayette, however, found a way to show his personal gratitude to James in November 1784 when he gave his "honest friend" a handwritten testimonial: "This is to certify that the Bearer has done essential services to me while I had the honour to command in this State. His Intelligence from the ennemy's [sic] camp were industriously collected and most faithfully delivered. He perfectly acquitted himself with some important commissions I gave him and appears to me entitled to every reward his situation can admit of."
As a result of his valuable service, James was granted his freedom by the Virginia Assembly in 1787. When Lafayette visited America in 1824, James "expressed a great desire to see the Marquis at the approaching festival at Yorktown" but required financial assistance "to equip himself for the occasion," according to a Richmond Compiler article that was reprinted in newspapers as far away as Bangor, Maine. One presumes that he received the required aid because the Richmond Enquirer reported that during the event at Yorktown, James "was recognized by [the Marquis] in the crowd, called to him by name, and taken into his embrace."
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
During his 1824–1825 return to America, Lafayette made many symbolic gestures that conveyed his interest in the welfare of African Americans, including visiting the African Free School in New York City, shaking hands with black veterans of the War of 1812 in New Orleans, and greeting slaves and free blacks he had known during the Revolution.
Lafayette was personally involved in gaining the freedom of James Armistead Lafayette, the patriot spy and double agent who provided critical information to him and disinformation to British commander Lord Cornwallis in the events leading up to the victory at Yorktown. By the end of July 1781, James had successfully gained access to Cornwallis' inner circle as a servant to the British commander. He later described in a petition to the Virginia legislature that "he often at the peril of his life found means to frequent the British Camp, by which means he kept open a channel of the useful communications." He used that channel to convey "inclosures from the Marquis [la Fayette] into the enemies lines, of the most secret & important kind," although, as la Fayette reported to George Washington, Cornwallis "is so shy of his papers that my honest friend says he cannot get at them." Nevertheless, Lafayette informed Washington near the end of August that it was through James that he learned of Cornwallis' move from Portsmouth to Yorktown, the British army's fortification of the town, and the untenable tactical position that the British would be in if the French fleet could cut off Cornwallis' escape or reinforcement by sea.
With the end of the fighting came the end of James' service to Lafayette, so he returned to the life of a slave owned by William Armistead. Unfortunately for James, because he was a spy and not an enlisted soldier, the 1782 law passed by the Virginia legislature to provide for the freedom of slaves who had served in the war did not apply to him. Lafayette, however, found a way to show his personal gratitude to James in November 1784 when he gave his "honest friend" a handwritten testimonial: "This is to certify that the Bearer has done essential services to me while I had the honour to command in this State. His Intelligence from the ennemy's [sic] camp were industriously collected and most faithfully delivered. He perfectly acquitted himself with some important commissions I gave him and appears to me entitled to every reward his situation can admit of."
As a result of his valuable service, James was granted his freedom by the Virginia Assembly in 1787. When Lafayette visited America in 1824, James "expressed a great desire to see the Marquis at the approaching festival at Yorktown" but required financial assistance "to equip himself for the occasion," according to a Richmond Compiler article that was reprinted in newspapers as far away as Bangor, Maine. One presumes that he received the required aid because the Richmond Enquirer reported that during the event at Yorktown, James "was recognized by [the Marquis] in the crowd, called to him by name, and taken into his embrace."
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Victory at Yorktown!
This is the ninth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration.
The jaws of a trap were closing on Cornwallis. On September 26, 1781, transports with artillery, siege tools, French infantry and shock troops arrived from Head of Elk, Maryland, giving Washington command of an army of 7,800 Frenchmen under the Comte de Rochambeau, 3,100 militia, and 8,000 Continentals. Two days later, Washington led the army out of Williamsburg to surround Yorktown. After reconnoitering the British defenses, he decided that they could be bombarded into submission.
The allied army established siege lines, dug trenches, and emplaced artillery. On October 9, Washington fired the first gun; legend has it that this shot smashed into a table where British officers were eating. The Franco-American guns began to tear apart the British defenses. Captain James Duncan, an American officer, recorded the scene in his diary: “Last night commenced a very heavy cannonade and the enemy returned fire with no less spirit. The whole night was nothing but one continual roar of cannon, mixed with the bursting of shells and rumbling of houses torn to pieces.”
By October 14, the trenches were within 150 yards of the British outer defenses of Redoubts 9 and 10. Washington ordered that all guns within range begin blasting the redoubts to weaken them for an assault that evening. Washington planned to use the cover of a moonless night and silence to gain the element of surprise. Soldiers would attack with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets.
General Washington placed Lafayette in charge of the Continental Army Light Infantry Division. Lafayette’s forces attacked that night. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton led 400 men who captured Redoubt 10 as French forces captured Redoubt 9. These victories allowed allied forces to advance within 50 yards of British troops.
Washington was now able to have his artillery shell the town from three directions. When the allies moved some of their artillery into the redoubts, the British sent a storming party to counterattack, but were only briefly successful before the French drove them out. The bombardment resumed with the American and French artillerymen competing to see who could do the most damage to the enemy defenses.
In desperation, Cornwallis attempted to evacuate his troops across the York River to Gloucester Point. There his troops might be able to break through the allied lines and march to New York. The first of the boats made it across, but a squall hit when they returned to take more soldiers, making the evacuation impossible.
Out of options, the British waved the white flag of surrender on October 17. Cornwallis refused to attend the formal surrender ceremony on October 19, claiming illness. Instead, his adjutant, Brigadier General Charles O’Hara, surrendered to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, Washington’s second-in-command. In all, 8,000 soldiers, 214 artillery pieces, 24 transport ships, and thousands of muskets, wagons, and horses were captured. The last major battle of the American Revolution was over. The Treaty of Paris was signed two years later, officially ending the war and recognizing the independence of the United States.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in early 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
The allied army established siege lines, dug trenches, and emplaced artillery. On October 9, Washington fired the first gun; legend has it that this shot smashed into a table where British officers were eating. The Franco-American guns began to tear apart the British defenses. Captain James Duncan, an American officer, recorded the scene in his diary: “Last night commenced a very heavy cannonade and the enemy returned fire with no less spirit. The whole night was nothing but one continual roar of cannon, mixed with the bursting of shells and rumbling of houses torn to pieces.”
By October 14, the trenches were within 150 yards of the British outer defenses of Redoubts 9 and 10. Washington ordered that all guns within range begin blasting the redoubts to weaken them for an assault that evening. Washington planned to use the cover of a moonless night and silence to gain the element of surprise. Soldiers would attack with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets.
General Washington placed Lafayette in charge of the Continental Army Light Infantry Division. Lafayette’s forces attacked that night. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton led 400 men who captured Redoubt 10 as French forces captured Redoubt 9. These victories allowed allied forces to advance within 50 yards of British troops.
Washington was now able to have his artillery shell the town from three directions. When the allies moved some of their artillery into the redoubts, the British sent a storming party to counterattack, but were only briefly successful before the French drove them out. The bombardment resumed with the American and French artillerymen competing to see who could do the most damage to the enemy defenses.
In desperation, Cornwallis attempted to evacuate his troops across the York River to Gloucester Point. There his troops might be able to break through the allied lines and march to New York. The first of the boats made it across, but a squall hit when they returned to take more soldiers, making the evacuation impossible.
Out of options, the British waved the white flag of surrender on October 17. Cornwallis refused to attend the formal surrender ceremony on October 19, claiming illness. Instead, his adjutant, Brigadier General Charles O’Hara, surrendered to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, Washington’s second-in-command. In all, 8,000 soldiers, 214 artillery pieces, 24 transport ships, and thousands of muskets, wagons, and horses were captured. The last major battle of the American Revolution was over. The Treaty of Paris was signed two years later, officially ending the war and recognizing the independence of the United States.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in early 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
The Road to Yorktown
This is the eighth in a series of articles leading up to the bicentennial celebration. Previous articles are available at suffolkva250.com/history.
French and British fleets engage at the Battle of the Capes on September 5, 1781
After the brief fierce fight at Green Spring, Cornwallis finished his move across the James River and was soon prepared to ship out to New York from Portsmouth. However, he received orders on July 21 from General Henry Clinton, the British Commander-in-Chief in America, to keep all his troops in Virginia and do everything he could to hold the strategically important peninsula between the York and James Rivers. Cornwallis decided to make the village of Yorktown his base of operations.
After the Battle of Green Spring, Lafayette had General “Mad” Anthony Wayne follow Cornwallis. Lafayette believed that Cornwallis would embark his troops and head to Baltimore. He needed definitive information, so he placed a spy in the British camp. James, an enslaved Virginian owned by William Armistead Jr., posed as a runaway and became a servant of Cornwallis. During the summer and early fall, James traveled freely between the British and American camps. As a double agent, he passed accurate intelligence to Lafayette and misleading information to the British. With his help, Lafayette finally learned the truth of Cornwallis’ intentions. He moved his division to a camp on the Pamunkey River near West Point, Virginia, east of Williamsburg, while General Wayne stayed south of the James River.
With substantial forces in place and Cornwallis encamped at Yorktown, Washington came up with a bold plan. He had learned that a French fleet under the command of Admiral Comte de Grasse was sailing towards Virginia. Lafayette would block the British from the west, while General von Steuben would move in from the southwest and General Green from the south. The French fleet would bottle up the English at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Washington would move most of his and the Comte de Rochambeau’s forces, about 8,000 men, down from New York and completely surround the British. If the allied troops and the French fleet coordinated their efforts, there was a good chance they could trap Cornwallis at Yorktown and achieve a decisive victory.
On September 5, 1781, one of the most important naval battles in American history, known as the Battle of the Capes, took place near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The battle between the British and French fleets was fairly evenly matched, but the British suffered more casualties and ship damage and broke it off at sunset. The two fleets sailed within view of each other for several days until British Admiral Thomas Graves decided to return to New York for repairs and to organize a larger relief effort. His withdrawal left Admiral de Grasse and the French fleet firmly in control of the Chesapeake Bay, preventing Cornwallis from being reinforced or evacuated. French supply ships were also able to provide the Franco-American army with critical siege artillery and French reinforcements. Washington and Rochambeau met with de Grasse aboard his flagship Ville de Paris near Lynnhaven Inlet on September 18 to finalize their plans. The stage was set for the last major battle of the American Revolution.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
After the Battle of Green Spring, Lafayette had General “Mad” Anthony Wayne follow Cornwallis. Lafayette believed that Cornwallis would embark his troops and head to Baltimore. He needed definitive information, so he placed a spy in the British camp. James, an enslaved Virginian owned by William Armistead Jr., posed as a runaway and became a servant of Cornwallis. During the summer and early fall, James traveled freely between the British and American camps. As a double agent, he passed accurate intelligence to Lafayette and misleading information to the British. With his help, Lafayette finally learned the truth of Cornwallis’ intentions. He moved his division to a camp on the Pamunkey River near West Point, Virginia, east of Williamsburg, while General Wayne stayed south of the James River.
With substantial forces in place and Cornwallis encamped at Yorktown, Washington came up with a bold plan. He had learned that a French fleet under the command of Admiral Comte de Grasse was sailing towards Virginia. Lafayette would block the British from the west, while General von Steuben would move in from the southwest and General Green from the south. The French fleet would bottle up the English at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Washington would move most of his and the Comte de Rochambeau’s forces, about 8,000 men, down from New York and completely surround the British. If the allied troops and the French fleet coordinated their efforts, there was a good chance they could trap Cornwallis at Yorktown and achieve a decisive victory.
On September 5, 1781, one of the most important naval battles in American history, known as the Battle of the Capes, took place near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The battle between the British and French fleets was fairly evenly matched, but the British suffered more casualties and ship damage and broke it off at sunset. The two fleets sailed within view of each other for several days until British Admiral Thomas Graves decided to return to New York for repairs and to organize a larger relief effort. His withdrawal left Admiral de Grasse and the French fleet firmly in control of the Chesapeake Bay, preventing Cornwallis from being reinforced or evacuated. French supply ships were also able to provide the Franco-American army with critical siege artillery and French reinforcements. Washington and Rochambeau met with de Grasse aboard his flagship Ville de Paris near Lynnhaven Inlet on September 18 to finalize their plans. The stage was set for the last major battle of the American Revolution.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette in the Virginia Campaign, Part II
This is the seventh in a series of articles leading up to the bicentennial celebration
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Benedict Arnold was encamped in Portsmouth in a defensive position too strong to assault, thwarting Lafayette’s mission to capture him. British General Henry Clinton reinforced Arnold with an additional 2,000 men under Major General William Phillips. Phillips assisted Arnold in conducting raids along the James River, burning tobacco warehouses, hitting military storage facilities, and making off with wagons, livestock, horses, and other provisions. Von Steuben, Muhlenberg, and Lafayette had too few men and supplies to stop them.
On March 16, 1781, French and British fleets battled near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The French fleet returned to Rhode Island, while the British fleet linked up with Arnold and gained control of the Chesapeake Bay. Phillips, placed in overall command of British forces in Virginia, proceeded to conduct another raid, taking Petersburg on April 25. Phillips then moved towards Richmond, but by then Lafayette had his troops there and thwarted the British attempts to take Virginia’s capital. On May 13, Phillips died in Petersburg from fever, and Arnold was temporarily in command of the British army in Virginia. One week later, Major General Charles Lord Cornwallis arrived, bringing his army out of the Carolinas. With additional reinforcements from New York, Cornwallis was in command of over 7,000 troops. Arnold returned to New York. Lafayette, facing this new foe, wrote Washington on his inability to combat the British: |
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“Was I any ways equal to the Ennemy, I would Be extremely Happy in My present Command—But I am not Strong enough even to get Beaten.”
Cornwallis moved to Williamsburg in late June, where he received orders to move to Portsmouth and send some of his army to New York City. Lafayette followed Cornwallis fairly closely, emboldened by the arrival of reinforcements to consider making attacks on the British force. On July 4, Cornwallis departed Williamsburg for Jamestown, planning to cross the James River en route to Portsmouth. Lafayette saw an opportunity to attack Cornwallis' rear guard during the crossing. Things did not go as planned.
Cornwallis had anticipated Lafayette's idea, and laid an elaborate trap. On July 6, 1781, Brigadier General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, leading Lafayette’s advance forces, was ambushed near Green Spring Plantation General Wayne's forces were very nearly caught in the trap; only a bold bayonet charge against the numerically superior British enabled his forces to retreat. The action reinforced the perception among his contemporaries that his nickname "Mad” Anthony was justified. Cornwallis, satisfied with the victory, did not pursue the retreating Americans, and instead crossed the James as planned and moved on to Portsmouth.
Lafayette’s respect for Cornwallis was even greater after Wayne’s narrow escape. On July 9, 1781, he wrote to his brother-in-law and fellow French officer Vicomte de Noailles: “This devil Cornwallis is much wiser than the other generals with whom I have dealt. He inspires me with a sincere fear, and his name has greatly troubled my sleep. This campaign is a good school for me. God grant that the public does not pay for my lessons."
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Cornwallis moved to Williamsburg in late June, where he received orders to move to Portsmouth and send some of his army to New York City. Lafayette followed Cornwallis fairly closely, emboldened by the arrival of reinforcements to consider making attacks on the British force. On July 4, Cornwallis departed Williamsburg for Jamestown, planning to cross the James River en route to Portsmouth. Lafayette saw an opportunity to attack Cornwallis' rear guard during the crossing. Things did not go as planned.
Cornwallis had anticipated Lafayette's idea, and laid an elaborate trap. On July 6, 1781, Brigadier General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, leading Lafayette’s advance forces, was ambushed near Green Spring Plantation General Wayne's forces were very nearly caught in the trap; only a bold bayonet charge against the numerically superior British enabled his forces to retreat. The action reinforced the perception among his contemporaries that his nickname "Mad” Anthony was justified. Cornwallis, satisfied with the victory, did not pursue the retreating Americans, and instead crossed the James as planned and moved on to Portsmouth.
Lafayette’s respect for Cornwallis was even greater after Wayne’s narrow escape. On July 9, 1781, he wrote to his brother-in-law and fellow French officer Vicomte de Noailles: “This devil Cornwallis is much wiser than the other generals with whom I have dealt. He inspires me with a sincere fear, and his name has greatly troubled my sleep. This campaign is a good school for me. God grant that the public does not pay for my lessons."
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette in the Virginia Campaign, Part I
This is the sixth in series of articles leading up to the bicentennial celebration.
By Frank and Gloria Womble
By Frank and Gloria Womble
Lafayette returned to France in January 1779 on a diplomatic mission to obtain more support for the war effort. Meeting with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, the three men agreed to work together to promote a French attack on North America. By the spring, Lafayette became the key link between the United States and France. In his Memoires, he recorded “I enjoyed the confidence of both countries and both governments. I used the favor I had won at court and in French society to serve the American cause, to obtain every kind of help.” His efforts were successful and resulted in a pledge to send 6,000 troops, clothing, and 15,000 muskets to the American Army.
Lafayette returned to America in April 1780. French reinforcements arrived on July 11 under the command of General Rochambeau. On February 20, 1781, Washington gave the official order to Lafayette to reassemble his light infantry division, coordinate with the French in the Chesapeake Bay, and attempt to capture the turncoat Benedict Arnold in Portsmouth, Virginia. His orders were explicit: “When you arrive at your destination,” Washington directed, “you must act as your own judgment and circumstances direct.” If Arnold “should fall into your hands, you will execute [him] in the most summary way.” Lafayette set out with 1,200 men the next day to Head of Elk, Maryland.
Arriving at Head of Elk on March 3, Lafayette used a flotilla of small boats to ferry his men down the Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis. He left the men there awaiting transport from a French frigate and headed further down the bay on a small armed barge with 30 officers and men. On March 14 they arrived in Yorktown, marking Lafayette’s first time in Tidewater Virginia. Ironically, this was the same place where he would help besiege a British force seven months later, ending in their defeat.
Lafayette proceeded to Williamsburg where he met with General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, who commanded Washington’s troops in Virginia. Together, they devised a plan to oust the British from Virginia and capture Arnold. By March 20, Lafayette had crossed the James River and arrived in Suffolk at a camp near Sleepy Hole. Although the exact location is unknown, it was likely near the present-day Sleepy Hole Golf Course. There, he joined Brigadier General John Peter Gabriel Muhlenburg of Pennsylvania, with whom he had fought alongside at Brandywine and Monmouth. Lafayette borrowed a few of Muhlenberg’s militiamen and set out to explore the area. They ran into a small group of Hessian soldiers and exchanged fire with them in a brief skirmish, the first time in three years that Lafayette had been under fire.
In a letter to Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson, Lafayette highlighted his difficulties: “…to My Great disappointment there was no Ammunition in Camp, and I have not yet Been able to learn when we are to get this indispensable Article.— the only thing I could do was to go down with such Riflemen and Militia as Had a few Cartridges — By this a trifling skirmish was Brought with the loss of one private killed, one officer and one private wounded on our side, and above twenty (four of whom taken) must Have Been lost for the enemy — But I could not Reconnoitre farther than the position to be taken at the time of operations, and the situation of the shipping, as want of Ammunition Rendered it imprudent to Engage.” Lafayette returned to Williamsburg, continuing to complain about a lack of supplies. For the time being, prudence demanded that Lafayette conduct only limited engagements while preserving his forces.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette returned to America in April 1780. French reinforcements arrived on July 11 under the command of General Rochambeau. On February 20, 1781, Washington gave the official order to Lafayette to reassemble his light infantry division, coordinate with the French in the Chesapeake Bay, and attempt to capture the turncoat Benedict Arnold in Portsmouth, Virginia. His orders were explicit: “When you arrive at your destination,” Washington directed, “you must act as your own judgment and circumstances direct.” If Arnold “should fall into your hands, you will execute [him] in the most summary way.” Lafayette set out with 1,200 men the next day to Head of Elk, Maryland.
Arriving at Head of Elk on March 3, Lafayette used a flotilla of small boats to ferry his men down the Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis. He left the men there awaiting transport from a French frigate and headed further down the bay on a small armed barge with 30 officers and men. On March 14 they arrived in Yorktown, marking Lafayette’s first time in Tidewater Virginia. Ironically, this was the same place where he would help besiege a British force seven months later, ending in their defeat.
Lafayette proceeded to Williamsburg where he met with General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, who commanded Washington’s troops in Virginia. Together, they devised a plan to oust the British from Virginia and capture Arnold. By March 20, Lafayette had crossed the James River and arrived in Suffolk at a camp near Sleepy Hole. Although the exact location is unknown, it was likely near the present-day Sleepy Hole Golf Course. There, he joined Brigadier General John Peter Gabriel Muhlenburg of Pennsylvania, with whom he had fought alongside at Brandywine and Monmouth. Lafayette borrowed a few of Muhlenberg’s militiamen and set out to explore the area. They ran into a small group of Hessian soldiers and exchanged fire with them in a brief skirmish, the first time in three years that Lafayette had been under fire.
In a letter to Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson, Lafayette highlighted his difficulties: “…to My Great disappointment there was no Ammunition in Camp, and I have not yet Been able to learn when we are to get this indispensable Article.— the only thing I could do was to go down with such Riflemen and Militia as Had a few Cartridges — By this a trifling skirmish was Brought with the loss of one private killed, one officer and one private wounded on our side, and above twenty (four of whom taken) must Have Been lost for the enemy — But I could not Reconnoitre farther than the position to be taken at the time of operations, and the situation of the shipping, as want of Ammunition Rendered it imprudent to Engage.” Lafayette returned to Williamsburg, continuing to complain about a lack of supplies. For the time being, prudence demanded that Lafayette conduct only limited engagements while preserving his forces.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette Fights in the American Revolution
This is the fifth in a series of biweekly articles leading up to the bicentennial celebration.
By Frank and Gloria Womble
By Frank and Gloria Womble
On September 12, 1777, the day after the Battle of Brandywine, Lafayette penned a letter to his wife, Adrienne, telling her that “... the English honored me with a musket shot, which wounded me slightly in the leg. But the wound is nothing, dear heart; the ball hit neither bone nor nerve, and all I have to do for it to heal is to lie on my back for a while – which puts me in very bad humor.” He was nursed back to health by the Moravian Brethren in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Lafayette was touched by “the gentle religion” of the Moravians. He saw them as an “innocent family” that managed to maintain its “community of goods, education and interests” despite the devastating war around them.
Lafayette was anxious to recover so he could return to the battlefield. He would get his first command at the Battle of Gloucester, New Jersey on November 25 and 26, 1777. Operating under General Nathanael Greene, he was sent out on a reconnaissance mission to determine the location and strength of Cornwallis' army. Lafayette led 350 men toward the British position. He carefully scouted the British camp, at times personally coming within firing range of British sentries. He then led his men in a surprise attack on a forward picket of jägers. The 400 Hessians were caught completely unprepared and began a disorganized fighting retreat toward the main British camp, with Lafayette and his men giving chase. Cornwallis sent some grenadiers to provide covering fire as the Germans retreated. Lafayette withdrew under cover of darkness, returning to Greene. Lafayette's reconnaissance was a success, with only one killed and five wounded, against 60 casualties on the British side.
Washington and Lafayette were together at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania during the difficult and challenging 1777-1778 winter encampment. Lafayette would next see action at the Battle of Barren Hill, Pennsylvania in May 1778, where he narrowly escaped encirclement and capture.
He was at the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey in June 1778, where he assumed command of part of General Charles Lee’s forces and was in reserve.
Washington sent Lafayette to Rhode Island in July 1778 to aid General John Sullivan with his efforts against the British. The operation required cooperation with the French fleet commanded by Admiral Comte d’Estaing. However, d’Estaing departed for Boston to repair his ships after they were damaged in a storm and by shelling during an engagement with the British fleet. This angered the Americans, who felt abandoned by their French ally. Lafayette tried to mediate. Concerned about the Franco-American alliance and being homesick, Lafayette returned to France, where he briefly placed under house arrest for his earlier disobedience to King Louis XVI. Upon his release, Lafayette worked with Benjamin Franklin, eventually convincing the king to increase French support for the “American Cause.”
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette was anxious to recover so he could return to the battlefield. He would get his first command at the Battle of Gloucester, New Jersey on November 25 and 26, 1777. Operating under General Nathanael Greene, he was sent out on a reconnaissance mission to determine the location and strength of Cornwallis' army. Lafayette led 350 men toward the British position. He carefully scouted the British camp, at times personally coming within firing range of British sentries. He then led his men in a surprise attack on a forward picket of jägers. The 400 Hessians were caught completely unprepared and began a disorganized fighting retreat toward the main British camp, with Lafayette and his men giving chase. Cornwallis sent some grenadiers to provide covering fire as the Germans retreated. Lafayette withdrew under cover of darkness, returning to Greene. Lafayette's reconnaissance was a success, with only one killed and five wounded, against 60 casualties on the British side.
Washington and Lafayette were together at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania during the difficult and challenging 1777-1778 winter encampment. Lafayette would next see action at the Battle of Barren Hill, Pennsylvania in May 1778, where he narrowly escaped encirclement and capture.
He was at the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey in June 1778, where he assumed command of part of General Charles Lee’s forces and was in reserve.
Washington sent Lafayette to Rhode Island in July 1778 to aid General John Sullivan with his efforts against the British. The operation required cooperation with the French fleet commanded by Admiral Comte d’Estaing. However, d’Estaing departed for Boston to repair his ships after they were damaged in a storm and by shelling during an engagement with the British fleet. This angered the Americans, who felt abandoned by their French ally. Lafayette tried to mediate. Concerned about the Franco-American alliance and being homesick, Lafayette returned to France, where he briefly placed under house arrest for his earlier disobedience to King Louis XVI. Upon his release, Lafayette worked with Benjamin Franklin, eventually convincing the king to increase French support for the “American Cause.”
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette Arrives in the Colonies
This is the fourth in a series of biweekly articles leading up to the bicentennial celebration.
By Frank and Gloria Womble
By Frank and Gloria Womble
On April 26, 1777, Lafayette departed France on La Victoire heading to the New World. Although seasick and bored during much of the two-month journey, he managed to learn some English while en route. The ship's captain had planned to stop in the West Indies to sell his cargo, but Lafayette was so fearful of arrest that he bought the cargo to avoid docking at the islands. He finally landed on North Island near Georgetown, South Carolina on June 13, 1777.
Lafayette stayed in South Carolina for two weeks as the guest Major Benjamin Huger, a wealthy landowner, before heading to Philadelphia where he presented himself at the Second Continental Congress. The Congress, overwhelmed with French officers who did not speak English and lacked military experience, initially rejected Lafayette’s request to join the Continental Army. In response, Lafayette offered to serve without pay. His membership in the Masons and his family connections, as well as a letter signed by Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane, worked in his favor and swayed Congress. The 19-year-old Lafayette was commissioned a major general on July 31, 1777, despite having only limited military training and no combat experience. On that day, George Washington and Lafayette first met at City Tavern in Philadelphia. Washington asked Lafayette to “join his military family.” The childless Washington and the fatherless Lafayette bonded almost immediately, beginning a close and lifelong friendship.
Washington was impressed by the young man's enthusiasm and was inclined to think well of a fellow Mason; Lafayette was simply awed by Washington. When Washington took Lafayette to view his military camp, he expressed embarrassment at its state and that of the troops. Lafayette responded: "I am here to learn, not to teach.” He joined Washington's staff as an aide-de-camp, although there was some confusion regarding his status because the Congress regarded his commission as honorary. Lafayette, however, considered himself a full-fledged general officer who would be given command of American soldiers when Washington deemed him ready.
Lafayette's first taste of combat was at the Battle of Brandywine near Chadd’s Ford, Pennsylvania on September 11, 1777. After the British outflanked the Americans, Washington sent Lafayette to join General John Sullivan. Upon his arrival, Lafayette went with the Third Pennsylvania Brigade under Brigadier General Thomas Conway and attempted to rally the unit. The British and Hessian forces continued to advance, and Lafayette was shot in the leg. During the American retreat, Lafayette rallied the troops, allowing a more orderly pullback, before being treated for his wound. In a letter to Congress after the battle, Washington cited him for "bravery and military ardour" and recommended him for the command of a division.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Lafayette stayed in South Carolina for two weeks as the guest Major Benjamin Huger, a wealthy landowner, before heading to Philadelphia where he presented himself at the Second Continental Congress. The Congress, overwhelmed with French officers who did not speak English and lacked military experience, initially rejected Lafayette’s request to join the Continental Army. In response, Lafayette offered to serve without pay. His membership in the Masons and his family connections, as well as a letter signed by Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane, worked in his favor and swayed Congress. The 19-year-old Lafayette was commissioned a major general on July 31, 1777, despite having only limited military training and no combat experience. On that day, George Washington and Lafayette first met at City Tavern in Philadelphia. Washington asked Lafayette to “join his military family.” The childless Washington and the fatherless Lafayette bonded almost immediately, beginning a close and lifelong friendship.
Washington was impressed by the young man's enthusiasm and was inclined to think well of a fellow Mason; Lafayette was simply awed by Washington. When Washington took Lafayette to view his military camp, he expressed embarrassment at its state and that of the troops. Lafayette responded: "I am here to learn, not to teach.” He joined Washington's staff as an aide-de-camp, although there was some confusion regarding his status because the Congress regarded his commission as honorary. Lafayette, however, considered himself a full-fledged general officer who would be given command of American soldiers when Washington deemed him ready.
Lafayette's first taste of combat was at the Battle of Brandywine near Chadd’s Ford, Pennsylvania on September 11, 1777. After the British outflanked the Americans, Washington sent Lafayette to join General John Sullivan. Upon his arrival, Lafayette went with the Third Pennsylvania Brigade under Brigadier General Thomas Conway and attempted to rally the unit. The British and Hessian forces continued to advance, and Lafayette was shot in the leg. During the American retreat, Lafayette rallied the troops, allowing a more orderly pullback, before being treated for his wound. In a letter to Congress after the battle, Washington cited him for "bravery and military ardour" and recommended him for the command of a division.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
The Young LafayetteThe Young Lafayette
This is the third in a series of biweekly articles leading up to the bicentennial celebration.
By Frank and Gloria Womble
By Frank and Gloria Womble
Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was a French aristocrat, Freemason, and military officer. He was born into an ancient, wealthy land-owning family in Chavaniac in the province of Auvergne in south-central France in 1757.
In 1768, Lafayette went to Paris at age 11 to live with his mother and great-grandfather at the comte's apartments in Luxembourg Palace. He was sent to school at the Collège du Plessis, part of the University of Paris, and was enrolled in a program to train future Musketeers. When Lafayette's mother and grandfather died within a few days of each other in 1770, Lafayette became one of the wealthiest men in France.
In May 1771, aged 13, Lafayette was commissioned a sous-lieutenant (second lieutenant) in the Mousquetaires du Roi, or "Black Musketeers,” King Louis XV's personal horse guard. His duties were largely ceremonial and included marching in military parades and presenting himself to King Louis.
Lafayette was engaged at age 14 to the 12-year-old Marie Adrienne Françoise. This marriage was arranged by Adrienne’s father, who had five daughters that needed suitable and preferably wealthy husbands. The marriage was opposed by her mother, who thought the couple (especially her daughter) was far too young. The compromise solution was not to mention marriage for two years, allowing Lafayette and Adrienne the chance to meet and get to know each other. It worked; the two fell in love and were happily married from the time of their marriage in 1774 until her death in 1807.
Lafayette was at annual training with his regiment in Metz in 1775 when he met General Charles-Francois, duc de Broglie, commander of the Army of the East. While there, de Broglie invited Lafayette and his friends to dinner along with the Duke of Gloucester, brother of King George III. Gloucester expressed sympathy for the American colonists’ struggle for independence and openly criticized his brother. In his memoires, Lafayette claimed he was won over immediately. “Such a glorious cause had never before rallied the attention of mankind. I gave my heart to the Americans and thought of nothing else but raising my banner and adding my color to theirs.”
Lafayette saw the opportunity for glory and adventure, plus a way to avenge France’s defeat by the British in the Seven Years’ War and his own father’s death by a British cannonball at the Battle of Minden when he was less than two years old. He was inspired by his exposure to Enlightenment philosophy, which emphasized individual liberty and religious tolerance as opposed to absolute monarchy and the power of religious authorities. Membership in the Freemasons, who promoted the ideals of the Enlightenment, certainly reinforced Lafayette’s idealism.
Lafayette defied a written decree from King Louis forbidding French officers from serving in America that mentioned him by name, and ignored his father-in-law’s orders to the same effect. He purchased and outfitted a ship, Victoire (Victory) with his own money, neglected to inform his pregnant young wife he was planning to leave France, successfully evaded the French authorities who were trying to stop him, and set sail for South Carolina in April 1777.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
In 1768, Lafayette went to Paris at age 11 to live with his mother and great-grandfather at the comte's apartments in Luxembourg Palace. He was sent to school at the Collège du Plessis, part of the University of Paris, and was enrolled in a program to train future Musketeers. When Lafayette's mother and grandfather died within a few days of each other in 1770, Lafayette became one of the wealthiest men in France.
In May 1771, aged 13, Lafayette was commissioned a sous-lieutenant (second lieutenant) in the Mousquetaires du Roi, or "Black Musketeers,” King Louis XV's personal horse guard. His duties were largely ceremonial and included marching in military parades and presenting himself to King Louis.
Lafayette was engaged at age 14 to the 12-year-old Marie Adrienne Françoise. This marriage was arranged by Adrienne’s father, who had five daughters that needed suitable and preferably wealthy husbands. The marriage was opposed by her mother, who thought the couple (especially her daughter) was far too young. The compromise solution was not to mention marriage for two years, allowing Lafayette and Adrienne the chance to meet and get to know each other. It worked; the two fell in love and were happily married from the time of their marriage in 1774 until her death in 1807.
Lafayette was at annual training with his regiment in Metz in 1775 when he met General Charles-Francois, duc de Broglie, commander of the Army of the East. While there, de Broglie invited Lafayette and his friends to dinner along with the Duke of Gloucester, brother of King George III. Gloucester expressed sympathy for the American colonists’ struggle for independence and openly criticized his brother. In his memoires, Lafayette claimed he was won over immediately. “Such a glorious cause had never before rallied the attention of mankind. I gave my heart to the Americans and thought of nothing else but raising my banner and adding my color to theirs.”
Lafayette saw the opportunity for glory and adventure, plus a way to avenge France’s defeat by the British in the Seven Years’ War and his own father’s death by a British cannonball at the Battle of Minden when he was less than two years old. He was inspired by his exposure to Enlightenment philosophy, which emphasized individual liberty and religious tolerance as opposed to absolute monarchy and the power of religious authorities. Membership in the Freemasons, who promoted the ideals of the Enlightenment, certainly reinforced Lafayette’s idealism.
Lafayette defied a written decree from King Louis forbidding French officers from serving in America that mentioned him by name, and ignored his father-in-law’s orders to the same effect. He purchased and outfitted a ship, Victoire (Victory) with his own money, neglected to inform his pregnant young wife he was planning to leave France, successfully evaded the French authorities who were trying to stop him, and set sail for South Carolina in April 1777.
The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250 and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with events in Suffolk in 2025: A memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Lafayette Day in Virginia
This is the second in a series of bi-weekly articles leading up to the bicentennial celebration.
By Frank and Gloria Womble
By Frank and Gloria Womble
General Lafayette, the close friend of George Washington and hero of the American Revolution, received many accolades after his major contributions to winning the Revolutionary War and founding our nation. One of the more significant is his designation as an honorary citizen of the United States.
On December 28, 1784, the Maryland General Assembly passed a resolution stating that Lafayette and his male heirs "forever shall be ... natural born Citizens" of the state. This made him a natural-born citizen of the United States under the Articles of Confederation and as defined in Section 1, Article Two of the United States Constitution. Other colonies soon followed, including Virginia in 1785. Lafayette boasted in 1792 that he had become an American citizen before the French Revolution created the concept of French citizenship.
The U. S. State Department, however, determined in 1935 that these measures did not result in Lafayette becoming a United States citizen following the ratification of the U. S. Constitution in 1789. That changed in 2002 when Lafayette became the sixth foreign national to be given honorary American citizenship by Congress. To date, he is one of only eight individuals thus honored. In 2015, Virginia officially honored Lafayette with a state resolution designating March 14 every year as Lafayette Day. This date is celebrated annually by the American Friends of Lafayette with ceremonies in the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.
The Virginia state resolution recounts several significant events during Lafayette’s activities in Virginia during the American Revolution. It begins with Lafayette’s arrival at Yorktown on March 14, 1781 to being a campaign in Virginia. The resolution notes that Lafayette’s forces were both outnumbered and poorly supplied, forcing Lafayette to use a strategy of limited engagement. He also pledged his own money to provide shoes and clothing for his soldiers.
The resolution recounts that Lafayette was “instrumental in convincing Louis XVI, King of France, to support the American colonies, directly contributing to the victory at Yorktown.” Lafayette returned to the United States on April 28, 1780, after this successful diplomatic mission aboard the French frigate Hermione. An exact replica of Hermione would arrive at Yorktown on June 7, 2015. In light of this impending event, the resolution encouraged
“all Virginians, especially its students reflect on and learn from Lafayette's example of heroism, courage, and commitment to freedom and democracy.”
The resolution concludes by proclaiming that “Lafayette loved America so much that he was buried in Paris under soil from Boston's Bunker Hill, and for his accomplishments in the service to both France and the United States, he is known as The Hero of Two Worlds.” Six panels explaining the importance of Lafayette to our nation’s history are on display at the Suffolk Visitor Center through March 15.
Suffolk will commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s return with several events in 2025:
A Farewell Tour memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; a ceremony to welcome Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
On December 28, 1784, the Maryland General Assembly passed a resolution stating that Lafayette and his male heirs "forever shall be ... natural born Citizens" of the state. This made him a natural-born citizen of the United States under the Articles of Confederation and as defined in Section 1, Article Two of the United States Constitution. Other colonies soon followed, including Virginia in 1785. Lafayette boasted in 1792 that he had become an American citizen before the French Revolution created the concept of French citizenship.
The U. S. State Department, however, determined in 1935 that these measures did not result in Lafayette becoming a United States citizen following the ratification of the U. S. Constitution in 1789. That changed in 2002 when Lafayette became the sixth foreign national to be given honorary American citizenship by Congress. To date, he is one of only eight individuals thus honored. In 2015, Virginia officially honored Lafayette with a state resolution designating March 14 every year as Lafayette Day. This date is celebrated annually by the American Friends of Lafayette with ceremonies in the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.
The Virginia state resolution recounts several significant events during Lafayette’s activities in Virginia during the American Revolution. It begins with Lafayette’s arrival at Yorktown on March 14, 1781 to being a campaign in Virginia. The resolution notes that Lafayette’s forces were both outnumbered and poorly supplied, forcing Lafayette to use a strategy of limited engagement. He also pledged his own money to provide shoes and clothing for his soldiers.
The resolution recounts that Lafayette was “instrumental in convincing Louis XVI, King of France, to support the American colonies, directly contributing to the victory at Yorktown.” Lafayette returned to the United States on April 28, 1780, after this successful diplomatic mission aboard the French frigate Hermione. An exact replica of Hermione would arrive at Yorktown on June 7, 2015. In light of this impending event, the resolution encouraged
“all Virginians, especially its students reflect on and learn from Lafayette's example of heroism, courage, and commitment to freedom and democracy.”
The resolution concludes by proclaiming that “Lafayette loved America so much that he was buried in Paris under soil from Boston's Bunker Hill, and for his accomplishments in the service to both France and the United States, he is known as The Hero of Two Worlds.” Six panels explaining the importance of Lafayette to our nation’s history are on display at the Suffolk Visitor Center through March 15.
Suffolk will commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s return with several events in 2025:
A Farewell Tour memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts; a ceremony to welcome Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Lafayette Returns
First in a series of articles
By Frank and Gloria Womble
The American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) has announced the upcoming Bicentennial celebration of Major General Lafayette’s triumphant Farewell Tour to America. In a letter dated February 24, 1824, President James Monroe (himself a veteran) and Congress invited Lafayette to visit the “adopted country of your early youth, which has always preserved the most grateful recollection of your important services.” AFL was formed in 1932 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania by a small group of scholars and collectors. Today, the organization has more than 800 members across the nation. It strives to educate the public about the life and legacy of Lafayette, not only as a hero of the American Revolution, but also as a relentless human rights activist.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, AFL will commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America as the “Guest of the Nation.” August 16, 2024 kicks off the beginning of this monumental occasion. More than 200 events will trace Lafayette’s footsteps on his 13-month, 6,000-mile tour of America during 1824 and 1825.
Lafayette’s return visit came at a difficult time in U. S. history. In 1824, the United States was in the throes of a very contentious Presidential election. Our country was divided and in turmoil. There were few living veterans from the Revolutionary War, and the “Spirit of ’76” that carried them through the war had faded as the nation expanded westward. President James Monroe was inspired to invite the last living American Major General from the Revolutionary War to return to help celebrate the nation’s upcoming 50th anniversary and reignite patriotism. Upon his return to the United States, Lafayette was welcomed with unprecedented universal affection and gratitude. What began as a simple plan to visit the major cities turned into a triumphal tour of all 24 states when the Southern and Western states clamored for a visit from Lafayette as well.
There will be commemorations in large cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Savannah as well as in the multitude of small towns that still maintain oral and written histories of the day America’s favorite fighting Frenchman visited. AFL’s goal is to educate the public about the critical roles of both Lafayette and France in our war for independence. Six large panels are on display at the Suffolk Visitor Center through mid-March that describe Lafayette’s significant contributions to our nation’s history.
One hundred ninety-nine years ago this week, Suffolk was the first overnight stop on Lafayette’s tour of the Southern and Western states. AFL is partnering with the Suffolk 250 Committee and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the Bicentennial. Here in Suffolk, Lafayette’s return will be celebrated by several events in 2025: A Farewell Tour memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts, with an opening night reception; a ceremony to welcome Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Gloria is the America 250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, AFL will commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America as the “Guest of the Nation.” August 16, 2024 kicks off the beginning of this monumental occasion. More than 200 events will trace Lafayette’s footsteps on his 13-month, 6,000-mile tour of America during 1824 and 1825.
Lafayette’s return visit came at a difficult time in U. S. history. In 1824, the United States was in the throes of a very contentious Presidential election. Our country was divided and in turmoil. There were few living veterans from the Revolutionary War, and the “Spirit of ’76” that carried them through the war had faded as the nation expanded westward. President James Monroe was inspired to invite the last living American Major General from the Revolutionary War to return to help celebrate the nation’s upcoming 50th anniversary and reignite patriotism. Upon his return to the United States, Lafayette was welcomed with unprecedented universal affection and gratitude. What began as a simple plan to visit the major cities turned into a triumphal tour of all 24 states when the Southern and Western states clamored for a visit from Lafayette as well.
There will be commemorations in large cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Savannah as well as in the multitude of small towns that still maintain oral and written histories of the day America’s favorite fighting Frenchman visited. AFL’s goal is to educate the public about the critical roles of both Lafayette and France in our war for independence. Six large panels are on display at the Suffolk Visitor Center through mid-March that describe Lafayette’s significant contributions to our nation’s history.
One hundred ninety-nine years ago this week, Suffolk was the first overnight stop on Lafayette’s tour of the Southern and Western states. AFL is partnering with the Suffolk 250 Committee and the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to commemorate the Bicentennial. Here in Suffolk, Lafayette’s return will be celebrated by several events in 2025: A Farewell Tour memorabilia exhibit from January 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts, with an opening night reception; a ceremony to welcome Lafayette’s arrival on February 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center; a banquet on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront; and a reception on February 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.
Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Gloria is the America 250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.