Lafayette Addresses the House of Representatives

Lafayette entered American public life as a young French volunteer in the War of Independence. He served with George Washington and helped sustain the connection to French military support, becoming associated with the victory at Yorktown. [1] [2]

Twenty-four representatives, one from each state, escorted Lafayette into the House chamber on 10 December 1824, where Speaker Henry Clay welcomed the French veteran of the American Revolution. Few members, Clay observed, had fought alongside him; the rest knew his part in the war through histories and recollections. [1]

President James Monroe had invited Lafayette back to the United States. With his son Georges Washington, he spent thirteen months visiting all twenty-four states, meeting former presidents, and going to George Washington’s tomb. Thousands turned out along his route through a country that had nearly doubled its number of states since the Revolution. [1]

Replying to Clay, Lafayette recalled his arrival as a young soldier and thanked Americans for nearly half a century of affection. One hour of the receptions he had received, he said, would repay a lifetime of public exertion and suffering. When the House adjourned, Clay came down from the Speaker’s chair to greet him; members followed individually before Lafayette left. [1]

Related Diplomats

1. Joseph-Alexandre-Jacques Durant de Mareuil [3] [4]

Related Reading

• France and the United States