(Updated)

Hi!

I don’t know where to start so how about my interests.

The Napoleonic wars

Napoleon Bonaparte (ofc)

The actual like, wars history part

Joachim Murat (fav marshal)

Jean Baptiste Bessieres, Michel Ney, and some other (marshals I like)

Napoleon/Wellington, Napoleon/Junot, Napoleon/Alexander, Napoleon/Lannes (Napoleon ships I like)

Bessimu (Bessières/Murat)

Napoleon reenactment (my version of Napoleon is very gay and loves Ney. and Wellington I guess sometimes) (that is from the Waterloo movie) (don’t question)

Amrev (American Revolution)

Lafayette

actual history part

The ‘Washington’s adopted sons’ concept

The Gay Trio stuff

next year is America 250, maybe more on that soon?

The Marquis de Lafayette

The American Friends of Lafayette :3

Lafayette’s farewell tour of 1824 and 25

Heated Rivalry/Game Changer series

NHL - San Jose Sharks 🦈, Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith (Willmack). Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Sidgeno. Brad Marchand. Marc André fleury. Big fan of that Tim hortons ad.

Musicals

Hamilton

Hadestown (minor interest)

the Outsiders (minor interest)

Wicked (minor interest)

ride the cyclone

Dan and Phil and Twenty One Pilots with @stagedoor-sobber

I like seals

I draw. and post random shit

That right there's my best friend in the whole world: Johnny Cade @stagedoor-sobber (outsiders reference hehe are you proud)

Looking for more friends on here :>

I want to be a historical reenactor. I love historical clothings but is too broke to get anything fancy :( (murat…)

In early May of 1825 La Fayette was travelling on the Ohio onboard the Artisan when the ship suddenly ran into trouble.

Twelve o’clock struck, and sleep was beginning to invite us to repose, when our vessel suddenly received a horrible shock, and stopped short. At this extraordinary concussion, the general awoke with a 159start, his son sprung from his bed, half dressed, and I ran on deck to learn what was the matter. I there found two of our fellow passengers, whom anxiety had brought up, but who were returning, saying we had probably struck on a sand bank, and that there was no danger. Not trusting this opinion, I went into the great cabin; all the passengers were in a state of great agitation, but still in doubt as to the nature of the accident; some had not even quitted their beds. Decided on not going below without positively ascertaining the real state of things, I seized a light and ran forward, the captain arrived there about the same time, we opened the hatches, and ran forward; the hold was already half filled with water, which rushed in torrents through a large opening. “A snag! a snag!” cried the captain, “hasten Lafayette to my boat! bring Lafayette to my boat.” This cry of distress had reached the great cabin, and every mouth repeated it with dismay, but it had not been heard in our cabin, where I found the general, who had, by the advice of his son, permitted himself to be partly dressed by his faithful Bastien. “What news?” said he, on seeing me enter. “That we shall go to the bottom, general, if we cannot extricate ourselves, and we have not a moment to spare.” And I immediately began to collect my papers, which I threw pell-mell into my port-folio; George Lafayette on his part, hastily collected those objects he thought most necessary to his father, and begged him to follow us, but his toilet not being yet made, he wished us to go first and provide means of escape. “What!” cried his son, “do you think that in such circumstances we will leave you for a moment?” and immediately we each seized a hand and dragged him towards the door. He followed us, smiling at our haste, and began to ascend with us, but had scarcely reached the middle of the stairs, when he perceived that he had forgotten his snuff-box, ornamented with a picture of Washington, and wished to return for it; I went to the end of the cabin, found it and brought it to him. At this time the rolling of the vessel was so violent and irregular, and the tumult over our heads augmented to such a degree, that I believed we should not have time to escape before she sunk. At last, we reached the deck, where all the passengers were in the greatest confusion, some bringing their trunks, others looking for the boat, and crying out for Lafayette.

Now, timewise, this post should come later as La Fayette’s Tour in 1825 progressed further. But this story is both too sweet and also too heartbreaking – because the Tour of 1824/25 was supposed to be an absolute highlight in La Fayette’s life, and for the most part it was. But there were a few hours after a naval accident where La Fayette believed, or at least very much feared, his son had just drowned.

To set the scene, we have the 6th of May 1825 and La Fayette, his entourage and several others have just boarded the steamship Artisan in Nashville to traverse a part of the Ohio river. In the night from the 7th to the 9th, around midnight, the Artisan collided with something in the water. Some passengers at first believed they had simply run aground a sand bank and that there was no reason to worry, but the captain soon ordered the ship to be evacuated. Apparently, the Artisan had crashed into one or several snags in the dark of night and water was flooding into the ship. La Fayette and his secretary Levasseur, the one who left us with this account, made it safely and quickly to the shore, but Georges had vanished from their side in the turmoil.

It was then only that the general perceived that his son was not with him, and immediately his habitual coolness in the presence of danger abandoned him. He was filled with anxiety, and in a state of the most violent agitation. He began to call, George! George! with all his strength, but his voice was drowned by the cries which from the vessel, and by the terrible noise made by steam escaping from the engine, and received no answer.

Levasseur, having at this point in time still every hope in Georges’ ability to look after himself, tried to calm La Fayette, but to no avail.

Nothing had any effect; he continued to traverse the shore calling on George.

Beside Georges there were still many others in the water and unaccounted for and Levasseur decided to lend whatever aide he might and to look for Georges in the process – who, by Levasseur’s account, was an excellent swimmer.

I [Levasseur] then threw myself into the boat with the captain to go to the succour of those who so much needed it. The vessel still floated, but almost on her beam ends. The captain mounted on board, and I received in his place a dozen persons, who precipitated themselves into the boat, and I whom carried to land, without having been able to speak to George, Mr. de Syon, or Bastien [La Fayette’s valet]. I dared not give an account of this first attempt to the general, and therefore made preparations for another trip, when a horrible crash and cries of despair announced to me that the vessel was sinking.

After several such trips and back on land again, there was still no sign of Georges and now even Levasseur was becoming very worried about La Fayette’s son.

At every instant, other persons arrived on shore, and among them I always expected to recognise Mr. George Lafayette; and the general demanded news of his son from all, but in vain. I now myself began to fear for him.

But instead of giving up, Levasseur again got into a boot to look for more people in need.

Thinking that there was an urgent necessity for succouring those who remained in this critical situation, I again entered the boat, and aided by a sailor approached the vessel. I first arrived at the prow; I called George with all my strength, but there was no answer. I then dropped along her side to the stern. In passing, I heard a voice over head cry out, “Is that you Mr. Levasseur?” I listened and examined attentively; it was our poor Bastien, who was holding with difficulty to the roof of the upper cabin, the pitch of which was very great from the oversetting of the vessel. As soon as I came near him, he slid down and fortunately fell into the boat. When I arrived at the stern, I again called George; he instantly answered me. His voice appeared to be perfectly calm. “Are you in safety?”, said I. “I could not be better”, replied he gaily. This reply gave me much relief, for my fears were really becoming serious.

There is no account in the notes how La Fayette reacted to this good news. But it is safe to assume that he was relieved beyond what words might express to here that his son was safe and sound.

I now returned to land with Bastien and two other persons I had received in the boat, and hastened to assure the general of the safety of his son.

I find this scene touching for obvious reasons, but it also gives us an interesting glimpse into La Fayette and the relation he had with his son. La Fayette, by all accounts, loved children and his own children most especially. He was a very devoted father and his letter home during the American Revolution were full of pleas to kiss and embrace his children for him, take care of them, look after them, tell them how much he loved them and then kiss them some more. Also, by all accounts, La Fayette was almost always able to keep his wits about him even in dangerous and stressful situations. There are not really any accounts of him loosing his cool during his time in prison in Austria and Prussia or the subsequent attempted escape, during the different battles he fought during the French or American Revolution, or even during the Battle of Brandywine where he was wounded. There is always the distinct possibility that the authors of these reports distorted La Fayette’s reactions and behaviors in an attempt of hero-worship or the like. Nevertheless, his behavior is very much consistent throughout all the accounts that we have. But now we can see him becoming very frantic as soon as his son is in danger. Interestingly, this is the only time we are able to follow La Fayette’s emotion “in real time”. When his son was wounded during the Napoleonic Wars for example, we again are presented with a very calm and collected La Fayette, but by the time that account was written, George had already been in contact with his family, his wounds had been dressed and looked after, and he was up and about again without the need of further assistance. The story about the sinking of the Artisan depicts La Fayette right in the moment of uncertainty.

But apparently, Georges had always been in charge of the situation, as the captain of the Artisan later explained.

In the midst of this occupation, Mr. George and Mr. de Syon, with the remainder of the passengers, arrived. We then learnt that at the moment of the wreck, Mr. George, seeing that I was in the boat to watch over his father, had returned to the cabin, into which the water had already penetrated, and had made Bastien and Mr. de Syon, who were imprudently endeavoring to save their effects, leave it. Then, only yielding ground as the water forced him, he had indefatigably occupied himself with the care of those around him. At one moment, the water reached to the middle of his body. But his coolness and presence of mind re-assured some persons, who, without him, would perhaps have been dismayed and exposed to the greatest danger. Finally, we were told, he would not leave the vessel, until he was satisfied, that all who remained on board belonged to her and could dispense with his assistance. “Mr. George Lafayette must often have been shipwrecked”, said the captain, “for he has behaved tonight as if he was accustomed to such adventures.”

Auguste Levasseur, Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825; or Journal of Travels in the United States, Translated from the French, Volume 1, New-York, 1829, p. 17.

We have a very lengthy excerpt today, although La Fayette did not do all that much – but Levasseur gave us a very interesting insight into his (and to an extend La Fayette’s) opinions about many things – mostly about education and women and their position in society. These two topics were also very dear to the Marquis’ heart, and he seemed to thoroughly enjoy his stay in Burlington. We also meet another revolutionary soldier who presented General La Fayette with a sword that he himself had given him during the War of Independence.

On the morning of the 28th, we arrived at Burlington, the beautiful situation of which, on the delightful shores of Lake Champlain, excited our admiration. Whilst we were viewing, with pleasure and astonishment, the beauties of nature spread before us, we heard the thunder of artillery, and an instant afterwards saw advancing towards us a body of militia, preceded by a crowd of citizens, who hastened in front of the national hotel. The good order of this body of troops, the bold and firm step of the men who composed it, answered perfectly to the reputation for bravery and patriotism which the inhabitants of Vermont had acquired in the revolutionary war, and in that of 1814. Every one knows, that it was the Vermonters who, in 1777, completed, by their presence, the embarrassment of the English General Burgoyne, who, at sight of their intrepid bands, presented his capitulation. (…)

Finally, it was these intrepid Green Mountain boys who formed the troops which preserved Plattsburg from pillage by the English, on the 11th of September, 1814; and the raw crews, who, with vessels built in eighteen days, forced an enemy superior in number, to strike a flag which claimed the absolute empire of the sea. The governor, who had met the general at Windsor, and who had travelled with him from that city, introduced him to the citizens and magistrates of Burlington, who received him with the most affectionate addresses. I shall not insert here, notwithstanding their eloquence, the numerous speeches addressed to him by the representatives of the different branches of the administration and government, nor his answers, in which he congratulated the state of Vermont on their enjoying so nobly the benefits of the new American social order, so superior to the least vicious in situations of Europe, and at having replaced European tolerance by religious liberty; privilege by right; a shadow of representation and an unequal compromise between the aristocratic families and the people, by a true representation by the principle of the sovereignty of the nation, and its self-government. But I cannot refrain from relating some of the patriotic remarks of these veterans, glorious and living monuments of the revolutionary war, who crowded around their old chief, the companion of former dangers, privations, and glory, and repeating with enthusiasm the names of the battles, in which he had aided them in achieving the independence of their country. (…)

One of them, Sergeant Day, showed him a sword, saying, “It is nearly half a century since I received this from your hands. General.” And I heard it said in the crowd, that notwithstanding his great age, Sergeant Day had not found this sword too heavy for his arm in 1814. After the public dinner, which was concluded before night, the general visited the university, where he was invited to lay the corner stone of a new building intended to be added to the establishment, which an incendiary had destroyed a year before, and which the zeal of the inhabitants of Vermont for the diffusion of knowledge had entirely rebuilt in a few months. In the solidity and elegance of these buildings it was easy to see the hand of the people. The ceremony of laying the corner stone took place in presence of the pupils of the university, their professors, the magistrates of the city, and a great concourse of citizens, who saw with joy the restoration and enlargement of an institution destined to render more permanent the support of their wise institutions, by instructing and enlightening the rising generations. Mr. Willard Preston, president of the university, thanked General Lafayette for the evidence he had given of his interest in the education of the youth of Vermont, and we proceeded to the residence of Governor Van Ness, whose delightful dwelling and gardens arranged with exquisite taste, were still more charmingly embellished by an assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, who, during the whole evening, contended for the pleasure of approaching the nation's guest, to express their sentiments of affection and gratitude for the services he had rendered to their country and forefathers; for, in the state of Vermont, as in all the rest of the Union, the females are not strangers either to the principles of government, or to the obligations of patriotism; their education, more liberal than in any part of Europe, places them in a condition more worthy the rank of thinking beings, as it is well known that in all the great events which have agitated the United States at different periods, the enthusiasm of the women powerfully seconded the energy of the magistrates, and the devotion of the warriors. One of the circumstances which contributed most to augment my attachment to the Americans during my stay among them, is the profound respect that they pay to females of every rank, and the tender care with which they protect this sex.

About midnight General Lafayette quitted the town of Burlington, carrying with him the good wishes and bene dictions of the inhabitants, who accompanied him to the shore where there were two steamboats, the Phoenix and Congress, both having awnings, illuminated and ornament ed with designs and transparencies. He went on board the Phoenix, which saluted him with thirteen guns on his embarkation, when the anchor was quickly weighed amidst the loud farewells of the crowd who lined the shores.

During his grand American Tour, La Fayette had many toasts spoken in his honour – some of the were plain, spoken in the moment, others were carefully crafted in anticipation. Many put La Fayette on a pedestal, all of them were heartwarming and spoken with deep emotions. Luckily for us, La Fayette’s secretary Auguste Levasseur wrote many of them down. So grab something to drink and raise a glass to the Hero of Two Worlds!

The dinner [in Salem] ended with a great number of toasts. One was drank to “France, the friend of liberty in America; may she never become the friend of oppression in Europe.”

p. 72.

After dinner [in New York], which was animated with a frank and cordial joy, a great number of toasts were drank, all impressed with that character of energetic patriotism which distinguishes every thing said or done in a truly free country. I cannot resist the desire to insert some of them here. (…) By the President. – “General Lafayette. We are proud that he is a Frenchman.” (…) In the eighteenth century, General Lafayette was born, the enemy of tyranny, and passionate lover of liberty. (…) I am an ocular and faithful historian. Behold these trophies, these flags, and standards upon all of them is written Liberty! Victory! Lafayette!”

p. 96-97.

This day of emotions and fatigues, under which a man less robust than Lafayette must have sunk, was terminated by a supper [in Albany] in which toasts were drank to the health of the “Nation's Guest” and “to the liberty and sovereignty of the people,” and by a brilliant ball which we left at midnight in order to seek a little rest.

p. 114.

A splendid dinner [in Philadelphia] was here served up; all the public officers were present, and numerous toasts were drank. One was drank to Greece regenerated, wishing her a Washington for a leader, and a Lafayette for a friend.

p. 143.

After dinner [in Baltimore], numerous toasts were drank, which for the most part were expressive of attachment to the person and principles of Lafayette, or sometimes according to the American custom, the opinion of their political party.

p. 166.

The sight of the Nation’s Guest seated at the patriotic banquet between Jefferson and Madison, excited in those present an enthusiasm which expressed itself in enlivening sallies of wit and humour. Mr. Madison, who had arrived that day at Charlotteville to attend this meeting, was especially remarkable for the originality of his expressions, and the delicacy of his allusions: before leaving the table, he gave a toast, “To liberty, with virtue for her guest, and gratitude for the feast,” which was received with transports of applause.

p. 220

lafayette was in Washington DC

Also today a (small) picture frame fell on the board and bent my mini lafayette at the neck

which YOU SURVIVED THE FRENCH REVOLUTION DON’T DIE NOW

In his letter to his grand-daughter Natalie Réné Emilie from May 22, 1825, La Fayette wrote about the parties’ plan for the following day:

Demain nous visiterons une autre ville, Mariette, aussi dans l'état de Ohio dont le gouverneur voyage avec nous sur le beau steam-boat qu'il nous ont prêté pour aller à Werling [Wheeling], d'où nous ésrons notre visite à l'excellente famille Gallatin.

Marquis de La Fayette, Memoirs, Correspondences and Manuscripts of General Lafayette, Vol. 6, Brockhaus & Avenariew, Leipzig, 1837, pp. 206.

Tomorrow we will visit another town, Mariette, also in the state of Ohio, whose governor is travelling with us on the beautiful steam-boat they have lent us to go to Werling [Wheeling], from where we will pay a visit to the excellent Gallatin family.