The Central Gazette

GENERAL LA FAYETTE'S
DEPARTURE

At an early hour on Monday morning last, the Albemarle Fayette Guards assembled for the purpose of escorting Gen. La Fayette to the county of Orange. At 9 o'clock the troop formed a line in front of Mr. Jefferson's house.

The General and Suite, after taking an affectionate leave of Mr. Jefferson and family, ascended their carriages and were in readiness to depart on their journey. Gen. La Fayette, Mr. Thomas J. Randolph and Mr. V. W. Southall occupied Mr. Jefferson's landau, drawn by four handsome greys. Another carriage was allotted to the General's suite, and a neat waggon for the baggage. At the sound of the bugle the whole train moved off in handsome style—the carriages, preceded by a small number of the escort, and followed by the main body. Gordonsville was the point designated for the reception, by the citizens of Orange. During the whole passage from Monticello to that place, the inhabitants from either side of the road, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, crowded to the highway, manifesting the same interest, the same enthusiasm, the same veneration and affection, which have every where been felt on the approach of this illustrious benefactor of man.

Persons of every age, sex and condition seemed anxious to behold and to honor the nation's guest. Ever and anon, were discernible from the neighboring farm-houses, the fair daughters of the mountains, waving their white handkerchiefs, in attestation of the same feeling, which pervaded the animated groups of their fathers, husbands, and brothers, who had assembled on the borders of the highway. At 1 o'clock the General, suite, and escort, arrived at Gordonsville, where a deputation and escort from the county of Orange were in waiting to conduct the General to Montpelier. His approach was hailed with acclamations of heartfelt joy.

As soon as he descended from his carriage, Jas. Barbour, Esq. senator in congress from this state, received him, and in a few words which we could not distinctly hear, gave him a warm and hearty welcome to the county. The General and suite was then conducted into Mr. Thornton's Tavern, where refreshments had been prepared for them. The room was beautifully decorated with evergreens and natural flowers, which were tastefully entwined around the curtains, and others bound together and hung in delightful festoons over the windows, doors and mantlepiece.—It was the ingenious work of Mrs. Thornton and the Miss Gordons.

At two o'clock, after taking an affectionate leave of the escort and other gentlemen from Albemarle, the General and suite resumed their journey to Montpelier, in the carriages provided by the Orange deputation.

Gen. La Fayette will dine to day at Orange Court House, and attend a Ball to morrow evening at Fredericksburg.