Sally of Monticello: Founding Mother the story continues...

88The pomp accompanying the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayetteon the mountain drew an unprecedented gathering Thursday afternoon,the 4th of November, 1824.First a bugle announced the procession’s approach. A cavalrydetachment from Fluvanna County led the parade onto the east lawn.Several carriages followed the soldiers—landaus with their tops downbearing dignitaries.The first carriage contained local officials who’d arranged thiswelcome under leadership of Jefferson Randolph. But Thomas’sgrandson, recognizable for being such a giant of a man, rode withGeneral Lafayette in the next open landau drawn by four grey horses.Two more open carriages of local celebrities followed, then a wagonof luggage.The Albemarle Lafayette Guards brought up the rear, someriding, some marching, all in uniform. A huge body of citizens walkedor rode behind them and joined other people forming half a circle onthe lawn. The cavalrymen arranged themselves astride their horses in ahalf circle opposite.All grew silent as the landaus drew up to the entrance. ThereThomas approached his old friend, first with halting steps then with aquicker pace. In tears the two old revolutionaries hugged each other.Never before have I seen Thomas throw his arms around a man andembrace him.A cheer went up from the crowd that was later said to carry tothe Mazzei family vineyards over two miles distant.Martha—in her officious manner—had commanded me to directpreparation and serving of light refreshments. I complied, seizing theopportunity to plan and then bring a battalion of slaves into action.As we distributed desserts at sunset, Mr. Madison arrived. Iheard him comment that the Marquis had gained so much weight sincetheir last meeting he wouldn’t have recognized him.Ceremonies continued through the following day. When theyconcluded and all had arrived back at the house, a weary Israel Gillettstrolled toward me in the light of the lower south wing. A bright smilespread when he glanced up.“You seem suddenly cheerful,” I said.“Because I have something to share. Something exciting I heardtoday, driving the carriage for the Master and the Marquis. And Mr.Madison.”“Oh?”“General Lafayette’s son, George Washington, was also withus.”“My, my, Israel. You were in distinguished company. Come intothe kitchen and tell me. I’ll fix cocoa.”On Friday, mid-morning, the two former Presidents hadaccompanied General Lafayette and his son, setting out fromMonticello for a tour of the still uncompleted buildings of theUniversity of Virginia. I’d witnessed their leaving. In town theyparaded with cavalrymen, a crowd of citizens trailing, Israel said.Reaching the university lawn, the “Hero of the Revolution withtwo of its Sages” climbed to the unfinished Rotunda of Thomas’sdesign. Ladies waved hundreds of handkerchiefs, all at someone’sdirection. Israel called it a “pretty sight.” For the three-hour feast in theRotunda, four hundred people sat at tables in three concentric circlesunder the dome and joined thirteen toasts for the principals, somewords bringing tears.“I’m grateful hearing what I’d love to have witnessed,” I toldIsrael. “But you haven’t mentioned what excited you.”“On the trip back a little while ago,” he said, “General Lafayettesaid it was wrong for any man to own another, that slaves ought to gofree and receive an education. He said he’d put himself and his moneyinto the American Revolution for everyone’s freedom but now grievesthat many of us are still in bondage.”Such candor by the Marquis sent chills up my arms, even in thewarm kitchen. I asked Israel whether Thomas responded.“The Master said he thought the time would come when wewould all be free, but he didn’t know how or when that would happen.He agreed it would be good for whites and Negroes if we could all beschooled, that everyone would benefit.”I sighed deeply and asked, “Did the Master say anything aboutdeportation?”“You mean, sending free Negroes to a separate place?”I nodded.“No, nothing like that. Not this time.” His voice caught. Theglint of tears appeared in the corners of his eyes. He set down his cupand rose quickly, heading for the door. “A day I’ll never forget,” hesaid as he left.