Mendon Congressman Planned Extravagant Welcome for Revolutionary War Hero
Russell. He had made plans for an elaborate celebration to welcome to his home the Marquis de Lafayette from France. The oldest living general of the Revolutionary War was touring the United States, and his effects on the young nation were energizing. He incited new feelings of patriotism in every city and town where he stopped. Russell had known him since 1811, when he served as charge d'affaires to France, so the visit to his Mendon home would be very special in re-acquainting with his old friend. The Russells were known to entertain lavishly, so plans for the welcoming visit would most certainly reflect the dignity of the esteemed war hero. Jonathan Russell became internationally known when he served as the Ambassador to the Court of Saint James during the War of 1812. He was one of the signers of the Treaty of Ghent, which brought about an official end to the war on December 24, 1814. The treaty was negotiated by five highly talented American diplomats: Russell, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, James Bayard, and Albert Gallatin. Both the English and the Americans agreed to a status quo ante bellum, which meant that neither side declared victory, and that everything would be the same as before the war. Though the United States did not win the war, it once again stood up to the strongest military force on earth and showed that it would not be intimidated. The treaty promoted new feelings of national pride, and elevated the American diplomats to the status of new national leaders. With his diplomatic service ending in 1818, Russell moved back to Mendon and served in the Massachusetts Legislature. He then served in the United States Congress from 1821 through 1823. It was during this term in 1822 that he raised questions about the decisions of presidential candidate, John Quincy Adams, in negotiating the Treaty of Ghent eight years earlier. Specifically, he brought up that Adams had been willing to trade off navigation rights of the Mississippi River, a trade that Russell and Clay had strongly opposed. Adams was incensed about being publicly questioned. He felt that Russell was out to discredit him and hurt his chances for the presidency. A lengthy newspaper battle developed, and after a long, bitter feud, Jonathan had had enough of Adams and Washington politics. He returned to Mendon and served as town moderator. The anticipated visit by Lafayette would certainly be one of the special highlights to cap off Russell's magnificent career in public service. He arranged to have his home at the corner of Emerson Street and Hastings Street finely decorated in patriotic attire. Special guests had been invited, and certainly, an abundance of food had been prepared. Jonathan and his family waited with great enthusiasm for the general and his entourage to arrive. Lafayette and his accompanying dignitaries traveling through Central Massachusetts never arrived at the intended destination of the home of the Mendon congressman. One of the traveling companions, a person of high influence, intervened and changed the itinerary and re-routed the tour to intentionally by-pass Mendon and go directly to Providence. The person who directed this snub went on to become the sixth president of the U.S. He was John Quincy Adams. August 23, 1824, was a memorable day for Jonathan Russell, one that he never forgot!!! Richard Grady July 24, 2012 Russell and the War of 1812 Mendon Menu |
Present site of Russell-Darling house. |
The Russell-Darling house |
Grady noticed an error in it. "It took place in 1824, not 1826. LaFayette went back to Boston in 1825 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill." Here's a link to an article on his tour of the United States. |