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This article is the second in a series of three is based on an undated booklet published by the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society. For details regarding the Lafayette Bicentennial Banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6 until 9 p.m., visit Suffolkva250.com for more information.

By Frank and Gloria Womble
Research by Marion J. Watson

Dinner was announced at six o’clock on Feb. 25 and Lafayette was taken to the Nansemond County Courthouse. Eighty men sat down to most splendid and sumptuous dinner the people of Suffolk could give. Although there is no record of what was served, James Holladay was well known for his Nansemond and James River oysters and fish dishes, as well as his liquors from the New York markets. French wines were served, especially red. 

Mills Riddick, President of the Arrangements Committee, presided over the banquet, assisted by Matthias Jones, Vice-President of the committee. The formal address was given by Joseph Prentis, a local lawyer and surveyor of the port of Suffolk. Sheriff Cohoon was the master of ceremonies.

Thirteen regular toasts and several volunteers were given at the dinner. The thirteen toasts were reprinted in the Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald newspaper:

1. General George Washington: The father and founder of the American Republic – the votary of the principles of Liberty, and magnanimity, which formed the basis of sound policy and durable glory.
2. General Lafayette: Firm and unseating, amidst the ruins of the Bastille, the Champ of the Federation, and in the dungeons of Olmütz. 

When this toast was given, General Lafayette rose and expressed his thankful acknowledgements. He observed that during the Virginia Campaign, the town of Suffolk, and Nansemond County, had been an object of his peculiar and sympathizing concern. Amidst their late sufferings and continued dangers, the patriotism of their citizens had never been damped. He also expressed his pleasure to have met at Yorktown the Suffolk Volunteers, and his gratitude for the affectionate welcome he was now enjoying, and concluded by offering the following toast: “The town of Suffolk, and Nansemond County — May they forever enjoy all the blessings of republican institutions, and prosperous industry.”

3. Bollman and Huger: Intercessors (dear to every American Patriot) to relieve from Austrian bondage, the early friend of human Liberty.
4. The Battle of Minden: The imperishable monument of the brave and venerated Ancestor of our Nation’s Guest, the father of him who suffered with our fathers, for our sake.
5. The Countess de Lafayette: The bright ornament of the Court of Louis the 14th and the founder of the most popular department of modern literature.
6. The Patriots of ’76: May the present and future generations revere and emulate their virtues and their valor.
7. The 19th of October ’81: Let us honor the day which terminated the struggles, and sealed the independence of our country.
8. The Present Congress: They have done their duty, by evincing the nation’s gratitude to the Nation’s Guest.
9. The President of the United States, whose life has been spent in his country’s service: Ease and happiness attend his remaining years.
10. Our Government: Just in its original principles, and wise in the administration of them.
11. The Army and Navy of the United States.
12. General Simon Bolivar: The patriot of South America, and the dauntless friend of civil liberty.
13. Our fair countrywomen.

After the banquet, the men dispersed, but the celebrations continued throughout the town. Lafayette was escorted back to his rooms at Castle Inn. He received introductions to the ladies of the town in the drawing room until eleven o’clock that evening. He then retired to his bed chamber. While he slept, people were still celebrating at the various inns and taverns of Suffolk.

The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Riddick’s Folly, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, and the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour.