Come Honor the Brave ... Written by Mr. W. Strickland, in commemoration of the Arrival of Genl. LaFayette…

“Let the Clarion of freedom be raised to the skies…”

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Rare first state. The return of the Marquis de La Fayette (1757–1834) to America in 1824 was cause for great celebration. At the invitation of President Monroe and Congress, he toured the young Nation anticipating its upcoming 50th anniversary. The visit further mythologized the American Revolution and Lafayette’s part in it:

“Come honor the brave, with voices combined, / To welcome the GUEST, firm in Liberty’s cause; / The Compeer of WASHINGTON, friend of mankind, / Who bled for our Country, our Freedom and Laws.” [Third Stanza]

American cities competed with each other to outdo the honors bestowed upon their distinguished guest. Strickland’s Come Honor the Brave… illustrates Philadelphia’s renovation of Independence Hall (then the State House) to use for their reception of Lafayette’s visit; the perfect stage setting.

Wolfe 380, first state: “Title encloses an engraving showing an arch with the word ‘Lafayette’ across its top and the phrase ‘Grand civic arch erecting in Chesnut Street opposite the State House’ below its base ... Set to the air ‘Dog and gun’.”

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