The New Jersey Connection

Abstract: This article offers an intriguing glimpse into the origins of Lafayette's famous Farewell Tour of America in 1824-1825, revealing a previously overlooked New Jersey connection. The authors, Mark Edward Lender and Iris De Rode, present evidence that a letter from Joseph Bloomfield, former governor of New Jersey, played a crucial role in prompting Lafayette to propose his visit to the United States. The essay highlights how Bloomfield's letter, informing Lafayette of the passing of Revolutionary War veterans, deeply moved the Marquis and led him to write to President James Monroe expressing his desire to return to America. This challenges the conventional narrative that the tour originated solely from an invitation by Monroe. The authors analyze Lafayette's letter to Monroe, which references Bloomfield's communication and expresses the Marquis's emotional connection to his "adoptive homeland." They also explore the political context in France that may have motivated Lafayette's desire to visit America. The essay emphasizes the significance of this overlooked detail in understanding the origins of the Farewell Tour and its connection to the passing of the Revolutionary generation. It presents a nuanced view of the tour's inception, highlighting the interplay between personal relationships, nostalgia, and political circumstances in shaping this significant historical event.