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LAFAYETTE, GILBERT DU MOTIER, MARQUIS DE. Autograph letter signed ("L.f.") to U.S. Minister to France, William Vans Murray, La Grange, 27 [February] 1800. 1 1/4 pages, 4to, 210 x 164mm. (8 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.), integral address leaf in Lafayette's hand, black wax seal, small tear at fold of address leaf, address leaf with minor defects.
Details
LAFAYETTE, GILBERT DU MOTIER, MARQUIS DE. Autograph letter signed ("L.f.") to U.S. Minister to France, William Vans Murray, La Grange, 27 [February] 1800. 1 1/4 pages, 4to, 210 x 164mm. (8 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.), integral address leaf in Lafayette's hand, black wax seal, small tear at fold of address leaf, address leaf with minor defects.
LAFAYETTE MOURNS THE DEATH OF "MY PATERNAL GENERAL" GEORGE WASHINGTON
A letter remarkable for its heartfelt expression of Lafayette's feelings on the recent death of Washington: "...You was a worthy friend of my Paternal General, as you know how to value, how to lament the unexpected Loss we have Sustained. It is He who Advised Against my intended Voyage [to America]. Had the delay been occasioned by other motives than my filial deference for this Great and Good friend, I would be Miserable indeed. Had any decline of His Health warned me of the mournful loss, Nothing in the world, not even his Injunctions, could have prevented my seeing Him Once More. Such a place He Has for so Many Years Had in My Life, My Actions, My Sentiments and My Thoughts, that I Hardly Can Believe that while I am Living, His Earthly existence is only to be Remembered -- that it shall be with tears, Love, and Respect by every one who knew Him, and who Knew him better than I did?
"You will, I think, be Satisfied with the intentions of this Government. I have no Share in the Public Affairs, nor will I have any. But am persuaded the dispositions towards America are such as cannot fail to forward your negotiations..."
LAFAYETTE MOURNS THE DEATH OF "MY PATERNAL GENERAL" GEORGE WASHINGTON
A letter remarkable for its heartfelt expression of Lafayette's feelings on the recent death of Washington: "...You was a worthy friend of my Paternal General, as you know how to value, how to lament the unexpected Loss we have Sustained. It is He who Advised Against my intended Voyage [to America]. Had the delay been occasioned by other motives than my filial deference for this Great and Good friend, I would be Miserable indeed. Had any decline of His Health warned me of the mournful loss, Nothing in the world, not even his Injunctions, could have prevented my seeing Him Once More. Such a place He Has for so Many Years Had in My Life, My Actions, My Sentiments and My Thoughts, that I Hardly Can Believe that while I am Living, His Earthly existence is only to be Remembered -- that it shall be with tears, Love, and Respect by every one who knew Him, and who Knew him better than I did?
"You will, I think, be Satisfied with the intentions of this Government. I have no Share in the Public Affairs, nor will I have any. But am persuaded the dispositions towards America are such as cannot fail to forward your negotiations..."