Details
LAFAYETTE, GILBERT DU MOTIER, Marquis DE. Autograph letter signed ("Lafayette") to an unidentified American correspondent ("My dear Sir"), La Grange, [France], 25 August 1816. One page, 4to, integral blank docketed by recipient: "Lafayette with Madisons papers," in English.
An intriguing letter, apparently deliberately veiled for reasons of diplomatic secrecy. "I have this day received your letter...and much regret the miscarriage of the package...Whether the loss is to be attributed to want of attention in the Hotel or too much of it in the [Post] Office I do not pretend to decide. I have requested an inquiry to be made...but to save time I send you other copies [of letters from President James Madison?]. Those [letters] of February 16, March 29, May 12, I beg you to return...You are sensible that the communications of Mr. Madison are of a private friendly nature [i.e., not for publication]. The Substance of them, however, as far as I thought proper, I have imparted to M. Duplanis, M. Lafin, M. Petry. Mr. [Albert] Gallatin is of the opinion that the patents being obtained our affair would be in a more advanced stage than the expositions of Mr. Madison seem to imply. I have again written to the President, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Crawford..." (Maxwell)
An intriguing letter, apparently deliberately veiled for reasons of diplomatic secrecy. "I have this day received your letter...and much regret the miscarriage of the package...Whether the loss is to be attributed to want of attention in the Hotel or too much of it in the [Post] Office I do not pretend to decide. I have requested an inquiry to be made...but to save time I send you other copies [of letters from President James Madison?]. Those [letters] of February 16, March 29, May 12, I beg you to return...You are sensible that the communications of Mr. Madison are of a private friendly nature [i.e., not for publication]. The Substance of them, however, as far as I thought proper, I have imparted to M. Duplanis, M. Lafin, M. Petry. Mr. [Albert] Gallatin is of the opinion that the patents being obtained our affair would be in a more advanced stage than the expositions of Mr. Madison seem to imply. I have again written to the President, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Crawford..." (Maxwell)