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LAFAYETTE, GILBERT DU MOTIER, Marquis de. . Autograph letter signed to American Navy Captain John Barry, Paris, 2 November 1782. 3 pp., 4to. Born in Ireland, Barry settled in Philadelphia around 1760, soon joined the fight of his adopted country and made "the first capture in actual battle of a British war-ship by a regularly commissioned American cruiser." (DAB) In 1781 he took Command of the Alliance, transporting Lafayette back to France toward the end of the year. It may very well have been during this voyage that Barry and Lafayette established the friendship so evident in this letter. Barry went on to further glory aboard the Alliance; his brief engagement with the British frigate Sybille is considered the last naval action of the American Revolution.
"..IN A MONTH'S TIME I INTEND TO EMBARK FOR AMERICA"
"I Have been truly Happy to Hear of Your Arrival, and of the Good luck you Had to Fall in with Good Substantial Jamaica Winds. The welcome Intelligence Has Been Immediately Communicated By Mr. Franklin Who knows My Friendship for you, and I have derived a double pleasure from the Attention to Give me that Information. I Wish, My dear Sir You would pay us a Visit in Paris...I Know but little News that May Be intersting. Peace is talked of, But Should the Enemy Be in Earnest, the Matter Might Have Been settled Before this, and after Having Hoped for a speedy Peace, I now am so far convinced that another Campaign is Necessary, that in a Month's time I intend to Embark for for America. I have been kept Here on public Business, and no Reason, nor Consideration Will one Minute delay the small services I wish to Render to our Noble Cause. Mrs. Franklin, Adams, and Jay are in this place. The Dutch Treaty with America is Happily Concluded. You know that Gibraltar Has been Victualled, and that No Action Has taken place between the two Fleets. There is Great deal of Blundering in the whole Conduct of that Gibraltar Business. Count d'Estaing is gone to Madrid. Adieu, my dear Sir, My Best Compliments attend the Gentleman of the Alliance. I wish you a successful Cruise. I will be Happy to Hear from You..."
"..IN A MONTH'S TIME I INTEND TO EMBARK FOR AMERICA"
"I Have been truly Happy to Hear of Your Arrival, and of the Good luck you Had to Fall in with Good Substantial Jamaica Winds. The welcome Intelligence Has Been Immediately Communicated By Mr. Franklin Who knows My Friendship for you, and I have derived a double pleasure from the Attention to Give me that Information. I Wish, My dear Sir You would pay us a Visit in Paris...I Know but little News that May Be intersting. Peace is talked of, But Should the Enemy Be in Earnest, the Matter Might Have Been settled Before this, and after Having Hoped for a speedy Peace, I now am so far convinced that another Campaign is Necessary, that in a Month's time I intend to Embark for for America. I have been kept Here on public Business, and no Reason, nor Consideration Will one Minute delay the small services I wish to Render to our Noble Cause. Mrs. Franklin, Adams, and Jay are in this place. The Dutch Treaty with America is Happily Concluded. You know that Gibraltar Has been Victualled, and that No Action Has taken place between the two Fleets. There is Great deal of Blundering in the whole Conduct of that Gibraltar Business. Count d'Estaing is gone to Madrid. Adieu, my dear Sir, My Best Compliments attend the Gentleman of the Alliance. I wish you a successful Cruise. I will be Happy to Hear from You..."