Details
GERRY, Elbridge (1744-1814), Signer, (Massachusetts). Autograph draft of Gerry's welcome address to "the Honorable Marquis de la Fayette" on his visit to Marblehead, Mass., in 1784, headed "Address," with several cross-outs and insertions in the text, n.p. [late October 1784]. 2 pages, 4to, evidence of old mount along one edge of page 2, otherwise in fine condition.
"THE CAUSE OF AMERICA, THE CAUSE OF MANKIND..." After participating in the Yorktown seige and Cornwallis's surrender, Lafayette had returned to France after, certain that America's independence was now assured. Three years later, at the urging of his many American friends, he made a return visit to the new republic and was elaborately honored and feted at Mount Vernon and in Phildelphia, New York, Boston and many other localities. Gerry was delegated to make the formal welcome address when Lafayette's visited Marblehead (Gerry's hometown). The present is Gerry's draft of that oration: "The citizens of Marblehead, with open arms and affectionate hearts, welcome your return to the United States. Your early attachment to the Cause of America, the Cause of Mankind--your unremitted exertions, and eminent services therein, all conspire to reanimate our hearts with that Superlative Esteem and Respect, we have long entertained for the marquis de la Fayette. Our loss of Men and property in the glorious Conflict, may deprive us of the pleasure of fully manifesting the principles of Hospitality...on this joyful occasion, but we are happy in the assurance, that your magnanimity will consider our circumstances, as a Misfortune, not a Fault...We assure you Sir...that we are deeply interested in your welfare, and happy when honored with your Company...."
Gerry decidely favored France over Britain, and was named one of the three members of the American mission sent to France in 1797 in the disastrous "X, Y, Z" Affair, in which he was disgraced.
"THE CAUSE OF AMERICA, THE CAUSE OF MANKIND..." After participating in the Yorktown seige and Cornwallis's surrender, Lafayette had returned to France after, certain that America's independence was now assured. Three years later, at the urging of his many American friends, he made a return visit to the new republic and was elaborately honored and feted at Mount Vernon and in Phildelphia, New York, Boston and many other localities. Gerry was delegated to make the formal welcome address when Lafayette's visited Marblehead (Gerry's hometown). The present is Gerry's draft of that oration: "The citizens of Marblehead, with open arms and affectionate hearts, welcome your return to the United States. Your early attachment to the Cause of America, the Cause of Mankind--your unremitted exertions, and eminent services therein, all conspire to reanimate our hearts with that Superlative Esteem and Respect, we have long entertained for the marquis de la Fayette. Our loss of Men and property in the glorious Conflict, may deprive us of the pleasure of fully manifesting the principles of Hospitality...on this joyful occasion, but we are happy in the assurance, that your magnanimity will consider our circumstances, as a Misfortune, not a Fault...We assure you Sir...that we are deeply interested in your welfare, and happy when honored with your Company...."
Gerry decidely favored France over Britain, and was named one of the three members of the American mission sent to France in 1797 in the disastrous "X, Y, Z" Affair, in which he was disgraced.