French statesman and military officer (1757–1834) who became an intimate associate of George Washington and who advanced the American cause on both sides of the Atlantic. Though he espoused many of the principles behind the French Revolution while advocating a limited monarchy, extremist elements in the French Assembly declared him a traitor, whereupon he was jailed for five years. In 1824–1825 he revisited America, where he was hailed as a hero and granted a generous stipend and parcel of land. ALS in French, signed “Lafayette,” 5.75 x 6.25, no date. Letter to an unidentified recipient. In full: “I have come for the American dinner of the 4th of July, my dear friend, I hoped to dine with you yesterday but my whole time is taken up with my marriage and other affairs: behold me obliged to leave without seeing you. I thank you for your kind letter upon my election and I embrace you with my whole heart.” Archivally double matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Lafayette and a small biographical plaque, to an overall size of 22.75 x 18. In fine condition, with light intersecting folds, some scattered light toning, and a small tear to right edge, not affecting any text. RRAuction COA.
