ALS in French, signed “Lafayette,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, dated July 23, 1824. In this thoroughly well-kept missive, American Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) comments on his newest political post following the close of the historic battle, and remarks too as to his obligation to embrace this most recent position. Mailed to military colleague M. le Capt. Baudin, the letter reads in part: “Thank you very much for having given me your news and introducing Mr. Andell to me. He arrived at the very moment we received the History of the National Guard in which M. Comte renders justice to his fine behavior in the affair of my colleagues … I showed him my farm … he praised my two Normandy cows which are the object of everyone’s admiration … The role you played in my election [to the Chamber of Deputies] does not surprise me … After having wished not to be condemned to the work of the chamber, I must confess that the renewed efforts of my supports, the obstacles they overcame and the price that our enemies had to pay for their defeat have reconciled me to my nomination. And yet, I do now see how I could be of service in that District.” The famous revolutionary signs simply, “Lafayette,” and though a light intersecting fold passes through a single letter of the signature (the first “e”), the writing carries strong display properties. Paper loss affects the second page, and a shade of mild toning is also present; otherwise fine condition. Evidently, Lafayette believed the recipient of this note to be instrumental in ensuring his election to the Chamber of Deputies, in which Lafayette served from 1818 to 1824. Just eleven days before writing this letter, President Monroe invited the Frenchman to visit the United States, and upon his arrival, the American ally found that Congress voted him a grant of $200,000 to go with a township of 24,000 acres—all in consideration of his services during the Revolutionary War. RRAuction COA.
