ALS, one page, 7.5 x 10, November 10, 1824. Letter to Robert Lewis, Chairman of the Joint Committee of the Common Hall and Citizens of Fredericksburg. In full: 'Mr. Meyers duly delivered your letter of the eighth conveying to me the invitation of the Joint Committee of the Common Hall and Citizens of Fredericksburg to be with them at a Dinner to be given to Gen. Lafayette. Uniting with the Common Hall and Citizens in all their grateful sentiments toward Gen. Lafayette, it would afford me much pleasure to unite also, in the proposed festive manifestation of them. Several circumstances however concur in putting this out of my power. I can only therefore return my best thanks for the mark of kind attention I have received; and enjoying the opportunities within my reach of taking part in the offerings of gratitude to a Champion of Liberty and National benefactor whom every American Citizen delights to honor. Be pleased to accept for the acknowledgements I owe for your expressions of personal regard.' Matted and framed with the original free-franked address panel, franked by Madison, 'Free, James Madison,' and an engraved portrait to an overall size of 17.5 x 15. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a uniform shade of mild toning, with several lighter squares, perhaps from mounting remnants on reverse, and scattered creases and wrinkles to letter and panel.
In 1824, the US Congress unanimously passed a resolution requesting President James Monroe to invite Lafayette to visit the United States. For fourteen months beginning in August, Lafayette traveled across the nation, visiting each of the twenty-four states and all the major cities. When Lafayette visited Fredericksburg, he was ultimately met by Madison, a man he met briefly at the end of Revolutionary War but with whom he would later forge a deeper friendship after becoming reacquainted in 1784. Here, 40 years later. Madison yet again lauds his friend Lafayette. Before the referenced celebration in Fredericksburg, residents honored Lafayette by forming two lines on the streets to watch him pass. All, that is, except for free blacks and slaves, who had been ordered to stay off the streets during the visit. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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