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,” one page, 7 x 2.5, April 5. Letter to an unidentified recipient. In full: “I have the honor to salute Messrs. the directors of the constitutional giving them in the name of my son the discourse which he has pronounced on the petition of the department of the Haute Loire.” Cloth matted and framed with a color portrait and name plaque, to an overall size of 13.25 x 14.5. Two light vertical folds through a couple letters of signature, and a bit of scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
