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 very good to fine condition, with light intersecting folds, some scattered light blocks of toning, and a small tear to right edge, not affecting any text.
The French general’s leadership played a pivotal role in the success of the American Revolution, and his efforts were never forgotten. Numerous cities and monuments across the country bear his name, and in 1824 he was invited to the United States as the ‘nation’s guest’ by President James Monroe, visiting the 24 states that then comprised the Union. In keeping with that love affair, it is no surprise that Lafayette would attend an Independence Day celebration commemorating the freedom he helped secure. Fantastic July 4th content! Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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