ALS signed “Lafayette,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, July 24, 1825. Letter of introduction of a Count Vidua to Professor [George] Ticknor in Boston. In full: “Permit me to introduce to you Count Vidua a Piemonte of Great Merit, who has travelled through the greater part of the other Hemisphere and is now on a tour through the United States, and the other American Republics. He brought me letters from our common friends Segur, Humboldt, etc. I beg you will introduce him to our friends at Boston and Cambridge and assist the distinguished traveller in his desire of information.” Notation in another hand at bottom of page reads, “Given me by Mr. Ticknor 23 April 1840.” Second integral page bears an address panel in Lafayette’s hand, “Mr. Professor Ticknor, Boston,” and “favoured by Count Vidua,” at the bottom of the panel. Intersecting folds, faint soiling to left edge, and a well done repair to paper loss from seal to the left edge of both pages, otherwise fine condition.
Lafayette was the last surviving general of the Revolutionary War when he returned to the United States for the first time in 38 years in 1824–1825: a landmark event during the first half of the 19th century in America. As an official ‘Guest of the Nation,’ Lafayette met with numerous dignitaries, including Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams. During his stay in Boston, Lafayette stayed with Ticknor, an equally well-traveled educator and author and a person the general wanted to introduce to Count Carlo Vidua. Vidua arrived in New York City in July 1825 and spent 10 months traveling across the country as he documented American life for a planned book—a plan that never came to fruition as Vidua died during his US excursion. A desirable item from one of the heroes of not one but two life-changing revolutions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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