4 February 1789
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Henry Knox
Lafayette anxiously awaits ratification results of the U.S. Constitution, discusses debates between himself, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson and "Common Sense" [Thomas Paine] regarding the need for Constitutional amendments, and stresses the importance of "the General's" [George Washington's] acceptance of the presidency. He begins by updating Knox on European affairs, saying that they are "too much Entangled together for me to give you an Exact description." He mentions that the Ottoman Empire, with the assistance of Great Britain, is attacking both the Russians and Austrians, and that Britain fears…
GLC02437.04105