Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 to James McHenry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01562 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 Place Written: La Grange, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 November 1801 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 24.5 x 39.6 cm. Order a Copy
A long letter, in which Lafayette discusses revolutionary France, his personal affairs and associations, and the light his personal correspondence with George Washington will cast on the memoirs of General Washington being written by Bushrod Washington. On revolutionary France and the war being waged by Napoleon, he writes: "I am among the few who persist to profess that the Liberal seeds which among so much weed have been sown upon European[,] and particularly upon French, ground cannot and shall not be ultimately lost." He discusses personal relationships with Lord Cornwallis and Napoleon. Indicates that he spends most of his time at La Grange and denies his suitability for diplomatic work. Professes his love for America as his second home. Explains that his correspondence with Washington will illuminate the "intrigues of 1777 and 1778," "the Transactions with France," the "decisive campaign in Virginia," "and the Grand stroke of the war in 1781." Indicates that he will rely on McHenry's consultation with Bushrod to render the work. Marked "Duplicate."
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