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 signed “Lafayette,” one page, 7 x 4, no date. Note to an unknown recipient regarding a potential meeting. In full, “I much regret not to have had the pleasure to find Mr. Hamphill and Mr. Coleman when, yesterday and today I have called upon them. The disappointment is greater as I know they contemplate a speedy departure from town. To make sure of one meeting I beg leave to propose a family dinner on Sunday at my house, where they will be a part of my children and from where we might in the evening meet the other part as their father and grandfather M. de Tracy. I beg Mr. Hamphill and Mr. Coleman to accept the best regards of their sincere friend.” Slightly irregularly trimmed, with several folds and a small hole near top, otherwise condition is fine. R&R COA.
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