ALS signed “Lafayette,” one page, 7.25 x 9.5, March 3, 1817. Letter to President James Monroe. In full: “I have received an application the merit of which you will readily acknowledge when you have perused the documents stating Mr. de Leaumont’s services, as a French officer, in our American Revolutionary War. You remember the principal motive to confine to the rank of field officer the admission of our auxiliary companion in arms, when the Cincinnati Society was formed. Has been suggested by the French Government itself who thought it more proper that the Badge of the Association be not too much multiplied. A space of two and thirty years, and an uncommon proportion of losses have but too unfortunately cancelled the objection.
M. de Leaumont depending on his own and his brother’s merit in the cause of American freedom, had determined to address you as President of the United States, and to request your permission to wear the Badge of the Cincinnati. He did me the justice to think I would, with much pleasure, advocate his demand. I have informed him that the President had nothing to do with the admission in the society or the distribution of badges; but have added that my friend and brother officer Col(onel). Monroe, whose personal standings in the Society is very high, would, I thought, be pleased to do or cause to be done what might tend to promote the laudable and interesting wishes of M. de Leaumont. Permit me therefore to Second the application which, should it be wanting in the form, is nevertheless founded upon the merit of this officer, and his own confidence in your kindness. Receive, my dear friend, the expression of my high and most affectionate respect.”
On the second integral page, Lafayette addresses the letter in his hand to “James Monroe President of the United States, Washington.” The page also bears remnants of a red wax seal. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and a bit of scattered light soiling, not affecting legibility.
De Leaumont indeed identified as being an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati of the State of South Carolina, having been admitted to the Society on July 4, 1825. The society, a historic organization with branches in the United States and France, was founded in 1783 to preserve the ideals and fellowship of the Revolutionary War officers and to pressure the government to honor pledges it had made to officers who fought for American independence. Lafayette himself was feted by the members of the South Carolina branch of the Society during a visit to Charleston in March of 1825.
Monroe’s life intertwined with Lafayette over the span of decades. Both men served under General George Washington at Valley Forge. Later, as Minister to France, it was Monroe who managed to free all the Americans held in French prisons, including Madame Lafayette, and issued American passports for the Lafayette family before she traveled to joined her husband's place of arrest in the Fortress at Olmutz. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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