ALS in French, signed “Lafayette,” one page, 6 x 7.75, November 29, 1820. In part (translated): “I have received, Madame, with much interest, your good and patriotic letter. You are right to think that our electoral harvest is principally the very natural fruit of what we have sown by the last election law. As you know, the Americans enjoy—without difficulty—the right of direct and almost universal suffrage. The French people had the goodness to content themselves with a method of election which permitted only 300 franc taxpayers to vote, that is to say a hundred thousand citizens out of the whole population. Notwithstanding this, the national opinion is such that this aristocracy still insured us a majority of the popular vote. This blow was parried by restricting it more and more and even so, in order to obtain what they wanted from this quintessence, it was necessary to add to the provisions of the law a whole lot of scheming, audacity, and dishonesty. I do not venture to predict what may arise from the clash of an immoral majority and a minority which will not draw back. But I believe that the session will be stormy and I regret that I cannot offer you any tickets for our meetings, because we have been deprived of that privilege under the ridiculous pretext of an increase in the number of deputies. I am very touched at the interest which you have taken in my son’s candidature; the government placed an importance on it which was as honorable for him as the marks of esteem with which he was showered. There, you see is the whole of Europe, divided into two parties: but although the present power is in hostile hands, the cause of liberty will not perish.” In fine condition. A crisply penned letter showing his continuing respect for the country he helped gain independence decades earlier. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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