47021: Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette Autograp

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette Autograph Letter Signed "Lafayette." Two pages of a bifolium, Lehmkuhl; December 26, 1797. Addressed to Secretary of War James McHenry. In part: "…the fine sight, after so long a time of an American uniform How many dear ideas is recalled to my mind and to my Heart!...I am sick and for the whole winter intend to remain at this solitary country seat in Holbein on Danish territory where my fellow prisoner La tour Maubury and our two families are with me. You know that the state of our Health, particularly that of my wife has rendered it impossible for us to travel further…With Great and Heartfelt satisfaction I hear that the dreadful distemper in Philadelphia and Baltimore has subsided. So many friends I have there, so affectionate is my attachment to the [illegible] of the citizens…I could not But Be extremely anxious and so shall I be until I can come at particulars about this Horrid calamity…There is another subject of unhappiness to me, these cursed differences between America and France. How they damp every enjoyment of my restoration to Liberty and Life, how I regret not to be able to do more than write a few letters, how I wish it was in my power to adjust them with Equal Convenience and Equal Dignity to both countries. I need not tell you, my dear McHenry, a quarrel between the two commonwealths is so unnatural a thing that I had never feared I should live to see it…" Following the American Revolution, Lafayette returned to France and was celebrated as a military hero. However, the growing tensions in France that sparked the French Revolution caused the United States to distance themselves from their former ally. The XYZ Affair led the U.S. to suspend commercial trade with France, and American ships were authorized to seize French vessels. An unofficial naval war between America and France lasted approximately three years before the conflict was resolved. Condition: Flattened mail folds, with light toning and soiling throughout. Archival material has been used on verso to support weaknesses at folds and to repair small holes at the fold intersections. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved