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1835 GEORGES WASHINGTON DE LAFAYETTE ALS – Son of Marquis de Lafayette – La Grange Estate – Revolutionary War Association
Original 1835 autograph letter signed by Georges Washington de Lafayette (1779–1849), son of the legendary Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, written from the Lafayette family estate at La Grange on September 15, 1835.
A remarkable four-page manuscript letter composed just one year after the death of the Marquis de Lafayette. In this deeply personal correspondence, Georges Washington de Lafayette reflects upon his father's memory, discusses family matters at La Grange, his own public responsibilities, and introduces a young Frenchman traveling to America.
Among the most notable passages is his statement that:
"the son of General Lafayette could not remain outside the ranks of the servants of his country..."
The letter offers an intimate glimpse into the Lafayette family during the period immediately following the death of one of the most celebrated figures of both the American and French Revolutions.
Details
Date: September 15, 1835
Place: La Grange, France
Author: Georges Washington de Lafayette
Format: Four-page autograph letter signed
Language: French
Signature: "Georges de Lafayette"
Historical associations:
Marquis de Lafayette
American Revolution
French politics of the July Monarchy
Lafayette family estate at La Grange
Condition
Original folded letter with expected age toning, fold wear, ink offsetting, and scattered manuscript corrections. Complete and highly displayable.
Historical Significance
Letters of Georges Washington de Lafayette appear on the market only occasionally, but examples containing substantial discussion of the Marquis de Lafayette, family affairs at La Grange, and the continuation of the Lafayette legacy are notably scarcer and command stronger collector interest.
An outstanding manuscript relating directly to America's most beloved French ally and one of the most important families associated with the Revolutionary War.
