1835 Georges Washington De Lafayette ALS - American Farewell Tour - Uniontown PA

1825 GEORGES WASHINGTON DE LAFAYETTE ALS – AMERICAN FAREWELL TOUR – UNIONTOWN PA – ALBERT GALLATIN – MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE

Rare and historically important autograph letter signed by Georges Washington de Lafayette, son of Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, written from the Lafayette family estate of La Grange, France, 14 December 1825, only weeks after returning from the celebrated 1824–1825 American tour.

Signed:

"G. W. Lafayette"

Two pages, entirely in French.

This remarkable letter was written in the immediate aftermath of Lafayette's triumphant return from the United States, the famous sixteen-month Farewell Tour during which the Marquis and his son visited all twenty-four states of the Union and were received as national heroes. Georges Washington de Lafayette accompanied his father throughout the journey.

HISTORIC CONTENT

The letter contains multiple references to the United States and the recently completed American journey.

Among the subjects discussed:

Lafayette's return to France

The recent American tour

Uniontown, Pennsylvania

Albert Gallatin

Translation of speeches connected with the visit

Reflections on American political institutions

The lasting significance of the American Revolution

Most importantly, Georges Washington de Lafayette writes that the journey left him with:

"a lively and profound gratitude for the citizens of the United States"

and expresses his conviction that:

"the American Revolution is the beginning of the execution of a system which will survive all the Holy Alliances of the world."

This extraordinary passage represents a direct political endorsement of the American republican experiment from the son and closest companion of the Marquis de Lafayette.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Letters of Georges Washington de Lafayette appear only occasionally on the market. Examples specifically discussing the famous American Farewell Tour are considerably scarcer.

This letter was written:

Three months after Lafayette's departure from America

From the family estate at La Grange

By the individual who accompanied Lafayette throughout the tour

With direct references to Uniontown and Albert Gallatin

With substantive commentary on the meaning of the American Revolution

The combination places this manuscript squarely within the collecting fields of:

Revolutionary War Americana

Marquis de Lafayette

Early American Republic

Franco-American relations

Albert Gallatin

Presidential Era history

CONDITION

Original folded letter.

Strong, bold signature

Manuscript remains highly legible

Typical fold wear

Minor age toning and scattered spotting

Overall very good condition for a transatlantic manuscript of 1825

A RARE OPPORTUNITY

An exceptional Lafayette family manuscript written immediately after one of the most celebrated events in early American history, containing direct commentary on the United States and the legacy of the American Revolution.