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LOT #42063 |
Starting Bid: $3,000
Marquis de Lafayette Autograph Letter Signed...
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Description
"Overwhelmed with the loss of an adorable wife": Lafayette Writes in Grief to His Revolutionary War Comrade James McHenry
Marquis de Lafayette Autograph Letter Signed
("Lafayette"). One page of a bifolium with integral address
leaf, 7 1/2 x 9 inches; Auteuil [Paris, France]; January 11, 1808.
Docketed on the verso, with remnants of black sealing wax.A moving letter from the Marquis de Lafayette to his longtime friend and Revolutionary War comrade James McHenry, written in the immediate aftermath of the death of his wife, Marie Adrienne Françoise de Noailles. The Marquise had died on December 25, 1807, after thirty-four years of marriage. Lafayette writes, in full:
"Your letter of an old date and a card from your son were left for me in the more cruel moments that can tear the Heart of Man. Overwhelmed with the loss of an adorable wife who during thirty four years Had been the blessing of my Life I was carried to this place where for some days I attended nothing but my family and our common grief. The first thing that struck me was your son's presence in Paris, the first thing I did was to propose a meeting the more Confidently as I expected He would stay some time in town. It is only last night I Heard He was going the day after this. I went this morning to Paris, and so did my son-there we were told He was at Versailles, and intended to see us tomorrow very early. I still am in Hopes to see Him, but Hasten to send this line to you expelling my Heartfelt Regret not to Have Better improved the short time of His passage through Paris. I know, my dear M'Henry, Your Heart will sympathise with me. Most affectionately your constant friend
Lafayette."
Marie married Gilbert du Motier on April 11, 1774, just two years before he would daringly set sail for America to volunteer in the Revolutionary War. As his wife, she witnessed the entirety of his illustrious career, from his rise through the ranks of the Continental Army to his fighting in the French Revolution. Her death marked the end of a partnership that had endured extraordinary trials, including her own near execution during the Reign of Terror.
McHenry, who had served under Lafayette as a member of his staff, remained a devoted admirer and correspondent for the rest of his life. Upon McHenry's death in 1814, his wife wrote: "He was not a great man, but participated in great events and great men loved him...His highest titles to remembrance are that he was faithful to every duty and that he was the intimate and trusted friend of Lafayette."
Condition: Very good. Flattened folds with light mat burn in the margins. Minor loss to the address leaf where letter was opened; very light adhesive staining and small remnants of linen tape at the edges of the verso. Lafayette's writing and signature are well-preserved and highly legible.
References: Stein, Lewis, ed. The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry. Cleveland: The Burrows Brothers Company, 1907, 615.
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
June
19th
Friday
10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
June
19th
Friday
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16 Days
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Signature® Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 42001-42298) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Friday, June 19, 2026.
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