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Marquis de Lafayette Autograph Letter Signed...
Description
Lafayette Writes from Paris, Regretting He Cannot Introduce Francois Arago to the Sons of Argentina's Future President
Marquis de Lafayette Autograph Letter Signed
("Lafayette"). One page of a bifolium, 5 x 7 1/2 inches;
Paris; November 7, 1822. Docketed on the verso of the final
leaf.Written in French to the scientist, astronomer and statesman, François Arago, Lafeyette states he must return to La Grange and will be unable to introduce himself to a group from Argentina, namely a M. Garmendia, a well-respected scientist from his country, along with the sons of Bernardino Rivadavia, who would become the first President of Argentina in 1826. He writes, in part [English translation]:
"I would have liked to have been able to introduce myself or present myself in person to Mr. Arago...arriving from Buenos Aires with the two sons of Mr. Rivadavia, his friend and mine, the foreign minister, who especially charged me to make this introduction..."
Lafayette's celebrity at this time allowed him to play an important role in facilitating introductions amongst internationally recognized scientists, philosophers and political theorists. He continues:
"But I only came on my way from La Grange and am returning tomorrow morning for the interest of the elections of the Seine and Marne where the government is intending to combat, by fair means and foul, the honest efforts of the good citizens.
Mr. Rivadavia, who spent some years in Europe as charge d'affaires of his country, exerts a significant influence on Buenos Aires, [is] very committed to establishing the union there, and would like to foster the development of all branches of knowledge there...I will join to it, with all the confidence with which he inspires me, the solicitations of friendship, and I will profit from my next trip to thank him for the kind reception and good advice on which I take the liberty to rely...I am impatient to see again our friend returned from Verona where he can only escape from boredom and my indigestion."
Condition: Very good. Remnants of two mounting squares on the verso of the final leaf, along with a portion of the original wax seal. Lightly creased at the folds. Loss where letter was opened, filled with later paper. Small piece of tape on the third page; minor separations at the integral fold.
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