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MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Autograph Letter Signed Recalls Revolutionary War Loss PSA
$3,325.00
Guaranteed Authentic
Marquis De Lafayette Handwritten Condolence Letter Recalling the Grief Stemming From the Death of His Infant Daughter During the American Revolution
French aristocrat, Military Officer and international hero GILBERT DU MOTIER, the MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE, scarce and lengthy handwritten personal condolence letter to Madame Velly dispatched from Paris, February 1830. Madame Velly was the mother of Francois Velly, a young Parisian lawyer at the Royal Court who died unexpectedly on February 7, 1830.
Lafayette laments the death of the young man saying in part: "I feel the full extent of your sorrow...his youth seemed to be a guarantee against the danger of outliving him". Lafayette goes on to say that is reminded him of the loss of his own daughter over 40 years earlier during the American Revolution in 1777: "How could I not feel it on the anniversary of the loss of a cherished little girl, taken from us amidst the sweetest hopes of her happiness?"
The 72-year old French general offers his heartfelt condolence, sharing Madame Velly's grief, thanking her for her friendship and praising her devotion to her son during his illness. An intimate glance into Lafayette's life, on the eve of the French Revolution in July 1830.
In part,
"The grief you feel, Madam, has been deeply shared by all your friends, and by none more than I, who added personal acquaintance to all the feelings of esteem and affection that your kind and excellent son so richly deserved. I feel the full extent of your sorrow, and all the cruelty of losing someone of such just tenderness, when his youth seemed to be a guarantee against the danger of outliving him. How could I not feel it on the anniversary of the loss of a cherished little girl, taken from us amidst the sweetest hopes of her happiness? It was only a short time since our young friend had been with us at my home, and I took pleasure in acknowledging all that was distinguished in his talents and kind heart...")
The Lafayette letter has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION. The document is encapsulated inside PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed, tamper-evident holder. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE.
Condition is as shown, with light toning, expected mailing folds, in otherwise fine condition. Missing original wax seal. Document measures appx. 7.25" x 8.75" enclosed in 10" x 13" encapsulate.
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A handsome and impressive addition to the collection of the Revolutionary War buff, History aficionado, Francophile or autograph collector. An exceptional investment opportunity, and a truly rare and remarkable find.
Sold as is, as shown.