Apr 23, 2009 - Sale 2177

Sale 2177 - Lot 33

Price Realized: $ 720
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 2,000
LAFAYETTE, GILBERT DU MOTIER; MARQUIS DE. Autograph Letter Signed, "Lafayette," to Major [William Edward?] Frye, in English, requesting that a document be translated. Docketed at bottom left, in German: "Received as a gift from the English Major Frye, to whom this letter is addressed. L.A. Vincenti." 1 page, square 16mo; folds, mounted at tips; matted and framed. Np, nd
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"Promise me, dear major, to include a precious document which I have just received. It is in consequence of previous application through a common friend. I want to keep the original and very respectful signature, but would like to have it translated in French for my own occasional use, and to have adjoining the sum in English money a conversion of them in two columns, one of dollars and the other in French francs. This I would have done myself were it not for the pressure of business . . . upon me. I don't like to leave Mr. [David?] Hume's communication in other but confidential hands. It occurred to me you might have the kindness to translate the document, and if there is the least trouble in the conversion in dollars and francs you may let it alone leaving only room for it. I don't apologize for the liberty I take knowing your kindness, particularly to your affectionate friend."