Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) to Gen. Nathanael Greene
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00639.19 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) Place Written: Nancy [France] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 September 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
re: peace treaty and European affairs. Notes the difference between preliminary and definitive treaties.
Nancy September the 8th 1783
My Dear Sir
Your favor of June the 9th has this Lately Reached me, But How, Whence it Came I am unable to determine. As I am as I be Mr. Griffin Greene, you may depend I will do for Him not only what you Have Mentioned, But also any thing that can fall within my power. This letter is going by the monthly packet which to my great satisfaction has been lately established. Along with it you will receive the definitive treaty, and it seems there is little difference between it and the former preliminary Articles. A great storm is now gathering in the East ward. Russia has invaded the Krimea [sic], and warlike preparations are shaking by the two imperial [2] powers. In the mean while the Turks are preparing to repulse the intended invasion, and the part Prussia will take is as yet unknown to the public. Hitherto, my dear Sir, this is a quarrel Between Despots, and out Military speeches would Hardly be understood by the Armies now in motion. But this may [inserted: Hereafter] Become interesting both to France and Great Britain. The first on Account of Her Levant trade, the Second, not only for [illegible], But because she Has a private interest in every French concern. So long as I Remain in Europe, where I am kept by American accounts which [illegible] know, I shall make it a point to acquaint you with every transaction.
By this time, my dear Sir, I hope the Army may have been satisfied, and measures are taking to Consolidate the Federal Union. Upon these two points I have been and still am very uneasy. The justice of the one, and the importance of the other so clearly Appear to me, that my heart is most warmly interested in the affair. [3]
Col Ogden has been here, and I have Indeavoured [sic] to convince him with a principal house in which I have obtained a full [illegible]. Should you have that or any other command to give me, I think it the date to tell you how entirely you may depend upon my exertions.
As I am detained here at the request of Mr. Barklay Consul General, and as the business, orders from Congress, or any want of me in America, may at any hour alter my plans, I will, by next packet, be better able to let you know my future motions, and the moment I am at liberty, I shall most certainly fly to the wished for and beloved shores of America.
I beg, my dear Sir, you will procure my best and most affectionate respects to Mr. Greene. Remember write to my friends in your family, in the Army, and Country. Let me often hear from your, and Remember a friend who ever shall be with every [illegible] of Regard and Attachment.
Your Affectionate Servt
Lafayette
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