Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) [to John Jay]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03095 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) Place Written: Versailles, France Type: Manuscript letter Date: 8 February 1785 Pagination: 4 p. ; 31.3 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses political and military affairs in Europe at length. Writes, "I strongly am of opinion no War will take place, at least for this year the assurance of things, however, is still Warlike enough to have made it proper for me to be arrived at the time I am..." Refers to the Marshal de Castries and discusses French trade. Mentions Longchamps, possibly the chevalier Charles Julian de Longchamps, who in 1784 assaulted François Barbé-Marbois in Philadelphia. Creator and recipient identified by GLC02437.03096, with which this letter was likely originally enclosed.
François Barbé-Marbois negotiated the Louisiana Purchase as France's Minister of Finance under Napoleon. He served as an ambassador to the United States on various occasions. Jay was Secretary of Foreign Affairs 1784-1790. Cartries was French Minister of the Marine.
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