Francastel, Nicolas Jean (fl. 1784-1786) to Marquis de Lafayette [in French]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03238 Author/Creator: Francastel, Nicolas Jean (fl. 1784-1786) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 January 1786 Pagination: 1 p. ; 22.8 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
For an english translation of this french letter see GLC02437.03239. The translation is in a different hand. This letter was written by Parisian jeweler Nicolas Jean Francastel, who was one of the creators of the jeweled eagle insignia worn by some members of the Society of the Cincinnati (Claude Jean Autran Duval was the other). Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant had been sent to France in 1783 to order the badges for the Society, which he did on credit and was later unable to sell to officers in America. This letter details the settlement over the payment for the badges. With interest, Francastel was to be paid 20,229 livres. Francastel says he cannot take back or make any changes to the eagles as they are already made.
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