Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) to Alexander Hamilton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03323 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) Place Written: Paramus, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 November 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22 x 17 cm Order a Copy
States that he arrived last night and will set out for Philadelphia. Writes about his recommendation to General George Washington that Hamilton should be made Adjutant General. Explains the reasons he gave in support of his recommendation. Assures that Washington values Hamilton's friendship greatly. Comments on his own friendship with and fondness for Hamilton. Gives compliments to Mrs. Hamilton, General Philip Schuyler, and the Schuyler family.
Paramus November the 28th 1780
Dear Hamilton
Here I arriv'd last night and am going to set out for philadelphia - Gouvion [struck: Returns] [inserted: goes strait] to Windsor and By him I write to the General - I speak of hand and Smith whom I Recommend and Add
Unless, however you was to cast your eye on a man who I think would suit Better than Any other in the World _ Hamilton is, I confess, the officer whom I would like to see in that station - Then I go on with the idea that at equal advantage [2] You deserve from him the preference - that your advantages are [inserted: the] greatest - I speak of a cooperation - of your being in the family - and conclude that in every public or private Account I advise him to take you -
I know the General's friendship and gratitude for you, my dear Hamilton - Both are [struck: perhaps] greater than you [inserted: perhaps] imagine - I am sure he needs only to be told that something might suit you, and when he thinks he can do it, he certainly will
My best Compliments wait on my friend Schuyller, the ladies and particularly Mrs Hamilton - tell her that as your dear friend I have a write to be hers - so that from this moment I begin to claim all the Rights and privileges annex'd to this station -
[3] Before this campaign I was your friend and your very intimate friend agreable to the ideas of the world - since my second Voyage my sentiment has increased, to such a point the world knows Nothing about - to that Both from want and from scorn of exprestions I shall only tell you
Adieu
Yours
Lafayette
[docket]
28 Novr. 1780
Lafayette
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