Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) to M. Clerc-Lasalle [in French]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06644 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 April 1832 Pagination: 1 p. ; 22.4 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Lafayette's letter in French during the reign of Louis Philippe. Partial translation available. Provides advice to a friend of Clerc-Lasalle's on moving to America. Tells him about land policies in America and that his friend should learn English. Expresses anger at Louis Philippe's administration in France. Louis Philippe came to power with Lafayette's approval in 1830, but by 1832 he was claiming the King had broken earlier promises. Despite his waning influence and Louis Philippe's commitment to reform, he continued to fight the King until his death in 1834. Says all benefits of the 1830 Revolution will evaporate "as long as the nation, having become simple-minded and fearful, lets the bastard heirs of the July Revolution do as they wish." He concludes by saying he is hopeful for the future; France "will open her eyes, will recover her will, and freedom will not perish."
Paris 24 april 1832
I would be happy, my dear colleague, to be able to be of some use to your friend M. Chotard while regretting the departure of such a good citizen. The land concessions have never taken place in the united states: it is The Congress, of the union, or the particular states, or some great proprietor of land that has not yet been cultivated that could sell it to him at a very good price: with their more powerful Capital it will arrive at their land already delivered from the expenses and the penalties attached to all clearing. but within the difference for his knowledge and his experience of grape-vine culture will be of great assistance. maybe he could also arrange himself with a proprietor desirous of establishing a grape-vine at his place. I advise him from now until his departure to occupy himself with the english language. If he doesn't leave before the Reunion of the chambers we will chat together with him; if his trip is sooner he can find me at the barn where my family and I will be eager to have him and where you will be very kind, my dear Colleague, to come see us before the Session.
The dislocation of the system of march 13 is not probable as the same individuals will be prevented by their health to personally contribute. we will return the most possible to the charter of Louis 18 that is the beautiful ideal of us all the doctrinaire party and the happy medium. The Sovereignty of the people, the national guard of the cities and the country appointing their officers, and all of the consequences of july that napoleon called ideology that we presently call utopia will be sacrificed as long as we dare and the nation that has become simple-minded and apprehensive will allow the bastard heirs of the Revolution of july to do as they wish. and yet I have the Conviction that sooner or later she will open her eyes, take back her will, and that the liberty will not perish.
while waiting I place much value on my relationship with you, my dear Colleague, and I renew the expression of all the feelings of friendship and of confidence that I vow to you with all my heart.
Lafayette
[address leaf]
To Mister Clerc-Lasalle
member of the Chamber of
Deputies
To Niort
(deux Sèvres)
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