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1824 Letter: The Return of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:850.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 1,800.00 USD
1824 Letter: The Return of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States
Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War
Historic Letter Heralding the 1824 Tour of Lafayette
August 23, 1824, Autograph Letter Signed, “Thos. Tingey,” Announcing the Return of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States, Choice Very Fine.
This Autograph Letter Signed, “Thos. Tingey,” written on watermarked paper, consists of 2-pages with integral address leaf, written at Washington Navy Yard, and measuring 9.75” x 7.75.” Addressed to General Henry Dearborn in Boston, Tingey announces the return of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States. Attached integral address leaf is also completed in Tingey’s hand, and postmarked “Washn. City.” Seal tear to address leaf, and a couple of minor tears and light toning at bottom corner of letter. Superb content regarding the impending return and triumphant tour of Lafayette to the United States. This letter reads, in full:

“Navy and Wash 23d: Aug(u)st: 1824

My Dear Sir,

I observed with real gratification this morning the National Intelligence announces your safe arrival in Boston; most sincerely do I felicitate your return to your native land, and I hope in the enjoyment of perfect health, both of yourself and Mrs. Dearborn and that you have found all the individuals of your family happily so.

Your arrival is propitious for you to join in the country’s joy, in welcoming again to our shores the General La Fayette, one of your illustrious companions in arms, in the War of the Revolution, the occasion seems justly to excite general hilarity thro’ out the land: all hearts expanding to give him a personal greeting to the enjoyment of that liberty which he so conspicuously aided in obtaining.

I shall be happy, when leisure may permit you to certify me, by a view of your own hand that your health is perfect & unalloyed.

I have the pleasure to announce to you my present health is really good, having but very slight indications of my annual attack, if indeed I am in truth say that I have experienced any certain symptoms thereof yet.

Accept my best wishes, for your own, Mrs. Dearborn & your family’s health and happiness in which Mrs. Tingey with sincere respect most cordially joins. Remaining with undiminished friendship ever yours

Thos. Tingey”


Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), served as a Major General in the Revolutionary War. He returned to the United States in 1824, by invitation of President James Monroe, making an epochal tour of the country. Lafayette’s grave in Paris is covered with earth from Bunker Hill.