Gilbert du Motier de, Marquis de LA FAYETTE - Lettre autographe signée « Lafayette »

LA FAYETTE, Gilbert du Motier de, Marquis de (1757-1834)

Signed autograph letter by Lafayette to an unidentified correspondent.
N/A, Saturday
1 page in-8 oblong (approximately 13.5 × 21 cm).

Good condition, old folds, small blue stain at the top margin, traces of old pencil notes in the corners.
Provenance: private collection.

Friendly and social letter from Marquis de Lafayette, imbued with humor and kindness, addressed to a close acquaintance.
It refers to Mr. and Mrs. Say, most likely economist Jean-Baptiste Say (1767-1832) and his wife, as well as playwright Alexandre Duval, a prolific author and recognized figure of the Theatre of the Consulate and the Restoration.

I was planning to enjoy the kindness of Monsieur and Madame Say and to hear the play by M. Alexandre Duval, for whom I hold a high regard and grateful attachment. My carriage was ready, and I was about to leave when a letter from one of my colleagues reminded me of a duty that has become very important to me. I no longer hope to arrive on time, nor to be there in person; my son asked me to express his regrets. My own feelings are all the more intense because, until that moment, I had not even considered missing the evening. This is not about offering excuses, but I ask that you understand the pain I feel.
Good evening, best wishes. Lafayette
Saturday.

Charming testament to Lafayette's smiling politeness and spiritual tone in his maturity.
Here we find the old friend of Jefferson and Washington, who remained loyal to his liberal and literary circles. His mention of Say attests to his closeness to the progressive economic and intellectual circles of the nascent Monarchie de Juillet, while the reference to Duval recalls his constant interest in the arts and Parisian society.