George Washington Papers
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To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 2 March 1783

Bordeaux March the second 1783

My dear General

On the 5 Ulto I Had the Honor to write You a Letter, and as Count d’Estaing was pleased to let me Have a Vessel to Carry it, I am not without My Hopes to Have Given You the tidings of a General peace—I also Have informed You that Upon My Going to Sail for America, I Had Received a letter from Mr Carmichael Entreating My Immediate Assistance at Madrid—I therefore Gave up My darling Plan, and went to the Spanish Court—there I Met With Repugnances, and Prejudices—I Was By turns [   ] and Haughty—I took Care to Engage them, and Yet not to Engage America—and I Acted In the Most private Capacity—After a Week’s Stay, and Exertions, it Came out that Carmichael Was Received as Chargé daffairs from the United States, and that Some [Hints] were Given up Some others debated, and a letter Made up By me—Wherein I Collect the Best Constructions I Could put upon What they Said, And Make them take in Writing Some Engagements—as to the United States, I Had Nothing to Say in their Names—I Send to Congress an Account of What Has past—and from Obvious Motives, in doing the public Good, I take Care not to interfere with Mr jay’s personal Concerns—But, Betwean us, I think My journey Has not Been Amiss—I Was Happy in finding in Madrid My friend Carmichael the first American I Ever knew.

Now, My dear General, I am Going to Paris, and Will Stay two Months with My family—About that time I Expect an Answer to My Letters, By the triumph, and You Know What My Wishes are—in Case Congress Has no Command for me, I Shall Embark, and at all Events I Will Embrace My dear General Before the Summer is at an End.

it is Reported Here that Lord Shelburne Has Resigned and Has Been Replaced By Lord North—But I Have no Certainty—an American [Vesse]l Has Already displayed our flag Before the City of London On My Arrival at Paris, My dear General, I Will write to You—for the present I am on My Way and just Snatch the Moment to Give Congress and You an Account of My Conduct—I Hope it Will Meet With Your Approbation—for Your Approbation, Next to Your friendship, is Necessary to me—I long for the Moment When Your long Wandering Soldier Will join You Again—I Hope You think I am Right in My delays Which were of a public Utility.

My Best Most Affectionate Respects Wait on Mrs Washington Remember me Most friendly to tilmaugh, George, all the family, and all My friends—Adieu, My dear General, they Urge me to finish this letter, and I Have only time to tell you once More How Respectfully and tenderly I Shall Ever Be Your Most devoted and Most Affectionate friend

lafayette

PEL.

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