To James Madison from Lafayette, 8 February 1811
From Lafayette
Paris 8 february 1811
My dear Sir
It is to me a particular Gratification, in Remembrance of old times, and in Justice to a Very Respectable Gentleman, to Recommend the Concerns of M. de Rayneval.1 He Has Been the first European diplomate Whose Negociations Have Met American independance, and None of them Has Been, in personal Exertions, More zealous and Useful. These Considerations Join With the Very Great Regard due to His private Character, and While the Merits of His Claim are laid Before You, I think it Both a duty and a pleasure to Express My Wishes in His Behalf. With Most affectionate Respect I am, My dear friend Yours
Lafayette
RC (InU: Lafayette Collection).
1. Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval was claiming land that had been granted to his brother, the late Conrad-Alexandre Gérard, during his tenure as French minister to the U.S. (see George Joy to JM, 28 Apr. 1810, , 2:327, 328 n. 1).