From John Jay to Lafayette, 20 September 1824
To Lafayette
Bedford 20th. Septr. 1824
Dr. Sir
Had not the State of my Health detained me here, I should [illegible] ^immediately after^ your Arrival at New York1 have [illegible]2 ^had the Gratification of seeing you there^
Your Attachment and Services to the United States, and the friendly Attentions whi with which you have honored me, are fresh in my Memory; and it will always give me Pleasure to [illegible] ^manifest^ the Sense which I entertain of both—
Altho my Son3 informed me of your kind Intention to favor me with a Visit, yet as your numerous & interesting Engagements may not soon allow you Leisure for it. I cannot longer forbear to assure you in this Way of this ^those Sentiments of^ unceasing Esteem and Regard with which I remain Dr Sir your Friend & obt. Servt
Dft, NNC (EJ: 06771). HPJ, 4: 472.
1. See PAJ to JJ, 3 Sept. 1824. notes 3 and 4, above.
2. Lengthy excision.
3. PAJ.
4. Georges Washington de Lafayette (1779–1849), who travelled with Lafayette’s party on the tour.
5. Lengthy excision.