Alexander Hamilton Papers

To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1785

From Marquis de Lafayette

Paris April the 13th 1785

My dear Hamilton

Altho I have just now writen to McHenry1 Requesting him to impart My Gazette to you, a very barren one indeed, I feel within myself a Want to tell you I love you tenderly. Your Brother Church Has sailed for America since which I Had a letter from His lady who is in very good Health.2 By an old letter from our friend Greene3 I Have Been delighted to find He consents to send His son to be educated with mine. The idea makes me very Happy. I wish, dear Hamilton, you would Honour me with the same Mark of your friendship and confidence. As there is no fear of a War I intend ⟨visiting⟩ the ⟨Prussian⟩ and Austrian ⟨troops⟩. In one of your New York Gazettes I find an ⟨Association⟩ Against the slavery of negroes which seems to me ⟨worded⟩ in such a way as to give no offense to the moderate Men in the Southern States.4 As I ever Have Been partial to my Brethren of that Colour, I wish if you are one in the Society, you would move, in your own Name, for my Being Admitted on the list. My Best Respects wait on Mrs. Hamilton. I kiss Phil, and the Young lady. Adieu Your affectionate friend

Lafayette

Mention me most affectionately to the doctor, His lady,5 Genl Schuyler and family, your sister Peggy, Fish, Webb,6 and all our friends.

ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.

1James McHenry.

2John B. and Angelica Church.

3Nathanael Greene.

4In 1785 the New York Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves and Protecting Such of Them as Have Been or May Be Liberated was founded. H was among the sponsors of the organization. John Jay was elected the first president.

5Dr. and Mrs. John Cochran were Elizabeth Hamilton’s aunt and uncle.

6Nicholas Fish and Samuel B. Webb.

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