Lot 1005
Adams, John (1735-1826), Second President of the United States.
ALS, one page, 7¼ x 9½ datelined "Paris March 18 1780", written to Major General James McDougal - actually Alexander McDougal (1732-1786), introducing Lafayette's brother, Vicomte de Noailles, Very Fine with text and signature fresh.
Estimate 20,000 - 25,000
OUTSTANDING REVOLUTIONARY WAR DOCUMENT MENTIONING LAFAYETTE, AND ILLUSTRATING THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AMERICA AND FRANCE.
Alexander McDougal was an officer in the Continental Army who fought with distinction during the New York campaign and at Germantown, before being promoted to major general and serving at Hudson Heights and at West Point following the demise of Benedict Arnold. At this time, Adams was traveling to his post as minister to Holland, and had detoured to Paris in order to negotiate a peace settlement with the British, though also to secretly persuade the French Government to provide more aid to the Revolution.
The introduction starts, "It is with great pleasure that I take my pen to give the Viscount de Noailles, a letter to such a Veteran in American Policy and War, as General McDougal. This young Nobleman whose military ardour is equal to that of his Brother the Marquis de la Fayette, is going to America, and in Such Company as will I hope insure his welcome…"
The Marquis de Lafayette had already seen battle in America, having commanded a division of Virginia light infantry at the Battle of Monmouth and leading two brigades at Newport. His brother-in-law, the Vicomte went on to personally command the French troops that turned back the last British sortie at Yorktown and represented the French during pre-surrender negotiations.
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| Realized $20,000 |
