Lot 249
La Fayette, Marquis de (1757-1834), Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 7¼ x 8¾ La Grange, December 13, 1833. To friend Samuel F.B. Morse; with an integral Autograph Note Signed by Morse to Annie G. Ellsworth.
La Fayette writes Morse asking his assistance in selling copies of a History of Poland published by Polish general Roman Soltyk "…the gallant pole citizen, who moved the celebrated repeal of alligeance [sic] to the Russian Emperor…" signed "Your affectionate friend, Lafayette"
At the bottom of the same sheet Morse has written "Letter and autograph of General Lafayette presented to Miss Annie G. Ellsworth by her sincere friend Sam: F: B: Morse."
Small piece missing at top blank margin and a few fold breaks, laminated to another sheet of paper, nonetheless, clean and attractive.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT LINKING LAFAYETTE TO MORSE AND MORSE TO ELLSWORTH.
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese (1791-1872). Painter and Inventor, developed relay device to extend range over which telegraph signals could be sent, making the telegraph practical for long-distance use, developed "Morse" code, main founder and 1st president of National Academy of Design.
Morse first met La Fayette during the latter’s tour of the U.S. in 1824-25. At that time, Morse, a talented painter, produced two portraits of the French statesman.
Morse had attended Yale University with Annie Ellsworth’s father and was a close friend of the family. In 1843 it was Annie Ellsworth, her father now the U.S. Patent Commissioner, who brought Morse the news that Congress had appropriated the money for Morse’s intended telegraph line between Washington and Baltimore. Reportedly, at this time Morse promised her that she could compose the first message to be transmitted over the new line once completed; and it was, indeed, Annie Ellsworth who selected the Biblical quotation "What hath God wrought!" that was sent over the wire on May 24, 1844.
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| Realized $4,250 |
