[Marquis de] LAFAYETTE, Louisville [Kentucky]. To Mrs. E[liza] P. CUSTIS, Georgetown, District Of Columbia, 1825 May 12

Gives news of their shipwreck [aboard the Natchez] on the Ohio River. Just time to leave the cabin before it was flooded. No loss of life. Captain not at fault. Conveyed to Louisville by owner of steamship Paragon. Loss of letter trunk containing “precious papers, unanswered, and answered letters, and my own answers in the writing of which I had been for the last twelve days constantly employed on board.” Was able to save “the General's portrait, Custis's and your dear rings.”