Box 1

Regrets that she has not come to La Grange with the rest of the party, where friends would share her grief. Warns that her return voyage to American will perhaps coincide with the time of the equinoxial gale. Comments on the visit of Mrs. Baldwin to La Grange.

Apologises for losing address on package entrusted to him by Hay. Mr. Roane has care of it until Hay can send the address.

Gives news of his father's safe arrival in Mobile. Thanks her for the use of her carriage which “took care never to break seriously, nor whilst my father was in it.” Next stages of journey will be easier as they will be by water and good roads. Sends best wishes and thanks for her kindnesses.

He and his father will not be able to stay at her house on their return to Washington as the President [John Quincy Adams] has invited Lafayette to stay at his own house. Lafayette has accepted offer of passage on national frigate [Brandywine] for his return to France.

The bearer of the note will leave several objects with her and will collect trunk. Sends best wishes and apologizes for brief note.

Last day for sending letters to New York “by the packet of the fifteenth of this month, and we have not yet begun to write one letter.” Begs that he and his father be allowed to arrive for dinner a little later than her usual hour.

Thanks for “kind and precious gift.”

Thanks for copy of oration delivered by Mr. [George Washington Parke] Custis at the tomb of General Washington on the occasion of Lafayette's visit.

Thanks for ring and letter written by Mrs. Lewis [Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis] on her [Eliza Custis's] behalf.

Sends translations of letters of thanks from Lafayette's family. Refuses her request to act as godmother to Rosebud “I should consider it a profanation to promise before the altar for another what I have never performed myself - to make a solemn vow to renounce for the child those pomps and vanities of the world in which I so much delight.”