Box 1

Scope and Contents Thanks for her “kind remembrances” and for the “much valued gift of relicks worn by my dearest paternal friend” which were conveyed by Mr. Warden. Wishes that he could express his sentiments in person. Hopes that his American friends know that he finds an “inexhaustible source of enjoyment” in “the recollection of the blessed time I have spent with them, in the scale of their persevering goodness to me and my everlasting affection to them.” Sends kind wishes to various members “in whose...

Scope and Contents Apologizes for delay in replying to her letter and begs her to continue her correspondence. “I have not been for many years fortunate in my epistolary communications...” Glad to have news of the “encreasing prosperity” and “lately acquired” glory of the United States. Wishes to re-visit America but “How and when I can be blessed with such a compensation for my European vicissitudes I am not yet allowed to know.” Gives thanks for the approval which she expressed regarding his recent political...

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Letter of introduction for General Bernard, his wife and family. “French merit and patriotism have a right to your kindness.”

Scope and Contents Thanks for her letter conveyed by Mr. Somerville with the news of the marriage of her daughter [Eliza Law, married Lloyd Nicholas Rogers, 5 April 1817]. Introduction of Mde. Mewara who is joining her husband who has been living in the United States for two years. Expresses his “satisfaction to hear of the generous grant made by Congress” to France in its “efforts against foreign invasion and foreign influence.” “To see our noble temple of American liberty stand an inviolable refuge against...

Scope and Contents Was not able to make better arrangements in Alexandria [Virginia] as her letter did not arrive in time. “Your apparition, pleasing, but unexpected, could not be improved by me as it should have been had I been able to make previous arrangements with the kind procession. If my signs have spoken my heart they will have told you every thing that is grateful, paternal, and affectionate.” He and George [Washington Lafayette] have paid their first visit to “the venerated tomb” [of George...

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Thanks for her letter of sympathy at death of Mde. de Tracy.

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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.”

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Letter of sympathy at hearing news “of the late loss we have to deplore with you.” Will leave Pittsburgh tomorrow for Erie, Albany and Boston. “We shall about the middle of July personally mingle our sorrows with yours.” Postcript. G[eorge] W[ashington] LAFAYETTE. To Mrs. CUSTIS. Sympathy at the “new misfortune, which has afflicted you since we parted.”

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“Here we are in perfect health.” Will visit as soon as possible to offer sympathies. “I am surrounded by Baltimoreans and Washingtonians, and called to supper.”

Scope and Contents Sadly disappointed at not having visit from her son, “to whom I had so much to say, with whom I had so much to feel.” Has received news of her sister's [Eleanor Lewis] illness and recovery. Sends kind wishes to family members. Expreses his anxiety at the illness of George's [Washington Lafayette] daughter Clementina. Regrets that there has been uneasiness regarding his return passage, “but the matter must have been long ago explained in a satisfactory manner.” Postscript that Sommerville...