Autograph letter signed "Lafayette" by Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), as President of the Central Polish Committee in Paris. "La Grange," 12 July 1831. In French, addressed to "M[on] cher the President." 2pp, approx. 8 x 10 in. Lafayette sends an update regarding his work on behalf of Polish independence.

Writing from La Grange, his family's 15th-century chateau located in the French countryside east of Paris, Lafayette writes that he is sending two letters, one from the President of the Supreme Government of Poland and another from the General of the Army. Lafayette indicates that the recipient should make use of them as he wishes. Lafayette then references Mr. de Beranger who has shared with him a proposed offer to the committee [of Polish Independence] which Lafayette believes will be agreeable to him, and "Mr. Chodźko" who brings an account of a celebration. These likely refer to Pierre-Jean Beranger (1780-1857), a liberal French poet and songwriter who collaborated with Lafayette, and Leonard Borejko Chodźko (1800-1871), a Polish exile who served as secretary for the Franco-Polish Committee under Lafayette.

In the decades following the Revolutionary War, the Marquis de Lafayette was an ardent supporter of revolutionary causes around the world. In the wake of the Polish Revolution following the country's November Uprising (1830-1831) against Russian rule, Lafayette became a founding member of the Polish Committee through which he used his influence to rally financial and political support for Polish independence. Lafayette lobbied for French governmental support for Poland, gave speeches publicizing the plight of Poland, entertained exiles, and raised money for Polish refugees. His support for Poland was crucial to the cause, and rooted in his admiration and friendship with Polish generals Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski during the American Revolution.

Letters related to Lafayette's support of the Polish cause are scarce. An interesting letter reflecting Lafayette's life-long support for liberal causes and reform movements around the globe.

[Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [American Revolution, Polish Revolution]

Occasional losses sometimes affecting text including small losses to the signature, dampstaining, ink bleed, toning, separation along folds.