LAFAYETTE, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de (1757-1834), General, Continental Army . Three autograph letters signed ("Lafayette M.g.," "Lafayette"), one in third person, to Jean Baptiste Gouvion and an unknown recipient, Philadelphia and Paris, 26 February 1781, 6 March 1782, and 13 June 1787. Together 5½ pages, 4to and 8vo, two in French. LAFAYETTE ARRANGES A MILITARY MISSION FOR FRENCH ENGINEER GOUVION AND COMMENDS HIM FOR HIS ACTIONS IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Three interesting letters concerning French engineer Jean Baptiste Gouvion (1747-1792), who served in the Continental Army and was a key participant in the final battle at Yorktown. In response to Arnold's raid into Virginia (in January 1781), Lafayette began preparations for joint operations with the French fleet. On February 26, he lays the foundations for a reconnaissance by Gouvion: "Colonel Gouvion of the Engineers Being On His Way to the Entrance of [the] James River on Business of the Greatest importance All public officers are Requested to furnish Him By all Means in their power and on any Expense with any assistance He May Stand in need of." In Fall 1781, during the Yorktown seige, Gouvion had constucted a critical trench for which he received praise from Washington. On 6 March 1782, Lafayette sadly informs Gouvion that, despite his success, he will not be promoted within the French Army upon his return: "If we gave the brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. Segur wouldn't have hesitated in proposing to the King this honor...but the rule that has been made completely excludes any kind of advancement." He does, however, assure him of his pension and advises: "it should be enough for you to know that you have been highly appreciated." Finally, in 1787, Lafayette informs his friend that he is arranging for him to join an expedition to Egypt: "If you go, consider it from two points of view, a government expedition and an expedition for my purposes...you will find me here...and we can arrange together the ways to conduct this operation." Gouvion served as an officer during the French Revolution and was killed in action at Maubeuge on June 11, 1792. (3)
LAFAYETTE, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de (1757-1834), General, Continental Army . Three autograph letters signed ("Lafayette M.g.," "Lafayette"), one in third person, to Jean Baptiste Gouvion and an unknown recipient, Philadelphia and Paris, 26 February 1781, 6 March 1782, and 13 June 1787. Together 5½ pages, 4to and 8vo, two in French. LAFAYETTE ARRANGES A MILITARY MISSION FOR FRENCH ENGINEER GOUVION AND COMMENDS HIM FOR HIS ACTIONS IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Three interesting letters concerning French engineer Jean Baptiste Gouvion (1747-1792), who served in the Continental Army and was a key participant in the final battle at Yorktown. In response to Arnold's raid into Virginia (in January 1781), Lafayette began preparations for joint operations with the French fleet. On February 26, he lays the foundations for a reconnaissance by Gouvion: "Colonel Gouvion of the Engineers Being On His Way to the Entrance of [the] James River on Business of the Greatest importance All public officers are Requested to furnish Him By all Means in their power and on any Expense with any assistance He May Stand in need of." In Fall 1781, during the Yorktown seige, Gouvion had constucted a critical trench for which he received praise from Washington. On 6 March 1782, Lafayette sadly informs Gouvion that, despite his success, he will not be promoted within the French Army upon his return: "If we gave the brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. Segur wouldn't have hesitated in proposing to the King this honor...but the rule that has been made completely excludes any kind of advancement." He does, however, assure him of his pension and advises: "it should be enough for you to know that you have been highly appreciated." Finally, in 1787, Lafayette informs his friend that he is arranging for him to join an expedition to Egypt: "If you go, consider it from two points of view, a government expedition and an expedition for my purposes...you will find me here...and we can arrange together the ways to conduct this operation." Gouvion served as an officer during the French Revolution and was killed in action at Maubeuge on June 11, 1792. (3)
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
