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PROPERTY OF THE LATE COMTE LOUIS DE CHASTELLUX
WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Autograph letter signed ("Go:Washington” and "GW" in postscript), to François-Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de Chastellux, Newburgh 14 December 1782.
Details
WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Autograph letter signed ("Go:Washington” and "GW" in postscript), to François-Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de Chastellux, Newburgh 14 December 1782.
Three pages, 224 x 185mm, bifolium, blindstamped "ARCHIVES DE CHASTELLUX" at top right.
A remarkably ardent letter. Washington, evokes “a deep and lasting friendship which neither time nor distance can eradicate... Never in my life did i part with a man to whom my soul clave more sincerely than it did to you..." At this date Washington was encamped at Newburgh with his army. A cessation of hostilities was in effect, and it was increasingly clear that a peace treaty with Britain and independence was in the wind. In September 1782 the new Shelburne ministry authorized Richard Oswald to treat with the commissioners of the “13 United States” and formal diplomatic negotiations began in Paris. Chastellux was preparing to return to France. Clearly, as this heartfelt letter attests, the young French officer’s departure touched a very deep chord in Washington. Chastellux had served as an interpreter between Washington and Major General Rochambeau during several campaigns, including the siege and victory at Yorktown.
In full: “My dear Chevalier: I felt too much to express any thing, the day I parted with you– A Sense of your public Services to this Country, and gratitude for your private friendship, quite over came me at the moment of our separation.– But I should be wanting to the feelings of my heart, and sh[oul]d do violence to my inclination, was I to suffer you to leave this Country, with out the warmest assurances of an affectionate regard for your person and character.– "
“Our good friend the Marq[ui]s. de la Fayette prepared me (long before I had the honor to see you) for those Impressions of esteem which opportunities, and your own benevolent Mind has since improved into a deep, and lasting friendship, a friendship which neither time nor distance can ever eradicate.– ”
“I can truly say, that never in my life did I part with a Man to whom my Soul clave more sincerely than it did to you.– My warmest wishes will attend you in your voyage across the Atlantic– to the rewards of a generous Prince– the Arms of Affectionate friends– and be assured that it will be one of my highest gratifications to keep up a regular intercourse with you by Letter.– ”
In closing, Washington regrets Chastellux's departure before the realization of the final object– American independence: "I regret exceedingly that our circumstances should withdraw you from this Country before the final accomplishment of that Independence and Peace, which the Arms of our good Ally has assisted in placing before us in so agreeable a point of view.– Nothing would give me more pleasure than to accompany you in a tour through the Continent of North America at the close of the War, in search of the National curiosities with which it abounds, and to view, at the same time, the foundation of a rising Empire. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of the most perfect esteem & regard..."
"P.S. Permit me to trouble you with the Inclosed Letter to the marq' de la Fayette G.W. [not present]"
Published from the letter book copy in Fitzpatrick, Writings, Vol 25, pp. 428-429. Provenance: François-Jean de Beauvoir, Marquis de Chastellux (1734-1788) – by descent to the consignor.
Three pages, 224 x 185mm, bifolium, blindstamped "ARCHIVES DE CHASTELLUX" at top right.
A remarkably ardent letter. Washington, evokes “a deep and lasting friendship which neither time nor distance can eradicate... Never in my life did i part with a man to whom my soul clave more sincerely than it did to you..." At this date Washington was encamped at Newburgh with his army. A cessation of hostilities was in effect, and it was increasingly clear that a peace treaty with Britain and independence was in the wind. In September 1782 the new Shelburne ministry authorized Richard Oswald to treat with the commissioners of the “13 United States” and formal diplomatic negotiations began in Paris. Chastellux was preparing to return to France. Clearly, as this heartfelt letter attests, the young French officer’s departure touched a very deep chord in Washington. Chastellux had served as an interpreter between Washington and Major General Rochambeau during several campaigns, including the siege and victory at Yorktown.
In full: “My dear Chevalier: I felt too much to express any thing, the day I parted with you– A Sense of your public Services to this Country, and gratitude for your private friendship, quite over came me at the moment of our separation.– But I should be wanting to the feelings of my heart, and sh[oul]d do violence to my inclination, was I to suffer you to leave this Country, with out the warmest assurances of an affectionate regard for your person and character.– "
“Our good friend the Marq[ui]s. de la Fayette prepared me (long before I had the honor to see you) for those Impressions of esteem which opportunities, and your own benevolent Mind has since improved into a deep, and lasting friendship, a friendship which neither time nor distance can ever eradicate.– ”
“I can truly say, that never in my life did I part with a Man to whom my Soul clave more sincerely than it did to you.– My warmest wishes will attend you in your voyage across the Atlantic– to the rewards of a generous Prince– the Arms of Affectionate friends– and be assured that it will be one of my highest gratifications to keep up a regular intercourse with you by Letter.– ”
In closing, Washington regrets Chastellux's departure before the realization of the final object– American independence: "I regret exceedingly that our circumstances should withdraw you from this Country before the final accomplishment of that Independence and Peace, which the Arms of our good Ally has assisted in placing before us in so agreeable a point of view.– Nothing would give me more pleasure than to accompany you in a tour through the Continent of North America at the close of the War, in search of the National curiosities with which it abounds, and to view, at the same time, the foundation of a rising Empire. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of the most perfect esteem & regard..."
"P.S. Permit me to trouble you with the Inclosed Letter to the marq' de la Fayette G.W. [not present]"
Published from the letter book copy in Fitzpatrick, Writings, Vol 25, pp. 428-429. Provenance: François-Jean de Beauvoir, Marquis de Chastellux (1734-1788) – by descent to the consignor.