[LAFAYETTE, Gilbert du Motier, marquis de]. Lettre signée par les citoyens d’Augusta, Gardiner et Hallowell. Maine, 19 avril 1825 2 pp. in-4
Estimation :
200 / 300
Adjudication :
Invendu
Description
EXEMPLAIRE DE LAFAYETTE Les citoyens d’Augusta, Gardiner et Hallowell, invitent Lafayette à visiter “these contiguous towns of Hallowell Augusta & Gardiner in the state of Maine (...) situated in a line upon the Kennebec & about fifty seven miles in a Northeastern direction from Portland - the present seat of our government (...) A few of your contemporaries in army, during our perilous conflict for liberty, still survive among us (... ) Here you may see the children of departed patriots, who have read with enthusiasm the story of your generous efforts and sacrifices for our beloved country ; and who dwell with inexpressible delight upon your name", signé par trois citoyens d’Augusta et Gardiner, et par onze de Hallowell Lafayette visited Augusta on 23 April which was to become state capital of Maine in 1827 : “As we approached Augusta, two steam boats, crowded with a great many citizens of that town, came to meet us, and saluted General Lafayette with three cheers, and the discharge of artillery. We answered them by the patriotic air of Yankee Doodle, and by three rounds of our guns. They joining us we descended the river together, each forcing the steam in rivalry of speed. There was something frightful in this contest ; the three roaring vessels seemed to fly in the midst of thick black clouds of smoke, which prevented us from seeing each other... The general, forced to adhere vigorously to his calculations for travelling, had at first resolved to pass but one day at Augusta ; but it was impossible for him to resist the earnest solicitations of the inhabitants to remain two days, that the greater part of the preparations made for him should not become useless. He yielded, and the entertainments they gave him were so multiplied, that for the first time since the commencement of this prodigious journey, he suffered a fatigue which caused us momentary inquietude" (Levasseur, Lafayette in America, II, pp. 65-66).
