Note 73 — THE CORRESPONDENCE OF HENRY LAURENS,

The following letter merits insertion in this place. It was written to Count de Vergennes by the Marchioness de Lafayette, wife of the Marquis de Lafayette, immediately after she heard the news of the capture of Mr Laurens. It is translated from the original, which I found among the American papers in the Archives of Foreign Affairs in Paris. It should be premised, that, after the Marquis de Lafayette was wounded at the battle of Brandywine, Mr Laurens, then at Philadelphia, took him in his carriage to Bethlehem, and provided for him a safe and comfortable retreat, where he remained till his wound was healed. This letter to the Count de Vergennes, is equally a proof of the gratitude and tenderness of its fair author.

“Paris, October 18th, 1780.

“Pardon, I pray you, Sir, my importunity, and permit me to address you with the confidence with which your kindnesses to M. de Lafayette have inspired me, and to speak to you of an affair, which interests me deeply. The capture and detention of Mr Laurens in England has sensibly afflicted me. He is the intimate friend of M. de Lafayette, and took care of him during the time of his wound in a manner truly touching. His misfortune seems to me overwhelming, and when we consider the high station he has held in America, it is probable that it may become still more so. I know not if any means can be found to prevent it, or even to soften the actual rigors of his captivity; but I am persuaded, Sir, if there are any such, that they will be known to you. Should it be possible, let me entreat you earnestly to put them in use.

“Permit me also to speak to you of an idea which has occurred to me, and which is not perhaps entirely unworthy of consideration. M. de Lafayette has friends, that are on intimate terms with Mr Fitzpatrick, who is himself well known. Among the ladies of my acquaintance are some, who are the confidential friends of Lady Stormont. May not something be done through these parties in favor of Mr Laurens? And what must be said to them? I beg you a thousand times to pardon my importunities, and give me in this affair your kind interest and counsels. You will perhaps think me very ridiculous, and very unreasonable, but the hope, however ill founded, of rendering some good service to the unfortunate friend of M. de Lafayette, has prompted me to run this risk, and make this experiment upon your indulgence, which, at least, I must desire you to accord to me. This will add yet more to the lively and sincere acknowledgment, with which I have the honor to be,

Sir, your very humble, and very obedient servant,

NOAILLES DE LAFAYETTE.”