Lafayette, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de

Autograph letter, in English, signed ("Lafayette"), 1 page, address on the second leaf (9 x 7 1/4 in.; 229 x 183 mm), Mont d'Or, 6th August 1805, to Chancellor R[obert R.] Livingston, in New York; in a blue calico sleepcase; formerly folded, stain and foxing, very small paper repair on verso of the letter, address leaf repair with paper.

Formerly folded, stain and foxing, very small paper repair on verso of the letter, address leaf repair with paper.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Letter of recommendation for Lafayette's friend David Parish to Robert Livingston.

Lafayette asks "The Chancellor" if he can recommend his friend David Parish, from Antwerp, "to all [his] Livingston friends, ladies and gentlemen, as [he] know[s] they will more kindly improve [...] to welcome Mr. Parish in New York".

David Parish was a financier and landowner. He arrived in the United States in 1806 and bought lands in the St. Lawrence River Valley and rent them to farmers. He raised lots of money for the War of 1812 but demanded that no military actions should come to the St Lawrence River.

Interesting document relating three important figures of the young United States: the general and diplomat, the politician and the financier.