File:Marquis de Lafayette to William Ellery, 2 October, about 1778 (d5a66069-32bc-4b82-ac38-fa7156550191).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1002/9.3-098#002

The Ms. De Lafayette has the honor to present his complements to Mr. William Ellery, and thank him for the letter he has been pleased to write on account of the horses. They are most difficult to be found any where, and the marquis is at a loss to know what's become of a quarter master who had been sent from Boston for that purpose. That unforeseen circumstance puts him under the disagreeable necessity of hiring himself private horses, or inquiring every where for Continental ones, both of whom he had never used for himself since he is in America. However he would be very sorry to employ any who could not be conveniently spared, and as it is the same every where he has sent around this place he will go farther with those of yesterday. However his business which could not be contained in a letter, make it of great importance that he might be immediately at headquarters. Mr. Ellery knows that the least delay costs sometimes good deal.[sic] The marquis de Lafayette will be very happy to present himself the assurances of his Regard to Mr. Ellery or at hdquarters or perhaps at Philedelphia.

Oct. second in the morning

[on verso] Billet from Marquis D laFayette to W Ellery

[in another hand] Note of the Marquis De la Fayette to William Ellery
Rhode Island Oct. 2d 1778(?)
Found in Newport Nov. 1802

[in pencil] Bought by H.W.L. Dana, May 17, 1934, Anderson Sale, for $145.00

• Keywords: document; correspondence; henry w.l. dana papers (long 17314); long archives; marquis de lafayette; william ellery; horses; american revolution; politicians; Collected Materials (1002/009); (LONG-SeriesName); Miscellaneous Famous People (1002/009.003); (LONG-SubseriesName); Lafayette; Marquis de (1757-1834); [1778?]-1781 (1002/009.003-098); (LONG-FileUnitName)