XXV 
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON * 
Passy, 5 March, 1480. 
Sir: —I have received but lately the letter your 
Excellency did me the honor of writing to me in 
recommendation of the Marquis de Lafayette. His 
modesty detained it long in his own hands. We be- 
came acquainted, however, from the time of his ar- 
rival at Paris; and his zeal for the honor of our 
country, his activity in our affairs here, and his firm 
attachment to our cause and to you, impressed me 
with the same regard and esteem for him that your 
Excellency’s letter would have done, had it been 
immediately delivered to me. 
Should peace arrive after another campaign or two, 
and afford us a little leisure, I should be happy to see 
your Excellency in Europe, and to accompany you, 
if my age and strength would permit, in visiting some 
of its ancient and most famous kingdoms. You 
would, on this side of the sea, enjoy the great repu- 
tation you have acquired, pure and free from those 
little shades that the jealousy and envy of a man’s 
countrymen and contemporaries are ever endeavor- 
ing to cast over living merit. Here you would know, 
1 This is doubtless the letter which Lafayette had said would be ex- 
tremely agreeable at headquarters. 
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