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 became
 acquainted, however, from the time of his arrival
 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 reputation
 you have acquired, pure and free from those
little shades that the jealousy and envy of a man’s
countrymen and contemporaries are ever endeavoring
 to cast over living merit. Here you would know,
1 This is doubtless the letter which Lafayette had said would be extremely
 agreeable at headquarters.

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