XXI 
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON ? 
SIR: —The Marquis de Lafayette, a young noble- 
man of great expectations and exceedingly beloved 
here, is by this time probably with you. By some 
misapprehension in his contract with the merchants 
of Bordeaux he was prevented from using the pro- 
duce of the cargo he carried over, and so was left 
without a supply of money. His friends here have 
sent him over about £500 sterling; and have pro- 
posed sending him more; but on reflection, knowing 
the extreme generosity of his disposition, and fearing 
that some of his necessitous and artful countrymen 
may impose on his goodness, they wish to put his 
money into the hands of some discreet friend, who 
may supply him from time to time, and by that 
means knowing his expenses, may take occasion to 
advise him, if necessary, with a friendly affection, 
and secure him from too much imposition. They 
accordingly have desired us to name such a person 
to them. We have not been able to think of one so 
capable, and so suitable from the influence of situa- 
tion, to perform that kind office, as General Wash- 
t This letter is printed from a rough draft, in the Department of State 
at Washington, which is without date. 
2 
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