After the war, during the initial trade negotiations with the newly established United States, Lafayette often strove to interject his own opinions on the matter and wrote to Vergennes and others about what might be beneficial for both countries. Because John Adams needed to be seen as a legitimate ambassador from the United States at the time, Lafayette’s interceding wasn’t welcomed by the future president…and honestly, he wasn’t wrong about that. It’s completely understandable. Lafayette had a tendency to overdue everything put in front of him. At one point, Adams–fed up with the interference–wrote this about the Marquis, convinced that Laf only acted in order to beef up his own sense of personal glory:
‘…this Mongrel Character of French Patriot and American Patriot cannot exist long.’
Over time, John Adams began to suspect Lafayette’s character on the whole, convinced that the Frenchman’s constant involvement was a sign of future problems to come. Their relationship continued on a downward spiral after the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati, a hereditary society for those who fought in the American Revolution. Adams, who was adamantly opposed to the idea, did not approve of Lafayette’s enthusiastic participation in the Society. John gradually grew to dislike the Marquis on the whole–and he began making it clear.
‘as to your going to America, Surely I have no Objection against it…but I questioned whether you would go, as the War was over, and I knew of no particular Motive you might have to go.’ – March 28, 1784
Lafayette, who had no intention of being an enemy of American progress, didn’t understand the low-key hostility he was receiving.
‘A friendly letter I wrote You, and the One I Receive is not so affectionate as usual….As to My Going to America, I first Went for the Revolution….Now I am Going for the people, and My Motives are, that I love them, and they love me–that My Arrival will please them, and that I will Be Pleased with the sight of those whom I Have Early joined in our Noble and successfull cause….How could I Refrain from Visiting a Nation whose I am an Adoptive Son…?’
Judging by the incorrect English phraseology, the adamant tone, and the copious overuse of capital letters, Lafayette was upset. Adams didn’t reply.
‘Altho’ I have not Been Honoured with an answer to My last letter, I will not loose time in Acquainting you that My departure from l’Orient is fixed on the 22d instant.’
Lafayette offered to deliver any correspondence that John might have. Adams, once again, pulled a Mean Girls.
‘…as there was nothing in it [Lafayette’s prior letter] which required an immediate Answer, I have not acknowledged the Recipt of it, untill now. I will answer the Letters of my Friends by Mr. Reed and Coll. Herman.’
Reed and Herman were mentioned pointedly; they were Americans…and Lafayette was not. Lafayette wrote one more time and, as Laura Auricchio (author of The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered) put it, ‘As far as we know, it went unanswered.’ So, when Adams and Lafayette met during Lafayette’s tour of America later in his life, this was the last real correspondence that had gone on between them. Adams, who was in his late 80′s, must’ve looked withered to Lafayette, who was in his 60′s and had known a much more fiery Adams than the elderly man he met.
When Lafayette visited John adams later in his life, they both commented on how both had changed dramatically since they had last met. Something like “That was not the mani knew”, I’m paraphrasing mind you, but what could have been the change? Were there significant changes in Lafayette’s views at this time?
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