“On the first days of your Arrival at Albany I dare say you had Nothing to do with Any Body’s letters. But I will now Become the Bolder in interrupting your Amorous Occupations as exclusive of other Motives the importance of the Matters I have to Mention may Countenance your indulging your dear self with some Minutes Respite.”
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.
“Lafayette and Hamilton formed a lifelong friendship. That became a triangle at the end of August with the arrival of John Laurens. Twenty-three years old, he also was a slender young man, whose head seemed large for his body. It carried a handsome face with a high brow, noble nose, and strong chin. His wide eyes, as blue as Hamilton’s, were set deep. His full mouth seemed always on the verge of a smile, from either amusement or arrogance, depending on the situation. He was almost as brilliant as Hamilton, but his mind was of a different order. While the one wanted to build a model world as if it was an engineering project, Laurens was on a crusade to improve mankind. He shared Hamilton and Lafayette’s lust for glory on the battlefield. Reckless as they were, neither matched Laurens’ tendency to lunge into the fight without thinking. They survived the war.He did not.”
– David A. Clary, Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette, and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution
The fondness that la Marquise discovers for her children, is very amiable; and the more remarkable in a country where the least trait of such a disposition is scarce known. She seems to adore them, and to live but in them. She has two that were presented to us; they both speak English, and sing it; the Marquis appeared very fond of them likewise. He is apparently a man of great modesty, and delicacy of manners.
Journal of Abigail Adams (daughter of Abigail and John Adams), 21 February 1785 when the family dined with the Lafayettes. When she first met Gilbert on the 14 February at a dinner at Franklin’s, she wrote “The Marquis de la Fayette I never saw before; he appears a little reserved and very modest.” (via marquisdelaughingette)
Daintyfire 