Lot of 2 letters, datelined Fishkill Landing (NY), September, 1824, to a cousin, with excellent description of going to see the French hero of the American Revolution, Lafayette, during his epochal tour of the US in 1824. Includes (spelling corrected): "....I went to West Point to see LaFayette with a company of upwards of one hundred in Captain Wiltsey's sloop...On his arrival, he was received by the officers on the steam boat and was saluted with the report of 24 cannons. He was then conveyed in an open carriage up on the hill where he was received by the cadets....The Marquis was then conducted to the library where all that wished could have the pleasure of seeing him again....We all had the privilege and the honor of being introduced and shaking hands with his excellency and there was a large table set with all kinds of refreshments...." F $125-150 49 EXCELLENT LETTER FROM FIRST

YEAR OF FORTRESS MONROE, WITH MAP & LAFAYETTE'S VISIT. Folded letter, with red BALTIMORE.MD. cds, red STEAMBOAT hdstp, ms 25 rate, below crossed out "On public service", addr. to a Lt. in the 1st Artillery at Ft. Independence, Boston. 3+ pgs letter contents, datelined Fortress Monroe, November 15, 1824. A lengthy & well written letter between soldiers, includes a well drawn map showing the location of the Fort, established in 1823 & still under construction, and a lengthy portion devoted to the arrangements for Lafayette's visit. Includes: "We have established a very pleasant mess for the officers. At present prosecuting the work on the Parade Ground....each detail is to be changed every two years and in such a manner that at no time shall less than five companies be here who have been at least a year....a piece of land in the vicinity is to be purchased for Art'y...".....(Re Lafayette's visit): "Steam Boat Virginia commanded by Capt. S.D. Elliot assisted by Capt. Lewis Warrington, US Navy will leave here on Monday morning...proceed to the mouth of York river, await the arrival of J.B. Petersburgh from which Gen. Fayette will be received & conveyed to York. The place of Gen. La Fayette's landing will be designated by a flag planted on the beach....Revolutionary officers & soldiers attending. He will be conducted to the barouche prepared for his use, seated with the Gov. of Va....The Pres. of the US, the Heads of Depts....will advance along the beach thro' double rows of citizens...." much, much more. VF