November 28th
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ON THIS DAY IN 1784
BIDS FINAL FAREWELL TOMARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE
“I often asked myself, as our carriages distanced, whether that was the last sight, I ever should have of you? And tho’ I wished to say no, my fears answered yes.”*
To Marquis de Lafayette
Mount Vernon, 8 December 1784
My Dr. Marqs,
The peregrination of the day in which I parted with you, ended at Marlbro’: the next day, bad as it was, I got home before dinner.**
In the moment of our separation upon the road as I travelled, and every hour since, I felt all that love, respect and attachment for you, with which length of years, close connexion and your merits have inspired me. I often asked myself, as our carriages distanced, whether that was the last sight, I ever should have of you? And tho’ I wished to say no, my fears answered yes. I called to mind the days of my youth, and found they had long since fled to return no more; that I was now descending the hill, I had been 52 years climbing, and that tho’ I was blessed with a good constitution, I was of a short lived family, and might soon expect to be entombed in the dreary mansions of my father’s. These things darkened the shades and gave a gloom to the picture, consequently to my prospects of seeing you again: but I will not repine, I have had my day.
Powell Carriage (Duplicate of Washington’s Carriage)
Library of Congress
Nothing of importance has occurred since I parted with you; I found my family well, and am now immersed in company; notwithstanding which, I have in haste, produced a few more letters to give you the trouble of, rather inclining to commit them to your care, than to pass them thro’ many and unknown hands.
It is unnecessary, I persuade myself to repeat to you my Dr. Marqs. the sincerity of my regards and friendship, nor have I words which could express my affection for you, were I to attempt it. My fervent prayers are offered for your safe and pleasant passage, happy meeting with Madame la Fayette and family, and the completion of every wish of your heart, in all which Mrs. Washington joins me, as she does in complimts. To Capt. Grandcheau and the Chevr.*** of whom little Washtn often speaks. With every sentimt. wch. is propitious and endearing, I am &c. &c. &c.
G:o Washington
* This was, as Washington feared, the last time the two men would see one another. — MVLA13
** “Washington parted from Lafayette at Annapolis, apparently on December 1, and reached Mount Vernon on December 2.” — Fitzpatrick, et al., WGW
*** Chevalier Caraman — Fitzpatrick, et al., WGW
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