The Duke Of Lauzun, In Newport And Awaiting A March To Yorktown, Promises A “Recounting Of The Battle Of 16th March”, The Battle Of Cape Henry Off Of Virginia

ARMAND LOUIS DE GONTAUT, THE DUKE DE LAUZUN (1747-1793). Gontaut was a French soldier who fought in the American Revolution. He helped the French army at Yorktown, marching his troops from New England to Virginia. he was guillotined during the Reign of Terror. ALS. 1pg. 7” x 9”. March 27, 1781. Newport [Rhode Island]. An autograph letter signed “Le Duc de Lauzun” in French to an unidentified correspondent: “Newport 27th March 1781 I ask your forgiveness, sir, for all the trouble and confusion caused you by my business affairs. I am writing in strong terms to M. Marchand and M. de Guéménée. I ask that my tableware be returned to Frantz; I beg you to sell it and to dispose of the money. If you find yourself in difficulties, either from paying the nine thousand francs, which I drew upon you in January, payable on sight within six months, or from any other causes, send to M. Pays to share this burden with you and assist you with the resources that can be found in the remainder of my little fortune. If, by the next post, which we await daily, I don’t learn that all has been restored to order, I will send you a general proxy. I enclose here a life certificate and a recounting of the battle of 16th March. Be assured, sir, of my complete and sincere affection for you. The Duke de Lauzun”. The combat of March 16th mentioned was the Battle of Cape Henry off the Virginia coast in which a British squadron met the French fleet; the result was a draw. Lauzun's biographer identifies M. Marchand as the duke's steward, and M. Pays as the keeper of his accounts. The letter has a vertical and horizontal fold and the usual light soiling.