New-York, June 14, 1784.
Monsieur Le Chevalier:
Colonel Clarkeson, who will have the honor of delivering you this,
being already known to you, I give him this letter more for the sake
of renewing to you the assurances of my attachment and esteem, than
from a supposition that he will stand in need of any new title to
your attention. I will therefore only say of him, that his excellent
qualities cannot be known without interesting those to whom they are
known, and that from a personal and warm regard for him, I should be
happy, if any thing I could say, could be an additional motive for your
countenance and civilities to him.
I speak of him in the light of a friend. As the messenger of Science,
he cannot fail to acquire the patronage of one of her favorite
ministers. He combines with the views of private satisfaction, which a
voyage to Europe cannot but afford, an undertaking for the benefit of
a Seminary of learning, lately instituted in this State. Learning is
the common concern of mankind; and why may not poor republicans, who
can do little more than wish her well, send abroad to solicit the favor
of her patrons and friends? Her ambassador will tell you his errand.
I leave it to your mistress to _command_ and to the trustees of the
institution to _ask_ your interest in promoting his mission.
Permit me only to add, that if there is any thing in this country by
which I can contribute to your satisfaction, nothing will make me
happier at all times, than that your commands may enable me to give you
proofs of the respectful and affectionate attachment with which
I have the honor to be,
Monsieur Le Chevalier,
Your most ob’t and humble serv’t,
A. H.
Le Chevalier De Chastellux.