[Marquis de] LAFAYETTE, Yorktown, [Virginia]. To Mrs. Eliza CUSTIS, Georgetown [Washington, D.C.], 1824 October 20

Was not able to make better arrangements in Alexandria [Virginia] as her letter did not arrive in time. “Your apparition, pleasing, but unexpected, could not be improved by me as it should have been had I been able to make previous arrangements with the kind procession. If my signs have spoken my heart they will have told you every thing that is grateful, paternal, and affectionate.” He and George [Washington Lafayette] have paid their first visit to “the venerated tomb” [of George Washington] and her brother [George Washington Parke Custis] “gave me a ring containing some of the hair of both.” Responds to her enquiry regarding Fanny [Frances] and Camilla Wright. “there was formed between them and my family a very particular friendship and from me to them a paternal affection warmly reciprocated” following the publication of Frances Wright's journey to the United States [Views of Society and Manners in America] “the only book favourable to America that ever came from an English pen.” “Miss Wright is enthusiastically beloved by some, admired by many, envied by others, as is generally the case with distinguished talents and generous unreserved souls.”