[Marquis de] LAFAYETTE, La Grange [France]. To Mrs. Eliza CUSTIS, Georgetown, District of Columbia, 1826 October 30

Death of son-in-law Louis Lasteryie. Will travel to Paris where will remain “until the fine days of a spring sun.” Would prefer to stay at La Grange but feels that he must take the young people “to town where they can see and be seen. Our matrimonial doctrine is wholly American. My grand-daughters will never make marriage a mere arrangement. They choose for themselves, and every application to us, when they come in the European way, is immediately laid before them.” Gives news of marriages in Lafayette family and comments on suitability of recent marriages in Custis family. Asks for news of mutual friends. Has been free of gout since last spring. Sends affectionate regards from his family.