HAMILTON, Alexander (1757-1804). Autograph letter signed ("Alex Hamilton") [to Elias Boudinot], [New] Brunswick, N.J., 5 July 1778. Recommending Louis-Pierre, Marquis de Vienne, a French officer who had been recommended by Lafayette.

Two pages, 215 x 165mm (light foxing). Matted and framed to reveal both recto and verso.

Hamilton introduces a new French volunteer to the American cause. A week following Monmouth, Hamilton takes a moment to oblige the Marquis de Lafayette by introducing a new French volunteer to Congress: "The Marquis de Vienne will have the pleasure to deliver you this, a Gentleman, I beg leave to recommend to your particular attention— He was introduced to me by the Marquis Delafayette, with the warmest recommendations —Though a young man, he has been a long time in service — I have seen him in the field and will venture to pronounce him a brave and intelligent officer. I am not well acquainted with his pretensions in our service, but as I dare say they will be reasonable, I shall request you will give him your interest." In a short postscript, Hamilton recommends that Boudinot introduce the Marquis to "Mr. G[ouverneur]. Morris as a Gentleman recommended by me."

Louis-Pierre, Marquis de Vienne (1746-1812) was a French officer, and one of many Europeans to volunteer to serve in Washington's army. A friend of Lafayette, de Vienne arrived at Washington's camp at Valley Forge a day before the British evacuated Philadelphia in the spring of 1778. Prior to the Battle of Monmouth was part of an advance party under Lafayette charged with reconnoitering the British camp, getting so close as to capture two grenadiers in the process. Impressed by his bravery, Lafayette and Hamilton recommended de Vienne to Congress who brevetted him a colonel in the Continental Army. He would serve under Sullivan at the Battle of Rhode Island and was later employed in carrying dispatches to d'Estaing commanding the French fleet. Wishing to continue the fight under his native banner, Washington granted him a discharge in October 1778 and he returned to France with d'Estaing. (See Lafayette to George Washington, 9 March 1784, fn 5, fn 17, The Papers of George Washington Digital Edition.) Mentioned, but only party transcribed in the Papers of Alexander Hamilton. Provenance: Edward Eberstadt (his sale, Parke-Bernet, 9 April 1968, lot 87).