Print of the Declaration of Independence. i71 
which, although not relating immediately to the subject 
before us, have still a very important bearing on the in- 
terests and honor of this country. : 
Extract of a Letter from the Marquis La Fayette to Col. 
John Trumbull. - ; 
: tre ey Paris, Jan. 4, 1824, 
My Dear Sits, :< ae 
Words cannot sufficiently express how happy you have 
Se pail I received it in my usual family retirement at 
friendly acquaintance with the painter had: a very great 
share. | at once recognized all the portraits, and think 
you have been remarkably fortunate in hitting not only 
the features, but the manners and deportments of the 
principle characters. It is so much the case, that -my 
children, who, George excepted, were very young when 
they had a peep at John Adams, pointed out the father, 
from their later acquaintance with the son. Hancock, 
Charles Thompson, Franklin, Roger Sherman, &c. &c. 
suddenly appeared to me in that grand act which has be- 
gun the era of rational freedom and self-government. | 
hailed the banner under which I enlisted in my youth, and 
shall die in old age; and | thanked the great artist, the 
good fellow-citizen and soldier, to whom | was obliged for 
so many lively, affectionate, and patriotic sensations. 
It is to me also an inexpressible gratification to think 
your admirable pencil has fixed me on the grand central 
Pt. copy of Col. Trumbull’s new print of the Declaratien of Indepen- 
nce, 
