An original printed War Department General Order announcing the death of the Marquis de Lafayette, the last surviving Major General of the Continental Army. Headed "Order, No. 46 — Head Quarters of the Army, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, June 21st, 1834," the circular transmits to the Army and Navy the General Orders issued the same day from the office of the President of the United States.

The body carries President Andrew Jackson's eulogy of Lafayette, declaring that his memory will be second only to that of Washington in the hearts of the American people. Jackson directs that the same honors be rendered as were observed upon the death of Washington, "the Father of his Country and his contemporary in arms." The closing paragraphs prescribe the funeral honors: at daybreak, twenty-four guns fired in quick succession, then a single gun every half hour until sunset; flags at half mast; and the officers of the Army to wear crape on the left arm for six months. Bearing the printed signature of Andrew Jackson, issued by command of Major General Alexander Macomb, Commanding in Chief, and signed in print by R. Jones, Adjutant General.

Lafayette died in Paris on May 20, 1834, less than a decade after his celebrated 1824–25 "Guest of the Nation" tour of the United States. This order is a tangible link between the Revolutionary generation and the Jacksonian era, joining Lafayette's name to Washington's in official mourning.

FORMAT & CONDITION:  Printed bifolium (single folded sheet), text on the first two pages, the conjugate leaf blank. Measures 4.75 x 7 inches. Light, even age toning; clean, fully legible impression; sound at the fold. Housed in an archival sleeve.  [ss][ph:L]

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