deartotheheart:nyhistory:Love Letter to Elisa StuyvesantTadeusz Kościuszko was a Polish military lea
deartotheheart:nyhistory:Love Letter to Elisa StuyvesantTadeusz Kościuszko was a Polish military leader and engineer. He fought against the British in the American Revolution and Russia in the Polish-Russian War of 1792. In 1797 he returned to the United States as a war hero. He was also a man in love. In November of that year, he sent this small painting and letter to Elisa Stuyvesant, the object of his affection. Even so, he returned to Europe the next year, so it’s unlikely anything came of the romance. At least he can add “artist” to his list of accomplishments. Tadeusz Kościuszko. 1797. Correspondence. American Historical Manuscript Collection. New-York Historical Society.Here is a more legible translation (to the best of my ability):“New Brunswick, 6th NovemberCharming Elisa will review this with its contents as atestimony of my respect, Esteem and the warmest friendship for her; I add alsomy thanks for a few lines and a cut of colored paper which she was pleased tohonour me with.I will keep it in my watch, and whine – wax will mount, I willpress the inclosed to my lips.Could I fly like this Grievance, I would throwpart myself to Elisa’s repose and wealth upon lunicty to steal few kisses fromher. Happy the man to whom Elisa would give it as a right – to press her tohis bosom and” -- source link
#thaddeus kosciuszko#poland#18th century