Paris the 6 March 1782 It is with a genuine pleasure, Sir, that I acquit myself from the Commissions of Mr the Mis of Segur, and after his work with the King, I am put in charge by him of communicating to you his intentions The pension that his Majesty bestows onto you is destined to give you an immediate proof of satisfaction, and the opinion that has deserved your talents and your services, without any harm to the other graces that will determine Your Military Advancement If we had given the Patents of the lieutenant Colonels, Mr the Mis of Segur would not have delayed to propose to the King this grace that he believed perfectly placed; but the Rule that had been done exclusive entirely this Means of advancement [2] in the Military Career; it must suffice you to think that you have been judged very susceptible, and that if we give the Patents of lieutenant Colonels you would certainly be preferred But because we desire you to make this rank the earliest possible, I am put in charge by Mister the Marquis of Segur to announce to you the commandment of a provincial Batallion that he could attend to, and you can be sure that the Satisfaction of the King and that of his Minister provides the advancement the closest of which you are susceptible to Although the monetary interests affect you less than those that I have just spoken, I must also tell you, Sir, that Your salary will be payed to you from the [Mornier] where you were gone for america, and Mr the Ms of Segur knows your moderation will [strikeout] prevent that your [fortune] suffers not from your expenses in the united states army [3] Like American official, and more particularly again like your friend, I would always delight in the justice that we give to your merit; You know [the attraction] and the attachment in the general Washington evades occupation for you, and I hasten to communicate to him all that interests your advancement; agree, I pray to you, the assurance of all the tender feelings of which I have the Honor to be, your very humble and obedient servant Lafayette [written at end of first page] Mr de gouvion Colonel at the service of the united states