ADMIRAL VISCOUNT de BEAUMONT French nobleman, Commandant of His Most Christian Majesty's Squadron, his ship was the French vessel Patriole; one of the French allies of the young America. A fine content third-person L.S. signed in text, 1p., 8vo., with integral address leaf, [Boston], Aug. 23, 1787, to Col. Donnison, aide to John Hancock. Likely in the hand of one of Beaumont's aides, the letter reads, in most part: "The Viscount de Beaumont Commandant of his most Christian Majesty's Squadron presents his respectful Compliments to Colonel Donnison & begs the honour of his Company to dine on board the Patriot...The Boats will be at Long Wharf at one o'clock. Thursday, August 23d. 1787". That Saturday, the city of Boston was the scene of much revelry. The Boston Gazette reported the Feast of St. Louis: "...was celebrated by every public demonstration of joy, by the squadron of his most Christian Majesty, now in this harbour. The Viscount de Beaumont, gave an entertainment on board the Patriole; at which were prest, the Lieutenant-Governour, and the gentlemen of the Council, the President of the Senate, the late Governour, the principal Officers of the late federal Army, and other official characters of distinction...The ships of the fleet, were decorated with the flags of all nations, among which the American stripes were conspicuous. The feast was superb. The politeness and attention of the Viscount and his officers, gave the utmost pleasure to the gentlemen who had the honour of being present". A total of 13 toasts were saluted with appropriate cannon salutes from the ships including a "Perpetual Alliance between France and America" and the "Federal Convention". The French squadron remained in Boston for a few more weeks and, on Saturday, September 15, Viscount de Beaumont and his fleet, according to the Gazette , "left this Port with a fair Wind". This was the twilight of Franco-American relations for some time to come. The Revolution of 1789 and the subsequent violence alienated many Americans from France, seeing it as a source of chaos and anarchy rather than a newly emerging bastion of liberty. Light to moderate foxing, light soiling along folds on address panel, else fine.