Recipient

Letters to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette

B. 1757 · D. 1834

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, known in the United States as Lafayette, was a French military officer and politician who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette commanded Continental Army troops in the decisive siege of Yorktown in 1781, the Revolutionary War's final major battle, which secured American independence. After returning to France, Lafayette became a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830 and continues to be celebrated as a hero in both France and the United States.

Source: Wikipedia
36 letters
Also see 48 letters written by Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette →
Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, September 12, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
September 12, 1779

Alexander Hamilton urges Marquis de Lafayette to prioritize securing naval support and provisions from the continent to strengthen their operations against the British. He argues that extending the war to the West Indies and arming privateers against British commerce would significantly weaken the enemy and enhance the alliance's resources. Hamilton emphasizes the strategic advantage of coordinated land and sea efforts to hasten British defeat.

American RevolutionFederalismFinanceFounding Era
Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, July 21, 1780

From Alexander Hamilton
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
July 21, 1780

Alexander Hamilton informs Marquis de Lafayette of intelligence suggesting British forces are preparing to embark troops from New York to threaten the French fleet and army near Rhode Island. He notes the absence of the commanding General and the possibility that the movement may be a feint but urges caution. Hamilton also mentions reports of a British naval loss in the West Indies, which he tends to believe.

American RevolutionFederalismFinanceFounding Era
Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, July 27, 1780

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
July 27, 1780

George Washington advises Marquis de Lafayette that due to arms shortages, Lafayette’s plan to capture New York is impractical. He mentions ongoing rumors of British troop movements and expresses hope to exploit Sir Henry Clinton’s potential redeployment to Rhode Island. Washington’s assessment reflects strategic caution amid limited resources.

American RevolutionFederalismFinanceFounding Era
Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, August 3, 1780

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
August 3, 1780

George Washington advises Marquis de Lafayette to inform French commanders of the current military situation and allow them to determine their strategy. He argues that a significant siege should wait for the arrival of the second French division and suggests securing communication with Long Island through land batteries. Washington also reports the British expedition's return to New York.

American RevolutionFederalismFinanceFounding Era
Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, August 5, 1780

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
August 5, 1780

George Washington expresses concern over Chevalier de Ternay's reluctance to enter New York harbor and urges Marquis de Lafayette to investigate the likelihood of reinforcements arriving from France and the West Indies. Washington seeks to coordinate French support for the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

American RevolutionFederalismFinanceFounding Era
Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, February 20, 1781

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
February 20, 1781

George Washington appoints Marquis de Lafayette to lead a military detachment against British forces in Virginia. He provides Lafayette with detailed strategic instructions to carry out this command effectively. Washington emphasizes the importance of swift and coordinated action to disrupt the enemy's operations.

American RevolutionFederalismFinanceFounding Era
Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, April 21, 1781

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
April 21, 1781

George Washington urges Marquis de Lafayette to rejoin the main Continental Army to strengthen their position against British forces. He emphasizes the importance of Lafayette's leadership in the ongoing Revolutionary War efforts. Washington's request reflects strategic coordination among American commanders in 1781.

American RevolutionFederalismFinanceFounding Era