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.
July 9, 1782. Dear Sir, Passy, Mr. Grenville has been with me in his return from Versailles. He tells me that Lord Rockingham being dead, Lord Shelburne is appointed first…
Passy, July 24, 1782. … In answer to your questions, Mr. Oswald is doing nothing, having neither powers nor instructions; and being tired of doing nothing, has dispatched a courier…
Passy, Sept. 17. 1782 Dear Sir I continue to suffer from this cruel Gout: But in the midst of my Pain the News of Made [Madame] de la Fayette’s safe…
Alexander Hamilton writes to Marquis de Lafayette reflecting on their recent correspondence and his own political career, noting his upcoming role as a delegate to Congress and his intention to retire soon. He comments on the expectation of Lafayette's return to America, which now seems unlikely, and mentions ongoing peace negotiations following the war. Hamilton contrasts his weariness of ambition with Lafayette's continued pursuit of political goals.
[November 27, 1782] 6 Sir We have recd. the Letter you did us the Honor to write on the 25th. Inst. 7 Our Country has had early & repeated Proofs…
The Hague June 11. 1784 1 , Start deletion, Monsieur le , End, My dear Marquis I received in Season, the Letter mentioned in yours of the Second of this…
Grosvenor square Dec r. 13. 1785— Dear Sir— I have received your favour of the 30 th. Ult o. and thank you for the extract enclosed— 1 The Commerce of…
Gros r. sq r. 21 st. Jan y. 86— Dear Sir I am very glad to learn by your Kind favour of the 9 th. 1 that Boylston has sold…
London June 26, 1786— My dear Marquis— I am much obliged to you for your kind Letter of the 16 th. I most heartily wish you success in your endeavours…
London october 27. 1787. D r. Sir— I thank you for your Letter & the Proceedings of Auvergne— 1 The Provincial assemblies, if they act only as Councillors of the…
Quincy October 8th 1822 My Dear old Friend by the dear old titular of Marquis of La Fayette for I know nothing of your Modern Titles in France David Hinckley…