Collection Summary
Title:
Letters of the Marquis de Lafayette (Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier)
Dates: 1809-1833
Abstract: This collection consists of holographs of 15 letters written by the
Marquis de Lafayette and 4 letters concerning the Marquis.
Quantity: 19 letters
Biographical information for the Marquis de Lafayette
As a young man, Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis
de Lafayette, came to the American colonies to volunteer his services in
the Revolutionary War. He gained fame on the battlefield and was instrumental
in defeating General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. After his return
to France, the Marquis became active in French politics and remained a
political figure for the rest of his life.
Scope and Contents of the Records
The 16 letters written by Lafayette are
generally of a social and domestic nature, concerning introductions, finances,
and apologies.
Organization of the Records
These records are organized into 1 collection.
Restrictions
Restrictions on Access
There are no access restrictions on these
records.
Restrictions on Use
There is no use restriction on these records.
Index Terms
Library of Congress Subject Headings:
Names:
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de,
1757-1834.
Document Types:
Letters.
Administrative Information
Custodial History
The College's collection of Lafayette material
dates from 1967, when the school was persuaded through Mrs. Margaret McMahan,
a Lafayette scholar, to purchase this collection of letters, monographs
and realia for $3800. The collection's original owner, Melville Fuller
Riley of Connecticut, had sold it to the Schindler Antique Shop of Charleston,
South Carolina. To house this special collection and to add new acquisitions,
a group called "The Friends of Lafayette" raised additional money.
Acquisition Information
These letters were purchased by the library
in 1967 along with related books, articles, and realia.
Accruals
While other letters may be added to the
collection, none are expected.
Other Finding Aids
Upon request, this finding aid is also
available in XML as an EAD 1.0 (Encoded Archival Description) file.
Detailed Description of the Records
Note: Clicking on "
Letter" will display a transcription
and an image of that letter.
Letter 1: To [James Madison, Secretary of State], April 9, 1807
Lafayette provides a letter of introduction
for Mr. de Mon - - - la Barrette
Letter 2: To [whom it may concern], October 19,
1828
Lafayette responds to a correspondant who has
asked him for letters of recommendation to present to the presidents of
Chile and Peru
Letter 3: to Meslant, July 19, 1833
Lafayette asks Meslant to return some borrowed books
Letter 4: to M. Berniche, February 23, 1824
Lafayette expresses thanks and hopes to continue
deserving the recipient's trust
Letter 5: to Meslant, January 23, 1826
Lafayette wishes his friend a happy retirement
to the country
Letter 6: to M. Berniche, November 20, 1827
Lafayette expresses understanding for the uncomfortable
situation caused by Berniche's brother-in-law's political opposition to
Lafayette
Letter 7: Statement, [no date]
Lafayette's brief statement about soldiers at the Fort of Red Bank
Letter 8: To [whom it may concern], April 8, 1818
Lafayette discusses a financial lawsuit
Letter 9: To Madame [?], March 24, 1830
Lafayette sends his best wishes
Letter 10: To M. Deltaire, November 20, 1830
Lafayette recommends an unnamed person to a
civil administrator
Letter 11: To Lord Palmerston, May 21, 1832
Lafayette speaks of the political situation
in Portugal and pleads that the "barbarous invadings" of Poland be stopped
Letter 12: To Meslant, [month illegible] 21, 1832
Lafayette asks for Meslant's help in completing a form
Letter 13: To [whom it may concern], Thursday
morning
Note inviting Mr. Cary to call on Lafayette
Letter 14: To Mr. Rutledge, Wednesday at Varniac
Lafayette apologizes for not being able to
visit Mr. Rutledge, and promises to visit in the future
Letter 15: To M. William, Thursday
Lafayette apologizes that he had to leave before
M. William's arrival
Letter 16: To Lafayette, [month illegible] 1, 1813
Letter entitling Lafayette to a copy of the
Society's memoires; there is a response from Lafayette at the bottom of
the note
Letter 17: To Benjamin Pierce, February 21, 1824
Brooks writes about an invitation to visit
extended to Lafayette
Letter 18: To Captain Nathan Appleton, February
21, 1899
Ch. Long writes of a monument for Lafayette
Letter 19: To Lt. General Gerard (?), 1830
Note to Lt. General Gerard (?) from Lafayette
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