1To James Madison from Lafayette, 15–17 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Lafayette arrived in New York on 4 August 1784 for a visit which lasted until 21 December 1784 when he sailed to France aboard the frigate La Nymphe . During his stay, he was greeted by Washington and other Virginians at Richmond on 18 November. After feastings, celebrations, and a visit to the State Assembly, the two Revolutionary heroes spent a few days at Mount Vernon and then went north,...
2To James Madison from Lafayette, 16 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
Was I to found my Hopes Upon the Letters I have from Congress, I would please my fancy with the Expectation of Wellcoming You to the European Shore—and Yet, when I Remember Your obstinate plans of life, I am affraid least my Warm Wishes Should be disappointed—in the Mean While, I will Continue writing, and By the Way Will advise You to send Your Answers By the packets Rather than By a private...
3To James Madison from Lafayette, 8 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 February [ 1787? ]. This letter was “probably to JM,” but the evidence is not conclusive. The year is indicated by Lafayette’s comments on Jefferson: “Our friend Jefferson intends a journey to the South. He is universally beloved and respected, at Court, and in Paris and as he is equally enlightened and zealous he cannot but render the greatest service to his Country”...
4To James Madison from Lafayette, 22 October 1784 (Madison Papers)
In spite of Calculations and Engagements, I Cannot absolutely leave Boston, at least for some time, and the Remainder of my tour, must, of Course, be much differed. The Reception I Have met with exceeds description. My feelings are still more Unrepressible. It was not in my power to go so soon as I expected and am under a Necessity to visit Rhode island and New Hampshire. Thus Circumstanced,...
5To James Madison from Lafayette, 5 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your Correspondents in france, Besides me, are So Well informed that You Have only to Be affraid of tedious Repetitions. They Will tell You that the dutch are divided into Several Parties, Which are Ranged in two opposite Armies. Three provinces and a Half, among Whom is that of Holland, and the Volunteer Corps are on the Side of freedom. The Remainder of the provinces, the Regulars, and a...
6To James Madison from Lafayette, [8 February 1785] (Madison Papers)
… [France has ordered] two large Armies to get in readiness … in Flanders and … in Alsace.… I hope matters will be compromised and a War avoided…. Your Ministers will write you more than I can respecting their negotiations…. Our friend Mr. jefferson has been unwell but now feels better…. Remember me to the Governor and all friends in Virginia.… Printed extract (Charles Hamilton Catalogue No....
7To James Madison from Lafayette, 1 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
Had I Not a proper Reliance on the Steadiness of Your Sentiments I Might fear You Have forgotten the old friend Who Has Not for Many, Many Years Received one Line from You. But I Conclude from the feelings of My Own Heart that Your Reciprocal Affection to Me Has not diminished, and that through the Vicissitudes of a Life as Stormy as it is Now Quiete, I Have Been Accompagnied With Your...
8To James Madison from Lafayette, 4 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 January 1803, Paris. Offered for sale in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 686 (11–12 May 1892), item 1504, where it is described as a three-page letter in Lafayette’s hand.
9To James Madison from Lafayette, [31 March] 1803 (Madison Papers)
General Bernadotte is so gloriously introduced by his own reputation, and Character, that I shall only present him to you as my personal friend. He is of all men the one I would better like to see going to America as an ambassador, was he not also the man, whom all true and steady patriots cannot but heartily wish to keep nearer to his own country, where none surpass, and but few can equal the...
10To James Madison from Lafayette, 4 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Altho I Have Not for Many Years Heard from You, I Hope that if You Have Received a Long Letter of Mine writen a few months Ago, I may Before Long Expect Your wished for Answer. Let me Here Repeat My joyful and patriotic Congratulations for the Accession of Louisiana, and the future one of the floridas to the United States—indeed I am Also to Rejoice as a french man; the Entanglemen of this...