1From John Adams to Lafayette, 3 February 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had Yesterday the Honour of receiving, from the Hand of my worthy Friend General Knox, your kind Letter to me, together with five others, which, with Submission to the Fortune of War, shall be conveyed and deliverd as you desire. I am happy in this opportunity to convey Intelligence from you to your Friends, and think myself greatly honoured and obliged by your Politeness and Attention to...
2From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 21 February 1779 (Adams Papers)
The Conversation with which you honoured me last Evening, has induced me, to give you the Trouble of this Letter upon the same subject. It is certain that a Loan of Money, is very much wanted, to redeem the Redundancy of our Paper Bills, and without it, it is impossible to foresee what will be the Consequence to their Credit, and therefore every service that may be rendered, in order to obtain...
3From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 20 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday Major Porter, brought me, your kind favour of the first of this month, together with some Letters from America, in one of which is a Resolution of Congress of the 23d of November “That the secretary of foreign affairs acquaint the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States, that it is the desire of Congress that they confer with the Marquis de la Fayette, and avail themselves of...
4From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 10 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
The Proceedings, of late in the British Parliament, I think abundantly prove, that the British Troops will evacuate N. York and Charlestown, and go to Quebeck Hallifax and the West India Islands provided they can escape in the Course of the ensuing Summer. It cannot be a Question, with any Sensible Man, whether it will cost most Time, Blood and Treasure to France and Spain to take them all...
5From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 6 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
I am just honored now with your’s of 27th. March. All things were working rapidly together for our good, untill on the 3d. instant, the Russian Ministers at the Hague presented the Memorial which You have seen in the Gazettes. This will set twenty little Engines to work, to embroil and delay: but I believe that in the Course of four or five Weeks We shall triumph over this which I take to be...
6From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 21 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the Seventh of this month, was yesterday brought me, by Mr Ridley, and I thank you for your kind Congratulations, on the Progress of our Cause in the Low Countries. Have a Care, however, how you profess Friendship for me: there may be more danger in it, than you are aware of. I have the Honour, and the Consolation to be a Republican on Principle. That is to Say, I esteem that Form of...
7From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 29 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I Should have written you, Since the 29 of May, when I wrote you a Letter that I hope you recd, if it had not been reported Sometimes that you was gone and at other times that you was upon the Point of going to America. This People must be indulged, in their ordinary March which you know is with the Slow Step. We have however at length the Consent of all the Cities and Provinces, and have...
We have received the Letter you did us the honor to write on the 25 th. Inst. Our Country has had early and repeated Proofs both of your Readiness and Abilities to do her Service. The Prospect of an inactive Campaign in America, induced us to adopt the Opinion, that you might be more useful here than there, especially in Case the Negotiation for Peace on the Part of France in England, should...
9George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 18 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 18, 1778 . Sends instructions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [25 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We find on our arrival here, that the intelligence received on the road is true. The enemy have all filed off from Allen Town on the Monmouth road. Their rear is said to be a mile Westward of Lawrence Taylor’s Tavern, six miles from Allen Town. General Maxwell is at Hyde’s Town, abt. three miles from this place. General Dickinson is said to be on the enemy’s right flank, but where cannot be...
11George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 3 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
New Brunswick [ New Jersey ] July 3, 1778 . States that Colonel Charles Armand can raise a new corps only under sanction of Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 27 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] July 27, 1778 . Introduces Major General Nathanael Greene who is to cooperate with Lafayette in campaign against Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 29 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 29, 1778 . Reports that plans for Canadian expedition have been set aside. Wishes Lafayette a safe passage on return voyage to France. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, 12 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
En effet ce servit les priver du Secours de leurs vaisseaux ou provisions au Continent et nous mettre à même de seconder efficacement vos opérations dans ces Parages en vous fournissant des provisions qui sont, je crois, l’Article le plus essential dont vous pouvez avoir besoin. L’éloignement de la Guerre de ce Païs est un objet très important pour les opérations générales de la Guerre. Il...
15George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 16 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 16, 1780 . Gives reasons why first objective of the French fleet should be New York. Reiterates the importance of having Comte de Guichen “come upon this Coast without delay.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Luc-Urbain de Bouëxic, Comte de Guichen, lieutenant general and commander in chief of the French navy in the West Indies.
16George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [19 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 19, 1780. ] Suggests that the two proclamations signed by Lafayette be issued to the Canadians for the purpose of confusing the enemy. Suggests adding a paragraph to the proclamations addressed to the “Savages.” Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [20 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 20, 1780. ] Reports that the Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville has departed. States that Major General Nathanael Greene will supply wagons. Hopes committee from Congress will not be delayed and that the Chevalier de la Luzerne will visit Camp soon. Asks Lafayette to hurry to Camp. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [21 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We have just received advice from New York through different channels that the enemy are making an embarkation with which they menace the French fleet and army. Fifty transports are said to have gone up the Sound to take in troops and proceed directly to Rhode Island. The General is absent and may not return before evening. Though this may be only a demonstration yet as it may be serious, I...
19George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 22, 1780 . Regrets that the Chevalier de Ternay objects to entering the harbor. Asserts need for arms and powder. Regrets inability to visit Rochambeau. Urges Lafayette to impress on the French difficulties involved in a siege of New York. Sends rumor of British embarkation for Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [27 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, July 27, 1780. ] Believes that shortages of arms makes Lafayette’s plan to take New York impractical. Reports that British embarkation is still rumored. Hopes to take advantage of Sir Henry Clinton’s move to Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
21George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 3 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 3, 1780 . Asks Lafayette to present the situation as it exists to the French commanders and let them decide what course of action they wish to follow. Believes that a major siege must await arrival of second French division. Believes that “a communication may be secured with Long Island by Land batteries.” Reports that the British expedition has returned to New...
22George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 5 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Peekskill, New York ] August 5, 1780 . Regrets that the Chevalier de Ternay is adverse to entering New York harbor. Entreats Lafayette to “ascertain the probability of a succour coming from France and the West Indies.” Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [8 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General is very anxious to hear from you and that your corps should join the army. Your men must have suffered exceedingly yesterday and last night, and your baggage is here. Be with us as soon as you can; but send the express back immediately with an account of your success. Yrs. Affectionately ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lafayette was on a reconnaissance in the...
24George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 30 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 30, 1780 . Does not think that a campaign at this time is feasible. States that American force is not large enough to attack New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 20 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 20, 1781 . Places Lafayette in command of detachment that is to act against enemy in Virginia. Sends detailed instructions for this command. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 1 March 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] March 1, 1781 . Describes French plans to return to Chesapeake Bay. Is setting out for Rhode Island. Enlarges Lafayette’s powers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 21 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] April 21, 1781 . Wishes Lafayette to return to the main Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 22, 1781 . Is disturbed by the “temper of” Lafayette’s “detachment and the desertions.” Discusses southern situation and the “proposed attempt on New York.” Df , in writings of H and George Washington, George Washington Papers Library of Congress.
29From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [15 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to render you an account of the corps under my command in your attack of last night, upon the redoubt on the left of the enemy’s lines. Agreeable to your orders we advanced in two columns with unloaded arms, the right composed of Lt. Col Gimat’s batalion and my own commanded by Major Fish, the left of a detachment commanded by Lt Col Laurens, destined to take the enemy in...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [3 November 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Since we parted My Dear Marquis at York Town I have received three letters from you one written on your way to Boston, two from France. I acknowlege that I have written to you only once, but the reason has been that I have been taught dayly to expect your return. This I should not have done from my own calculations; for I saw no prospect but of an inactive campaign, and you had much better be...