General Correspondence, 1757-1912

This series consists of letters written by various members of the Lafayette family (some unidentified) and by friends, employees, and others, covering many topics. Each correspondent's name is followed, in parentheses, by his or her relationship to the marquis de Lafayette, if known. Although there are numerous variations in the spelling of names, de Lafayette has been used here for the family name. References to the marquis de Lafayette with no further identification refer to Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette. Other family members are referred to by the names most commonly used by the family, to the extent that is known. Correspondents whose identities could not be determined are described as "unknown." Legal correspondence can be found in Series 2.