Summary Information

Title: Arthur H. and Mary Marden Dean Lafayette Collection,
Creator: Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1757-1834.
Bulk dates: 1245-1931
49.3 linear ft.
Manuscripts, correspondence, documents, broadsides, microfilms, graphics, books, memorabilia.
Abstract::

The Lafayette Collection contains materials by, to or about Lafayette and his family, with family documents extending back to 1245 and through the death of Georges Washington Lafayette in 1849. The series "Medals and Coins" covers a century and a half, up to 1931. The collection includes the oldest existing letter from Lafayette (1772), long missives he sent to his wife from America during the Revolution, other letters he wrote while imprisoned in Austria (1792-1797) and during his 1824-5 trip to the USA; texts of Lafayette's speeches, his commentary on public events, material compiled for inclusion in his memoirs, financial statements ; many letters from foreign correspondents on the progress of liberal causes in their countries, including letters from leaders of the Italian revolutionary movement; notes concerning the Belgian revolution, letters and documents on his involvement in the Italian and Polish revolutions, and documents concerning the management of family business affairs, including the management of the family estates. Some of the more remarkable documents were put on display for the exhibition "Lafayette, Citizen of Two Worlds" (October 2007-May 2008), whose electronic version is now accessible online http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/lafayette/.

Call number: 4611
Language: Collection material in English
Repository: Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library