The friendship between Lafayette & Washington began slowly but had developed fully by late 1777. By the time Lafayette's military service in America had come to an end, they were good friends. During the course of their correspondence Lafayette discussed all manner of public & private events & aspirations with Washington. Thus his letters furnish an intimate & revealing account of great events & of the great & near-great men who were a part of them. These letters were first published in 1944 in a privately printed edition of 400 copies. The present editors have re-examined the manuscripts used for all the letters & have corrected the earlier reading wherever historical accuracy requires it. A new preface presents revised interpretations of some of the letters.
