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About Brother Lafayette

In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette visited the United States for what became the final goodwill tour of his adoptive country. Everywhere Lafayette visited, a tapestry of parades, banquets, concerts, and public honors unfolded, befitting the last surviving major general of the American Revolution. The country's Freemasons played a pivotal role and embraced Lafayette as a soldier, statesman, and fellow Mason. Brother Lafayette examines the Marquis’ often misunderstood connection to the ancient fraternity and provides the most detailed account, through Masonic records, newspapers, letters, and diaries, of how American Freemasons extended a heartfelt welcome to a fellow brother of the Mystic Tie.​

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Advanced Praise for Brother Lafayette
 

Brother Lafayette is a wonderful book about a “superstar” from the early days of our republic. Gen. Lafayette's return visit to the US, from July 1824 to September 1825 was triumphant, and Ruli covers every Masonic event with carefully detailed references. This book is fun to read and will help the reader understand the importance of Bro. Lafayette to our country and Freemasonry. You need a copy for your bookshelf and your lodge needs one in its library.

S. Brent Morris, Ph.D., PM

Patmos Lodge 70, Maryland and Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, England

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The Marquis de Lafayette’s triumphant American tour between 1824-25 took him to all 24 states, and in the decades following his visit, it seemed as though every Masonic lodge in the country wanted to claim their members had some kind of meaningful contact with the legendary general and Freemason. Now, Chris Ruli has done a deep dive into the itineraries, letters, diaries, minute books and press reports of the time to create a full and definitive account of Brother Lafayette’s Masonic contacts and travels throughout his famed trip. The result is a detailed, fascinating and eminently absorbing travelogue with a uniquely Masonic focus.

Chris Hodapp, Editor (Emeritus) of the Journal of the Masonic Society,

Associate Director, Masonic Library and Museum of Indiana

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Writing history can be a tricky endeavor. Unfortunately, history books, especially on Masonic history, can sometimes seem dry or in need of better support. Chris Ruli’s Brother Lafayette: The Marquis de Lafayette’s Masonic Travels in America, 1824-1825 is neither. It is a pointed, well-supported, and truly rewarding reading experience. It is destined to become a classic reference work for this period of Lafayette’s life.

Michael R. Poll, PM,

Germania Lodge 46. New Orleans, Louisiana

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