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Laurens-Hamilton Timeline

What started as a weekend project has become an ongoing quest to compile a timeline of the day-to-day actions of Hamilton and Laurens during their time in the army. I’ll be periodically adding to this post when I’m on a research kick.

1775

April- Hamilton drops out of King’s College, joins the Corsicans militia unit

June- The Captain of the Corsicans is promoted and Hamilton is voted in as the new Captain- two possible events: either the Corsicans changed their name to ‘The Hearts of Oak’ or the unit disbanded and its members formed a new militia company with that name.

June 25 Washington inspected Hamilton’s militiamen at the foot of Wall Street- first time Hamilton sees Washington, Mifflin and Trumbull- then aides to Washington

August 23 John Lamb’s company supported by Hamilton’s miltia and a light infantry unit, boards 64-gun man of war Asia.  Loyalists had warned the captain of the Asia that they’d be raided and he posted a patrol barge.  The redcoats spotted Hamilton’s men and opened fire from the shoreside battery, Hamilton returned fire, killing one man- the Asia hoisted and started trying to sail away, firing shots, one hit the roof of a tavern.  Hamilton hands off his rifle to haul the ropes for a cannon which he successfully gets off the ship.  Mulligan leaves it on the ship, and Hamilton runs back for it under fire.

Meanwhile, Elias Boudinot, leader of NJ Provincial Congress wrote from Elizabethtown where Lord Stirling remembered Hamilton from the Academy and wanted him as a brigade major and aide-de-camp. (He’d be the youngest major in the army)

Nathanael Greene invited him to be an aide-de-camp as well, also with the position of major, but in charge of continental troops rather than militia.

1776

March 14 the NY Provincial Congress appoints Hamilton Captain of the Provincial Company of Artillery in NY.  He gets Mulligan to sew him a new uniform with the last of his St. Croix money.

Ham, Troup, and Mulligan had recruited ahead of this official appointment, but they couldn’t match the pay of the Continental line and anyone interested left for better training and not to be ‘canon fodder’. Hamilton writes to Congress that his own pay will be unchanged, but the men will earn more. By the 14th, he had 55 men (needed 30)

April 20  Hamilton had recruited 69 men (by June, he’d have 93)

He’s ordered to relieve Brig. Gen Alexander McDougall’s First NY Regiment in guarding the colony’s official records as they’re shipped by wagon from City Hall to the abandoned Greenwhich village estate of William Bayard.  Hamilton had his company build a heptagonal fort, Bunker Hill with eight 9-pounders and four 3-pounders.

Washington sees the fort and commends Ham’s troops “for their masterly manner of executing the work” 

July 4 Declaration of Independence signed. 480 warships approach NY Harbor towards Staten Island

July 9 Hamilton’s company stands to attention on the commons to hear the declaration read aloud from the balcony of City Hall

Hercules Mulligan, the Sons of Liberty, and several soldiers run down Broadway to pull down and smash the equestrian statue of King George III, then melt down the led to cast musket balls 

July 12 the Phoenix and the Rose sail up the Hudson to check the American fortifications.  One ill-trained gun crew blew itself up trying to fire on the ships.  In Tarrytown, the colonial troops abandoned their posts to watch.  Hamilton’s company fired when the ships came in range of Bunker Hill, he made a few hits, but he warships returned fire and one of Hamilton’s cannons burst, killing one man and wounding another. Hamilton’s company was the only one to successfully fire.

August 27 Battle of Long Island- Hercules Mulligan is taken prisoner.

September 10 the city is lost to the British.  General Greene suggested burning the villages and suburbs which were largely loyalist, but Washington ignored the suggestion and ordered the army decamped. 

September 15  The British attack Kip’s Bay on the East River, two miles north of Hamilton’s hill, leaving his company cut off from the rest of the army.  Gen. Israel Putnam and his aide Major Aaron Burr go to evacuate them.  

Hamilton held to his orders from General Henry Knox to rally his men and stand, but Burr used Washington’s authority to drag Hamilton and his company with two of their cannons by a concealed path up the west side of the island to freshly dug entrenchments at Harlem Heights.

September 20 Fire broke out in Manhattan in a farm house along the waterfront near Whitehall Slip.  493 houses, a quarter of the city burned down.  Washington wrote “Providence, or some good honest fellow, has done more for us than we were disposed to do for ourselves.”

September 24 Hamilton meets Captain John Montresor of His Majesty’s army in the park of artillery under a flag of truce who reports the hanging of Nathan Hale, both a formal courtesy and a thinly-veiled warning that Washington’s attempt at espionage had been an embarrassing failure.

October 28 Hamilton’s artillerymen are attacked by Hessians.  His gunners, flanked by NY and MD troops repulse the attacks before being driven further north.  They encamp, expecting another attack.

November 16 Americans surrender NY, evacuate so quickly that they leave 146 canons, 2800 muskets, and 400000 cartridges.

Hamilton is ordered to join Lord Stirling at Peekskill and march to Washington’s camp in NJ. The ride into NY makes him ill. He hitches horses to his two remaining 6-pounders and march his gun crews 20 miles in one day to the Raritan river past Elizabethtown 

November 20 Hercules Mulligan shows up at Hamilton’s encampment near Washington’s Hackensack NJ headquarters. He’d been determined a ‘gentleman’ after his arrest at Long Island, released on his honor not to leave NYC. He offers to be a spy for Washington inside the captured city. Hamilton will be his point of contact.

November 29 a force of 4000 British arrive across from Washington’s encampment on the Raritan River.  American troops tear up the planks of the Bridge across the river and Hamilton keeps his guns aimed against the British to give cover for Washington and his retreating men.

December 20 John Honeyman comes to Washington’s camp and allows himself to be captured and questioned, gives a report of British positions and ‘escapes’. He then goes to the Hessian camp and meets with their commander, Colonel Rall, to tell him “There will be no attack. The American troops are so disheartened and so bedraggled, they have no plans of advancing any time soon.” Rall believes him and allows his subordinates to begin Christmas celebrations.

December 25 Washington’s army crosses the Delaware

December 26 Washington’s troops arrive in Trenton and defeat a garrison of Hessian mercenaries.  Hamilton’s company leads Greene’s division to the east of Trenton.  At 8 in the morning, Hamilton’s artillery attacks the Hessians and within three minutes, the Americans overwhelm the town, driving Hessian pickets with bayonets. Hamilton’s artillery cut down any Hessians that attempted to push back with grapeshot.

1777

January 2 Hamilton’s company is reduced to 25 men by death, desertion, and expired enlistments. They reach Princetown by sunrise and face a brigade of 700 light infantry. The British surrender. 

After two victories within ten days, militia volunteers flood the American army. Washington’s shorthanded staff is ill-equipped to coordinate logistics of feeding, clothing, and arming these men. Washington turns to General Greene for assistance (who Hamilton is volunteering to aide)

January 20 Washington writes a note to Hamilton, inviting him to join his staff as an aide-de-camp. General Greene brings Hamilton to dine with Washington.

January 25 The Pennsylvania Evening Post mentions an advancement of “Captain Hamilton”

March 1 The appointment is officially granted and Hamilton is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

July 27 Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia

July 31 Lafayette is appointed an honorary Major General in the Continental Army.

August 2 General Washington meets Marquis de Lafayette, stationed at 138 South 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA- “City Tavern”

August 4 Washington moves headquarters to Colonel Henry Hill House at Indian Queen Lane, Roxborough, Philadelphia PA

August 5 General Washington sends a letter to John Laurens, inviting him to join his military family as a volunteer aide-de-camp unofficial.

August 6 General Washington moves headquarters to encampment near Germantown.  

August 7 Laurens meets General Washington’s army.  

Hamilton writes a letter to Robert R. Livingston, mentioning that Congress has replaced General Schyuler and Sinclair with General Gates who he believes is not a good fit for the position.  He writes an order that POW, Monsieur Bernard Pally De Couseau, Ensign in the German Battalion, is freed.

Hamilton writes a letter from Washington to Horatio Gates that notifies that Du Bouchet is to serve under Gates in the north.  

August 10 Washington and staff dine at the Crooked Billet Tavern in Hatboro en route to the Moland House at “The Cross Roads” Old York Road and Market Street, Warwick Township, PA.  Near Philadelphia.  

Hamilton receives a letter from Robert Livingston, asserting that the northern army in New York is most important even if General Howe takes Philadelphia. He responds in a letter, admitting that General Schuyler should be replaced for want of a more firm commander in the north.  

Hamilton writes a letter from Washington to John Hancock, reporting that the army has been moved to Coryells Ferry.  Washington wants Fort Island to be defended in priority over Billingsport.  He asks for Major General Tronson du Coudray to survey the region between Marcus Hook and Philadelphia.  

August 12 Hamilton writes instructions from Washington for Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to maintain New Jersey militia at Woodbury.  He asks if Major General Tronson du Coudray may call on Newcomb for aid.

August 13 Laurens writes to his father, describing the fair state of Washington’s soldiers- they train every morning and recruit in the city. He mentions looking for a horse and servant and not having any prospects of either.  

August 14 Hamilton writes instructions for Colonel Elias Dayton to send information about the strength of the enemy at Kings Bridge and on Staten Island- as well as the number of boats available in that area.

August 15 Hamilton writes Washington’s plan for the defense of Fort Island based on Major General Tronson du Coudray’s maps.  

August 16 American General Stark wins Battle of Bennington, New York against General Burgoyne.

Hamilton writes a letter from Washington to George Clinton, discussing two fights near Fort Schuyler, asking for more information, stating that a New Hampshire Militia under Brigadier General John Stark had joined Major General Lincoln at Bennington.  The postscript of this letter is written by Laurens.  

August 17 Two regiments leave from Trenton and march to Peeks Kill, NY to prevent the British from regrouping with Native American support, directed by Hamilton and selected for their bravery.

Hamilton writes a letter from Washington to Ben Franklin, acknowledging the receipt of a recommendation for a French volunteer, the former French Minister of Finance, Anne Robert Jacques Turgot.

Hamilton writes a letter from Washington to John Hancock, requesting information concerning a request to congress for horses.

August 18 Hamilton writes a letter to Robert Livingston, expressing his concern for the safety of New York and declaring some degree of political loyalty to the state.

Hamilton writes from Washington to Baron de Holtzendorff, acknowledging the receipt of the Baron’s “Plan of a military work”.  The package encloses a letter to Major General Greene that the Baron will serve as an attached lieutenant colonel in Greene’s division.

August 19 Hamilton writes a letter from Washington, recommending Captain Matthew McConnell for brigade major of Brigadier General de Borre’s division. 

August 21 Laurens writes to his father, asking for a horse and a hat for Shrewsbury who was beaten up and robbed. He mentions hearing people speak about the British attacking Charlestown and he doubts that it will happen, but hopes that if it does, they can destroy the redcoats in the north first.  

August 22 Washington’s army begins the march to the Brandywine river.

Hamilton writes a letter from Washington to Hancock, acknowledging the receipt of intelligence that the enemy is in the Chesapeake Bay.  Orders were given to Colonel Thomas Proctor, Brigadier General Francis Nash, Major General John Sulivan, and the army at the headquarters.   

August 23 Headquarters at 4601 North 18th St, Philadelphia, PA

August 24 Headquarters at Rudolph’s Tavern at Chester Pike & Springfield Road, Darby Township, PA

August 25 Headquarters at the George Forsythe House at West Street, Wilmington DE.  

British General Howe lands at Head of Elk, MD

August 26 Headquarters at “The Hermitage” at Gray’s hill Hermitage Drive, near Head of Elk, MD

August 27 Headquarters returns to the George Forsythe House  

British General Howe reaches Pennsylvania 

Hamilton writes an order from Washington for General Sullivan, discussing the failure of the Staten Island expedition, advising Sullivan to spare the health of the men on march to headquarters.

August 28 Hamilton writes a letter to Major General Israel Putnam, requesting Major Blackden to lead a regiment to join General Washington.  He writes a letter from Washington to Hancock, suggesting Count Casimir Pulaski to command the cavalry.  

August 29 Hamilton writes a letter to Major General Horatio Gates, describing the position of General Howe’s forces and where they believe they will make camp.  Hamilton writes a letter to Colonel Timothy Pickering that he has been named Adjutant General.  He writes a letter to Major General Israel Putnam to send Major Blackden and his detachment to join Washington’s army.  He writes an order from Washington to Hancock, discussing the movement of the enemy and asking him to send commissions for several officers.  

August 30 John Laurens writes to his father asking for a horse again as well as his watch.  The letter’s carried by Colonel Tilghman.

September 1 Stationed in Wilmington, Hamilton writes a letter to Governor Morris about the protection of New York and the movement of Howe’s forces.  He writes an order from Washington to Colonel Hugh Hughes, quartermaster general, ordering him to forward salt to Major General Horatio Gates.  He writes a letter from Washington to William Livingston, discussing Lieutenant John Troup’s arrest and discussing the enemy’s movements.  

September 2 Hamilton writes a receipt to Captain Caleb Gibbs who was a former aide-de-camp to Washington for lodging.  Gibbs has been promoted to acting body-guard to Washington.  He writes an order from Washington for Brigadier General Thomas Nelson Jr., to stop shipping on rivers, sending information concerning battle of Oriskany and the retreat from Fort Schuyler.

September 3 Hamilton writes an order from Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, discussing the possibility of an attack on Maxwell by an enemy party sent to Bohemia, DE.  He orders Maxwell to send information and retreat to Christiana Bridge.  

September 4 Hamilton writes an order from Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand to send forward officers of Colonel Daniel Brodhead’s regiment and send news from Fort Schuyler.  The postscript is written by Caleb Gibbs.

September 5 Hamilton writes a letter to Colonel Charles Stewart about providing more bread to the army.  He writes an order from Washington to Christopher Ludowick, also asking for bread and to begin preparing ovens in Philadelphia for making hard bread.  

Hamilton writes a letter from Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, enclosing two letters from Lord Howe and General Howe, ordering Maxwell to apologize to Howe if they fired on an enemy flag- requests information.  A second letter to Maxwell asks if he’s prepared to make a secret foray against the enemy, giving instructions and an escape route.  

September 6 Headquarters returns to the Hale-Byrnes House in Newport, DE. Hamilton writes the receipts for Expenses “Paid at Christiana for family’s breakfast, horses &c”.  Laurens is appointed an “Extra” aide-de-camp to Washington. Not official- not appointed by Congress yet.

September 7 Hamilton writes the receipts for Expenses “Paid on the road from thence to Wilmington for lodging &c.”

September 9 Washington’s army arrives in Birmingham, PA.  He makes headquarters at the Ring House, Chadd’s Ford.

September 11 Battle of Brandywine Creek.  

Washington moves headquarters to John McIIvane House in Lieperville, PA.  His army is stained at six fords along the Brandywine River.  General Knyphausen leads several regiments- about 6k men to agitate Washington’s main effort ~15k men, while General Cornwallis flanks from the north, bypassing the furthest north regiment of Washington’s army and successfully flanking him.  Faulty intelligence prevents Washington from attacking Knyphausen while he had the advantage.

Laurens is injured by a cannon ball glancing off his foot.  His ankle is ‘contused’ (likely sprained or broken from the description he provides his father in a letter).  He camps near Dilworth.

Lafayette is shot in the leg as he attempts to rally troops at Sandy Hollow.  When Washington learned that Lafayette was injured, he sent a physician, accompanied by James Monroe to translate.

September 12 Headquarters at Darby Pennsylvania 

September 13 Headquarters at Henry Hill House at Indian Queen Lane, Roxborough, PA

September 14 Headquarters at Buck Tavern, Lancaster Pike & Old Buck Road

Despite not having returned to headquarters, and likely not having spoken to Washington at all, Hamilton writes orders to Major General Philemon Dickinson, forwarding him steps to counteract the enemy in New Jersey.  He writes orders to Major General Israel Putnam to send a second detachment of one thousand men to camp.  He writes orders to Major General William Heath to send all Continental troops in Massachusetts to join the main army.  

September 15 Headquarters at Malin House, Conestoga & Swedesford Roads, Malvern, PA

September 16 Headquarters at Yellow Springs & Art School Roads, Yellow Springs, Pennsylvania

Battle of the Clouds, Pennsylvania.  

General Wayne’s forces engage the British, 

A rainstorm forces a ceasefire.

September 17 Hamilton writes a letter from Washington (not having spoken to him) to John Hancock, describing the situation of the enemy and the American efforts to secure reinforcements (under his own orders).  

September 18 Headquarters at Warwick Furnace Road, Knauertown, PA 

Hamilton is ordered to burn flour mills on the Schuylkill river before the British seize the resource.  He and eight cavalrymen destroy flour at Daviser’s Ferry until British dragoons charge on them and he and three others escape by a raft, paddling up river under volleys of carbines.  Captain Henry Lee sends a letter to General Washington, reporting the Lieutenant Colonel’s death.

Hamilton delivers a message to John Hancock, warning him of the British approach on Philadelphia, encouraging the Continental Congress to evacuate.  

September 19 Washington recrosses the Schuylkill at Parker’s Ford, leaving Brigadier General William Smallwood’s brigade and Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s division on the side of the river with the British. Headquarters at 1806 Old Schuylkill Road, Parker’s Ford Tavern, PA.

Hamilton returns to General Washington’s headquarters sometime the night before or this morning- greeted by a staff that believed him dead.  He immediately resumes work, writing letters for Washington.

Americans win first battle of Saratoga in number of casualties.  Tactically, it was a loss as the troops were routed.  Rallied by General Arnold, the Americans fight through the retreat and kill two for every one of theirs killed.  General Gates dismisses Arnold from command as his second due to his insubordination.  

September 20 Headquarters at “Fatland”, James Vaux House, Pawlings Road, Lower Providence Township, PA

Three British regiments attack and route Wayne’s force, which was encamped near Paoli, Pennsylvania.  

“Paoli Massacre”

After midnight, they ride with Washington to new headquarters at Derrick Casselberry House, 275 Evansburg Road, Evansburg, PA.

September 21 Hamilton and Laurens begin receiving letters addressed to them.  When asked for a character testimony from General Sullivan, they respond jointly.  Hamilton sends a letter of receipt about General Washington’s expenses while traveling from one headquarters to another.  

He receives an order from General Washington to appropriate shoes, blankets and horses from citizens of Philadelphia for use by the Continental Army.  He leaves at once.

After midnight, Laurens marches with his battalion to surprise a camp of redcoats, serves picket duty from sunset through the night.

Washington moves headquarters to Thomson’s Tavern, Reading Road & Egypt Road, West Norriton Township, PA.

September 22 Washington moves headquarters to “Pottsgrove”, Reading Road, Pottsgrove PA

Washington writes a letter to Hamilton, directing him to Mister Mease for directions on which houses to acquisition supplies from.  He provided 8-10 more horses for the effort of moving items. 

 Hamilton writes a letter to John Hancock with further instructions to evacuate Philadelphia.  He writes a letter to William Livingston, requesting a force of a hundred men to assist him in the collection of supplies.

Laurens had served picket duty overnight.  His battalion, supported by three regiments and some dragoons, surprised a camp of 1500 British and bayonetted ~500 of them.  

September 23 Headquarters at Mr. Kennedy’s House, Reading Road, northwest of Trappe, PA “Expenses paid at Mr Kenedy’s for Sundries & trouble of the house”

Hamilton writes a letter to Lieutenant Colonel White, ordering him to collect horses from everyone in the city except the poor, those who need them for their livelihood, or those using them to evacuate.   He gives official authority to do so under orders of Washington.  

September 24 Henry Laurens, in evacuating from Philadelphia by carriage, picks up John and Lafayette and takes Lafayette to the hospital for his injured leg.  

Congress moves to Lancaster- later to relocate to Yorktown, PA

September 25 Headquarters at Colonel Frederick Antes House, Colonial Road, Upper Frederick Township, PA

September 26 Headquarters at Keely House, North Limerick Road, Schwenksville, PA

Laurens writes to his father regarding packets sent between General Washington and members of Congress directed to his care.  He states that the army will move towards Philadelphia, the weather is fair, reinforcements are falling in from the south, and the enemy is halted at Chestnut Hill.  Cannonading was heard in the morning near the river.  

The British have officially occupied Philadelphia

September 28 At Pennypackers Mill, PA, Hamilton writes a request from Washington, asking the Board of War to order the militia ‘from the Southward’ to join the main army.  

September 29 Expenses paid at “Paulins mill for Sundries used in the house & extra trouble”- a receipt paid to the Keely House.  Washington takes up new headquarters at the Jacob Smith House, Hedrick Road, Skippack PA

October 2 Hamilton writes a letter to Casimir Pulaski, the Continental Army’s master of horses, ordering him to collect the horses he’s acquisitioned and provide a location to house them nearby.

Headquarters moves, “Expenses paid at Mr. Smiths”

Laurens reports in a letter to his father that he is 18 miles distant to Washington’s headquarters, writing from a tent in a camp near Beggarstown, seven miles from Philadelphia.  He details his engagements of September 11 and September 22.

October 3 Hamilton transcribes the general orders for Washington’s army’s march on Germantown.  Headquarters at the Peter Wentz Homestead, Skippack Pike & Shearer Road, Worchester, PA.

October 4 Battle of Germantown

Cliveden, home of the Chew family became the stronghold for 120 British soldiers.  Unable to capture the house by cannon, Chevalier de Mauduit proposed to Laurens to take some hay from a barn to set fire to the principle door.  Laurens and some friends (including Major John White, a man who traveled on the same ship as Laurens from France to return to America) charged at the house.  One officer had his horse killed under him within three yards of the house.  Another got shot through a grate from the cellar as he got close and tried to throw an armful of burning straw and a torch.  Major White, on General Sullivan’s staff, who attempted to fire on the north side of the house, received a bayonet through the mouth.  Laurens was shot or stabbed in the right shoulder as he bodily attempted to break down the door.

October 6 Laurens is officially appointed an Aid-de Camp to Washington

October 7 Headquarters returns to Keely House. “Expenses paid to Picaomin for necessaries in the house- bread; potatoes- milk-fouls-&c, 

British General Burgoyne loses second battle of Freeman’s Farm, NY at Bemis Heights, part of the Saratoga campaign.

October 8 Hamilton writes orders to Colonel Christopher Greene to obtain a cannon from Fort Mifflin.  (He asks Laurens how to spell Galley but Laurens also doesn’t know- they ask John’s father in a letter)

October 9 Headquarters moves to Frederick Wampole House, Detwiler Road, Towamencin Township, PA

October 10 Hamilton writes a letter to Brigadier General Silas Newcomb, requesting 100-150 additional militiamen in addition to the Continental troops being sent to Red-Bank in defense.

October 12 Laurens sees off Captain Lee of the light cavalry with twelve troops on a foraging party to the other side of the Schuylkill.  They captured a Captain of the Queen’s Rangers and seven privates, two of which were Royal Marines.  Captain Lee delivers intelligence to Laurens that General Howe’s aide-de-camp is embarked to England to call for reinforcements.

October 13 Laurens, in his letter of the 14th, mentions being “out till late dinner time with the General, was busy after dinner, and consequently had but little time for private affairs- however, I accomplished a letter to Mrs. Laurens.”  The letter was enclosed with the package sent to Henry Laurens, conveyed by Mr. Gervais.  

October 14 A flag announces the victory against Burgoyne to Howe’s POWs 

Laurens writes a letter to his father, relating several recent events.  He’s found some interesting news in the King’s papers to the colonies.  200 acres of land is offered to each non-commissioned officer and 50 to each private for His Majesty’s services.  There are additional flyers around Philadelphia, promoting service to the King.  He mentions that the British are taking up horses, wagons, teams and carts from inhabitants of Philadelphia and Germantown- luckily Hamilton already procured most of them.  

In his letter to his father, Laurens mentions that all the other aides have gone to sleep before him and he should, “Join in the concert of my snoring companions, who are extended before the fire in the style which we practiced in the interior parts of So. Carolina.”

October 15 Laurens writes a letter to his father, discussing the movements of the army, intelligence received from the northern army in New York.  

Hamilton writes a letter to Colonel Christopher Greene, ordering him to move his regiment to assist in defending Ford Mifflin to defend shipping essential for the evacuation of Philadelphia.

October 16 Headquarters returns to Wentz Homestead

October 17 British General Burgoyne surrenders to General Gates at Saratoga, NY

October 19 Hamilton receives a letter from Marquis de Fleury, discussing the defense of Fort Mifflin and the British attack on the fort.  Laurens transcribes it for Washington’s records.

October 20 Headquarters moves to “Dawesfield”, Lewis Lane, Whitpain Township, PA

October 22 Hessian attack on Ford Mercer, NJ repulsed

October 24 Hamilton writes a letter to Colonel Charles Stewart to thank him for secretive intelligence he provided.

October 26 Hamilton and Laurens recieve a letter in French from Baron d’Arendt.  Washing receives a letter from Marquis de Fleury to Hamilton, describing the situation at Fort Mifflin.  They expect an assault.  Laurens translates the letter.

October 28 Laurens’ twenty-third birthday.

Washington receives a letter from Marquis de Fleury to Hamilton that they expect an attack at Fort Mifflin.  It describes the victory of October 23.  Laurens translates the letter.

October 29 Hamilton records the minutes at the Council of War at Whitpain Township, PA

October 30 Hamilton receives an order from General Washington to travel to Albany and acquire reinforcements from General Gates’ division of the army to reinforce General Washington’s forces.  

He sets out immediately, accompanied by Captain Caleb Gibbs, one of Washington’s other aides-de-camp.  He takes up lodging at Corrells Ferry 

October 31 Hamilton reaches Crossroads NJ

John Hancock steps down as president under pressure from fellow MA representatives.

November 1 Hamilton reaches Chester at N. Windsor ferry

Henry Laurens elected President of Congress with only 1 dissenting vote- his own.

November 2 Washington’s headquarters moves to George Emien House, Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Dublin Township, PA

Hamilton writes a letter to Washington from the Headquarters at Fishkill NY, discussing his day.  He met with Colonel Morgan in the morning and learned that General Israel Putnam will send 4000 troops and keep the rest.  He later met with Colonel Hughes, an Aide to General Gates, and learns that Putnam has an additional 700 Jersey militiamen with him under General Wynds. 

Washington receives a letter addressed to Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, describing the erection of a battery on the British ship Augusta.  Laurens translates the letter.

November 3 Hamilton lectures General Israel Putnam on the need to shift two brigades southward to help Washington.  On his own initiative, he induces Putnam to promise the additional seven-hundred soldiers from the New Jersey militia.

November 4 Hamilton reaches Paukeepsey at Rhynbeck.

Washington receives a letter from Marquis de Fleury to Hamilton, acknowledging the receipt of His Excellency’s order to act as an Engineer at Fort Mifflin.

November 5 Hamilton arrives in Albany, having ridden sixty miles a day for five consecutive days.  He pays a guide at Clauverick and takes a ferry at Kinderhook.  He writes a letter to Major General Putnam.

Hamilton writes a politely scathing letter to General Gates who, having been asked for two full-sized brigades, intended to send one reduced brigade under General Glover.

Laurens writes a letter to his father from headquarters at Whitemarsh Camp, discussing the expected reinforcements to be sent by Hamilton, and their strategic position of camp atop two hills overlooking a harbor.  The army is working in conjunction with naval forces.  Cannonading was heard between the Somerset 64-gun ship and the Roebuck and some other vessel.  He transcribes Burgoyne’s letter to Howe of the 20th, describing the events in Saratoga.  The letter was carried by Lieutenant Vallancy of the 62nd regiment.

November 6 Hamilton writes a letter to report to Washington that General Gates refuses to send two brigades but will send a full-sized brigade.  Combined with General Putnam’s forces, he is sending a total of 5000 Continental troops and 2500 militiamen to Washington.

Laurens writes a letter to his father, delivered by Colonel Morgan.  In it, he asks his father for a green ribbon to serve as the ensign of the office of aide-de-camp.  He ruined the last one by dressing a wound with it at the battle of Germantown.

November 7 Henry Laurens’ slave, James goes to see John and get orders from him, but John’s out with the General when he comes.  Laurens had two rides to make as a courier that day, so he detained James until that night so he could write a letter.  In a letter, Laurens details the events of the past several days.  

The Somerset ran aground where she underwent constant fire from the battery.

The camp’s been worried about gunshots heard nearby, but it was just some guys from Potter’s militia shooting at the enemy’s detachment on Province Island without coming to action.  “Four deserters from the enemy brought in this morning, say that the militia men call’d to the British soldiers and invited them to go over, promising them beef and flour- the red-coats in return ask’d them to come and partake of their salt.

Several women from Philadelphia came to GWashington and applied for leave to pass into the country so they don’t starve in the city- Washington grants them a pass so long as they don’t go back to Philadelphia.

November 8 Hamilton reaches Cosockett 

Laurens completes his letter of the 7th, explaining that GWashington detained James so that he could write to Henry a letter to Congress

November 9 Hamilton learns that General Putnam’s two brigades have been withheld because they had not been paid in 6-8 months and refused to march.  He writes another letter to Putnam, demanding that he send his Continental Army troops at once.

November 10 Hamilton writes a letter from New Windsor to General Washington with a proposal to compensate the soldiers and salvage the situation.  

Laurens completes his letter of the 9th, saying that he’s returning from a walk wherein he heard cannon fire.  He asks his father how to spell galley.

November 11 Hamilton returns Fishkill, NY- to yell at General Putnam.

Fort Mifflin is under attack, “A considerable breach was made on the 11th in the masonry of the fort, many palisades were level’d, the block houses almost ruin’d, several cannon dismounted, and a valuable artillery officer kill’d.”

November 12 Hamilton leaves from Fishkill after having spent money on lodging there.  He receives a letter from Brigadier General Poor then returns to Governor Clinton’s home in New Windsor.  Hamilton writes a letter to Washington from the ferry as he falls in with General Glover’s brigade  He has contracted a fever with violent rheumatic pains.  

At Fort Mifflin, two eighteen pounders dismount and that night, the British shoot shells at the garrison stationed there, launching thirty boats on the Fort.

Henry Laurens begins a letter to his son, he completes it on the 15th and the letter is received on the 18th.

November 13  Traveling through Fishkill, Hamilton writes a letter to General Gates to tell him that Putnam is withholding his forces, so the number of troops he’s sending to Washington inferior to what they need.  He asks for more troops.  He  takes residence with Dennis Kennedy in Peeks Kill, NY to recover.

A storm is coming at Fort Mifflin, and the British have opened a new battery, American block houses are destroyed.  The engineer of the Fort, Major Fleury, a Frenchman is doing all that can be done.

November 14 Hamilton reaches Goshen at Chester.

Laurens begins a letter to his father, describing the destruction at Fort Mifflin.  Lieutenant Colonel Smith consults with Brigadier General Varnum who’s stationed at Woodberry near Fort Mercer on Red Bank about evacuating Fort Mifflin.  General Washington determines that the superfluous cannon, provisions, and artillery should be removed but a show of defense should be kept up as long as possible.

November 15 Washington writes a letter in response to Hamilton, wishing him good luck on his mission and good health.  He describes enemy forces arriving off shore in Delaware and damaging Fort Mifflin.  

Hamilton writes a letter to Washington from Kennedy’s house, telling him that there will be a delay in his return to camp.  Putnam’s people have the capacity to arrive at Washington’s headquarters within a week, but some are missing shoes.

Laurens continues his letter, reporting that there has been firing in the corse of the day and some scattered shots in the evening.

November 16 British forces capture Fort Mifflin.  Laurens writes to his father, hearing that the people who fled Philadelphia are wanting for food and supplies and those that were taken prisoner are being mistreated.  He sends the letter of the 14th by Captain Robinson.

Hamilton reaches Pomptown.

November 18 Laurens writes a letter to his father, expressing that he fears that American Naval power is not strong enough to protect Red Bank or Ford Mercer, and should those fall into enemy hands, they’ll be pressed to maintain any naval position. 

November 22 Hamilton reaches Ramapaugh at Cacaat, about halfway from Morris Town.

November 23 Hamilton reaches Kings ferry and takes a ferry.

Henry Laurens writes a letter to John which is received on the 26th.

November 24 Hamilton collapses on the road and is returned to Dennis Kennedy’s house.

November 25 Hamilton is laid up in bed.  In a letter to Governor Clinton, Captain I. Gibbs reports that Hamilton may die of his fever.  “He seems to have all the appearance of drawing nigh his last, being seized with a coldness in his extremities, and he remained so for a space of two hours, then survived.”

Laurens travels with Washington to survey a prospective fort from which to stage an attack against Cornwallis by General Greene’s forces.  But, he deems an attack unwise as their forces are not strong enough to succeed.  He sends a courier to order Greene to withdraw from NJ.

November 26 Laurens writes a letter to his father, thanking him for a reinforcement of linen for his uniform and a pair of gloves he sent.  He introduces Mr Boudinot, commissary of prisoners.  He also says “the promotion of Colonel Wilkinson to the rank of Brigadier General has given universal disgust in the corps of Continental officers.  If he had signalized himself, say many of them, by any remarkable service, we should have applauded Congress for bestowing a well merited reward; but we think there is a degradation of rank...”

November 27 The attending physician reports that Hamilton’s body has gone cold in the extremities.  He remained in that state for four hours before recovering.

Laurens and Washington receive intelligence from General Greene and Lafayette that Morgan’s Corps under Lafayette’s command attacked the Hessian Picket of 300 men, killed 20- including two captains, wounded about 20, and took 14 prisoners. Henry Laurens writes a letter to John which is received on the 29th.

November 29 Laurens writes a letter to his father and sends it with a clipping of newspaper by a man Colonel Tilghman’s sending post by.  In the letter, he trash-talks the navy for abandoning the Delaware when it was needed to protect Bilingsport and Red Bank.  The British have quit those ports after razing them.

November 30 Henry Laurens writes a letter to John which is received on December 3rd.

December 3 Laurens writes a letter, thanking his father for the letter of the 30th and a copy of American Code of Public Law. He reports that they’re expecting an attack from Howe and therefore, have been marching the men to get them familiar with the land.  

He explains that Washington is debating whether to retire to winter quarters or to work to alleviate the plight of the disaffected refugees from Philadelphia to avoid them being converted into Tories and providing goods to the British.  

He also mentions that General Dickenson went to Staten Island and took prisoners, 2 lieutenants and 25 privates.  

In his letter, Laurens says “The Triumviral committee from congress arrived this evening.  As much as I desire to see you, my dear father, I fear an interview cannot be effected...  Colonel Hamilton who was sent to the Northern army to explain the necessity for reinforcements from thence, lies dangerously ill on the road.  Since the battle of German Town, I have no longer been a supernumerary.”

December 4 Hamilton’s appetite has been recovering.  In his receipts, he pays for 12 fouls, oranges & shrub, potatoes, and 3 dozen eggs for the duration of his stay with Dennis Kennedy.

December 5  Hamilton recovers of his fever.  Colonel Hugh Hughes writes to General Gates, “Colonel Hamilton, who has been very ill of a nervous disorder at Peekskill, is out of danger, unless it be from his own sweet temper.”

Americans engage British forces at Whitemarsh, PA

December 6 Washington receives “a letter from a friend, enclosing a piece of paper with the following words: “In a letter to Gen Gates, Gen Conway says, ‘Heaven has been determined to save your country, or a weak general and bad counsellors would have ruined it.’"  This quoting General Conway.

December 8 General Gates indirectly accuses Hamilton of stealing and copying an extract of a letter to him from General Conway.  (Hamilton was on his deathbed the day the letter was extracted)

December 10 Hugh Knox writes a letter to Hamilton.  The people in St. Croix have heard he was promoted to an aide-de-camp to Washington.  The letter is carried by Cornelius Durant who desired the opportunity to meet General Washington.  The people in St. Croix see Washington and Gates as godlike, destined to go down in history as the creators of America.  Knox asks Durant to carry any response Hamilton might write, not knowing that Hamilton has not retired to winter quarters.

December 11 Headquarters moves to Swede’s Ford, Norristown, PA

Battle of Matson’s Ford

December 12 Henry Laurens sends his son a package received the 15th.

December 13 Washington crosses the Schuylkil again.  Headquarters moves to Issac Hughes House, Gulph Mills, PA.  As they crossed the river, they received intelligence that the enemy were advancing on that side of the river with a ravaging party of four thousand under the command of Cornwallis.  General Sullivan and Wayne led advance forces.

December 14 Brigadier General Thomas Conway is promoted to Major General and appointed Inspector General of the Continental Army- against Washington’s wishes.  Washington writes to congress “It will be impossible for me to be of any further service if such insuperable difficulties are thrown in my way.”

Washington receives word that the enemy was waiting for them on the other side of the river.  General Sullivan moves back with his men.  Some suspect that the enemy had received intelligence of their movements even though it’d only been decided where they’d camp the day before.  

December 15 Laurens writes a letter to his father from Headquarters “at the Gulf”.  He expresses concern for Henry’s health due to gout.  Washington has not yet decided where they will set winter quarters and Cornwallis has been sending foraging parties that abuse the locals.  Laurens mentions that Shrewsbury “Berry” has received a hunting shirt and a check shirt and will be set for winter clothes.  

December 16 Washington leads the crossing of the Schuylkill, but “the want of provisions- I could weep tears of blood when I say it- the want of provisions render’d it impossible to march.” The army crosses in the afternoon on a rickety bridge that required men to walk single-file and a second bridge made of wagons over Swedes Ford.

December 19 Laurens takes winter quarters at Valley Forge with Washington’s army.  “we march’d from the Gulph to this camp, head quarters at Valley forge”.  Headquarters at Isaac Potts House, PA State Route 23 & Valley Creek Road, Valley Forge, PA

December 22 Hamilton writes a letter to George Clinton, mentioning abuses of power that officers high in command have been committing in New York, seizing property from citizens.  He feels recovered and promises himself that he’ll begin the journey to Headquarters tomorrow.

Washington and Laurens receive intelligence that a foraging party pass’d the Schuylkill with General Howe and camped on the other side of Derby.  Sterling’s division marched to cover the country and observe the enemy to report their movements to Washington.

December 23 Hamilton sets out to rejoin General Washington.  He reaches King’s Ferry and stays at Cacaat horse Lodgd.breakft-&c

George Clinton writes to Hamilton, “I was favoured with the Reciept of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it.”

Edward Stevens writes a letter to Hamilton, complaining that Hamilton hasn’t written to him since 1775.  He heard from General Knox that Hamilton is perfectly well and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and aide-de-camp, Knox probably having been informed of Hamilton through Durant through Washington. 

Laurens completes his letter to his father of the previous day’s events, wishing him good health and providing a translation from a letter of thanks from Lieutenant Colonel Fleury.

December 24 Hamilton reaches Ramapaugh and stops to eat, travels on through the night

December 25 Hamilton reaches Pompton at Hardoorits

Henry Laurens writes a letter to his son, detailing his ailment of gout and an experimental cure he’s trying with cold water.

December 28 Hamilton receives a letter from George Clinton. He had reported a series of grievances regarding the conduct of several officers in the army and some complaints from citizens not being compensated for seized property.  

Laurens reports that the British foraging party under Howe returned to Philadelphia, having lost a few prisoners.

1778

January 1 Laurens writes a letter to his father, reporting that the soldiers are nearly all housed in huts of Washington’s design.  He says the North Carolinians are the most backward in their buildings “for want of sufficient energy to exert themselves once for all, will be exposed to lasting evils.”  

Laurens mentions that Conway’s promotion to Inspector General has pissed off a bunch of Brigadier Generals because the right of seniority was violated- he believes that Conway doesn’t actually plan to act as Inspector General so much as return to France with his fancy position and pick up a lucrative office.

January 3 Laurens writes a letter to his father, denouncing General Conway furiously.  Conway was accused of cowardice at Germantown, disobeyed his orders and left the field of battle, but it was well-known that Washington didn’t get along with him, so he suffered it to pass over so that people didn’t suspect motives of personal resentment if he set a public investigation.  

Washington received Conway at camp in the uniform manner

Since then, a party has formed against Washington led by General Mifflin and General Conway who has published libel against Washinton.

Washington didn’t respond to the insult, just laid the matter before Congress to decide whether they preferred his lead or not.

January 5 Hamilton reaches Headquarters at Peeks Kill, Cross Roads, NJ, traveling by coach.

Alexander Scammall appointed adjutant general of the Continental Army on the staff of Washington

Laurens sends his father a letter with some requested translations for a piece of French correspondence that Henry didn’t understand.  He expresses sympathy for his father’s gout and provides him a newspaper from Philadelphia which had a comic he found funny.

January 8 Henry Laurens writes a letter to John, received on the 23rd.

January 11 Hamilton’s twenty-third birthday.

January 12 Hamilton stays at White House tavern

January 13 Hamilton reaches Oakhams near Delaware

January 14 Laurens writes a letter to his father, imploring him to promote the Chevalier de Mauduit de Plessis to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on the merit of his bravery and ingenuity in the defense of Fort Mercer on Red Bank.  He asks his father to date the commission 26 November so that other French officers arriving in the US won’t have authority over him

Laurens writes a second letter to his father, outlining the beginnings of his black battalion scheme.  This is the first time that Laurens brings up his idea to his father from America, declaring that he desires “a corps of such men trained, uniformly clad, equip’d and ready in every respect to act at the opening of the next campaign”.  He says that “The ridicule that may be thrown on the color, I despise, because I am sure of rendering essential service to my country.”

January 15 Hamilton reaches Latharams

January 16 Henry Laurens writes a letter to john received on the 23rd.

January 20 Hamilton returns to General Washington at Valley Forge, bringing a receipt of all the money he’s spent during the trip.  

January 22 Major Nicholas Fish writes a letter to Hamilton, requesting discharge for Captain Barent J. Ten Eyck, Second New York Regiment.  Major Fish was an old friend of Hamilton’s.

Henry Laurens writes a letter in response to John’s proposal for a black battalion, granting him permission to go ahead with the idea with “mature deliberation”.  Unfortunately, he says he does not have property to lease his son to test farming without slave labor.

January 23 Laurens writes a letter to his father, saying, “You asked me, my dear father, what bounds I have set to my desire of serving my country in the military line?  I answer glorious death, or the triumph of the cause in which we are engaged.”

January 24 Lafayette approaches Laurens with the subject of the proposed expedition into Canada.  He has written a letter to Henry Laurens for advice as he has discovered that the plot to attack Canada was to go through under Washington’s nose and he was appalled.  

Laurens counsels Lafayette that, not only is the plot ruinous towards Washington, but it’s also unreasonable as it might be impossible to hold conquests in Canada without sea superiority.

January 25 Henry writes a letter to John, received on the 28th.

January 28 Lafayette brings a letter to Laurens from his father.  Laurens responds by talking about the culmination of the Conway letters and Lafayette’s predicament, heavily alluding to Conway’s guilt while unable to say it straight-out.

January 29 Hamilton writes a letter to Washington, suggesting a series of Regulations to enforce on the troops to prevent desertion, theft of supplies, and surprise attacks on their encampments.

Washington pays a receipt of $100 for Hamilton’s expenses at Morristown.

January 31 Hamilton receives a letter from Colonel Alexander Scammell, asking him to confer with General Washington to whether they’re agreeable.  The letter was directed to officers superintending hospitals.

February 2 Laurens writes an extensive letter to his father, outlining his fully-developed plot for a black battalion.  He refutes the idea of slaves desiring their bondage over a freedom bought by service in war.  He says “I hope that my plan for serving the country and the oppressed negro race will not appear to you the chimera of a young mind, deceived by a false appearance of moral beauty, but a laudable sacrifice of private interest, to justice and the public good.”  He further asks his father to support his plan by allowing him to use his inheritance of forty slaves as a foundation to begin.

February 3 Colonel Fleury and Colonel Fitzgerald travel to Congress.  Laurens sends letters of introduction with them for his father.  He expresses Fleury’s bravery and admits that he had hoped he would be a coadjutor in his black battalion scheme, but Congress may have him.  And, Colonel Fitzgerald is their senior aid; Laurens offers him up for an interview.

February 5 Hamilton writes a letter to Commodore John Hazelwood of the Pennsylvania Navy, ordering him to move public boats in the Delaware to a northern position above Coryells ferry for their safety.

February 6 The Alliance with France is signed.  The Government of His Majesty the King of France will send money and ships to America.

Henry Laurens writes to John, sending two camp shirts and a piece of scarlet cloth by a man named ‘Barry’.  He complains, “it gives me some little trouble to collect and send these things, why will you not be so kind as to take the very little which is necessary barely to acknowledge receipt of them”.  

In the same letter, he gives his thoughts of John’s black battalion scheme, giving John full authority over all his own slaves- but, questioning his motives and suspecting an ambition to move up in rank.  He adds a somewhat condescending note at the end by quoting a letter he sent to John while his son was studying Law in England 

my dear son, I pray God protect you & add to your knowledge & learning, if it be necessary, discretion

February 7 A man named ‘Cope’ comes to Valley Forge, claiming he was an ensign in the 55th British.  He said that, in an affair of honor, he killed one of his own men and fearing the consequences, threw himself under Washington’s protection.  

Hamilton formed a collection of clothes and money for him

Lafayette took him with him and offered to send letters for him to France.

Laurens discovers that he’s an impostor- there was a duel where an officer was killed, but Cope wasn’t involved.  Laurens sends a message to Lafayette by Duplessis to warn him to be careful.

February 9 Hamilton writes a letter to Elias Boudinot, asking him to come to Valley Forge on Washington’s orders to discuss an exchange of prisoners.

Laurens writes a letter to his father, thanking him for two shirts and a scarlet cloth as well as hair powder delivered by James.  He asks for several articles of clothing: blue and buff cloth, lining, twist, yellow flat gilt buttons, corded dimity for waistcoats and breeches- as well as golden epaulettes and saddle cloth.  His letter has a rude tone, ungrateful for the items that were sent and bitter for the insult against his character.  

Colonel Fleury is soliciting in York for further promotion and Laurens disapproves of it, “All his countrymen agree that he is amply rewarded,” and as another French officer, Duplessis, was asking a similar rank, there could be no excuse to promote one and not the other.  

Washington received a letter from General Howe that he would agree to an exchange of prisoners 

February 13 Hamilton writes a letter to George Clinton, complaining of the lack of provisions provided to the army by Congress, urging him to voice those opinions to people who have more power than him.

February 15 Laurens writes a letter to his father.  He received Henry’s letter of the 6th.  Given his father’s disapproval, he renounces his black battalion plot, but he’s insulted by the suggestion that he’s covetous for rank.  He says, “I would even have taken the title of captain of an independent corps, for the pleasure of serving my country so usefully...”  He writes that he has received the clothing items that Henry sent.

February 17 Laurens writes to his father regarding the need of provisions at Valley Forge.  Many people believe that the removal of Mr. Trumbull from the office of commissaries has left the department bereft of proper agents with connections and influence in the ‘meat country’.  

The carcasses of horses are distributed about camp and the living ones are lean- men are eating them for meat.  General Greene goes on a foraging party of two thousand, but the British have already gleaned the countryside of all supplies, so the outlook is bleak.  A small detachment under Major Bullard tried to surprise the enemy’s picket near their bridge, but was fired on and fell back. Five Americans were wounded but one Hessian was killed.

Laurens mentions a letter from his father in which Henry provided an introduction to him for to Baron von Steuben.  And, there’s been an attack on Charlestown.  John says, “I deplore the misfortune...if it has fallen upon individuals of moderate fortune; if it affects only...rich men, it will contribute to equalizing estates...”

February 19 Baron von Steuben leaves York with directions from Henry Laurens to seek out his son at Valley Forge. Henry writes “The Baron has learned that you speak French & that you are not use Mauvais Garcon

February 21 James Young writes a letter, sent with a letter from Hamilton to Timothy Matlock, concerning the impressment of wagons for the army.  Young’s letter is dated the 21st.  Hamilton’s letter is not dated.  

February 22 The Army celebrates George Washington’s birthday with a concert from the drummers and salutes of artillery- like Britain would celebrate King George’s birthday. Washington can’t go out to thank them without looking like a despot while Whigs are trying to frame his as a tyrant, so Martha pays the performers and thanks them for him.

February 23 Baron von Steuben arrives outside Valley Forge.

Henry Laurens writes a letter to his son, announcing a shipment of linen coming to clothe him as well as some boots and gloves.  The gloves were a gift from a lady and John tells his father to thank her.

February 24 Washington takes his aides and an immaculately-dressed honor guard to meet Steuben outside camp. No other major honors are paid him yet as Washington knows Steuben was friendly with General Gates while in York and has suspicions of his affiliation with members of the cabal.

Laurens writes that he has only one pair of serviceable breeches, asking James to procure some white cloth for him to reinforce them inside.  

February 35 General Gates embarrassingly accepts a challenge to a duel with Major General Wilkinson 

February 27 Ensign Anthony Maxwell charges Lieutenant Enslin with “attempted sodomy with a private.” Enslin denied, taking Maxwell to a court-martial charged with “propagating a scandalous report prejudicial to the character of Lieut. Enslin.”

February 28 Laurens writes that he has had several long conversations with Baron Steuben who “appears to me a man profound in the science of war, and well disposed to render his best services to the United States.”  He serves as a translator for Washington’s interview with him in which Steuben admitted to having waved making contracts with Congress so that Washington himself could decide where to place his talents.  Laurens believes “he would make us an excellent quarter master general,” but as he’s foreign and lacks business connections, the position wouldn’t suit him, so Washington would probably place him as an inspector General 

March 1

March 2 Congress officially cancels Lafayette’s expedition to Canada. Washington writes to instruct Lafayette to await orders of where to go next.

March 3 Major Burr visits headquarters to consult Washington of the sentence of discharge for Maxwell whose accusations against Enslin were true therefore not perjures.

Elias Boudinot arrives at Valley Forge with a list of paroled officers who were cleared, including Lieutenant Colonel James McHenry.

March 5 Governor George Clinton writes a letter to Hamilton, discussing the inability to feed and pay soldiers in New York and the plan for the Northern Expedition, discussed by the Board of War to be led by Marquis de Lafayette.

March 6 Governor Clinton writes a second letter to Hamilton [not found]

March 9 Laurens writes a letter to his father.  He received a package of buff cloth to mend his uniforms.

March 10 Major Burr acquits Maxwell of charge of perjury.

March 12 Hamilton receives Governor Clinton’s letters of the 5th and 6th from Captain Coleman.  In the letter of the 5th, Clinton alludes to the necessity to burn the letter of the 6th.  Letter of the 6th was never found.

Washington informs Steuben he’ll be acting as Inspector General in an unofficial capacity- as the role is still held by Conway.

March 14 the case of Lieutenant Enslin is brought to General Washington and he is found guilty of “attempting to commit sodomy, with John Monhort a soldier; Secondly, For Perjury in swearing to false Accounts, found guilty of the charges exhibited against him”

March 15 Lieutenant Enslin is drummed out of camp and his sword is broken over his head.

March 17 Washington orders the formation of a “Model company” for Steuben to train how to drill.

March 19 Steuben begins drilling his Model company

March 22 Washington writes to William Howe for the exchange of Ethan Allen and to inform him that Boudinot, Grayson, Hamilton, and Harrison would be commissioners for the exchange.

Washington’s general orders for Valley Forge prohibit brigades to lead their own drills and to await Steuben’s “New Regulations”

March 23 Greene is officially appointed to post of Quartermaster General

March 24 The final day of Steuben’s drills with the model company- those junior officers are sent out to train their own men. Brigades began their exercises at 0900. Drills would continue throughout the spring under Steuben’s inspection with his staff.

March 25 Laurens writes a letter to his father, expressing his disappointment in Henry Laurens’ decision to retire from Congress despite his reelection.  He also confirms that Hamilton and Harrison were appointed to be commissioners of the prisoner exchange.

Washington writes to William Livingston to have Jacob Bankson watched as a suspected spy.

March 27 Cornelius Durant sends a letter to Hamilton from Boston, requesting Hamilton write to Hugh Knox and enclosing the letter that Knox wrote to him in December.

Major Fish requests discharge for Ensign Robert Wood, Second New York Regiment from Hamilton

March 28 Hamilton writes an order from General Washington to himself, Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonel Harrison, and Elias Boudinot, granting them authority to meet for a prisoner exchange, Major General Charles Lee for Major General Prescot.  The order is cosigned by Laurens.

Laurens writes another letter to his father, complaining that his father hadn’t expressed his reason why he was quitting Congress- impaired health, diminution of property?

Baron von Steuben appointed volunteer Inspector General by Washington

March 30 Congress approves of the order from General Washington for the prisoner exchange.  They write a letter to detail other orders of prisoners to be exchanged.  

March 31, first meeting of the commissioners- Harrison, Grayson, and Hamilton get the feeling that the British are not going to be able to guarantee the exchange on the word of the British government.

April 1 From Philadelphia, Charles O’Hara, Humphrey Stephens and Captain Fitzpatrick write a letter to inform the officers of the exchange that they have reported to General Howe about the exchange and ask that they stay in Germantown until ten o’clock so they can meet them.

From Valley Forge, Washington writes to Hamilton, Grayson, Harrison, and Boudinot, conveying them the resolutions of Congress and granting them authority to act as they see proper on a resolution not made absolute.

Harrison makes the demand for a governmental guarantee- and O’Hara insists they can’t give that- only the word of their commander, Howe.

Alex is offering to write up the draft of a cartel- a treaty outline procedures for all future prisoner exchanges between the armies.

April 3 Washington writes to Henry Laurens, wanting to promote Captain Henry Lee

April 4 Washington writes a letter to the officers of the exchange from Valley Forge, reinforcing their jurisdiction to trade prisoners. The letter’s written by Tilghman and signed by Laurens.

April 5 Congress passes Hamilton a permit to cross British lines to perform the prisoner exchange & make his proposal. 

April 11 The commissioners part ways after coming to a deadlock. The British commissioners of the prisoner exchange write a letter to the Americans, including Hamilton, outlining some issues with meeting and urging the Continentals to meet them soon.

April 24 Washington invites Mifflin to the Council of War, required by Congress

April 26 Washington informs William Tryon that the “conciliatory handbills” have been circulated among the troops and asks Tryon to circulate the resolution of Congress.

Washington looks to rally local militia through Thomas Wharton.

April 27 Laurens writes a letter to his father.  Captain Gibbs was suppose to buy him some summer clothes, but he failed to do so, so he writes Henry to have James buy 2-3 changes.

April 30 Captain Simcoe attacks John Lacey’s militia at the Crooked Billet Tavern, 100 killed, 50+ wounded

May 1 News of the French Alliance makes it to Valley Forge- Washington and his staff know, but he doesn’t make the announcement. Lafayette famously kisses his cheeks

May 5 after a week of revelry, Valley Forge celebrates May Day. Washington also learns of Baron von Steuben’s official commission from Congress to a Major Generalship as formal Inspector General

May 6 Washington’s army celebrates the alliance with France with a parade formation- the Grand Review. In a letter to his father, Laurens writes that “Three salutes of artillery, 13 each & three general discharges of a running fire by the musketry were given in honor of the King of France, the friendly European powers, and the United States” 

Steuben’s appointment from Congress arrives to officiate his post as Inspector General

May 11 Cato is performed in camp for Washington & his staff

May 15 the half-pay for officers compromise is approved in Congress

May 16 Steuben supervises division-level maneuvers under Generals Learned, Patterson, Muhlenberg, and Wheedon- temporarily organized into the Prussian manner so that battalions were the base made up of companies, platoons, and squads- rather than the regiment straight down to companies.

May 18 During General Howe’s “Meschianza”, a prison-break led by Captain Allen McLane and Captain Henry Lee frees 7 officers and 49 enlisted men from Captain Cunningham’s prison in Philadelphia- The “Old Jail” at the Southwest corner of Walnut and 6th Streets.

The same night, Lafayette receives orders for his detachment ~2k men to launch a screening effort- providing security and sending reconnaissance about the nature of Howe’s incoming reinforcements. He advances to within 20 miles of the city. 

 It’s a dangerous call, given the army’s level of training, Lafayette’s level of inexperience, and the distance it puts between that detachment and the defenses of Valley Forge- but it sends a message and opens up their ability to gain reconnaissance.

May ??? James McHenry officially joins Washington’s staff as an Aide-de camp

May 20 Lafayette’s detachment of ~2,000 makes contact with the British and has to retreat.

May 21 Charles Lee arrives in Valley Forge after being exchanged for Brigadier General Prescott

June 18 The last of British forces abandon Philadelphia, crossing the Delaware into New Jersey

June 19 Washington’s army leaves Valley Forge, the New Jersey militia make a campaign of destroying the routes that Clinton may take, creating obstacles and destroying resources like drinking water and forage.

June 20 Clinton’s army makes camp in Mount Holly

June 23 Laurens writes a letter to Washington from Hopewell, NJ, where he’d travelled with the army’s chief engineer, General Duportail to describe the layout of the land Washington designed to march to and make a defensive strongpoint, in case Clinton turned to engage them.

Lafayette sends a letter to Henry Laurens, thanking him for forwarding him letters from France.

Clinton’s army is in Crosswicks, New Jersey

June 24-25, From Hopewell, Washington sends patrols out under Daniel Morgan with his 600 riflemen and Caleb Gibbs of his life guard. Gibbs joined the New Jersey militia under General Philemon Dickenson and Maxwell’s New Jersey Brigade that was skirmishing along Clinton’s column

June 27 Laurens writes a piece of intelligence to Washington.

June 28 Battle of Monmouth Courthouse

The plan was for Lee to make a stab at the British flank, confuse and confound the enemy then Washington would attack with a larger force.  Lee barely engaged the enemy before calling a retreat.   

Lafayette sends a messenger to Washington to tell him of Lee’s retreat, and Washington rallied the troops to prevent a route.

Laurens’ horse is shot out from under him.  He writes a note to Washington after the battle.

Hamilton almost has a heat stroke but fights on.  His horse is shot out from under him, forcing him to leave the field.

June 29 Henry Laurens writes a letter to his son, encouraging him to take pay for his service.  In John’s letter of the next day, he decides he “would wish never to draw any- making to my country a pure offering of disinterested service.”

June 30 Laurens writes a letter to his father from Headquarters in English Town.  He reports that Washington is pissed about the retreat and Lee tried to claim that he didn’t call for the retreat.

July 1 Laurens, Hamilton, and Baron von Steuben have a run-in with British near the Raritan.  Cornwallis sent dragoons to make them prisoners but they escaped, the dragoons fearing an ambuscade of infantry.  

July 2 Washington’s army stops at Morristown 

Laurens writes a letter to his father from “the Lovely banks of the Raritan opposite New Brunswick.”  He reports the action of the previous morning and says he’s excited for “bathing in the Raritan and the good living of the country.”

July 13 Hamilton, Laurens, and Lafayette deliver their testimony in Charles Lee’s court marshal.

July 23 Laurens writes a letter to Washington from Lebanon CN.  He has delivered a letter to Governor Trumbull that his son had died.

July 24 Laurens arrives at Province and delivers a dispatch to General Sullivan.  He sets out to Point Judith with Colonel Wall and a number of pilots.  

July 25 Laurens arrives at Point Judith at 9am.  He writes a letter to Washington, reporting on the strength of forces stationed their, land and naval.  Laurens sends ships three or four miles into the cul-du-sac of Providence Bay.

July 26 Laurens recorded a letter from General Sullivan for Admiral d’Estaing, detailing the positions of the ship in Province Bay.  Laurens provides a sketch of the area for reference.

July 27 Two deserters crossed from Rhode Island and Laurens speaks to them.  They report a scarcity of provisions, causing unrest in the troops; that the French Fleet is expected; and the troops are building new fortifications. 

July 28 Washington writes a letter to Laurens, thanking him for a package and for traveling to Rhode Island to meet the admiral.  At Point Judith, Laurens observes a ship and sloop off block Island, two british Frigates left the harbor at Newport but returned that evening.  The weather is hazy.

July 29 The French squadron arrives at Province Bay and the Colonial navy gives the signal to announce their arrival.

August 3 Count d’Estaing’s naval forces draw up to Admiral Howe and prepare to fight, but a storm breaks and scatters both fleets.  Count d’Estaing feels obliged to put into Boston harbor for repairs, about 200 miles around Cape Cod from Newport

August 4 Laurens writes a letter to Washington and sends it along with a letter from General Greene and General Sullivan.  It includes a map of Province and a full account of activities over the past week.

August 7 General Washington sends a letter to Count d’Estaing, attempting to convince him that Admiral Howe’s forces will not make a viable threat for him to leave Newport.

August 8 Laurens receives a letter from General Washington 

August 15 Laurens rows out to d’Estaing’s flagship, furious, and attempts to convince the Count to stay in Newport to protect Sullivan’s forces who have no means to retreat.

August 16 Count d’Estaing leaves Newport and sails to Boston, resulting in riots between American and French sailors in Boston.  Riots broke out in Charlestown as well.  

August 25-26 Lafayette’s letter details the events in Newport to Washington 

August 29 Word arrives to General Sullivan that more British troops are coming to Newport to protect the garrison.  Lafayette gallops seventy miles in ten hours to get help from d’Estaing who had on board a land force of four-thousand soldiers, but the soldiers don’t come in time to allow the siege of Newport to progress.  

General Sullivan throws his whole army into the attack, but the French officers don’t attack so heartily.  In a letter to his father, Laurens says, “they conceived their troops injured by our landing first & talked like women disputing precedence in a country dance, instead of men engaged in pursuing the common interest of two great nations.”

August??? Count d’Estaing, insulted and blamed by many for the failure of the siege, threatens to return to France with his fleet.  Laurens persuades him not to return home, and instead the Count agrees to sail to the West Indies.  

With d’Estaing’s fleet in the West Indies, General Clinton feels obliged to send 5k troops to protect the islands, withdrawing 5k troops from the American mainland.

August??? Lafayette again presents the subject of invading Canada to Congress, confident that the French and Americans could jointly take the colony- but the subject is still tender after the Conway plot.  Laurens privately counsels him not to bring up the subject because Americans already fear that France has it’s eye on owning Canada and the idea won’t be well-taken.

September 7 South Carolina delegate to Congress, William H. Drayton writes a letter to Laurens from Philadelphia, congratulating him on his success and glory in Rhode Island.  He mentions that Lafayette wrote a letter to Henry Laurens to tell John’s father that Laurens had been sick after the fighting.  But, Major Morris came to him on September 6th and informed him that John was doing well.

October 9 Henry Laurens sends a letter and money to John Laurens to account for his travels.

October 12 Henry Laurens sends additional money to John (a total of 1200 dollars) for expenses and ‘ill-luck’.  This is partially because John refused to be paid by the army.

October 28 Laurens’ twenty-fourth birthday

November 5 Having heard of his actions in Newport, RI, Congress offers the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to John Laurens

November 6 Laurens declines the promotion

three weeks after Nov 6 Laurens writes a letter to his father, condemning a Colonel Wilkinson for taking the rank of Brigadier General without earning the merit.  He quotes eight valuable and meritorious colonels that protested to Congress.

December 3 Charles Lee publishes Vindication in The Pennsylvania Packet, defending his actions at Monmouth and condemning Washington.

December 5 Laurens writes a letter to Hamilton, mentioning Lee’s publication and asking for his counsel in regards to how he wants to answer Lee’s words.  

1779

January 11 Hamilton’s twenty-fourth birthday

February 17 Laurens writes a letter to his father, announcing that he will be leaving Washington’s military family with the General’s permission and heading home to Charlestown to defend the town.  

March 10 Laurens writes a letter to his father, brining the idea of his black battalion up again, mentioning that he applied for it under the sanction of a Recommendation from Congress.

March 16 Henry Laurens writes to George Washington, suggesting three thousand black men for John’s battalion to drive the British out of Georgia and East Florida by the end of July.

March 20 “Congress resolved, March 20th, to recommend to South Carolina and Georgia to raise three thousand negro troops under white officers, every negro who served faithfully to the end of the war to be free and Congress to recompense the masters.”

March ?? Laurens heads to South Carolina from Philadelphia with his orders from Congress.

March 29 Laurens accepts the promotion to Lieutenant Colonel

April ?? Hamilton writes the infamous “by actions rather than words” letter from Middlebrook New Jersey.  It congratulates Laurens on his promotion and provides the first reference of Hamilton knowing that Laurens has a wife and child.

May 22 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens about the retreat of the British army to Portsmouth, Virginia.  He mentions the scandal in which Silas Deane, commissioner to France was accused by Arthur Lee of stealing and extorting money designated for the Revolution.  He tells John that he disapproves of his father’s decision to condemn Deane without records of his financial accounts and urges him to discuss the matter with his father.  He is transmitting the letter by Major James Monroe who is heading South to join the Revolution effort in Carolina, having resigned in December.

June 20 The Americans under General Lincoln are defeated by the British at Stono Ferry, SC

July 14 Laurens writes a letter to Hamilton from Charlestown, admitting that he has had “many violent struggles” between “duty and inclination” because “my heart was with you, while I appeared to be most actively employed here”.  He refers to the dangerous movements of Clinton in the north, but in honesty, the situation in South Carolina is more pressing as they will not be able to hold the state if more forces come from Britain.  

September 11 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens about the importance of defending the south against the British as it will become a principle route of trading.  (He also complains that John doesn’t write enough)

September 21 Henry Laurens writes a letter to his son, assuring him that, even if his plan for a black battalion doesn’t pass on the floor of the South Carolina Assembly, he should feel satisfied with himself for trying.  If it does pass, he will “lay the cornerstone for accomplishing the predictions of [his] Grandfather” and his name will be “honorably written and transmitted to posterity.”  But, if it doesn’t, the work will be taken up in the future and it will be remembered who began it in South Carolina.

September 27 Henry Laurens writes a letter to John.  He has heard that “your black Air Castle is blown up with contemptuous huzzas”, but he offers no condolence, just an expectation that his son will move on undeterred, “a Man of your reading and Philosophy will require no consolatory reasonings for reconciling him to disappointment.”

September 28 General Washington writes a letter to Laurens, asking him to return to the northern army at West Point.  

October 2 Henry Laurens writes to John from Philadelphia, informing him that he has been placed in nomination in Congress by the Honorable Mr. Gerry for the Office of Secretary to the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles.  

October??? Laurens turns down the nomination.  He believes the fighting in Savannah is more important.  Nine months before, the British had captured Savannah and overrun GA.  In May, they swept across lower SC and besieged Charlestown 

October 28 Laurens’ twenty-fifth birthday

December 7 Laurens meets Washington at Morristown and remains with the General in New Jersey for ten days

December 11 Laurens arrives in Philadelphia and provides intelligence to General Wayne regarding the state of the navy in the Chesapeake.  Only one 74 gun ship of Count de Grasse’s division and fier Rodrigue remain there- he doesn’t know where the others went- probably to defend the south.

December 12 Laurens writes a letter to Hamilton, describing what he’s done since arriving in Philadelphia, relaying intelligence and meeting members of Congress.  He tells Hamilton to “enjoy all the pleasures moral and physical which you promise yourself in winter quarters, and be as happy as you deserve.”

December 14 Congress sends a commision to Laurens, offering him a position as Secretary to the Minister of the French Court.

December 16 Laurens “quits town” to think on his decision of whether or not to accept the commission.

December??? Laurens sends a letter, denying the offer to serve as Secretary to the minster of France, suggesting Hamilton for the position instead.

December 17 Laurens puts Hamilton’s name into nomination for the position of Secretary of the Minister of France, among Colonel Walter Stewart, Mr. Lovell, and Mr. G Morris.  

December 18 Laurens writes a letter to Hamilton, from ‘Mr. Mitchel’s office’ in Philadelphia.  He’s frustrated that Congress persists to pressure him to serve as the Secretary to the minister of France.  He wonders if it was the right decision- if a “citizen has a right to any office to which his countrymen appoint him, upon what that right is founded, and whether it existed in my case”.  He tells Hamilton that he’s nominated him for the position, but worries that Congress doesn’t know him well enough to agree to send him.

1780

January 8 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens, congratulating him on his offer to serve as a secretary to the minister of France, thanking him for suggesting that he take the position in his stead.  He admits that he believes he’d be better suited to the job than the four men who were nominated after Laurens turned down the offer, but he wouldn’t be given such a distinction himself as he’s a stranger in America still- no property, no connexions.   He’s asked for leave to go Southward and help Laurens, but was convinced to stay with Washington.  The letter takes a depressive tone.  Hamilton even gets the date wrong, writing ‘1779′.

Washington writes a letter to the magistrates of New Jersey, describing the lack of provisions for the army.  Officers and enlisted alike are starving to death.

January 11 Hamilton’s twenty-fifth birthday

January 27 Laurens arrives in Charlestown

February 14 Laurens writes to Washington regarding the situation in South Carolina.

February 24 Laurens writes two letters to Hamilton.  

March 14 Laurens writes to Washington again regarding the situation in South Carolina

March 26 Laurens writes a letter to his father, declaring that they have a ten-inch mortar at Fort Moultrie and General Lincoln gave him a command of a handsome battalion of light infantry.

March 30 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens, describing his fear of the situation in South Carolina, apologizing that he cannot convince the northern army to send reinforcements and pleading that John take necessary precautions to preserve himself.  He says he received John’s two letters “dated the 24th of February”

April 26 Washington writes a letter to Laurens discussing the situation at Charleston. He’s apprehensive of the fall of the city, sends news of British embarkations, and regrets his inability to go to the South.

May 12 Laurens is taken as a prisoner of war in Charleston

June??? David Humphreys joins Washington’s staff as an aide-de-camp

June 30 Hamilton writes a Letter to Laurens, apologizing that he could not convince anyone to make a trade for his release as a POW.  He tells Laurens that he is getting married in the fall.  

July 10 Congress approves a prisoner exchange to release Laurens, but it will take a few months to negotiate

July 19 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens [letter not found]

July 29 A letter from Hamilton reaches Laurens [letter not found]

July 30 Laurens writes to tell Hamilton that his letter, though dated the 19th, did not reach him until yesterday.  Apparently Hamilton had also commissioned him to arrange for a tailor to make him a hat and he did that for him?

September 8 Laurens writes a letter to Hamilton [letter not found].

September?? Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens that miscarries.

September 12 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens, apologizing again that it’s taking so long to find a trade to release him from custody, estimating that there should be a prisoner exchange within two months.  He urges him to keep a positive mindset and complains about the state of the army in the north, “My ravings are for your own bosom.”

September 16  Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens, telling him about a diplomatic meeting to convince the French to make an attack, he expresses hope that Laurens will be exchanged in time to meet the army before the attack.  He begs him not to commit suicide if the prisoner exchange fails, assures him that, despite being engaged his sentiments of love are the same.

September 17 Hamilton leaves with General Washington to meet with the French General and Admiral about bringing French forces to America

September 27 Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman writes a letter to John

October 4 Laurens writes to Washington

October 6 Henry Laurens is captured and confined in the London Tower “under suspicion of high treason committed at Philadelphia and on the high seas.”  International law forbids imprisonment of an ambassador- but Henry Laurens was an ambassador to ‘The United States’, a country which Britain didn’t recognize...

October 11 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens, outlining the treason of Benedict Arnold and the trial and hanging of John Andre.  It’s basically a love letter about John Andre. 

October 13 Washington writes a letter to Laurens, mentioning Benedict Arnold’s treason, John Andre’s trial, and his inability to make a prisoner exchange.  He’s sending Captain Wallops to try the exchange

October??? Captain Wallops is successful and Laurens is exchanged

October 28 Laurens’ twenty-sixth birthday

November 6 Laurens writes another letter to Washington, pleading to serve in the Southern Campaign

November 12 Washington writes a letter to Laurens to encourage him to hold on, he grants his request to serve General Greene in the South

Laurens learns that his father has been captured and confined in the London Tower

December 11 Congress unanimously elects Laurens as Special Minister to the Court of Versailles to petition for immediate aide in money, military supplies, and above all ships.

December 14 Hamilton marries Elizabeth Schuyler at Schuyler Mansion in Albany.

December 23 Samuel Huntington, Esquire President of the Continental Congress completes the commission to send Laurens to France.

Laurens receives a list of orders including how to present himself to the King of France, the information he is to provide to the French court regarding the state of their military, and to enforce the necessity of maintaining naval superiority.  He’s given a list of items he is to acquire from France including a loan of 25 million livres, naval ships such as to acquire supremacy on the American coast, arms, ammunitions, materials and clothing, equipment and tents, estimates of which were laid before the ministry.

His orders include the statement that- if France does not provide naval vessels, he’s to find ships to arm himself for the cause.

Laurens writes a letter to General Washington to tell him about his commission.  He mentions having suggested Hamilton to Congress and hoping that they would select him instead.  “...unfortunately for America, Colonel Hamilton was not sufficiently known to Congress to unite their suffrages in his favor, and I was assured that there remained no other alternative than the total failure of the business.” 

December 27 Congress writes a commission to Laurens to Versailles to represent the United States and secure the funding that he sees fit.  “The loan must prove ineffective unless the specie is actually remitted.”

1781 

January 1 Samuel Huntington sends the commission to Laurens along with two letters for the French King- with two copies, one for Laurens to open and one for Ben Franklin.

A Philadelphia regiment of 1300 troops seizes six field pieces and set out for Philadelphia to demand release from the army from Congress.

January 7 Laurens writes to Washington that he expects the General to travel to Morristown to quell a mutiny, but he needs to meet with him to discuss the terms of his mission to France, and so asks what road to meet him on. Washington does not intend this and is expecting Laurens and Lafayette to meet him at headquarters.

January 9 Hamilton writes to George Fisher that he needs a transport across the Hudson to get back to Headquarters that night.  “I am extremely anxious to get across to Head Quarters this night and it seems hardly possible to cross the river here or not without great risk.” He’s willing to pay a ‘handsome fee’ for a couple of horses and a guide.

January 10 Washington writes to Arthur St. Clair who’s in Morristown with Laurens, telling him by which possible routes to expect someone to bring an express to him, but not to expect him to come in person.

January 11 Hamilton’s twenty-sixth birthday

January 12 Samuel Huntington sends Laurens two packages for Mr. Adams and Mr. Dana in France, “These packets, it is needless to remind you, should be placed in a situation to be sunk in case of capture.”

January 15 Washington writes a letter for Laurens to bring to France. ‘In compliance with your request’, he summarizes the state of American affairs, meaning that his courier met Laurens and received that request.

He writes a second letter to Ben Franklin, impressing Laurens’ character on him and recommending him for Ben’s friendship.  He does this so that Ben Franklin doesn’t feel Congress has sent Laurens due to his own failings- and take out his frustration on Laurens himself.

January 23 Washington writes a letter to Laurens with an enclosed package and a request from Count De Custine

January 30 Washington writes a letter to Laurens, discussing a revolt of part of the New Jersey line and the movement of the enemy in South Carolina.  He attaches some reading material for John to keep him busy and mentions that Tilghman has recovered from a fever.

February 2 Congress told Laurens that he would be riding to France on the ship Alliance but failed to outfit the ship with supplies or sailors or guards.  So, Laurens writes a letter to General Lincoln, asking for a few men for his ship.

February 4 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens which he receives as he’s about to leave for France.  Ham mentions the movements of General Greene’s army, he mentions the New Jersey revolt, and the Maryland state’s joining the Confederation.  He’s keeping up with politics.

February 13 Laurens sets sail from Boston en route for Brest, France. 

Laurens carries a letter from Chevalier de Mauduit for his sister in Paris.  It contained 4000 francs and the note, “Open the letter if you need the money- it is at your service.”

Feb-March??? Laurens delivers the letter from Chevalier de Mauduit to his sister, Madame Dillion who had three brothers serving in America and friends serving under M. le Comte de Rochambeau.  She has letters for him to take back to them and she invites him to dine with her at 3:30 the next day.

March 20 Laurens has his first interview with Count de Vergennes who said it would be impossible for His Majesty to give a favor of a loan, but he could give them a donation of 6 million livres.  (John needed 25)

April 9 Washington writes a letter to Laurens regarding some movements of the enemy near Head of Elk Maryland and a mission he sent Lafayette on to convene with Rochambeau.  The mission was unsuccessful.  Washington encloses letters from Lafayette and some transmissions for Laurens to make to Benjamin Franklin.  Much of the letter is put into cipher due to the secrecy of Lafayette’s mission.

April 19 Laurens is invited to dine at Luciene the next sunday because the King is coming to Marley.  The Chateau de Lucienne offers to show him the fountains, the expensive furniture of Madame the Countess de Barri’s summer house, and the Marley Machine.  

April??? Count de Vergennes writes a letter to Lafayette, complaining that he doesn’t think Laurens has the temperament for the French Court, that the Ministers of the King have received him well and like him, but “[he] is not without zeal, I confess that he has hardly manifested it in the manner required by his commission.  We have taken no exception to it, because we have attributed the conduct of Mr. Laurens merely to his inexperience in affairs.”

April 24 Laurens writes that Vergennes had declared that the French “Planned to send only 2 million in a frigate with me, the remainder to come later at different periods.

April??? 

Captain William Jackson (later to become aide-de-camp to General Greene and Secretary of War, is serving as Laurens’ secretary in France.  He reports that Laurens blew up at Count de Vergennes when the Count said, “Colonel Laurens, you are so recently from the Headquarters of the American Army, that you forget that you are no longer delivering the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, but you are addressing the minister of a monarch, who has ever disposition to favor your country.

Laurens jumps up, stalks across the room, and says, “Favor, Sir!  The respect which I owe my country will not admit the term- say that the aid is mutual, and I cheerfully subscribe to the obligation.  But, as the last argument which I shall use with your Excellency; the sword which I now wear in defense of France as well as my own country, unless the succor I solicit is immediately accorded, I may be compelled to draw against France, as a British subject.”

Vergennes, shocked at the threat, says, “But there is the good Monsieur Franklin, who is much pleased with us.”

Laurens replies that no one respects Franklin more than him, but he’s more familiar with the conditions of the army than Franklin is and he will take the matter directly to the king himself.  He leaves before Vergennes can protest, saying “I have the honor to salute you respectfully”.  Laurens then writes to B. Franklin and tells him what he plans to do- Franklin will have no part of it.

April??? The next day, Laurens receives Franklin’s response and prepares his memorial to the King in his room that night.  

April??? The next day, Laurens, at the levee, is presented to His Majesty’s court. Passing up customs, he stepped forward, bowed, and approached the King directly, presenting him a small scroll containing his memorial.

May 4 Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to Laurens about a payment to New Orleans and meeting for breakfast

May 8 John Adams writes a letter to Laurens to congradulate him for his success in France

May?? Richard Varik joins Washington’s military family as an aide-de-camp.  Formerly Benedict Arnold’s aide, Washington absolves him of his stigma by hiring him.

May 14 Ben Franklin writes a letter to Lafayette from Passy, France, saying that he believes “it was a wise measure to send Colonel Laurens here...he has fully justified your character of him”

Ben Franklin writes a letter to Congress, crediting Laurens with the negotiations of a second loan which he remained to complete of 10,000,000 livres from Holland under the guarantee of France.

May 17 Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to Laurens about a payment, complementing him on his fitness as a soldier and a diplomat

May 20 John receives a package full of letters from America.

May 21 Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to Laurens about the package of letters

May 22 Washington meets with Rochambeau in conference at Wethersfield, CN to discuss the plans for a campaign.  They struggle to decide whether to stage an attack against Clinton in New York or Cornwallis in Virginia- basing the decision around the convenience of the French navy under Count deGrasse

May 28 Laurens writes to Ben Franklin from Brest, France, telling him that he’s going to set sail having completed the bulk of his mission, reminding him to pick up the second loan that they were promised from Holland.

May 29 Laurens sets sail on the French man-of-war, La Resolue, carrying 2,500,224 livres, 18 sous- about a half-million dollars.  He writes to Ben Franklin, asking the favor of supporting his father’s expenses in England so that the Mannings will not have to pay for him.

June 9 At sea, Laurens writes a letter to Ben Franklin, suggesting that Dr. Franklin let his grandson bring the second shipment of money to America so he could personally introduce him to Congress and suggest him for the position of Secretary to the French Embassy (to relieve Franklin of the drudgery of his office)

June??? John Trumbull and David Cobb join Washington’s military family as aides-de-camp.

July 6 Ben Franklin writes a letter to Captain Jackson, Laurens’ secretary as Minister to France, furious that he had written a letter to John Adams, claiming that Laurens had obtained the loan of six million without any of his help.  In a later letter, he writes, “I obtained it before he came.”

July??? Peregrine Fitzhugh joins Washington’s military family as an aide-de-camp.  He was recently wounded at Old Tappan.

July??? Williams S. Smith joins Washington’s military family as an aide-de-camp.

June-August??? Lafayette goes south with an army of five-thousand Americans and French to meet Cornwallis and stop him from taking Virginia.

August??? Count de Grasse tells Washington that the West Indian fleet with more than 3000 land forces would sail for the Chesapeake Bay, but could not stay any later than mid-October.  From that information, Washington and Rochambeau decide to stage their attack on Cornwallis at Yorktown, VA.

August 19 After weeks of feigning an attack directed to New York, sending fictitious dispatches to New Jersey to fall into enemy hands, and leaving a General Heath with four thousand men on the Hudson, Washington’s army marches south towards Virginia.

August 25 Laurens reaches Boston with his ships of cash and cargoes of military supplies- one shipload preceding him.   

September 5 Having been unable to seize Virginia or engage Lafayette in Battle, Cornwallis brings his troops to Yorktown harbor in the Chesapeake Bay to set off by sea.  The French navy meets him there.

Congress grants Laurens leave from his position as Minister to France so he can rejoin the army.  

September 6 The naval battle at Yorktown is well-underway, “Battle of the Virginia Capes”.

Laurens responds to his note of leave to thank Congress.

September 7 Lafayette “boldly threw his lines across the peninsula, thus shutting in Cornwallis completely”, cornering him by land where Count de Grasse cornered him by sea.  de Grasse sends three thousand troops ashore to assist Lafayette. 

September 28 Siege of Yorktown begins 

October 4 The House of Representatives in SC has heard of Laurens’ negotiations in France.  Governor Rutledge praises him in a letter to the assembly.

October??? John Parke Custis, Washington’s stepson, joins Washington’s military family as an aide-de-camp.  He contracts camp fever.

October 9 At five o’clock, Washington fires the first gun from the American battery at the British strongholds.

October 10 The French battalions engage the British at sea and under Lafayette’s command, bombarding the British strongholds so heavily that the British can’t fire back.

October 13 The Americans and French had been completing a trench three-hundred yards from the British fortress, but the British fired on them as they were being built and kept destroying them.  Two of their advanced batteries, three hundred yards in front of their left, were particularly annoying, and as the engineers reported that they had been severely damaged already.

October 14 At eight o’clock, the Americans and French made their attack.  Lafayette’s forces attacked the redoubt at the right, The advance was led by Hamilton while Laurens, at the head of eighty men, jumped over the object and took the garrison in reverse to cut off its retreat.  They unloaded their guns and carried the affair entirely with bayonets.  Nine were killed, six officers and twenty-six rank were wounded.

Hamilton reports to Lafayette, “Lieutenant Colonel Laurens distinguished himself by an exact and vigorous execution of his part of the plan, and was one of the first to climb into the redoubt, making prisoner of its commanding officer.”

October 16 Cornwallis decided to abandon his sick and baggage and, crossing the river to Gloucester, would retreat at night.  A storm intervened the ships sent to pick them up.

October 17 The Americans and French built new batteries on the British lines and, at ten o’clock in the morning, Cornwallis beat a parley, asked for the cessation of hostilities, for commissioners to meet to settle terms of surrender.

For the French, the allies sent the Viscount de Noailles, former minister to Britain.

For the Americans, the allies sent Laurens.

October 18 Laurens goes with the Viscount de Noailles to the home of Augustin Moore.  At two o’clock, they drew up the terms of British surrender.  For four hours, they discussed the articles of surrender and came up with fourteen terms. October 19 At two o’clock, the British publicly surrender at Yorktown. Cornwallis surrenders his entire army to General Lincoln, who as commander at Charlestown had been forced to surrender to the British.  

Laurens, whose father is still being held in the Tower of London under Cornwallis’ order, now holds Cornwallis prisoner in Yorktown as Captain-General of Prisoners.  

October 28 Laurens’ twenty-seventh (and final) birthday.

November 5 John Parke Custis dies of camp fever just as Washington is coming to see him.

November 6 Laurens’ cargo of money and supplies reaches Philadelphia under heavy guards after having crossed the Hudson at Newburgh. 

November 8 Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to Laurens 

November 20 The Governor of South Carolina and Members of his Council “issued Writs of Election for the Several Parishes and Districts of the State,” for elections to be held for a General Assembly to meet the next month.

December 17 South Carolina holds elections for the General Assembly

December 18 South Carolina concludes elections for the General Assembly.  Both John Laurens and his father were elected- but, Henry Laurens was still imprisoned in London, so the gesture was a compliment.

December 19 Laurens writes a letter to Washington, describing the maneuver of the Southern army under General Greene.

December 31 Washington sends a warning to General Greene in SC that three British Regiments and a detachment of Hessians were heading to SC with two ships of the Line and three or four Frigates.

1782

January 8 The General Assembly convenes for the “Several Parishes and Districts of the State of South Carolina.”  For nine days, the assembly cannot act for lack of quorum.  

January 9 Six members present at the General Assembly in SC

January 10 Six members present at the GA in SC

January 11 Hamilton’s twenty-seventh birthday.  

Seven members present at the GA in SC

January 12 Seven members present at the GA in SC

January 13 Seven members present at the GA in SC

January 14 Seven members present at the GA in SC

January 18  “Jacksonborough legislature”, finally reaches quorum, 192 members, 30 of which were from Charlestown, seventy-five members in attendance.

January 21 Laurens arrives in Jacksonborough and takes the oath of office to serve in the Jacksonborough legislature.  He’s assigned to serve on nine committees and as a chairman of four.

January 22 Philip Hamilton is born

At the assembly in SC, Laurens listens to Doctor Ramsay answer the opening speech of Governor Rutledge by giving a speech, waxing like he knew what the war was like and how they should have repulsed the British by then.  

The Governor responds, but notably, no one mentions Laurens’ efforts in the war, his distinction with bringing French naval power to Yorktown, or his father’s continued imprisonment.

January 27 Laurens reads a report of his committee to properly thank General Greene.  He offers two resolutions: to express thanks unanimously voted by the House of Representatives “in the name of the people”- the second resolution to set forth concrete evidence of gratitude to the General in the form of Ten Thousand Guineas.  

February 4 Laurens presents his bill for a black battalion again, a motion for collecting two-thousand, five hundred men forthwith from the confiscated estates of tories.  

February 5 The Jacksonborough Legislature receives a note from Governor Rutledge with the warning from Washington of December 31st. The house adjourns until the following morning at nine o’clock.

February 11 General Greene, in direct opposition of Laurens’ plan, sends a letter to the Governor, asking for at least 440 black men to serve as wag goners, pioneers, artificers, and servants for the officers- to return to servitude after their service was rendered and paid.  His request was granted some days lager.

February 12 Laurens (perhaps under the advice of Hamilton) requests that Congress exchange General Cornwallis for his father in England.

February 18 Washington writes a letter to Laurens, impressing the importance of the Southern campaign and praising General Greene maneuver

February 26 The “Jacksonborough Legislature” adjourns.

February 27 The members of the SC, GA go to dinner together with his Excellency the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and members of the Privy Council and the Senate.

March 2 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens which John describes “as masterly a piece of cynicism as ever was penned”. [letter not found]

March 22 Washington writes a letter to Laurens about some items that Laurens bought for him in France.

April 22 Washington writes a letter to Laurens about the exchange of Cornwallis.  He arrived in Philadelphia and argued with Congress for the exchange of Henry Laurens.

May 19 Laurens writes a letter to Washington about the failure of his proposal

June??? British General Leslie wrote General Greene, offering to pay for a quantity of rice to be carried into Charlestown.  If they did not buy the rice, they would seize it anyway, so Laurens supported the request- for the sake of making money.

July ??? Laurens writes a letter to Hamilton, congratulating him for being elected as a delegate to congress, complaining of not having been told by Hamilton himself.  He encourages Hamilton to retire from the military but maintain his rank.

July??? General Leslie’s men seize and carry six hundred barrels of rice from the Santee River without interruption.  They left receipts for the amount taken except at the house of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and at that of a planter killed at the siege of Charlestown.

July 10 Washington writes a letter to Laurens, apologizing for the failure of his plan.  He mentions the atrocities committed by British officers, impressment on the seas and burning/scalping on the frontier.

July 22 Hamilton is elected as a New York delegate to the Continental Congress

July??? Laurens writes a letter to Hamilton, confessing that the enemy’s system is impenetrable and a lot of citizens in Charlestown want to evacuate.  He entreats Hamilton not to “withdraw the consolation of your letters”  He signs it, “You know the unalterable sentiments of your affectionate Laurens.”

August 15 Hamilton writes a letter to Laurens.  He’s been delegated as a New York representative to Congress, but he doubts that he’ll be made a minister like Laurens suggested.  He says Henry Laurens has been exchanged for General Cornwallis and is safe.  He begs Laurens to quit the fight now that all is peaceful and follow him into government.

August 23 General Greene sends orders for General Gist to proceed to the protection of the Combahee country where the British stole the rice that Laurens had wanted to sell to them.  

Laurens was serving under General Gist who “not thinking it advisable to withdraw Colonel Laurens from a post so highly confidential as that which he then occupied at Wappoo under the immediate orders of General Greene, moved southward without issuing orders to Colonel Laurens to join him.

Laurens was serving as General Greene’s lines of communications, his secret agents report to him their gleanings of information.  He’s stationed at Wapoo Cut across from the harbor at Charlestown.  His agents trust him alone with their security as spies.

Laurens was reportedly ill with a fever.  Attending doctor Simms says he had a “tertian” fever (malaria), but he got out of bed upon hearing his commanding officer was on the march.

August 24 Laurens wrote to General Greene, conveying intelligence of the Combahee expedition, enclosing a piece of vague intelligence he had received from his spies about the march of light troops, and he marched with General Gist, expecting to return to his post at Wappoo within a few days.

August 25 Laurens receives command of a post with fifty infantrymen and a howitzer.

August 26 Laurens spends the night at the home of William Stock, a planter near Chehaw Point.  Reportedly, he proposed to the ladies of the house that they should watch the battle from a safe distance.  He doesn’t go to bed until after midnight.

August 27 At three o’clock in the morning, Laurens and his men mount and ride to the Combahee at the end of Chehaw Neck, moving to carry out an advance guard for General Gist’s approach.  Most of the British had re-embarked, but a hundred and forty men lay in ambush in the fennel and tall grass as Laurens approached with his advance guard.  

Out-numbered three to one, Laurens may have remembered one of Hamilton’s favorite maxims, “There is three to one in favor of the party attacking,” and he ordered his men to charge so they might scatter the enemy.  At the first volley of shots, he fell and didn’t rise again.

His company lost sixteen men, three officers, a cavalry corporal, and three men were missing.  

November 12 Henry Laurens receives a letter from John Adams, informing him of John’s death.

[quakerjoe]

Is There Anything “Positive” to Say About George Washington?

Can we truly talk about the “positive” aspects of George Washington’s life without addressing the larger historical context of his time? In this video, we break the surface about what it means to evaluate Washington’s legacy, the impact of the patriot myth, and why we need to interrogate our assumptions about his role in the American Revolution.

This isn’t about simple hero worship—or villainizing—but about understanding Washington’s life in the full complexity of the Atlantic world he lived in. If you’re looking for answers about Washington’s influence, contradictions, and place in history, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for.

-Tad Stoermer

[birdytaste]

Sorry I’m totally obsessed with Jennifer’s Body AU…

[ciceroprofacto]

[jhoca]

Schuylkill River

Sept. 18, 1777: Hamilton is ordered to burn flour mills on the Schuylkill river (before the British can seize the resource), when British dragoons charge on them. Hamilton ultimately escapes, but this is the incident in which Hamilton is mistakenly reported dead. My process (speedpaint and animation timelapse) is on instagram!

Special thanks to @ciceroprofacto's detailed Hamilton-Laurens timeline, which continues to be a fantastic resource / guide for me. September 18, 1777 is noted here.

*This is an artistic interpretation of this incident, and not a historically accurate depiction. Creative liberties were taken. I apologize for any inaccuracies.

my art  |  shop  |  instagram  |  threads  |  bluesky

[jhoca]

Battle of Germantown

Oct. 4, 1777: Laurens participates in the Battle of Germantown. The British barricade inside Cliveden, also known as the Chew House, whose thick stone walls withstand even the bombardment of cannon fire. See my process (speedpaint and animation timelapse) on instagram!

Special thanks to @ciceroprofacto’s detailed Hamilton-Laurens timeline, which continues to be a fantastic resource / guide for me. October 4, 1777 is noted here.

*This is an artistic interpretation, and not a historically accurate depiction. Creative liberties were taken. I apologize for any inaccuracies. If you have any corrections, related documents, or references regarding this event, please drop it in a reply!

my art  |  shop  |  instagram  |  threads  |  bluesky

[ciceroprofacto]

Whoa! So cool to see Cliveden come alive! This is awesome!!

[ciceroprofacto]

Hello!! I know your probably get this question a lot but do you ever plan on updating SOA anywhere in the near or far future? I understand if you're too busy with life and I hope you are still writing stuff that you love, but I was just curious if you have given up on it or just wish for it to remain unfinished. Lots of love and I hope you are happy and healthy 💖💖🌷

I'm working on 4 degrees right now. When I get one of them off my plate, I'll have more time.

[ciceroprofacto]

I need to ask.

I always wanted to learn how to do good researches or reviews but I do not know no matter how hard I try to do them the correct way. I know the structure but I don't know the rules.

For example...

Citations. Citations are my nightmare, I don't know how to use them, someone told me I should put them in the part I got inspired by it BUT HOW WOULD I KNOW WHAT INSPIRED MEANS.

Let's say I'm writing a review about the importance of informatics throughout story. If I find like five dates of specific events in one paper I found, if I want to use those five dates too would that be plagiarism? Should I put citation on each date?

If I found out someone important said something related to the topic and it's importance, but I found that in a whole 100-page guide from idk the UN in the first pages I read, should I put it? Its irrelevant? I'm not using any more information of that 100-page guide but that phrase - is that legal?

How many citations should I make?

How do I add them without it being plagiarism?

Honestly I'm lost.

Sorry if it's too long, I don't know who else to ask regarding this topic and I find your researches quite neat so...

Just blogging and researching online doesn’t have strict rules. There’s techniques that’ll make you more credible, but those align with academic writing, so I’ll address that.

Rule of thumb, in academic writing, you need to cite every piece of information you introduce. Even if it’s something that you already knew. Even if it seems obvious to you. Adding a source that backs it up lends it authority beyond you. Don’t get wrapped around the axle trying to distinguish what’s “yours” and what’s not. Nothing is yours in a research paper and that’s the point. You’re compiling and curating information to demonstrate your thesis through the aggregation of it.

For your example, you don’t have to use the entirety of a source to cite something out of it. Especially longer sources like books. The entirety of a source doesn’t even have to be relevant to what you’re writing about, it just has to actually say what you’re claiming it does- checking your interpretation of a text might require you to read more than you’re going to use to ensure you have context to confirm this. Beyond that, it’s your job as the researcher to be mindful of what your sources are, how credible they are, and how that might communicate with the way you’re using it.

Also- most citation styles have a shortened form of the citation so that you can reuse sources frequently without doing the long form. Cite every new piece of information that source introduces, and if you have multiple pieces of information from it in a single sentence, cite at the end of the sentence.

My research on Tumblr is not neat and please don’t use that as your benchmark. In-text links is a social media (specifically blog) ism that doesn’t fly in professional research. If you’re just doing online research, using the same overarching guidelines will lend you credibility. Try and find a source for every piece of info or at least clarify where you can’t.

[ciceroprofacto]

Law education in 18th century England

I'm not an English lawyer and my exposure to Cambridge and Middle Temple was brief. Per my previous post, this is just how I understood the English common law education system.

In the US, having a juris doctorate (JD) and passing the Bar examination gives a person the professional title of 'Lawyer'. As a graduate degree, one must have a bachelor's degree in any subject before they can start working towards a JD.

In modern England, the undergraduate degree in law makes someone a lawyer. They enter the field to be either a solicitor or a barrister (barristers argue cases in court and solicitors do everything else). Both have to pass their respective exams before they can formally practice law. Barristers attend an Inn of the Court and continue their education (keeping terms, going to lectures, completing readings, etc) to be "Called to the Bar." In the 18th century, they would've been evaluated by the Inns before being qualified to argue in court.

The Inns are located next to the royal courthouses and barristers live, eat, and study there while practicing law. In the 18th century, The Inns were somewhat like trade guilds for lawyers and they had their own internal governing bodies.

In modern times, a law student would attend a university like Oxford or Cambridge for their law degree before going to one of the Inns, but in the 18th century, gentlemen could be called to the Bar and live at an Inn of the Court without having a formally standardized degree in law as we would think of it today. They would be tradesmen, educated in other relevant areas and they would be trained on some common legal principles while at the Inn.

Here's another helpful article on the evolution of English legal education in the 1760s

[ciceroprofacto]

i do have a question: how exactly would john laurens study warfare? how does one figure out what was taught at older times in colleges?

University Life in 18th Century | Paullett Golden Romance

One cannot be both gentleman and scholar. A brief look at university life during the 18th century.

Linking Paulette Golden's website because it's a fantastic resource for cultural research on the 18th century, specifically in Georgian England. Her focus centers on Oxford and Cambridge. Middle Temple's history page claims that it was in a period of relative decline during the mid-1700s, but it can be assumed, much of Paulette's discussion of pedagogy and university life was also true of Middle Temple.

In essence, gentlemen would grow up being tutored on whatever subjects were relevant to their estate. Then, in university, students had "Fellows" who would conduct guided discussions. There wasn't a standardized curriculum, and they could pursue readings beyond what their fellow assigned. At the end of term, there were oral examinations to determine if a student was properly "read". There were only a few degrees available and they funneled into three basic professions: Law, Medicine, or Religion.

There's a letter from John Laurens to his uncle where he waffled over which one to pursue. Ultimately, he decided on the law. His signature sometimes included the title Esquire which indicates that he passed his examinations before leaving Middle Temple.

In SOA, I have him brag about studying warfare because- after discussing the available professions, Laurens emphasized that he was interested, first and foremost, in being a Soldier. His interest in education extended as far as it allowed him to pursue that. So, I assume that he was using whatever latitude he had with his fellows to read contemporaneous works on strategy and military science.

The only way to know what specific subjects someone studied is if they mentioned specific titles in letters, and if Laurens did that somewhere, I haven't found it.

[ciceroprofacto]

My wife also reminded me to mention, he considered spending the winter after graduation volunteering with the Prussian Army. I brought this up as a plot point, starting in ch 15, to demonstrate he doesn't have practical experience in how drill works prior to Steuben's arrival.

It's something he was obviously trying to learn on his own.

[john-laurens]

John also tried to acquire books on military strategy while he was serving in the Continental Army. On March 9, 1778, John wrote the following to his father Henry

If among the Books that Du Plessis has given me, there is one entitled la Tactique de Ghibert, I am very anxious to read it_ likewise the Work of Mesnil Durand_

Mesnil-Durand was a French tactician. "La Tactique de Ghibert," if misspelled, could potentially be a book about art - Lorenzo Ghiberti was an Italian Renaissance artist.

[my-deer-friend]

Laurens is probably referring to Essai général de tactique by Jacques Antoine Hippolyte, Comte de Guibert.

I'll note that the very first link OP included specifically talks about the Oxbridge education model, which is a little different to education worked at the inns of court.

In the 18th century, there were only two things you had to do in order to qualify as a lawyer through one of the four inns, of which Middle Temple was one: 1) pay your fees, and 2) "keep term" (attend a certain number of dinners) twelve times – four terms a year over the course of three years. There was no set curriculum and no examination; instead, students lived either at the inn or in private lodgings with a barrister, and their education depended very much on who was supervising them. Typical learning activities could include reading law books (Blackstone was a favourite), observing court porceedings, and assisting lawyers with paperwork (usually the drudgery of copying things out). The dinners were meant to be both networking and learning events, and sometimes may have included lectures or readings by eminent legal professionals.

Henry Laurens gives a nice summary of the process in his 26 October 1773 letter to John:

You have Entered the Study of the Law [...] you come to England, take the benefit of Residing with Gentlemen, who can make you acquainted with the Attorney's practice, direct & assist your Studies in the Common Law, while at the same time you attend all the Courts at Westminster &c & also keep your Terms regularly at the Temple, in order that you may be called to the Bar in due Course_

[ciceroprofacto]

Exactly I said, the main link is Oxford and Cambridge. But, the dialogue-style methodology and university life were essentially the same. Golden’s research is just a good reference.

Do you have a link to the reference you’re using for the Inns’ requirements? @my-deer-friend

Especially compared to most modern law schools’ lecture-style model, the biggest point I wanted to make is that studies were largely self-guided. Students had a lot of latitude to read broadly on various subjects.

[my-deer-friend]

Here's an extract from the Report of the Commissioners etc etc that was concluded in 1855 with the purpose of reviewing and reforming legal education in Britain. It's important to note here that the "Lectures of two of the Readers" readings mentioned were introduced in the 1830s. On p. 10:

While students would still enrol, eat their dinners, keep their terms and be Called to the Bar, legal education had declined, and the Masters of the Bench were, with some exceptions, no longer the leading lights of the profession. Readings were no longer being given – Readers would simply pay £200 to be considered ‘to have Read’, which saved the Reader time and expense and raised funds for the Inn – and the old structure of moots and exercises had largely become a formality.

‘The Eighteenth Century - Stagnation and Neglect | Middle Temple’. Accessed 18 January 2025. https://www.middletemple.org.uk/archive/history/eighteenth-century-stagnation-and-neglect.

How qualified were they? After eating their set number of dinners, keeping their terms, and reading or paying for their ‘exercises’, members of the inns of court (normally in their mid-twenties by this stage) were formally eligible for call to the bar and practice at Westminster. Of course we cannot be as certain about their educational achievements and legal competence. During their student years the serious-minded would have gone through some or all of the various steps described above for actually learning the law, with varying degrees of determination and enthusiasm. But there was no guarantee that newly called men were substantive lawyers as well as barristers. As John Rayner, a radical legal writer, asked rhetorically, ‘What then are his qualifications for a barrister at law? Nothing further is necessary than to produce a certificate of his having dined a certain number of times in the hall of the inns he is a member of, and of his having paid the cook’s bills, &c.’ And even if barristers had been conscientious students, the breadth of their legal education is certainly open to doubt, in the sense of producing lawyers who were sensitive to the social purposes of law, despite the efforts of reformers like Blackstone.

Lemmings, David. ‘Gentlemen Bred to the Law: Induction and Legal Education’. In Professors of the Law: Barristers and English Legal Culture in the Eighteenth Century, edited by David Lemmings. Oxford University Press, 2000.

(Highly recommend this book on the topic)

See also:

Palfreyman, David. London’s Inns of Court: History, Law, Customs and Modern Purpose. Olney: Oracle, 2011.

Baker, John Hamilton. The Legal Profession and the Common Law : Historical Essays. London ; Ronceverte, W. Va., (U.S.A.) : Hambledon Press, 1986. http://archive.org/details/legalprofessionc0000bake.

Lucas, Paul. ‘A Collective Biography of Students and Barristers of Lincoln’s Inn, 1680-1804: A Study in the “Aristocratic Resurgence” of the Eighteenth Century’. The Journal of Modern History 46, no. 2 (June 1974): 227–61. https://doi.org/10.1086/241206.

Boden, Robert F. ‘The Colonial Bar and the American Revolution’. MARQUETTE LAW REVIEW 60, no. 1 (1976).

[ciceroprofacto]

hello! i have a bit of a stupid question. i was reading your post on the timeline of hamilton and laurens, and there have been multiple references to letters which have not been found. do you think it’s possible that they will be found one day, or are they just gone?

When letters are marked not found it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t exist any more, it just means a letter was referenced elsewhere but I don’t know where it is. Considering the age of these documents, that is a strong possibility. It is also possible that some of them are in a private collection or buried in an archive and simply not transcribed to one of the common sources I was using.

[ciceroprofacto]

hi so. not really in the hamilton fandom anymore but just want to say i read the song of alexander quite a few times when i was and. holy shit dude? it's crazy how well you wrote that and even now i still think of it from time to time. hope you're doing alright and still writing things you like

Thank you for sending this. It's nice to remember that it was appreciated.

I'm juggling a few important degrees right now, so I haven't been as active online (endless excuses since I left undergrad), but I am still writing! It's been more academic/professional/practical lately, but I've been gradually reacquainting myself with the artistic side of things.

[jhoca-sims]

City Tavern - 30x20 (NO CC)

The City Tavern, built as accurately as possible in the Sims 4! This was the site of General Washington's headquarters, where he and his aides-de-camp stayed in August 1777. (It's currently winter in my game, so the windows are frosted and they lit every fireplace lol)

City Tavern (the restaurant) has been closed since the pandemic, but the official floorplans for the building are available here: Philadelphia Buildings and Architects - City Tavern. I referenced these floorplans alongside photos from the City Tavern website, the Independence National Historical Park page, as well as Google maps and reviews.

I tried to recreate the place as faithfully as possible, though for some areas (i.e. the cellar, the third floor, the garret/attic, etc; a full bath is included for Sim functionality and gameplay), I had to use my imagination - what it might have been like during their stay.

➜ download my TS4 builds: my EA ID is jhocaa / my TS4 builds

[glorianas]

you can discuss the problems within academia literally forever and you probably should but “historians are trying to keep information from you” is always going to be an anti-intellectual, reactionary opinion, sorry, literally no way around that

[pythiaswine]

John Laurens + Suffering

can you tell I've been emo about those old men lately? yeah

click for better quality, + closeups below the cut

1. His First Grief by Charles Spencelayh

saw this and immediately thought of John. not his first grief considering by this estimated age he would've lost older siblings. but thinking of it as a precursor to his mother dying. also the bird is so him :( sorry

2. Ophelia by John Everett Millais

haunts the narrative and is the pushing point for Ham(let)ton's madness yeahhh. plus laying in a creek surrounded by flowers is so him. dead in the swamp

3. Death and the Maiden by Marianne Stokes

originally was going to have john visited by death to be truer to the painting, but an angel in funeral shroud and uniform visiting alex? sorry, had to

4. The Sacrifice of Isaac by Giambattista Pittena

don't get me started. sins of the father, religious extremism, valuing god's word over loving your own son, sacrificing your son for religion/god. only divine intervention could save him and at last it didnt. so many things to think about here. i cried

5. alex when he gets The News

not based on a painting except maybe that anime meme of the girl scream crying. but ohhh my god. idk i just was rereading their letters and got so emo about it. i hope to god alexander got a few good crash-outs in private to grieve but i am really scared of the great possibility that he never did, not even ONE good scream in the middle of nowhere or breaking someone's nose over it, he just buried it and acted out in other ways. it just wasnt fairrr. i keep thinking about Them and especially about how he must have felt the moment he realized. praying it wasnt true. praying. screaming. i am in physical pain over this every day

[john-laurens]

Happy holidays! I've come to you, since you are the unofficial John Laurens expert. How was his physical traits described? And where could I find those information? (especially his hair)

Wow, I don’t know if I’m truly an expert, but thank you for that. :)

Unfortunately, we don’t really have any descriptions of Laurens.  But I’ll break down what we do know.

At the age of 15, he was as tall as his father Henry.  In a letter from October 27, 1769 (one day before John’s 15th birthday), Henry wrote, “my Little Jack, now as big as I am.”  That’s all I’ve been able to figure out from texts in regards to his height.

As for any of his other physical features, I really can’t say I’ve come across anything truly descriptive.  I’ve seen a few sources that say he was handsome, but that doesn’t really say much.  There’s one book that says he has black, curly hair and dark eyes, but this book also tells a story of him punching a fellow law student in the face.  And it also says he went to Oxford (which he didn’t - he attended the Middle Temple), so I wouldn’t really trust it.  The book is called Stories of American History if you want to check it out.

We do have some paintings of Laurens that give us some information.  First, the Peale miniature:

To my knowledge, this is the only painting we have of Laurens that was done while he was alive, so it’s probably our best guess at what he looked like.  (Though I think Peale sometimes had trouble painting male faces.  Just look at his Hamilton portraits.)  As you can tell, Laurens had blue eyes.  As for his hair - ?  His eyebrows are painted a dark color, but that’s not necessarily indicative of his hair color.

Next we have Fraser’s portraits.  Both were done after Laurens’s death.  The first was done around 1802.  I’m not sure when the second was done, but Fraser was born in 1782 (the year Laurens died), so I’m pretty confident that Fraser never met Laurens.  In the spots where Laurens’s hair isn’t powdered, his hair seems to be a light brownish color.

We also have a painting done by Edmonds in the late 1800s or early 1900s - so way after Laurens’s death.  Edmonds gave Laurens blondish hair, but I don’t know how he came to that decision.  It might be accurate, it might not be.  I think it’s based off of Fraser’s full-length portrait.

Here’s Trumbull’s painting Surrender of Lord Cornwallis.  This depicts the surrender at Yorktown, October 19, 1781.  Trumbull painted this in 1820 - after Laurens’s death.  Hamilton is on the right, the person right next to the horse.  Laurens is on Hamilton’s left.  We can’t see much of Laurens’s features here, but it does appear that he was taller than Hamilton.  Hamilton was about 5’7”. 

Here’s a painting of Laurens’s sister Martha, done around 1767 (so she was probably around 7 or 8).  After that is a painting of Laurens’s mother Eleanor, done around 1741 (so she was around 10).  We can guess that he may have looked somewhat like them.  And you can look up images of Henry (his father) if you want.

That’s all I can really tell you.  I hope this helped somewhat.

[lanfykins]

Sometimes I lie awake at nights trying to figure out who William Stephen Hamilton was named after.

(Every single other one of the Hamilton children was named after a relative. Every. Single. One.)

[god-help-me-pls]

Only person I can think of that maybe had a relation to the name would be Edward "Ned" Stevens and his father Thomas Stevens, the former being a lifelong friend of Hamilton and the latter adopting him.

Other than that, maybe the Hamiltons finally decided on having an original name in the family for once

[gracehosborn]

This is a few months old, but it came up in my feed so:

It’s more likely that Hamilton named his son William after his uncle, William Hamilton, who had written to his nephew in March of 1797 (unfortunately, this letter has not been found). Hamilton wrote a lengthy reply on May 2, 1797, clearly excited to finally reconnect with his family. Soon after he started corresponding with his first cousin, Alexander Hamilton (William Hamilton’s son, who wrote in reply to Alexander’s May letter on behalf of William), in the same manner. This is just my speculation however. Nowhere in the surviving correspondence between the Hamilton cousins is this naming explicitly addressed. It is fair to consider though, considering the naming of the other Hamilton children.

William Stephen Hamilton would not be born until August 4, 1797.