#amrev war

[foundingfatherjohnlaurens]

On this day in 1777, Laurens applied to become an aide de camp to General George Washington. Washington responded the following day and invited him to become a member of his family, without adding Laurens as an official aide.

[spy-355]

[johnmarshall]

I'm thinking about John Laurens and Alexander Hamilton again And also crying Because I was thinking about it and we only know that they were together because they were apart, you know? Like, because they were away from each other and wrote letters to each other, we know that they loved each other. So it's kind of a blessing and a curse that they were apart for so long because I mean they probably missed each other to pieces! And that's why they wrote those long letters idk this is sounding really rambly but basically if Hamilton and Laurens hadn't been away from each other we probably wouldn't know about their relationship today and that's making me really sad.

[foundingfatherjohnlaurens]

“Although I had the pleasure of saluting you but two days ago I cannot suffer this conveyance by Doctor Read to pass without a repetition.”

The mental image of Henry saluting John in uniform is warming my heart today.

[foundingfatherjohnlaurens]

August 13, 1777

Laurens wrote his first letter for Washington in what looks to me like some of his best handwriting!

[foundingfatherjohnlaurens]

Notes from “Memoirs of Mrs. Ramsay.”

“*It is remarkable, that from and after the time Col. John Laurens was killed in South Carolina, August 27th, 1782, his sister, the subject of these memoirs, then in Vigan, never put up a prayer for him, though she was previously in the habit of praying frequently for him; and his death was unknown to her for two or three months after it had taken place. She mentioned the fact, without pretending to account for it, and added, that she several times wondered at her omission of that usual part of her duty, and resolved to retire for the purpose of praying for her brother; but that in every such case, some sudden call or other unexpected event interposed to prevent her doing so.”

[foundingfatherjohnlaurens]

From aboard the frigate, La Resolute,

 "Laurens arrived safely back in Boston on August 25, 1781, just over six months from the date of his departure. He promptly invested part of the French money in bills of exchange. The balance was carried by oxcarts under heavy guard to Philadelphia. Laurens now returned to army headquarters and Washington's family. Critics claimed that Colonel Laurens's mission to France was a success because the French court was already favorably disposed to provide aid to the Americans. Benjamin Franklin quietly noted later that the young man's impetuous manners towards the French court 'gave more offence than I could have imagined.'" 

Quote via George Washington's Indispensable Men, by Arthur Lefkowitz.

[foundingfatherjohnlaurens]

My dear Laurens

Morristown, New Jersey, March 30, 1780

My dear Laurens

I have received lately two letters from you, the last dated the 24th of February and am much obliged to you for the detail you give me. I hope your expectations may not be disappointed, though I confess to you my fears are very much up about your situation. The enemy will push the point at every hazard; and I am apprehensive after all you will be vulnerable on the water-side. If they will cut down their transports and arm them with heavy cannon, by sacrificing a part of them, they may perhaps overpower you with the remainder.

Our late accounts from New York tell us a further embarkation is going on, no doubt destined your way. It is said to consist of three new levy corps comprising a brigade under Lord Rawdon—The Queen’s Rangers under Simcoe—two British and two German Regiments, amounting I suppose in the whole to about three or four and twenty hundred men. I am inclined to believe these accounts substantially true though not yet entirely authenticated. We expect further advices tomorrow, when I suppose the General will write to General Lincoln.

A question has been agitated whether any reinforcements can be spared you from the army, the unanimous sentiment is against it. You know my idea of Southern affairs and that you cannot be more an advocate for the throwing all the strength we can to that quarter than I am; but in the present case I assure you, I know not how to advise a detachment. We are very weak and from the embarrassments in the Q’r Master’s department, for want of money in the early period of the season, we cannot concentrate our force; otherwise I should be of opinion to send you a detachment and collect the remainder at West Point. Indeed my friend our distress is so great that if there were no objection to parting with the men it would be almost impossible to convey them to you.

There have been no military transactions in this quarter since my last worth mentioning.

Adieu my Dear; I am sure you will exert yourself to save your country; but do not unnecessarily risk one of its most valuable sons. Take as much care of yourself as you ought for the public sake and for the sake of

Yr. affectionate

A. Hamilton

All the lads remember you as a friend and a brother. Meade says God bless you.