John Laurens

John Laurens was born on October 28, 1754, in Charleston, South Carolina, into a prominent family. His father, Henry Laurens, was one of the wealthiest men in the American colonies and would later serve as President of the Continental Congress. John’s early education was provided by private tutors, and in 1772, he traveled to London and Geneva for further studies. While in Europe, he gained exposure to Enlightenment ideals that would shape his views on slavery and human rights.

Returning to the colonies as tensions with Britain escalated, Laurens chose to align with the revolutionary cause. In 1777, he joined General George Washington’s staff as a volunteer aide-de-camp. Laurens proved himself as a capable officer and became a trusted confidant of Washington. His dedication to the cause and his bravery in battle, including at the Battle of Brandywine, earned him accolades from his contemporaries.

One of Laurens’ most progressive ideas was his plan to recruit enslaved Black individuals to fight for the Continental Army in exchange for their freedom. He believed that this would not only bolster the American forces but also strike a blow to the institution of slavery itself. Laurens passionately advocated for this plan, writing to his father and others to gather support.

Despite the potential benefits of his proposal, it was met with strong resistance, particularly in his home state of South Carolina. Many South Carolinian planters, including some members of the Revolutionary government, feared arming Black individuals could lead to uprisings and threaten the social order based on slavery. The plan’s rejection reflected the deep-seated racial prejudices and economic interests that overshadowed the revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality for all.

Laurens’ dedication to the revolutionary cause put him in harm’s way multiple times. He was captured by the British in 1780 after the siege of Charleston and spent more than a year as a prisoner of war.

After his release, Laurens was dispatched to France in 1781. His mission was to assist in securing loans and supplies for the war effort. With his charm, fluency in French, and determination, Laurens was successful in his diplomatic efforts, securing much-needed support from the French government.

After returning to America and continuing his military service, Laurens met a tragic end. He was killed in a minor skirmish against the British near Combahee River in South Carolina on August 27, 1782, a mere few months before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.

John Laurens remains a somewhat unsung hero of the American Revolution. While his life was cut short, his passion for liberty and his fight against the institution of slavery left an indelible mark on the revolutionary era. He was one of the few founding figures to confront the contradiction of a revolution for liberty being fought by a nation that enslaved a significant portion of its population. Laurens’ advocacy for Black troops and his push against slavery, even if not fully realized in his lifetime, would echo in the annals of American history as the nation grappled with these issues in the subsequent century.

His personal letters, particularly those exchanged with Alexander Hamilton, have also been a subject of interest, offering insights into the deep friendships and intellectual camaraderie of the Revolutionary generation. As the United States continues to grapple with its complex history, figures like Laurens offer a lens through which we can better understand the ideals and contradictions of the nation’s founding era.