John Laurens (October 28, 1754 – August 27, 1782) However, upon returning to London in August 1774, he yielded to his father's wish that he study law. which served as Washington's headquarters through the Battle of White Marsh.

After spending the remainder of the winter of 1777–1778 encamped at Valley Forge, Laurens marched to New Jersey around June 1778, to fight in the Battle of Monmouth.

Laurens was also reported to have told the French that without aid for the Revolution, the Americans might be forced by the British to fight against France. When Laurens and Paine returned to America in August 1781, they brought 2.5 million livres in silver, the first part of a French gift of 6 million and a loan of 10 million.

The Laurens family sold their plantation in the 19th century, where it was bought and resold by many. In 1936 it was purchased by publisher Henry Luce and his wife Clare Boothe Luce.

Personal life

Marriage and children

thumb|right|Marriage record for John Laurens and Martha Manning

On October 26, 1776, Laurens married Martha Manning in London. Her father, one of Henry Laurens's business agents, was a mentor and family friend whose home Laurens had frequently visited during his years in London. Based on Laurens's correspondence with his father, the first film "The Cause Of Liberty", dramatized the young man's decision to leave England, and the second "The Impossible War" outlined his battles in the Continental Army and his death. Michael Douglas played the leading role of Laurens.

Laurens was featured in an episode of the 1984 George Washington miniseries, portrayed by Kevin Conroy.

Laurens was depicted as a supporting character in the 2015 musical Hamilton. Anthony Ramos originated the role of Laurens in the off-Broadway and Broadway casts, including the 2020 film of the stage production.

Nathanael Greene, in general orders announcing the death of Laurens, wrote "The army has lost a brave officer and the public a worthy citizen."

Further reading

; Laurens and the Revolutionary War

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; Battle of Coosawatchie

  • Your Dutiful Son, John Laurens (excerpts from Laurens' correspondence with his father)
  • National Archives: Founders Online (correspondence of Laurens and Hamilton)
  • Image: John Laurens Portrait at the South Carolina State House