Alexander Hamilton Papers

To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, July 1782

From Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens

[South Carolina, July, 1782.1 The printed extract of a letter Laurens wrote to Hamilton reads as follows: “The enemy’s system was perfectly defensive, and rendered the campaign insipid. Many of our sanguine citizens have flattered themselves with the idea of a prompt evacuation of Charleston. I wish the garrison would either withdraw or fight us. Adieu, my dear friend; while circumstances place so great a distance between us, I entreat you not to withdraw the consolation of your letters. You know the unalterable sentiments of your affectionate Laurens.” Letter not found.]

Hamilton, History description begins John C. Hamilton, Life of Alexander Hamilton, a History of the Republic of the United States of America (Boston, 1879). description ends , II, 299–300.

1It is not possible to date this letter precisely. J. C. Hamilton gives the letter no date but states only that “Hamilton replied on the fifteenth of August.” It is possible that this is the concluding paragraph of the preceding letter.

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