1To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, July 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ South Carolina, July, 1782. 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...
You have seen, and by this time considered, General Lee’s infamous publication. I have collected some hints for an answer; but I do not think, either that I can rely upon my own knowledge of facts and style to answer him fully, or that it would be prudent to undertake it without counsel. An affair of this kind ought to be passed over in total silence, or answered in a masterly manner. The...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 18 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
On my arrival in town I was informed by the president, that Congress had suspended the business of appointing a Secretary to their Minister plenipotentiary at Versailles until my return, in hopes that I might still be prevailed upon to accept the office. I replied that I thought my letter upon the subject sufficiently explicit and assured him of my sincere desire to be excused from serving in...
4To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 8 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 8, 1780. On September 16, 1780, Hamilton wrote to Laurens : “I … have just time to tell you that I have received your letter of the 8th.” Letter not found. ]
5To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [July 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I am indebted to you, my dear Hamilton, for two letters; the first from Albany, as masterly a piece of cynicism as ever was penned, the other from Philadelphia, dated the 2d March; in both, you mention a design of retiring, which makes me exceedingly unhappy. I would not wish to have you for a moment withdrawn from the public service; at the same time, my friendship for you, and knowlege of...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 12 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon my arrival here yesterday evening I communicated the intelligence received from General Wayne to the President of Congress and the french minister. The latter surprised me greatly by informing me that only one 74 gun ship of the Count de Grasses division and the fier Rodrigue had arrived at Chesapeak. I am at a loss how to account for the absence of the rest. They have not been within the...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 14 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Ternant will relate to you how many violent struggles I have had between duty and inclination—how much my heart was with you, while I appeared to be most actively employed here—but it appears to me that I shd be inexcusable in the light of a Citizen if I did not continue my utmost efforts for carrying the plan of black levies into execution, while there remains the smallest hope of success....
8To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 30 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] July 30, 1780 . Has executed Hamilton’s commission by arranging for a tailor to make a hat for him. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
9To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 24 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ February 24, 1780. On March 30, 1780, Hamilton wrote to Laurens : “I have received lately two letters from you, the last dated the 24th of February.” Letter of February 24 not found. ]