coriline

[coriline]

This! I guess the reason people are surprised about the “coldness” in Laurens is because they're forgetting the way Laurens was raised and how in war, Hamilton and Laurens probably cared nothing about pet names and love poems (and that love and affection isn't a quantifiable thing to be measured).

First, John was raised in a highly religious education, all of his tutors were pretty religious and friends of Henry Laurens, even if John fitted their expectations and more, there's still a high desire of doing what was conventionally good (not relationships with men in the list).

I think John did have problems with communicating his emotions, especially for being putted to great responsibilities at a pretty young age, at the time he lost his mother and the paternal figure he had was his uncle, someone who would communicate with every 2 months by correspondence. But even with that in mind, I do not think John wasn't affectionate with Alexander; especially knowing that Alexander would constantly ask for more letters and attention, it looks like John, even if he wasn't a good writer, always found a way to keep satisfied his desires of affection, which makes me think he did was an affectionate lover with Hamilton.

What I think is most important to known is that the concept of affectionate would change pretty much between what Hamilton and Laurens considered affectionate vs what would us consider affectionate, and the truth is, what probably Hamilton and Laurens considered affectionate was the protection and trust in the other, more than having lots of romantic sentences their way of showing love was discussing military matters (highly important for them both) and especially, opening to the other in ways they couldn't with any other person; in Laurens, going to him searching comfort and advice and letting him know the less likable parts of himself without fearing that Hamilton would lose all the admiration he had in him at knowing it.

So why do you think Laurens was less affectionate than Hamilton in their letters?

Oh, hi anon. @yr-obedt-cicero already replied with two links which you should take a look at (the point about how much correspondence is missing being crucial), but beyond that...

I don't agree with the premise of this question, myself.

Putting aside the question of how we measure degrees of affection, there's also the matter of how it's shown.

Hamilton's 'cold in my professions' letter is all over the place, blustery and long-winded, and I think his rambling, as well as his closing of that letter (where he is being more open and self-aware) is a greater testament of his affection than the almost-offended 'how dare you steal into my affections' at the start.

Laurens, meanwhile, is rarely effusive in his writing, and when he is, it's usually about negative emotions (guilt, grief or anger). His most honest correspondence is probably with his uncle James, where he expresses rawer emotions that the carefully tailored ones he shows Henry. But he's equally frank with Hamilton - sharing his doubts and fears, his conflicted feelings, asking for his advice and reassurance. He's perceptive and vulnerable and familiar, and that's as affectionate as Laurens gets.

#Uff this was longer that I wanted #But the point remains #even if it wasn't unfair to measure love #there's many ways of showing it #and it isn't like Laurens didn't say romantic things #but for the sake of the discourse and ask I'm ignoring that part

[coriline]

“I mean the Defense of the weak and oppress'd; it is a part however that I am determined never to neglect_ for altho' it enriches not, it must make a Man happy, what can be equal to the Heart felt satisfaction which abounds in him who pleads the Cause of the Fatherless and the Widow, and sees right done to him that suffers wrong_ thus after long wavering I am now fix'd, no more Talk to me either of Physick, or Commerce, Law is the Knotty Study which I must endeavor to render pleasants_”

From John Laurens to James Laurens, 1774 September 15

And John decided to abandon definitely medicine.

Even when Henry Laurens highly influenced in John's decisions, at the end of the day what would inevitably choose the course of his life would have been his own (impossible) sense of doing the correct.

#historical john laurens #john laurens #amrev #1774 #american history #james laurens #but well #it's not like Henry Laurens (and others) didn't support the growing of an ideal sense of perfection in John

[coriline]

“my present Prospect is either to be lodged in the Temple, or in some reputable private Family, under the Eye of an honest Lawyer if such a one can be found, and to study the Laws of my Country very diligently for three years_ And a horrible prospect it is, that I am to get my Bread by the Quarrels and Disputes of others, so that I can't pray for sweets in my occupation without praying at the same time a great Part of Mankind may be in Error either thro Ignorance of Design, the only noble Part of my Profession is utterly unprofitable in this world, I mean the Defense of the weak and oppress'd; it is a part however that I am determined never to neglect_”

From John Laurens to James Laurens, 1774 September 15

A kind reminder that John didn't hate the career of Law itself, he hated the people who run it. Because even if being a Lawyer wasn't his first option, he still saw an opportunity of making the good in it.

#historical john laurens #john laurens #amrev #american history #and the irony he feel in love with the man that in his later life would support and defend all the things John hated and contempt #james laurens #1774

[coriline]

"Do I need to spell this one out?"

History shows even great leaders were homasexuals

Sen. Alan Nunnelee, Republican from Tupelo, is afraid the young people in school will learn the try about "gay" people (homosexuals).

History is where one finds homosexuals from the past and will record their actions in the present/future. Example: Lt. Gen Frederich Wilhem Ludolf Gerhard con Steuben, former aide to the greatest military genius of his era, King Frederick II of Prussia, was brought to help train the Continental Army.

Gen. George Washington had to have help with the troops from 13 states, a diverse group, drillwkse and laguagewise. Gen. Steuben and King Frederick were homosexual. Then Gen. Washington assigned Steuben two French-speaking colonels from his own staff, 20-year-old Alexander Hamilton and 24-year-old John Laurens. (Do I need to spell this one out?)

Eddie Sandifer Jackson

From the Clarion-Ledger, 07 October 1956

This is funny because I'm not sure if the author refers to the Baron, Laurens or Hamilton (or them all).

#john laurens #historical john laurens #american history #amrev #quote #historical alexander hamilton #alexander hamilton

[coriline]

It's pretty probable that even if the rest of Laurens siblings did have children (and at present the Laurens descendents are still around) the Laurens last name is probably lost. Therefore if there are descendents of the Laurens family, they don't have Laurens as last name.

However, that's not the reason I reblogged this, I did it to show how according Hurrah for Hampton, Francis Henderson Jr did have a son, called Edward Henderson.

Little disclaimer: I don't know what kind of source had the author to make that declaration, I've tried searching the source but at present I'm still unsuccessful, so take it easy!

"Abbeville Red Shirt Edward Henderson was so light-skinned that a member of the Congressional committe asked: "You are not a colored man, are you?" Henderson's white grandmother was of the South Carolina Laurens family. His white father, Francis Henderson Jr., had been born in Great Britain. A bachelor, his father has boarded with the McClaren family of Abbeville. Ed Henderson's mother Hattie McClaren, was a slave of John McClaren, who "raised" him. His father died unmarried. Had Ed Henderson been white and considered legitimate, he would have inherited a sizable estate."

Are there still descendants of any of the Laurens siblings still alive like you know how Hamilton still has descendants alive.

From what I've seen, all the surviving Laurens kids ( Patsy, Harry, and Polly ) had long lasting lines of families, and there are likely living descendants to this day; but I can't really find any persons in particular. The only one whose bloodline stopped rather shortly; is John Laurens, because his grandson, Francis Henderson Jr, didn't have any children.

[coriline]

"Harry is in a very fair way at Westminster School, under such Regulation as to be in no danger of losing his French and Arithmetic, there will be no difficulty in determining with respect to Jemmy's future proceeding"

From John Laurens to James Laurens, 1774, September 15.

John just being a responsible big brother about his younger brothers' education.

I wonder if the clarification about Harry not losing french nor arithmetic is about those were hard courses for him (or courses he used to lose). Anyway, it's always nice to see he had John at his back looking after his education.

And, this instance makes worst the death of Jemmy, being the younger brother and someone John already had plans on, in this kind of instances you realize John wasn't just his brother, he was a kinder and more gentile paternal figure for them than their actual father.

#it wasn't your fault Harry #it was from the educative system and the high standards of society that wouldn't let a kid be a kid #john laurens #historical john laurens #american history #laurens family #quote #1774 #jemmy laurens #harry laurens

[coriline]

Respecfully, this situation doesn't deserve this level of attention, despite I admire people trying to bring up high moral ground here it's pretty useless.

First, Idk why an anon would change and take in the worst way what Cicero tagged, assuming that the problem about repeating/reposting information is about who points it out and not about the most minimum effort and respect of admitting and taking actions when you clame you found something you didn't.

Second, I must admit searching through a blog a decade old can be difficult, considering the searching/tagging tools of Tumblr (and Google) are kinda broken; however is not that hard to admit you did something wrong, accept corrections and correct the mistakes.

Third, independent how much you enjoy an innocent hobby, having sources and crediting people is sacred, it's not only about laws and what's legal, it's about respect for the work of someone else, it's not quantum physics, it's just empathy.

Fourth, again, I don't know why this is getting attention, it isn't about to blame someone for their words and bringing up high moral ground here, it's about admiting a mistake as offensive as not crediting someone for their find and correcting it. Let it die please.

Hey, so… re your latest tags, any reason why you're discouraging new researches from posting about your favourite topics? What’s the upside to saying that the effort they’re putting into this hobby is pointless because someone unearthed the same thing almost a decade ago? You don’t need to actively cheer them on, but this seems counter-productive.

Oh- this is a good one.

I've always encouraged people to do their own research, but I also tell people to look at what's already here- engage with the old posts and add to them when you can instead of starting the discussion from scratch. It's usually unintentional, but it can be frustrating to see the same stuff you've already posted about being brought up like new news- @john-laurens has had entire powerpoint presentations basically copy/pasted before, and seeing her scans of letters repasted in other people's posts is a weekly occurrence. this wasn't like that. this wasn't a big deal and I didn't think I made it into one, but here you are, exaggerating harm.

crediting work already done is not the same as devaluing what people are doing today. but sure- twist that into me telling people that "the effort they're putting into this hobby is pointless"

#That without mentioning all the trouble about gaining unfair and underseved recognition #Idk if people is interested in the IMPORTANCE about crediting people #Or if they just like to find things to accuse you #But anyways there's my honest contribution

[coriline]

My little contribution, an image of the portrait used in The Spartanburg Herald:

From The Columbia Record, November 18, 1920

(All the credits for the image and its conservation are from Newspapers.com by Ancestry)

It's a pretty portrait, but I haven't been able to explain why that photo is used, when the portrait that the title was actually referring to the one made by Edmonds. Or why nobody addresses the artist of it.

Article from The Spartanburg Herald (of Spartanburg, South Carolina); published on December 28, 1920

I’m assuming the portrait mentioned in the article is this one done by Abraham Edmonds -

#uff sorry for the late in reblogging this! lately i've been incredibly busy and tired #historical John Laurens #John laurens #amrev #american history

[coriline]

I'm really sorry and embarassed, despite I've spent much time reading @john-laurens , I couldn't remember about seeing it before, I'll delete the post and check and eliminate all the repeated stuff. Sorry again.

Article from The Spartanburg Herald (of Spartanburg, South Carolina); published on December 28, 1920

I’m assuming the portrait mentioned in the article is this one done by Abraham Edmonds -

[coriline]

Despite I'm usually not sharing my opinions here and I fully support being critical with the stuff you consume, this question made me raise an eyebrow and ask to myself how fair or even practical is to think in the modern concept of toxicity applied to a relationship where they had to be hidden; most of their time, separated; in constant danger and stressing situations in a society that wouldn't let them to be together and wouldn't respect them together in the same level of a straight couple and probably suffering many behaviors romantisazed in their society but banned in ours. Especially when the only way to judge this aspect are not even all their correspondence but censored surviving letters written with the thought that they could be intercepted.

Hi! So I was thinking about Lams and I started to wonder. What were the more toxic aspects of their relationship, if any? Anyway, that's all and I don't really know how to close this so have a great day!

I really don't think there was many? I'm not saying their relationship was esteemed and perfect in every aspect, but I really can't name anything that was toxic about their bond. Perhaps because the only real glimpse we have into their relationship is through - censored and burned - letters, and not their then-present verbal conversations.

But the worst thing I can truly think of is the constant lying about marriages. Laurens supposedly never told Hamilton of his wife and child, and pretty much tied him into what would have been considered an affair back then, like he was some “mistress” ( Again, by their standards. Not modern lenses ).

“I anticipate by sympathy the pleasure you must feel from the sweet converse of your dearer self in the inclosed letters. I hope they may be recent. They were brought out of New York by General Thompson delivered to him there by a Mrs. Moore not long from England, soi-disante parente de Madame votre épouse. She speaks of a daughter of yours, well when she left England, perhaps ⟨– – –⟩.”

(source — From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [April, 1779])

I mean obviously matters were soon resolved, as their affectionate letters continued and showed that their relationship did not end there.

But then there was also Hamilton's marriage; where he didn't tell Laurens straight up that he was courting Elizabeth, and rather “rips off the bandage” saying he is to be married;

“Have you not heard that I am on the point of becoming a benedict? I confess my sins. I am guilty. Next fall completes my doom. I give up my liberty to Miss Schuyler.”

(source — From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [30 June, 1780])

So, Hamilton was hiding it behind his back. Perhaps he genuinely forgot to tell Laurens as he does say they both have forgotten to write to each other earlier in the letter, or perhaps with good intentions as he knew well that Laurens wasn't holding up very well as a POW;

“For your own sake, for my sake, for the public sake, I shall pray for the success of the attempt you mention; that you may have it in your power to act with us. But if you should be disappointed, bear it like a man; and have recourse, neither to the dagger, nor to the poisoned bowl, nor to the rope.”

(source — From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [16 September 1780])

Whatever the reason may be, it is once again the both of them not being completely truthful and trapping each other in a triangle of affairs. But as the same with Laurens's marriage, the matters seems to be resolved and they continue on with their affectionate letters. So even with their few, but severe, untruthfulness being the only real red flag in their relationship — these problems seem to be resolved soon, as they come to an agreement. Other than that, I can't name anything else really.

Thank you, you too!

#not john laurens #not history related

[coriline]

Letter, 1774 July 15, Charleston, S.C., Alexander Garden to John Laurens

There's many parts I couldn't figure it out and I have been in this letter for MONTHS. There's a moment when you have to admit that Mr. Garden writing is too much for you, this is mine.

"My dear Sir

Your very obliging and kind friendly letter of 4th april 1774 from geneva came very soon to my hands undereaver of your Father's letters. My obligation to you for this island of your attention and friendship are endeid great, because you have given me all the information what I could desire and much more than I expected on a point of much concern to me. Your Account of the College and your vary particular amount of the differente private methos, plans and school of ------- was exendingly submit and satisfactory. They have make me to form a much ------ ------ of them than Ever I could get before form any information that fill in my way.

Tho I imagined that my Joy will not begin his Philosophical at geneve yet I am fully will resolved that be shall study there some part of his time_

I read with much satisfaction your precis of Professor de ----- new proposed plan of Education. I think there are many things or ---- the whole that merits much attention but I cannot help thinking that the Subjects that are to be the business of the Sociall Classes are much above the years of ---- from and to 14 years of age. The objects of ------ for the --- Last Classes seen to use to be will calculated for the year of 15. 16. 17 and 19 of most young Men. So much of this subject wants amendment and ---- are the Calls of no time for amendment that --------- did will Europe will --------- indebted to this Ingenous Profession for his pointing out the way to them_ Some years ago a similar plan to this was sketched out by the Professors of the Berry's College at Aberden, a Copy of which one of those Gentleman sent me which I have now compared with Dc. Fanfiure's and I find the resemblance very great, but whether those Gentleman did actually presents the Mercy on reduce it to practice I really know rest.

When any thing of that Kind will take plan here God only knows for my part I begin almost to dispair of it for the some influence which formally hurry over this unlucky province continues to deform Society with the most ridiculous prejudices and partialities, all which must vanish and die before the public allention will be geniously learned towards the Collection of a raising generation._

Your kind wishes for my self care are very acceptable and indeed tho at all lines prove and quietruss are the beloved Objects of my Wishes yet in those days of public discord and general distress they are particularly to be wished for_

May heaven continue to bless and quiet you in the Paths of Science and virtue and return you to your Father, your friends and your Country a good and worthy Citizen and Accomplished Man. I am with my best wishes for your prosperity.

Dr Sir

Your most Obd and hble Servt

Alex Garden"

Source

#historical john laurens #alexander garden #john laurens #amrev #letter #1774

[coriline]

I'm pretty sure Laurens liked all that was related to science, in his letters to Alexander Garden it looks like que gifted him with a book about climatology, and for what I can read, I'm pretty sure Dr. Garden shared with him discussions many about science.

If I can recall well, there's a letter from Laurens to his uncle (?) In which describes what would have been the atomic model of the time.

And well, his tutor Bartholomew Himeli in some moment wrote about how he was sure that when Laurens returned to Carolina from Ginebra, he would invert in the development of arts and science.

So yes, Laurens wasn't just a biology and medicine nerd, he was a whole time nerd.

“the Microscope, & Telescope, are Impatiently expected, & if we cou’d be favour’d with your company to give us a Lecture, it wou’d I dare say be of more advantage then the Sketch you so kindly promise, but that cant be. the Solar System will be thankfully receiv’d.”

—

Alicia Hopton to John Laurens, June 17, 1771

So I’ve been thinking about this letter, and this really intrigues me. It seems Laurens was teaching Alicia (and at least one other person) about astronomy.

(via thelittlelionofvalleyforge)

#give me some time and ill organize the sources #or make a whole post about it #whatever that comes first #john laurens #historical john laurens

[coriline]

The doll of Mary Eleanor Laurens

Some great women has their own Barbies, Mary Eleanor Laurens got a doll.

Published by the Columbia Record, May 04 1970.

Dolls Wear Fashions Seen In S.C. From 1770-1870

... Representing Mrs. Charles Pinckney (Mary Eleanor Laurens) this doll wears a gown of striped silk with turquoise velvet redingote designed as a calling costume. The matching turban in rose, blue, white and black stripe is typical of the period. Her husband was governor for three terms between 1789-1808. The dress was made by Mrs. C. Laney Talbert.

This was a project from the Democratic Women's Council from S.C., they were thirty dolls given by the Horsman Doll Company, planned to represent wives of State's Governors'.

The exhibition was made for the Tricentennial Celebration of 1970. They were on display on the Columbia's Tricentennial Celebration Center on the grounds of the Hampton-Preston Home on Blanding Street.

Using my inexistent edition abilities, I colored the picture to show how it might had looked like:

The credit for the conservation and digitalization of the newspaper and its picture belongs to Newspapers.com by Ancestry, the use of it is exclusively for personal uses.

#laurens family #mary eleanor laurens #polly laurens #laurens siblings #fashion history #american history #honestly the dress looks absolutely cute in my opinion

[coriline]

About J. Laurens trust (in Hamilton)

“⟨In respect⟩ to the Commission, which you ⟨received from⟩ Congress, all the world must think your conduct perfectly right. Indeed your ideas upon this occasion seem not to have their wonted accuracy; and you have had scruples, in a great measure, without foundation. By your appointment as Aide De Camp to the Commander in Chief, you had as much the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, as any officer in the line—your receiving a commission as Lieutenant Colonel from the date of that appointment, does not in the least injure or interfere with one of them; unless by virtue of it you are introduced into a particular regiment in violation of the right of succession”

“The only thing I see wrong in the affair is this—Congress by their conduct, both on the former and present occasion, appear to have intended to confer a privilege, an honor, a mark of distinction, a something upon you; which they withold from other Gentlemen in the family. This carries with it an air of preference, which, though we can all truly say, we love your character, and admire your military merit, cannot fail to give some of us uneasy sensations. But in this, my Dear J I wish you to understand me well. The blame, if there is any, falls wholly upon Congress. I repeat it, your conduct has been perfectly right and even laudable; you rejected the offer when you ought to have rejected it; and you accepted ⟨it⟩ when you ought to have accepted it; and let me ⟨add⟩ with a degree of overscrupulous delicacy. It ⟨was necessary⟩ to your project; your ⟨project⟩ was the public good; and I should have done the same. In hesitating, you have refined upon the refinements of generosity.”

Source

I haven't ever put much attention to this instance in the Laurens-Hamilton relationship, however looking back in Laurens' character and personality is so valuable he trusted enough in Hamilton's opinion and moral to talk about his fears in accepting a new rank.

In general, Laurens looked to be a reserved person about his insecurities and fears, during the war his closest correspondence was with his father and Hamilton. Doing a quick research through him and his father's correspondence, the most remarkable characteristic thing in their letters are the amount of news about war, generally Laurens didn't expose his worries to his father. (Their correspondence)

“As a Soldier, as a Citizen, as a Man—I am interested to

engage in this work—and I would chearfully sacrifice the largest portion of my future expectations to its success”

From John Laurens to Henry Laurens, 10th march 1779

That phenomenon isn't strange, and it doesn't point an negative aspect exclusive from HL's parenthood, despite their letters lack of personal matters and are over all focused in communicating military matters, considering the time and their devotion to war it isn't a surprise: Laurens being the oldest son and starting to develop an “independence” from his father through his work in the war, was expected to matter about military matters and stop searching comfort in his father, starting to being perceived as an “equal” by his father.

In fact, what is strange is that Laurens revealed some of his worries to Hamilton, and even when a new rank can look poorly important for us, for Laurens was a big step. Again, during the war, Laurens develops (or reveals) the most characteristic parts of his personality and aspirations, far from his father's influence he could develop a circle of friends he could choose by himself, being in an environment where he could (try to) achieve his fantasies about honor and martyrs. It is pretty sure you don't need to read his letters to know the war was highly significant to him.

And is for this grade of importance that military life has on him, it's so meaningful he trusted Hamilton to share his worries about accepting a new rank. Being someone with the mind so filled with idealizations about how he had to be as “a Soldier, as a Citizen, as a Man” the fact he let himself share his preoccupations with Hamilton just can mean he admired Hamilton as a Soldier, Citizen, and Man, and he trusted enough in his judgement to know Hamilton would give him a sincere and trustful advise.

And let himself be enough vulnerable to search advice and some comfort in Hamilton.

If we talk about his younger years, the correspondence is much more affectionate and personal, but this does have some explanations. First, Laurens, being a student, had mostly academical worries and generally those worries were decided or highly influenced by his tutors and father (Again, it's during war where he gains some “independence”). Second, considering his position and the 18th century concept of masculinity, it was expected of him turning more serious and reserved, or at very least, nice in a way where worries or weakness couldn't be perceived, specially being in the middle of a war. Third, I suspect due to his great desires of perfection, in some way he limited himself in expressing worries and weakness.

However, it's pretty clear he broke this illusion of ideal man with Hamilton.

“For your own sake, for my sake, for the public sake, I shall pray for the success of the attempt you mention; that you may have it in your power to act with us. But if you should be disappointed, bear it like a man; and have recourse, neither to the dagger, nor to the poisoned bowl, nor to the rope.”

Source

The clear implication of Laurens' mental state is enough to prove to know Hamilton had a clear knowledge of Laurens' mental state, the fact Laurens trusted enough in him to reveal and trust those parts of him, not only going against of his hard self-views but also going against of what masculinity meant back then.

It's simply nice to see how Hamilton meant a secure place for Laurens (and how it was reciprocated), there are so many little details among them that just show how much they meant for each other. They both being obsessed with honor and glory, they were totally able to see that desired glory and achievement in the other, even after knowing their least liked sides.

 “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 your value to the United States, make me most ardently desire, that you should fill only the first offices of the Republic.”

Source

“Let me know fully Yr. Southern affairs. They are interesting and critical. You are judicious and impartial. God bless you.”

Source

Naturally, this isn't the only shows of trust Laurens had with Hamilton, but I had been thinking about this a time ago.

#historical lams #historical john laurens #amrev #american history #john laurens #alexander hamilton #historical alexander hamilton

[coriline]

John Laurens' grandson was probably a physician

Francis Henderson Jr, only surviving child of the marriage between Frances Eleanor Laurens (one and only children of John Laurens) and Francis Henderson, a Scottish merchant who met France in a bank, according to the newspaper of Abbeville, (I have a post about that and here you can see the microfilm of the newspaper).

In the newspaper, the author claims Francis Jr was graduated of the University of Edinburgh, they also said he was a specially well-informed and intelligent man, studying in “one of the first universities in Germany” too.

Since I read that, I asked myself what studied Francis Jr and maybe, today, I have the answer.

According to George Washington's Indispensable Men, Francis graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1819. However, I haven't seen it mentioned in any other place and even in the article from the newspaper (written by a known of Francis Jr) doesn't mention the date of his graduation and the reference they use in George Washington's Indispensable Men is a Washington's writing, therefore this can be an inexact date (as happens with the year of born of Francis Jr, which some sources have it in 1800 and others in 1801)

I didn't know it, but the University of Edinburgh has a great conservation of graduated students since 1585, unluckily, the year of 1819 isn't available in the Archive Online, however, the faculty of medicine has its own recompilation of graduates.

Honestly, I didn't consider possible Francis Jr being a physician, he was raised by his father's side of the family, who were all merchants, and considering Francis Henderson (father) was considered poor I would have thought his family too, making it more complicated to Francis Jr study medicine.

That, without mentioning he was a good friend of Andrew Jackson (being invited to the White House during the trial with his father) therefore I would have expected him being focused on law or politics.

But, as soon as I searched in the Historical Alumni, I found there's two Francis Henderson graduated in medicine, one of them graduated during 1815 and the other, during 1817.

Even when this can be a strange coincidence, I find incredible John Laurens' grandson could have been a physician. Maybe I'll try searching what could have been the German university Francis Jr graduated too.

#historical John Laurens #Francis Henderson Jr #Francis Henderson #Laurens family #Frances Eleanor Laurens #american history #john laurens

[coriline]

I think is a shame that the most popular John Laurens' draws is that one of the soft shelled turtle when he also drew this beautiful turtle (I think it is a leatherback sea turtle.?)

Source

The famous Laurens' draws were sent with a description of both specimens and well, it is a good day to remember John Laurens' participation in the clasification of turtles species (and probably other animal's and plant's ones).

#he actually made it look really pretty #and cute #historical john laurens #john laurens #american history #amrev

[coriline]

Dr. Garden and John Laurens

“His general character is so well known, and has been so ably fedpicted by others, that I have little to say that can increase its celebrity. His extensive information, and classical knowledge, obtained the respect of the learned. His polite and easy behavior, insured distinction in every polished society. The warmth of his heart, gained the affection of his friends, his sincerity their confidence and esteem. His patriotic integrity commanded the veneration of his countrymen— his intrepidity their unlimited applause.”

“His gallantry, in action, was highly characteristic of his love of Fame. The post of danger was his favourite station. Some, indeed, may style his display of intrepidity, at every risk, the height of rashness.”

“From such a display of chivalric gallantry in early life, may not friendship be allowed to say, without the imputation of improper partiality— To auger from the achievements which the past had exhibited, had not Death stopped the career of his glory, he would have proved a model, both of civil and military virtue, "a mirror by which our youth might dress themselves".”

From Anecdotes of the Revolutionary War in America: With Sketches of Character of Persons the Most Distinguished, in the Southern States, for Civil and Military Services by Alexander Garden.

The description Garden gives here takes a new perspective considering he met Laurens around his 15ts and literally watched him grow up, considering Laurens a good friend of him and specially, thinking in Laurens like a person who he had great expectations and opportunities in the country.

Considering his age difference I think Garden naturally would had thought John would be the one outliving him, but at the end, was him who outlived John for almost 10 years.

It's just, kinda sad to think, Garden had great expectations about Laurens and always looked to kept an eye on him even when their correspondece stopped however all of those good wishes ended up broken with his death. This brings a question, how conscientious Garden was about his pressure in Laurens? How much this pressure (alongside others one in his life) affected Laurens? The Garden's expectations over him have the tendency of being so good and so positive that it can touch the ambition of perfection in Laurens.

And with that, we can just wonder how pressured John was to make the things great and correct and how much it affected to his self-esteem and mental health.

#alexander garden #quotes #john laurens #historical john laurens #american history #amrev #i know Garden's character isn't well know among the fandom but HEAR ME #if we're going to talk about Laurens mentality we need to recognize the apparent necessity people had in perfect him #it looks like all people around him has this need about perfect him and yes #that's just a reflection about how he want people perceiving him #BUT HEAR ME #that must had started somewhere and is interesting to consider other peiple contribuing to it moreover of Henry Laurens #i could ramble about it much more but i prefer to make a post dedicated to Alexander Garden and their friendship