John Laurens and the American Revolution

With a New Preface by the Author

Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book John Laurens and the American Revolution by Gregory D. Massey, University of South Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gregory D. Massey ISBN: 9781611176131
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press Publication: December 13, 2016
Imprint: University of South Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Gregory D. Massey
ISBN: 9781611176131
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
Publication: December 13, 2016
Imprint: University of South Carolina Press
Language: English

Winning a reputation for reckless bravery in a succession of major battles and sieges, John Laurens distinguished himself as one of the most zealous, self-sacrificing participants in the American Revolution. A native of South Carolina and son of Henry Laurens, president of the Continental Congress, John devoted his life to securing American independence. In this comprehensive biography, Gregory D. Massey recounts the young Laurens's wartime record —a riveting tale in its own right —and finds that even more remarkable than his military escapades were his revolutionary ideas concerning the rights of African Americans. Massey relates Laurens's desperation to fight for his country once revolution had begun. A law student in England, he joined the war effort in 1777, leaving behind his English wife and an unborn child he would never see. Massey tells of the young officer's devoted service as General George Washington's aide-de-camp, interaction with prominent military and political figures, and conspicuous military efforts at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Newport, Charleston, Savannah, and Yorktown. Massey also recounts Laurens's survival of four battle wounds and six months as a prisoner of war, his controversial diplomatic mission to France, and his close friendship with Alexander Hamilton. Laurens's death in a minor battle in August 1782 was a tragic loss for the new state and nation. Unlike other prominent southerners, Laurens believed blacks shared a similar nature with whites, and he formulated a plan to free slaves in return for their service in the Continental Army. Massey explores the personal, social, and cultural factors that prompted Laurens to diverge so radically from his peers and to raise vital questions about the role African Americans would play in the new republic.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Winning a reputation for reckless bravery in a succession of major battles and sieges, John Laurens distinguished himself as one of the most zealous, self-sacrificing participants in the American Revolution. A native of South Carolina and son of Henry Laurens, president of the Continental Congress, John devoted his life to securing American independence. In this comprehensive biography, Gregory D. Massey recounts the young Laurens's wartime record —a riveting tale in its own right —and finds that even more remarkable than his military escapades were his revolutionary ideas concerning the rights of African Americans. Massey relates Laurens's desperation to fight for his country once revolution had begun. A law student in England, he joined the war effort in 1777, leaving behind his English wife and an unborn child he would never see. Massey tells of the young officer's devoted service as General George Washington's aide-de-camp, interaction with prominent military and political figures, and conspicuous military efforts at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Newport, Charleston, Savannah, and Yorktown. Massey also recounts Laurens's survival of four battle wounds and six months as a prisoner of war, his controversial diplomatic mission to France, and his close friendship with Alexander Hamilton. Laurens's death in a minor battle in August 1782 was a tragic loss for the new state and nation. Unlike other prominent southerners, Laurens believed blacks shared a similar nature with whites, and he formulated a plan to free slaves in return for their service in the Continental Army. Massey explores the personal, social, and cultural factors that prompted Laurens to diverge so radically from his peers and to raise vital questions about the role African Americans would play in the new republic.

More books from University of South Carolina Press

Cover of the book Art Smart, Science Detective by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Edinburgh Days, or Doing What I Want to Do by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Denise Levertov in Company by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Inquiry, Logic, and International Politics by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Becoming Southern Writers by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book The Best Gun in the World by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Riverbanks Zoo and Garden by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book The Civil War as Global Conflict by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book The Carolina Backcountry Venture by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Reflections of South Carolina, Volume 2 by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Introducing Science through Images by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book William Gilmore Simms's Selected Reviews on Literature and Civilization by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book From the Desk of the Dean by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book On the Waters of the Wissahickon by Gregory D. Massey
Cover of the book Southern Writers Bear Witness by Gregory D. Massey
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy