Henry Laurens was an American Founding Father, merchant, slave trader, and rice planter from South Carolina who became a political leader during the Revolutionary War. A delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Laurens succeeded John Hancock as its president. He was a signatory to the Articles of Confederation and, as president, presided over its passage.
Valley Forge, March 16, 1778 . States that command of Forts Montgomery and Clinton should be placed under general command of the Highlands. Has appointed Major General Alexander McDougall to…
Valley Forge , April 3, 1778 . Recommends that Captain Henry Lee be promoted.
Valley Forge, May 3, 1778 . Discusses reasons for lack of Indian aid. Thinks the United States should continue to try to counteract British overtures to Indians.
[ New Brunswick, New Jersey ] July 7, 1778 . States that American forces have advanced to North River. Asks that Committee for Arranging the Army begin operations at once.
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 11, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Laurens’s congratulations on Battle of Monmouth.
White Plains [ New York ] July 26, 1778 . Regrets Baron von Steuben finds it necessary to resign.
White Plains, New York, August 9, 1778 . Discusses desirability of forming a corps consisting of Hessian deserters.
White Plains [ New York ] August 13, 1778 . Encloses a letter from Major General John Sullivan. Asks for papers concerning Major General Arthur St. Clair, whose trial is…
Passi September 11. 1778 Sir I have the Honour to inclose to Congress, the latest Gazettes. We have no other Intelligence than is contained in them. Since the 11. July…
White Plains [ New York ] September 12, 1778 . Transmits a copy of report of “a Board of Officersâ€� on proposed Canadian expedition. Discusses importance of project and problems…
Passi Septr. 20 1778 Sir I have the Honour to inclose, the latest Gazettes, which contain all the News of Europe. The News from America by the Way of London,…
Fishkill [ New York ] October 3, 1778 . Sends information concerning enemy’s movements in New Jersey.
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 21, 1778 . Introduces Lieutenant Colonel Mauduit du Plessis, who wishes to leave country.
Passy, Novemr. 7. 1778 Sir We have the Honour to inclose a Copy of the Declaration concerning the 11 and 12 Articles of the Treaty of Commerce, 1 which we…
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 13, 1778 . States that Baron von Steuben waits upon Congress on the subject of the inspectorship.
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 14, 1778 . Discusses advantages and disadvantages of proposed Canadian expedition.
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 16, 1778 . Transmits news of attack on Cherry Valley. Believes that only way to prevent such attacks is to carry on an offensive…
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 19, 1778 . States that Colonel Armand wishes Congress to commission officers who served in his corps, and that Armand intends to leave for…
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 21, 1778 . Requests Congress to promote Pierre Penet’s brother to captain by brevet.
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 27, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of copies of treaties with France. States that commissioners have been appointed for exchange of prisoners. Discusses plans for…
Passy Decr 3 1778 Sir I have the Honour to inclose to Congress, the latest News Papers: As they contain the Speech at the Opening of Parliament, 1 and Some…
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 18, 1779 . Discusses exchange of prisoners. Believes that civilian prisoners should not be exchanged at this time. Raises question as to mode of…
George Washington proposes merging the responsibilities of the muster department with those of the inspectorship to improve efficiency. He communicates this recommendation to Henry Laurens, aiming to streamline military administration during the Revolutionary War.
Passy, Apl. 12. 1782. Sir, I should sooner have paid my Respects to you by Letter if I had not till lately expected you here, as I understood it to…