Laurens, John (1754-1782) to Henry Laurens
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04343.02 Author/Creator: Laurens, John (1754-1782) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 March 1775 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 18 cm. Order a Copy
Written by John Laurens as a law student at Middle Temple in London to his father Henry Laurens as a member of the First Provincial Congress of South Carolina. Has time to write because Mr. Curling is detained. Says he is sending the fourth number of the Parliamentary Register and other papers. Says Mr. Simmons is returning to America with Curling, but that their friend Dean's health keeps him from making the voyage. Says a letter from him will work wonders. Says some friends have inquired about Henry's health. Mentions that his friend Mr. Taylor has said "that the present Dispute between Parliament and the Colonies will be amicably settled in a short time." John asks rhetorically if that is so, why are more soliders being sent to America? Letter has been repaired and there is minor text loss. Address leaf is separate from letter and has been repaired. Red wax seal is partially extent.
Curling I find is still detained, which gives me an oportunity of sending you the fourth number of the Parliamy Register and your Papers to the present date. Mrs Simmon goes his passenger, but not our Friend Deans, who is relapsed into his hypochondriach sta[text loss] and from his Wife's Description of his nightly Di[text loss]etude, and Moans, as well as his daily wringing hands and constantly accusing himself of having forfeited the Esteem of his best Friend, by a Bredth [text loss] Promise - I am inclined to think of two Things one, either that he is seriously and irrecoverably lost to this world - or that he has not Resolution enough to undertake the Voyage, thinks himself bound, but would be glad to excuse himself by apparent Indisposition or Incapacity - but this Suspicion I reproach myself for, while I express it - and only mention it, because it has occur'd to me sometimes - however the Truth be, I have done all in my power, to comfort him, by reminding him of your known Indulgence, even where you have received gross Injuries - by promising to insure him, even from verbal Censure upon his Arrival, infinitely more from the Slight and Rejection which he seems to dread - and by adding lastly to make him quite easy - that if his present D[text loss]pondency arose, from any Struggle between, what [text loss] thought, his Duty and his Inclination, you wou[text loss] freely grant him Absolution - a Letter from you, not a [speedy] will be a powerful Remedy - kind Wor[text loss] from one he venerates so much, and fears to hav[text loss] offended, will make him happy.
Miss Taylor, Elliot, [Hemès] and others of your good Friends whom I have had the pleasure of seeing to day, [2] inquire kindly of your Health &ca. the first says we may rest assur'd that the present Dispute between Parliament and the Colonies will be amicably settled in a short time. Why then these additional Regiments of Foot, and this expensive Bugbear of a Regiment of Dragoons? he intimates that some Letters of Doctor Franklin, have fall'n into the hands of Government, of such a nature, [inserted: as] that, however favorably Government may be inclined, [inserted: they] must be interpreted Treason and that they wish he would save himself by timely Removal I call'd upon our Governor this morning, and he talks of leaving Town this day sev'nnight.
If Curling do not go too early in the morning, you will receive another Paper and Letter from
Your most affectionate
and Dutiful Son
John Laurens
16th March 1775
[docket]
John Laurens
16 March 1775
Recd 4 May
[address leaf]
Henry Laurens Esqr.
Charles Town
SoCarolina.
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