- Item Type > Diary/Letter (x)
- Tag > African-American Soldiers (x)
- Historical Eras > Revolution and New Nation (1751-1815) (x)
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Alexander Hamilton Endorses Arming Slaves for the Revolutionary Cause
In 1778, General George Washington was approached with an interesting proposal from Lt. Col. John Laurens of South Carolina. The war in the southern colonies was going badly, in part because of a shortage of troops. Laurens's solution was to raise a [...]
Item Type: Diary/Letter
Historical Era: Revolution and New Nation (1751-1815)
A South Carolina Planter Endorses Plans for a Black Regiment
South Carolina planter and merchant, Henry Laurens was one of the richest men in colonial America. He amassed a fortune through buying and selling African slaves. Before the American Revolution, over 40% of Africans who survived transport to the [...]
Item Type: Diary/Letter
Historical Era: Revolution and New Nation (1751-1815)
A Planter Proposes A Slave Regiment in the Continental Army
In this letter, John Laurens asks his father, South Carolina slaveowner Henry Laurens, to give him several slaves in lieu of his inheritance, so that he can arm them to fight in the Continental army.
Item Type: Diary/Letter
Historical Era: Revolution and New Nation (1751-1815)