John Laurens (October 28, 1754 – August 27, 1782) [1] was an American soldier and statesman from South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War, best known for his efforts to help recruit slaves to fight for their freedom as U.S. soldiers. [2]

John Laurens (born October 28, 1754, Charleston, South Carolina [U.S.]—died August 27, 1782, Combahee River, south of Charleston) was an American Revolutionary War officer who served as aide-de-camp to Gen. George Washington.

Sep 29, 2019 · John Laurens (October 28, 1754–August 27, 1782) was a well-known South Carolina soldier and statesman. Active during the period of the American Revolution, Laurens was a vocal critic of the institution of enslavement who presented the Continental Congress with a plan to recruit enslaved people to fight against the British.

John Laurens was studying law in London, England when the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, and the Revolutionary War reached a crescendo. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Laurens lived a life of comfort as his father, Henry Laurens, owned eight plantations in the colony.

John (Jack) Laurens served as an aide-de-camp to George Washington during the American Revolution, becoming a devoted member of Washington's "military family." During the war, Laurens devised a plan to recruit enslaved people from the southern states into regiments for the Continental Army and emancipate them in return for their military service.

Feb 14, 2020 · John Laurens was a soldier and a diplomat in the Revolutionary War. He was also an abolitionist who spent a lot of time and effort trying to get Congress and South Carolina legislature to approve a regiment of black soldiers.

By accounts from the country we learn, that Mr. John Laurens, a Lieutenant colonel in the rebel army, and son of Mr. Henry Laurens, now in London; was lately killed near Combahee river, in attempting to impede the operations of a detachment of his Majesty’s troops.

Jul 25, 2022 · Among the American commander’s harried subordinates was a young and enthusiastic South Carolinian named John Laurens, who had joined the Continental Army a month earlier. Well educated, well connected and fluent in French, he’d been appointed to Washington’s staff as an aide-de-camp.

Feb 2, 2025 · South Carolina’s John Laurens was a hero of the American Revolution but was tragically killed in action at the age of only 27, becoming a footnote in the conflict.

John Laurens was studying law in London, England when the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, and the Revolutionary War reached a crescendo. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Laurens lived a life of comfort as his father, Henry Laurens, owned eight plantations in the colony.