Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens was one of the most influential figures in the American Revolution and also one of the most overlooked; his views and the actions he took against slavery, despite the opposition he faced, were some of the first steps to freeing slaves during the war.
John Laurens was twenty-two at the start of the American Revolutionary War, studying law in England. After reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine, Laurens became determined to return home to fight for his freedom despite his father’s refusal. He returned in August of 1777, serving on the staff of George Washington. The first time he ever saw war in action was during the Battle of Brandywine that September. Later on, in the Battle of Germantown, Laurens was injured
John Laurens was twenty-two at the start of the American Revolutionary War, studying law in England. After reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine, Laurens became determined to return home to fight for his freedom despite his father’s refusal. He returned in August of 1777, serving on the staff of George Washington. The first time he ever saw war in action was during the Battle of Brandywine that September. Later on, in the Battle of Germantown, Laurens was injured