The letters exchanged between Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens during the American Revolution offer a fascinating glimpse into a deep and complex relationship amidst the backdrop of war and nation-building. Drawn from the close-knit circle around General George Washington, these correspondences, penned between 1779 and 1782, reveal a bond that transcended mere camaraderie, hinting at an intimacy that has captivated historians and enthusiasts alike. Examining these excerpts provides valuable insight into the personal life of Hamilton John Laurens and the emotional landscape of the American Revolution.
“Cold in Professions, Warm in Friendships”: The Genesis of Affection
In April 1779, a young Alexander Hamilton, then just twenty-two, wrote to John Laurens, twenty-five, who had departed from camp to advocate for the enlistment of Black soldiers in South Carolina. Hamilton’s words, tinged with a blend of playful reproach and heartfelt sincerity, immediately establish the tone of their connection. “Cold in my professions, warm in [my] friendships,” Hamilton begins, confessing, “I wish, my Dear Laurens, it m[ight] be in my power, by action rather than words, [to] convince you that I love you.”
This opening declaration is striking in its directness. Hamilton, known for his intellectual prowess and often reserved demeanor, openly expresses his affection. He continues, revealing the impact of Laurens’ absence: ” ’till you bade us Adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you.” This sentiment underscores the depth of Laurens’ influence on Hamilton, a man who claimed to “preserve myself free from particular attachments.” Hamilton playfully accuses Laurens of having “stolen into my affections without my consent,” yet readily pardons this “fraud,” conditioned on Laurens continuing to “merit the partiality” he has inspired. This letter showcases the nascent stage of their documented intimacy, portraying a bond already strong enough for Hamilton to express vulnerability and a desire for reciprocation.
A Wifely Interlude and Joking Allusions
Continuing his April 1779 letter, Hamilton transitions to a seemingly lighter topic – wives. Tasking Laurens with finding him a wife in Carolina, Hamilton provides a detailed, and somewhat satirical, description of his ideal partner. He lists qualities such as youth, beauty (“good shape” being paramount), intelligence (“a little learning will do”), and chastity, while also emphasizing the importance of fortune. This seemingly conventional request takes a turn with the aside: “You will be pleased to recollect in your negotiations that I have no invincible antipathy to the maidenly beauties & that I am willing to take the trouble of them upon myself.”
This playful tone escalates further as Hamilton suggests advertising for potential wives, detailing the need to describe the “lover”—his “size, make, quality of mind and body, achievements, expectations, fortune, &c.” The explicit joke about “the length of my nose” and the illegible, sexually suggestive words that followed leave little doubt about the intimate and jesting nature of their correspondence. This segment, while seemingly digressive, reveals the comfort and freedom with which Hamilton communicated with Laurens, unafraid to broach personal and even risqué subjects. It highlights a level of informality and trust rarely seen in correspondences of the era, especially between men of their standing.
Jealous Affections and Reconciliations
Five months later, in September 1779, Hamilton’s letter reveals a different emotional hue – jealousy and longing for reciprocation. Acknowledging only one letter from Laurens since his departure, Hamilton confesses to a “violent conflict between my friendship and my pride.” He notes writing “five or six letters” himself and feeling slighted by Laurens’ perceived lack of response. “Like a jealous lover,” Hamilton admits, “when I thought you slighted my caresses, my affection was alarmed and my vanity piqued.” He even confesses to almost resolving to withhold his affection, “and to reject you as an inconstant and an ungrateful –” before Laurens’ letter arrived.
This passionate outburst further cements the intensity of Hamilton’s feelings for Laurens. The comparison to a “jealous lover” is particularly striking, revealing a depth of emotional investment that goes beyond typical male friendships of the time. Hamilton’s relief and quick reconciliation upon receiving Laurens’ letter, declaring “You must at least allow me a large stock of good nature,” further underscores his eagerness to maintain their bond and his sensitivity to any perceived охлаждение in Laurens’ affection.
Engagement, Marriage, and Unwavering Friendship
By June 1780, circumstances had changed for both men. Laurens was a prisoner of war in Pennsylvania, and Hamilton was engaged to Eliza Schuyler. Hamilton shares his impending nuptials with Laurens, describing Miss Schuyler not with ardent passion, but with practical appreciation: “She is a good hearted girl who I am sure will never play the termagant; though not a genius she has good sense enough to be agreeable, and though not a beauty, she has fine black eyes—is rather handsome and has every other requisite of the exterior to make a lover happy.” This pragmatic view of marriage contrasts sharply with the passionate language he employs when addressing Laurens.
Despite his engagement, Hamilton’s affection for Laurens remains undiminished. He expresses concern for Laurens’ confinement and invites him to visit, emphasizing the “pleasure which we shall relish with the sensibility of the sincerest friendship.” This letter suggests that while Hamilton is embarking on a conventional path of marriage, his emotional core remains deeply connected to Laurens.
In September 1780, Hamilton reiterates this sentiment. Despite “Schuylers black eyes,” his affections are still divided, “a part for the public and another for you.” He dismisses Laurens’ suggestion that marriage would diminish his devotion, proclaiming his intention to “restore the empire of Hymen and that Cupid is to be his prime Minister.” He playfully notes that his fiancée “already loves you because I have told her you are a clever fellow and my friend; but mind, she loves you a l’americaine not a la francoise,” hinting at different cultural expressions of affection. The letter concludes with a poignant wish: “Adieu, be happy, and let friendship between us be more than a name.” This repeated emphasis on the depth and significance of their friendship, even amidst Hamilton’s marriage plans, reinforces its central importance to him.
A Vision for Peace and a Tragic End
Two years later, in August 1782, as peace seemed imminent, Hamilton, now a delegate to Congress, wrote to Laurens envisioning a shared future in peacetime nation-building. “Peace made, My Dear friend, a new scene opens,” he writes, urging Laurens to “Quit your sword my friend, put on the toga, come to Congress.” He envisions them working together, “hand in hand struggle to make her happy,” to secure American independence and build a strong union. This letter reveals a shared vision for the future of their nation and Hamilton’s desire to continue their partnership in this new endeavor.
Tragically, this vision would remain unrealized. Just days later, on August 27, 1782, John Laurens was killed in a skirmish. It is uncertain whether Hamilton’s final letter even reached him. Laurens’ untimely death marked a profound loss for Hamilton, both personally and professionally.
Legacy of Affection: Understanding Hamilton and Laurens
The letters between Hamilton John Laurens provide a unique window into the personal lives and emotional landscape of two pivotal figures of the American Revolution. They reveal a deep and affectionate bond, expressed in language that, while interpreted differently by historians, undeniably suggests a connection that went beyond mere friendship. Whether viewed through a modern lens of romantic or homoerotic affection, or understood within the context of 18th-century sentimental friendships, these letters underscore the profound impact Hamilton John Laurens had on each other’s lives. They stand as a testament to the power of human connection amidst war and revolution, and continue to fascinate those seeking to understand the complexities of these historical figures and their era.
