So I've read the Laurens/Hamilton letters more times than I care to admit,
BUT HOW DID I NEVER NOTICE THIS
"For your sake, for my sake, for the public sake, I shall pray for the success of the attempt you mention; that you may have it in your power to act with us. But if you should be disappointed, bear it like a man; and have recourse, neither to the dagger, nor to the poisoned bowl, nor to the rope."
—Hamilton to Laurens, September 16, 1780
SJJDNFJDOWKEJ DOES THIS MEAN WHAT I THINK IT DOES
ok lemme back up
• The "attempt" Hamilton speaks of is Laurens' attempt to be exchanged out of prison, as he was a prisoner-of-war in Philadelphia at the time.
• Recourse: access or resort to a person or thing for help or protection
If the letter means what I think it does, Hamilton is basically telling Laurens not to turn to death.
We already know Laurens was likely depressed and suicidal.
Prior to this letter, Laurens had been writing less and less (or at least all that we know from the letters we have access to).
Is it possible that he was having a low?
What the excerpt suggests is that Hamilton has seen Laurens at his lowest and knows what he's prone to.
call me stupid but does Hammy possibly have knowledge of Laurens feeling suicidal and possibly witnessed something? Not exactly an attempt, but something that showed him how Laurens was feeling at times?
maybe?
i don't know i just saw this and figured i may as well put it in here
i might add more to this later when i'm not in english class
YOU ARE READING
An Unofficial Review of Lams by an Unofficial Historian
NonfiksiI thought this might be fun so... I'm going to go over the letters and other scenarios (I'll take requests if there's something you want me to go over) I'll try to be as unbiased as I can but no promises. As I said, I am no historian, so this is ma...
