Becoming a Founding "Father"- Historical Hamilton

Chapter Forty-Five: Laurens-Layden letters (1781-1782)

*Surprise chapter, anyone? Reminder that (XXX) refers to crossed out text- to the point where it's indistinguishable.

John Laurens not mentally well during the months leading to his death.

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I sent the bottle of wine back with my letter. To my surprise, I saw it again, a few months later with another letter.

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Dear Layden,

I almost writ Col before your name- it is strange to believe that you have resignd from the Family. I have heard from Hamilton that you have been ill- I wish you to be better. I would pray, but I would rather not accidentally bring bad luck to yrself.

It sounds very much like H to flaunt his son- I'm happy for him, he deserves such a happyness. He always wanted children. I would have wanted children could I somehow procure one- or four- without (XXX)marriage. Tho as I have said I would not be the best father, as my temper is something I control with much difficulty.

War continues in the South- I am glad that you and H are safe. As Lee- not the one Hamilton shot- has departed the army, Gen Greene has given me his troops and appointed me his head of intelligence- which does happen to restrict my Time in the battlefield, which is unfortunate. The job is interesting, but- as Tallmadge has said- the life of secrets is not a happy one. 

I am still campaigning for my black plan. Progress is slow but it is there- of course the delegates fear a Slave revolt but the situation is becoming more Violent by day. Knowing their hypocrisy, they would rather have black blood spilt than white and yet they persist in their Greed. It is most ridiculous and at times- God forgive me- I hate my fellow Southerners

Send Hamilton my regards. Pass on wishes to Mrs Hamilton and Phillip. I have the honor to be Sir yr humble and obednt servt.

John Laurens

PS: The wine is yours. Have it.

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Dear Laurens, 

Any prayers of good will are aceppted in the eyes of God. You seem to believe that I would your nature against you- I do not. Tho I am still ill my health is not worssening  As I mentioned before I suffered consttantly from headaches before so this is barely a bother anymore.

I've passed the wishes to Philip, from uncle John. Is that alright? Mrs Hamilton knows of you due to Alexander's conztantly running mouth, but if that is too much than I shall rescind that. The lion is currently studying law and has made himself a mancave out of his oficce- I can only bribe him outside with your letters so do please continue sending them. 

Do you remember Colonel Aaron Burr, the man with you at Stony Point? Apparently Alex and him have started a coresspondence as they're studying in the same field. What is your experience with the man, as Ham seems to be peeved at whatever the man writes? Is Burr of an annoying personality, or is he just being unreasonable?

Now you have piqued my intterest in your opinion of the Black plan. You yrself are a southerner, so I assume you have grown up with slaves all around and I wonder what inspired you to think about abolition? I personaly believe in a society where everyone is equal (including people of colour and women) but I was raised in a country where that was common belief. I'm assuming it wasn't the same for yourself.

Lafayette is returning to France in the next month. There was a delay- he was supposed to go in December of 1781, but there were complication's with Gen Washington, and then he decided to take a detour and visit me and Alex.