A historical figure's attempts to secure freedom for America and
her slaves Winning a reputation for reckless bravery in a
succession of major battles and sieges, John Laurens
distinguished himself as one of the most zealous, self-
sacrificing participants in the American Revolution. A native of
South Carolina and son of Henry Laurens, president of the
Continental Congress, John devoted his life to securing American
independence. In this comprehensive biography, Gregory D. Massey
recounts the young Laurens's wartime record —a riveting tale in
its own right —and finds that even more remarkable than his
military escapades were his revolutionary ideas concerning the
rights of African Americans. Massey relates Laurens's
desperation to fight for his country once revolution had begun.
A law student in England, he joined the war effort in 1777,
leaving behind his English wife and an unborn child he would
never see. Massey tells of the young officer's devoted service
as General George Washington's aide-de-camp, intera