Henry Laurens

Date of Birth: March 6, 1724

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 8, 1792

Biography

Henry Laurens was an American merchant and rice planter who became a politician and statesman during the American Revolutionary War. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Laurens played a crucial role in the early governance of the United States, serving as President of the Continental Congress from 1777 to 1778. He was a prominent figure in South Carolina politics and a staunch advocate for American independence. Laurens was also a victim of British capture during the war, spending over a year imprisoned in the Tower of London. After his release, he continued to contribute to American diplomacy, notably serving as a diplomat in the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Laurens

1. Henry Laurens was the first American to be imprisoned in the Tower of London.

2. He played a key role in the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.

3. Laurens was a successful merchant and plantation owner, amassing significant wealth from the rice trade.

4. His son, John Laurens, was also a notable figure in the American Revolution and served as an aide-de-camp to George Washington.

5. Henry Laurens was initially against the idea of American independence but changed his stance following the outbreak of hostilities.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Laurens

1. “We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again.”

2. “Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.”

3. “I am a South Carolinian by birth, a citizen of the world by principle.”

4. “The road to freedom is paved with the blood of tyrants and patriots alike.”

5. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his wealth, Henry Laurens’ net worth was estimated to be equivalent to approximately $10 million in today’s dollars, primarily derived from his successful merchant activities and rice plantations.

Children

Henry Laurens had several children, notable among them was John Laurens, who was an officer in the Continental Army and served as an aide to General George Washington. John Laurens was known for his advocacy for the emancipation of slaves and his proposal to recruit them into the Continental Army.