pes of Congress, was yet more
complete than could reasonably have been expected, considering the
liberal grants, which the French government had recently made to the
solicitations of Dr Franklin. All that could be effected by zeal,
activity, perseverance, and intelligence, was accomplished by Colonel
Laurens; but so great was his eagerness to do his duty on the
occasion, and to render the most essential service to his country,
that his forwardness and impatience were somewhat displeasing to the
French Ministry, as not altogether consistent with their ideas of the
dignity and deference belonging to transactions with Courts. They made
allowance, however, for the ardor and inexperience of youth, and seem
not to have been influenced by these objectionable points of manners,
in their estimation of his noble and generous traits of character, or
in their disposition to listen to his requests.

Having compassed the aims of his mission with uncommon despatch,
Colonel Laurens left Paris, and reached Philadelphia towards the end
of August, having been absent from the country but little more than
six months. As soon as he had made a report of his doings to Congress,
he repaired again to the army in time to be present at the memorable
siege of York Town. Here he displayed great courage and gallantly in
storming and taking a British battery, as second in command to
Hamilton. After the capitulation he joined the southern army under
General Greene, having previously acted as a representative in the
legislature of his native State, which convened at Jacksonborough in
January, 1782. While with the army, during the following summer, he
was ill with a fever, from which he had hardly recovered when
intelligence came, that a party of the British were out on a marauding
excursion to Combakee. He went in pursuit of the enemy, and while
leading an advanced party, he received a mortal wound, which
terminated his life on the 27th of August, 1782, in the twentyseventh
year of his age. His death was deeply lamented by the army and the
nation.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

JOHN LAURENS.

* * * * *

INSTRUCTIONS TO JOHN LAURENS.

In Congress, December 23d, 1780.

Sir,

You will herewith receive a commission appointing you our Minister at
the Court of Versailles; in pursuing the objects of which, you will
conform to the following instructions.