330 THE FEENCH BLOOD IN AMERICA 



Huguenot lu the work of this Provincial Congress, perhaps the 



most important which ever assembled in the state, Henry 

 ' Laurens the Huguenot was easily the commanding figure 

 and the leading influence. His character and talents fitted 

 him to command. He was a gentleman, scholar, states- 

 man and patriot, supplementing his own fine qualities 

 by a sincere piety. He was later to fill a larger sphere. 

 He was among the first to see the trend of the British 

 policy towards the colonies and to argue in behalf of the 

 colonial rights, and it was in large measure owing to his 

 bold and outspoken convictions that the sentiment of his 

 state was so sound and strong. 



John Huger In the Couucil of Safety chosen by the Congress Henry 



Laurens stands first, and John Huger, another Huguenot, 

 was a second member. Some time later, when the Pro- 

 vincial Congress had voted itself to be the General As- 

 sembly of South Carolina, and had adopted an independ- 

 ent constitution, a legislative council and other ofl&cers 

 were elected. In the council were George Gabriel Powel 

 and Le Roy Hammond ; Henry Laurens was vice-presi- 

 dent ; John Huger was secretary. This was an honourable 

 Huguenot representation in the civil government. 



V 

 "When it came to military service, of which South Car- 

 olina had full share, the French were still more in evi- 

 dence. Aside from Marion, whose story will be told else- 

 Lieut.-Coi. where, Lieutenant- Colonel John Laurens, sonof Honour- 



John Laurens 



able Henry Laurens, wa& a notable figure. Highly edu- 

 cated, widely travelled, the correspondence between him 

 and his father shows both the literary ability and the un- 

 usually close relationship between the two. Possessed of a 

 charming personality, handsome and accomplished, he 

 had a host of friends, and promised to be perhaps the 

 most popular citizen of his state. He entered upon the 

 war for independence with all the ardour of patriotism, 

 and proved a most eflOicient officer and gallant leader. 



