Alexander Hamilton/John Laurens

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Pairing
Pairing: Alexander Hamilton x John Laurens
Alternative name(s): Lams
Gender category: M/M
Fandom: Hamilton, American Revolution RPF, Historical RPF
Canonical?:
Prevalence: Popular
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Alexander Hamilton/John Laurens is a slash pairing in Hamilton fandom. It is the most popular ship in the fandom.

History

The ship is mostly based on historical letters Alexander wrote to John Laurens.

In spite of Schuylers black eyes, I have still a part for the public and another for you; so your impatience to have me married is misplaced; a strange cure by the way, as if after matrimony I was to be less devoted than I am now. Let me tell you, that I intend to restore the empire of Hymen and that Cupid is to be his prime Minister. I wish you were at liberty to transgress the bounds of Pensylvania. I would invite you after the fall to Albany to be witness to the final consummation. My Mistress is a good girl, and already loves you because I have told her you are a clever fellow and my friend; but mind, she loves you a l’americaine not a la françoise.

a letter from Alexander to John Laurens, [16 September 1780][1]

The final line ("but mind, she loves you a l’americaine not a la françoise") means "she loves you in an American sense, not in a French sense," with the French being a symbol of sensuality. Thus, the line means something like, "but mind, she loves you, but not like that."

Additionally, Hamilton is not just talking about the consummation, he’s talking about the final consummation. Like the thing that really seals the deal. A lot of Christians don’t view marriages as being official until the couple has sex. To me, it seems like Hamilton is saying to Laurens, “I would invite you to join my wife and me in bed, but you’re stuck in Pennsylvania, and unfortunately, my wife-to-be doesn’t love you like that.”

john-laurens.tumblr.com[2]

Common Tropes, Fanon & Themes

Example Fanworks

Canon Era

Modern Era

The modern era of the ship, which rose to popularity in late 2015, was marked by the hip-hop musical 'Hamilton,' composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, entering mainstream consciousness. Miranda confirmed in a tweet from 2015 that he supports the theory of Alexander Hamilton's bisexuality based on the historical letters that he read between Laurens and Hamilton.

See Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tweet on Hamilton's bisexuality for more details

Miranda gave a nod to acknowledge this theory in his libretto. During Hamilton's big 'I Want' song 'My Shot[3],' Hamilton raps suggestive lyrics when talking about Laurens:

"Laurens, I like you a lot."

Hamilton singing to Laurens in 'My Shot' from 'Hamilton'


The fans attribute this nod in the musical to a specific letter Hamilton sent to John Laurens in April 1779.


[Middlebrook, New Jersey, April, 1779]

Cold in my professions, warm in my friendships, I wish, my Dear Laurens, it might be in my power, by action rather than words, to convince you that I love you. I shall only tell you that ’till you bade us Adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you ...

an excerpt from Hamilton's letter to Laurens


See Fan H.G. Felz on Pinterest quoting Miranda's lyrics for more details

Other Eras

Resources & Fannish Links

References