Alexander Hamilton/John Laurens
| 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 |
| Archives: | |
| Other: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
This article or section needs expansion. |
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
- Alexander Hamilton/John Laurens tag on AO3
- [J. Laurens, A. Hamilton] pairing filter on fanfiction.net
- lams tag on Tumblr
- Search results for #lams #hamilton on Wattpad
References
- ^ founders.archives.gov, From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [16 September 1780]
- ^ tumblr ask, "So, about the letter where Hamilton writes about inviting Laurens to 'the final consummation'". Archived from the original on Feb 11, 2021.
- ^ https://genius.com/Lin-manuel-miranda-anthony-ramos-daveed-diggs-okieriete-onaodowan-leslie-odom-jr-and-original-broadway-cast-of-hamilton-my-shot-lyrics