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First, let’s talk about Laurens (or as the boys sometimes call him, Jack). Historically, Lafayette and Hamilton were present when Arnold’s treachery was discovered, but Laurens was a prisoner of war in Philadelphia after his capture following the Continental defeat at Charleston. He wasn’t released until November 1780, after Arnold’s betrayal, and was sent to France the following month. In my AU, Laurens stays a prisoner of war after Charleston and is still shipped to Philadelphia. However, after a brief skirmish at West Point, Washington waves the white flag. Arnold ensured West Point’s defenses were severely diminished, and the Continental Army didn’t stand a chance after such a surprise. Washington surrenders, and he, along with Hamilton, Lafayette, and the other officers, is quickly restrained and moved to York City. From there, the Continental Army’s collapse continues. Greene, Lincoln, Knox, Wayne, and the others are either captured or manage to flee. Laurens, as a POW, is also brought to York City. His captivity in Philadelphia is likely the last time he sees his father.

Next up, Lafayette (whom the boys, sans Washington, affectionately call Gilbert or Gil). He’s in between a rock and a hard place, as yes, he’s a Continental general, but he’s also a French nobleman. The British have to be very careful how they treat him, considering they want to avoid a full-scale war with France. Lafayette knows this very well, but they keep him in check using the others, who have no such protection. The French ambassadors to Great Britain attempt to negotiate for his release throughout the events of the story, though that’s kept from Lafayette. Gilbert, as a respectable POW, isn’t kept in a cell in the Tower of London as the others are, but is given limited “freedom.” He’s given plain servants’ clothing and isn’t provided a wig or even powder, but still, he’s given a room, food, and is treated well enough. He tries to be on his best behavior for the sake of Washington, Hamilton, and Laurens, but he’s a little shit sometimes (especially when face-to-face with King George).

Third is the pride(?) of Mount Vernon. Washington is in the toughest spot in terms of what to do with him. King George and the British generals would very much like to hang him, but because they’re still struggling to put down the rebellion, that’d make him a massive martyr. They can’t hang him, but they can’t free him. They can’t allow him contact with the outside world because that’d open up the possibility of an escape attempt or more uprisings overseas. (Joke’s on them, that just opens up more rumors about his treatment.) So upon Washington’s arrival in London, they’re escorted to meet the king. The British don’t recognize his position as Commander-in-Chief, or even as a general. They address him as “Mr.” or “Colonel” (which was his last given rank in the colonial militia in Virginia). Similarly, they don’t recognize Laurens’ rank, but as the son of Henry Laurens, who, outside of being President of Congress at one point, was all around one of the most powerful people in South Carolina, he’s treated with enough respect to not be hanged on American soil. Besides, he was well-known enough that he’d have made another martyr. But, back to Washington, they’re led to St. James’ Palace in what George recognizes is meant to get under his skin. The order of importance that the British recognize. Lafayette, as a recognized nobleman, is in front, and he’s forced to follow behind. Hamilton, for a reason we’ll go into later, is separated from the group. In any case, once they reach the palace, Lafayette moves aside to allow Washington to step ahead in an act of respect, allowing George to be the first to greet the king they spent the past 5 years at war with. Lafayette and Laurens follow his lead and don’t bow to the king they denounced. This just serves to infuriate an already crazy King George.

Now, their treatment. After this short, entirely unproductive conversation, Washington, Laurens, and Lafayette are separated. Washington and Laurens are both taken to Beauchamp Tower and are kept essentially on opposite ends of the tower (with Washington as high as possible). Lafayette is granted more luxury and is given a comfortable enough room in the Bloody Tower (or the Garden Tower; it’s where Robert Dudley, Princess Elizabeth, and the Princes in the Tower were all held prisoner). Washington is relatively isolated from human contact. His only actual contact is the servants who bring him food once a day. The guards outside stay silent the entire time, and Washington himself isn’t permitted to speak. He isn’t allowed a change of clothes after his uniform is initially stripped from him. The only “entertainment” he’s provided is a small window that he’s able to look out of and watch people below. He’s given a Bible for comfort and is left to his own boredom.

Laurens is a more… special case. Since their arrival in London (and more specifically, since his separation from an ill Alexander), he’s been extremely hostile to the people around him. Where Washington is allowed to roam his cell freely, Laurens tends to spend most of his time with his limbs bound. His questions about Alexander are left unanswered, and he has the roughest treatment between Lafayette, Washington, and himself. He’s left in his uniform (dirty and tattered though it may be), and I’m relatively sure his rabid ass has bitten a soldier before. (Washington: It don’t bite. George: Yes, it fuckin’ do, bitch!) He spends most of his time in the Tower littered with bruises and cuts. He’s also the one who attempts to escape the most (and fails ‘cause his plans are stupid).

Now, Lafayette. As mentioned before, he’s treated relatively well. He’s given decent meals, a good bed and quarters, and relative freedom. He’s able to traverse the Tower and outside in the Green and in the gardens freely (albeit with guards close by). He’s only prevented from visiting Laurens and Washington in Beauchamp Tower. Continuing what I said earlier, he’s given rather plain clothes for a nobleman. In fact, he’s given servants’ clothes as mentioned before, and is prevented from wearing a wig or powdering his hair. The king makes it clear that in the British court, he’s a nobody. Still, he can’t be injured (too much) or King Louis would throw a fit. Lafayette doesn’t ever resist, but he doesn’t submit either, much to King George’s constant annoyance.

Fourth up, Hamilton. Hamilton is in a very, very rough spot. After his capture at West Point, he’s meant to be hanged, as he has no standing compared to the others brought to London. In fact, I’m still on the fence about Tilghman, Harrison, and McHenry being hanged. Anyway, during their imprisonment, their poor conditions led to Hamilton falling ill. (Cue the feverish babbling about Eliza, who he doesn’t get to marry in this AU.) Laurens spends most of his time caring for him. When it’s clear that the British mean to hang Alexander, Laurens begs a defeated Washington to save him. As much as Washington would like to, there’s nothing he can do that he knows of. Laurens had known that’s what Washington would say, and he’d already come up with a plan. A lie that would spare Alexander, at least for the moment. And it works, much to their relief. Unfortunately, the next stop is London, and the ship ride does nothing to better Hamilton’s illness. Upon their arrival, he’s separated from Lafayette, Laurens, and Washington and taken directly to the Tower (via the Traitors’ Gate, of course). His conditions are infinitely worse, and his health deteriorates. The medical treatment and better quarters he eventually gets are thanks to André, who recognizes that Hamilton is a lot like him (that is, he couldn’t help his lowly birth, but used what he had to his advantage).