Henry Laurens

Henry Laurens was the fourth President of the Continental Congress, and thus the leader of what was to become the United States, from November 1, 1777, until December 9, 1778.

He is only American President ever to be held as a prisoner of war by a foreign power. Laurens was held in the Tower of London. He was imprisoned trying to return home from the Netherlands, with a treaty detailing Dutch support for the revolution. While in the tower, he was publicly humiliated, on a daily basis by his guard. He was relesed in exchange for Lord Cornwallis.

He was preceded in office by John Hancock and succeeded by John Jay.