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I recently did an article regarding the writing process I go through to make historical fiction.

With that in mind, I wanted to discuss what parts are fact and what parts are fiction in the Lawrence of America series.

What’s real:

The timeline and scene of attempt – This is all from historical documentation about the commotion after shots were fired. Although the rounds never fired, gunshots still rang out and smoke plumed, giving the illusion that Jackson had actually been shot.

Jackson’s dialogue: He’s quoted directly here from multiple sources.

Lawrence’s behavior – at this point he fully believed that he was the king or royalty of some sort and saw American’s as beneath him.

No legal precedent to charge Lawrence with more than a misdemeanor.

The amount of interviews from doctors he received – he was visited often daily by several doctors, although this dwindled as the trial approached.

Lawrence met and knew (loosely) George Poindexter, by working for him as a painter, the relationship was loose.

Lawrence’s relationship with his sisters, which was generally good, he lived with his siters and often got along with them, until near the end. The attack on his sister and her husband was real, as was his almost immediate release from jail after that.

Lawrence’s attempt(s) to return to Britain. He attempts twice to return, although this series only shows him attempting to leave once, both times he claims that he was stopped by powerful people and the government.

Lawrence’s sudden flamboyant dress – known for most of his life as a modest, well kept man, he quickly began dressing differently and sporting a mustache.

Lawrence shooting at the servant girl in his shop and shouting that she leaves after giggling at his clothing.

Stalking Andrew Jackson – Lawrence did this for weeks.

Lawrence’s frequent outbursts and behavior in court – He frequently made claim to his throne, even shouting at one point that he wanted to kill Jackson only for money and stating he’d essentially do it again.

The verdict – It took jury less than 5 minutes to deliberate a ‘not guilty’ verdict. The jury stated that his mental health afflition precluded him from any ‘crime’. He was sent to a mental hospital and remained in hospital care until he died, outliving Jackson.

What’s fiction:

Lawrence’s dialogue – Outside of court documents there are little direct quotes from Lawrence, just descriptions of his insanity after the attempt and his wholesomeness prior to the attempt.

Lawrence’s timeline of how we see him work for Poindexter, simply wandering on and working and demanding payment. This is also where he has a conversation in passing with Poindexter. This dialogue is all fabricated.

Mr. Peabody’s character – Mr. Peabody was a wealthy person who owned a construction company in the DC area during the early 1800’s (this part is real). The idea that he had an enforcer that would use his name to go around and threaten or torture payments out of you is absolute fiction. This character is designed to make us question whether there is credence to powerful people stopping his trips, it also shows how deeply paranoid the real Lawrence was.

Prostitutes thwarting his first attempt at killing Jackson. This never happened.

If you enjoyed this, read the other parts or check out other series here.

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