1From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had Yesterday the Honour of your Letter of 25. September, and I beg leave to thank you, for your kind Congratulations on our little Success at the Hague.— I wish to have it in my Power to congratulate you Soon, upon a good Peace.— But, every Thing within my Observation, is disposing itself, both on the side of France and England for another Campaign So that I cannot give much Encouragement...
2From David Cobb to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 23d inst. has been duly received—the Commander in Chief having gone up the River to view the Posts at Albany & its vicinity; I can only observe that the alteration made in the mode of Issues will give general satisfaction, if the Issuer behaves with the Least Decency; As you are sensible that it is not altogether the badness of the Contract, but the mode of its execution that...
3Enclosure No. 4: Copy of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 5 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
An idle surmise of Mr. Banks, and an improper curiosity of General Scott in the State of Virginia, may give an unjust complexion to the late transaction respecting the measures taken to obtain clothing, as the Governor of Virginia writes, that it was considered a mere speculation for private emolument. For fear, such rumors should spread to my disadvantage, I take the liberty to enclose you a...
4Enclosure No. 3: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 2 February … (Hamilton Papers)
“Lieutenant Colonel Carrington has closed a contract with Mr. Banks for the subsistence of the army, at something [less] than eleven pence sterling. It is high, but it could not be had lower. There was not an offer made but by Mr. Banks, although I wrote to all the principal men in the country. People have not that spirit for engaging in business, here, as with us. “I shall get the troops...
5Enclosure No. 5: John Banks’s Certificate, [ca. 3 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
It having been suggested from an interpretation of my letter of October 1782, to Mr. James Hunter, that the honorable Major-General Greene was interested, or intimated a desire of holding a commercial connection with me in Charleston; I do, therefore, as well for the sake of removing such an idea, as to avert from myself any mischief, that a heedless surmise, expressed in a confidential letter...
6Enclosure C: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene, to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 11 November 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
“I am taking measures to obtain clothing for the troops. We have on hand but a small part of our winter clothing, and after what we shall be obliged to issue to those troops going northwardly, we shall have but a small pittance left. I imagine, our purchases will amount to not less than forty thousand dollars, for which I shall draw bills on the Financier; and, as I provide the clothing, at...
7Enclosure No. 2: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 19 December … (Hamilton Papers)
“You will see by some of my former letters, that, in consequence of your orders, I had taken measures, to provide such articles of clothing, as were necessary to complete the troops with their winter clothing. Messrs. Banks and Company have furnished most of the articles we shall want, and will provide the rest. Mr. Hamilton, the clothier, had instructions to contract with such as would supply...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
As the enemy appear from different Quarters to be in motion it is necessary that the army be in readiness to march, it is therefore ordered that the tents be immediately struck—the baggage and camp equipage loaded—the horses to the Waggons and all the men at their respective incampments paraded and ready to march at a moments warning. ALS , University of California at Berkeley. Lincoln, who...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, [28 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by your letter to his Excellency that the detachment of Marylanders under Col Spotswood, have marched to your post, with the other troops. His intention and directions were, that they should remain at Princeton, as he wishes to keep the Corps united, but since the matter has fallen out differently, he desires that detachment may immediately return to Princeton. ALS , sold at...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [9 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 9, 1783. In a letter dated May, 1783, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “I have been honored with your letter of the 9th ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Lincoln was appointed Secretary at War on October 30, 1781 ( JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XXI, 1087). Printed in this volume.
11From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 26 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
It is his Excellency’s desire, that you have an immediate inspection made into the state of the mens arms and accoutrements, belonging to your division; and take effectual measures to have them put into the best order possible. Also to have your men completed to their proper complement of ammunition, strictly injoining the greatest care to avoid all wanton and unnecessary waste. I am Sir ...
12Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Lincoln, and Benjamin Lincoln to Virginia Delegates, 1 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
Copy (Virginia State Library). Made by Arthur Lee on a single page and enclosed in Virginia Delegates to Harrison, 2 April 1782 ( q.v. ). The success of recruiting in Virginia will very much depend on the State having Arms & Clothing for the Men that may be raisd. We therefore beg you will inform us, what supply of these Articles the State may depend upon from your department. We have the...
13From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
In the absence of the Comr in Chief, I have the Honor to transmit to you, the Inclosed Letter in Behalf of the Officers of Delaware, signifying their Acceptance of the Commutation proposed by the Act of Congress of the of March. With much Respect & Esteem I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
14From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
From some recent Intelligence from the Northward, His Excellency grows very anxious for the Departure of the Troops—The General therefore wishes you as soon as possible to consult with Mr Ross Agent for this State—& the officers of the Vessells offerd for the Service what Number of Men it will be necessary for them to take—& have the Men on Board & the Vessells Dispached, as early as can be....
15From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 25th instant a Doctr Shields & Mrs Beck from Lancaster arrived at Dobbs Ferry, with Genl Hazens passport to go into N. York—agreable to Genl Orders, they were stopped & reported at Head Quarters—The Genl has ordered them to be detained untill information can be had from you respectg them. As these people are very impatient to go in, you will be so good as to give the Genl Notice as soon...
16From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
By Command of His Excellency I transmit to you a Monthly Return of the Army—for September. With great Respect I am Sir &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
17From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 21 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been obliged to make so large a temporary detachment, that it becomes indispensibly necessary to call in the Recruits from the States nearest at hand. You will therefore be pleased to dispatch orders to the superintending Officers to send forward, to the Army, such as may have come in to the places of rendezvous, and to exert themselves to collect and send in any which may yet be...
18From George Washington to Major Generals Benjamin Lincoln and John Sullivan and Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 22 … (Washington Papers)
An Inconvenience of considerable Magnitude arising from the Practice of carrying Household furniture &C. in Waggons & Carts to the Enemy has determined me to direct that in future nothing shall be transported that way—I do not mean to prevent such of the Inhabitants as choose to withdraw within the Enemy’s lines from taking with them all their Apparel & Household furniture as usual if they can...
19From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 12 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you, Copies of a Memorial of sundry Officers of the Invalid Regiment, and the Opinion of a Board of Inspection on their several Cases; which you will be pleased to lay before Congress for their Consideration & Determination. With great Regard and Esteem I have the Honor to be Dear Sir Your most Obedient & humble Servant, DNA : Item 149, Letters and Reports from...
20From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 26th of April and of the 3d inst. I am pleased to hear so flattering accounts of the prospects of Men and of some kinds of supplies, but so great are my apprehensions on the score of provisions, that I am sending General Heath purposely to the Eastern States to represent our distresses and to endeavour to fix a plan for our regular supply in future. I refer...
21From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Finding the Commissioners appointed to liquidate the accounts of Monies due for the maintenance of Prisoners, and make permanent provision for their future support, have seperated without accomplishing any thing; I think it highly expedient that measures should be adopted, at this moment, for taking the German Prisoners of War into our service: as this measure has been considerably agitated, I...
22From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Troops composing the Detat c hment under your Command may, till they are united with the Force in Virginia, be formed into three Brigades—Vizt—The light Infantry, to be commanded by Colo. Scammel, on the Right—The two York Regiments under Brigr Genl Clinton on the Left—& Hazens, Jersey & Rhode Island in the Center. You will march Tomorrow at four oClock in the morning—in two Columns—for...
23From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to a Resolve of Congress of the 19th of December last I am to make known to you the number of General Officers which I shall judge necessary to be in the Field in the Main and separate Armies and in different parts of the United States. This at the present moment considering the uncertainty of the operation of the Campaign which will depend not only upon the dispositions of the...
24From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you a Copy of the proceedings of our Commissioners at their late Meeting at Tappan, with Copies of the powers presented by the British Commissioners, and the several papers which passed between them ’till their Seperation on the 28th—by which you will see their Business has been brot to a speedy & undecisive Issue. Inclosed are Copies of Letters which passed...
25From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
When pressed by Neccessity to adopt a Measure, a Choice is scarcely left us. In answer therefore to your Letter of the 12th Instant, I am obliged to observe, that the Tardiness of the States will compel us to that, which in my Opinion, policy forbids. At this critical Moment, Inclination would not lead me to consent to disbandg any Corps of the Army—But if the States cannot—or what is the...
26From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry I happened to miss you yesterday. I waited till two Oclock p.m. in expectation of your arrival, and then divided my family upon difft roads—but all of us escaped your Tract. conceiving that this might happen, I left a few introductory Letters (for you to some of the first Gentlemen in Carolina) with Baron Kalb, and would now inclose you others to my friends in Virga if I knew what...
27From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favors of the 19th Decemr and 5th January. I thank you for your communications and shall always be happy to hear from you when you have leisure. I am so utter a stranger to the Country in which you are, that I cannot pretend to offer my opinion upon the measures that ought or ought not to be pursued. Of this however I am confident, that your Abilities...
28From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your several Letters of 26th Febry—1st—4 & 4th of March. I know no Objections to the Arrangement of the Virginia Line as transmitted to me from your Office—It has my Approbation—& may pass into Record. Whatever of Cloathg can be obtained for the Army, I wish to have forwarded with as much dispach as possible—Mr Morris, knowg our Circumstances, & his own Abilities, or rather...
29From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
General Hazen in the same Letter which acquaints me of the Designation of Capt. Asgill of the Guards for the purpose of Retaliation, also informs that there are two persons in our power at York & Winchester, who come under my first Description—I have therefore immediately given him the inclosed Orders, which you will see, & which I beg you will cause to be conveyed to him. If Lieut. Turner or...
30From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 11 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 25th & 28th of last Month, and it gives me very great pleasure to find that you are appointed to a Committee the subject of whose deliberations you are so well acquainted with—and it adds not a little to my satisfaction to hear, that it is generally composed of Gentlemen remarkable for their good sense & patriotism, at a time when there never was greater...
31From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
A skilful Navigator, and a man of respectable character should be appointed Commodore—He is to give to each Skipper his Orders—fix signals for the whole to be governed by—to keep them in compact order—run them to Burwells Ferry, or James Town on James River, where they are to debark unless they meet other orders, on the passage—and to return with all possible expedition to Baltimore for the...
32From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 8th of July with that pleasure which we always experience in hearing from those for whom we have a real esteem—The details you give me of your attack upon Stono ferry are obliging and satisfactory; and “though all was not done which you wished” I have no doubt that the attempt had a good effect and at least accelerated the retreat of the Enemy—It did no discredit...
33From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 13 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of the earnest Application of Colo. Stewart on the part of the Contractors—and agreeable to what appeared to be your Wish, I have suffered a Number of public Teams to be sent into Jersey to bring on Flour for the Army—I hardly know on what footg this Business is placed—whether the Contractors are to be charged the Amount of this Service or whether it is intended as a Gratuity to...
34From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 25th of December. If prejudices will still prevail against experience, the fatal effects of temporary inlistments must be endured to the risque, if not the ruin, of the cause. The discontents and jealousies arising from this source have at length broke out in the Pennsylvania Line as you will have been informed by General Knox before this...
35From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
As it was your opinion when you honored the Army with your presence in Octr last, and as it was clearly mine, that the two Regiments of New Jersey and New Hampshire & the Regiment of Rhode Island, had better remain entire Corps until the States to which they respectively belonged should (on application being made to them) determine whether they would recruit those Corps to the number required...
36From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Reports, whi c h I have received from the several Lines & Corps of the Army under my Command, accepting the Commutation proposed by the Resolution of Congress of the 22d of March. Colo. Olneys Regiment being at Saratoga, I have not yet been made acquainted with this Election—but will forward it as soon as received. You will also find inclosed a Copy of a Letter from Brigr...
37From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your several favors of the 6th & 7th Instant. I have taken measures to obtain the sentiments of the Officers respecting their Actions so soon as I am favor’d with them they shall be communicated to you. When a furlough was granted to Major Wooster for three Months it was determined that he should join his Regiment at the experation of that time or should resign—he may...
38From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment received your two Favors of the 8th instant per Mesrs Edwards & Phelps. Respecting the Requisitions of Colo. Carrington; as you are at the Fountain of Intelligence, you are probably better informed than I am & therefore better able to decide on those Estimates than I can at present determine. The Nature of our Operations, you are sensible, must depend greatly on the Views of...
39From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The detachment under your command is to march to Springfield in New Jersey by two Routes. The left Column with which you will go is to be composed of the Light Troops and York Regiments (if Courtlands should get up in time) and four light Feild pieces with the Baggage of these Corps. The right Column is to consist of the park of Artillery— O’dnance Stores—The Quarter Masters and Commissary’s...
40From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon information of the Sailing of the Fleet from the Chesapeak Bay, I gave Orders for the Troops, which were embarked, to be stopped. Since my arrival at this place, I am informed that the Count de Grasse has been joined by Count de Barras, and having captured two English Frigates, is returned to his former Station at the Capes; on this pleasing information, I have sent forward Count Fersen...
41From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your several Favors of the 4th 5th 9th 10th & 16th of July—their respective Subjects are attended to. As you do not mention them I am at a loss to collect the particular Instances of Difficulty which occur to you in formg a System for the new Arrangement of the Invalid Corps, & therefore refer the Subject to you again—the same Difficulty occurs respectg the Dispute of Rank...
42From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose you a Letter from Colo. Vanschaaik—of the 1st New York Regiment—asking a continuation of that leave of absence which Congress before granted him—what that leave was I know not, but I think it absolutely necessary that something should be determin’d on in this matter—as Colo. Vanscaaik has already been absent from the Army near a twelve month. I am Dr Sir &c. DLC :...
43From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Reply to your Letter of Yesterday respectg the Ordnance & Ordnance Stores in Virginia, I transmit to you Copy of a Letter from the Count Rochambeau, to whom I had submitted your Quere, & requested to know from him what future Service he expected from those Stores for the Use or Security of the French Troops. I think it will be well for you to take your Measures for the Removal of such as...
44From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your two Letters of the 2nd & 4th inst.—In what manner the new mode proposed respecting the Officers subsistence will be considered by them, I am not yet competent to determine—Tho I am sensible that almost every innovation is in danger of being viewed in a disadvantageous point of light in the present state & temper of the Army, yet for my own part, I see no...
45From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 12 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 22d October by Colo. Laurens, to whose information, I am indebted for a very particular account of the situation of affairs to the southward. I had, previous to his arrival, been furnished by Congress with Copies of your dispatches by Major Clarkson, who came forward himself to Head Quarters. By him, I had the mortification of hearing of the ill...
46From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 9 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose the within representation of Colonel Nichola for your directions, as it relates to Orders issued from the War Office. Some of the Prisoners who come on with your Passports to go into New York seem to Expect that they are to carry in their Horses—to prevent any discussion of this matter when they arrive I would wish it to be mentioned in the Passports whether they...
47From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to you, Copy of a Letter from the Day Judge Advocate. If the Appointment of a Judge Advocate has not already been made, I wish it may be speedily attended to—Mr Edwards’s Duty, since the Resignation of Judge Lawrence, has been severe—& it may justly be deemed a Hardship for him to continue to discharge the Duty of the whole Depart. upon his present pay & Emoliments. Your Letters of...
48Orders to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
As I am credibly inform’d that the inhabitants along the Sound carry on a frequent communication with the Enemy on Long Island, you are hereby instructed to collect all the boats, & other small craft on the sound, from Horse Neck downwards to any extent you shall think proper, & convey them to any place you shall concieve to be most convenient. Givn under my hand at Head Quarters this 7th...
49George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 27 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 27, 1780 . Is pleased with Lincoln’s present situation. Hopes that the Spanish success in Florida will turn the British attempts in that direction. Instructs Lincoln to cooperate with Juan de Miralles. Reports that Virginia troops are being sent to the South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
50From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed paper relative to the Services & Claims of Capt. Goodale, was put into my Hand by Brigr Genl Putnam, with a Wish that it might be laid before Congress. Something peculiar appears in Capt. Goodales Case; and his pretensions, being founded entirely on the Idea of Merit, I am desirous they may be represented in a favorable Light. Should Congress, from a Consideration of his Services,...