1From 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...
There is a species of information, which it will be convenient to you to obtain and which will be of important use to the Government: it respects the mode of Navigating of the several States; and of Foreign Nations. With a view to which I have framed a number of Queeries, to which as speedily as the requisite enquiries can be made, I request answers. Thought I do not consider it as a part of...
3From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Congratulations on my return to my Family and Friends are very obliging. Your polite Invitation is accepted with Pleasure. At this Period, when Disorder, Indiscipline and Disobedience of every kind fashioned into a kind of Science, are vindicated as Rights and inculcated as Duties, it is not to be expected that our Country should wholly Escape their contagious Effects. Although many...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 4th of March remains yet to be answered. The question there stated is in substance, whether a Citizen residing out of your state, coming to Boston, and there purchasing a Vessel, must necessarily take and subscribe the oath or affirmation required by law, before the Collector of the District where such Citizen usually resides , in order to obtain a certificate of Registry...
5From 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...
6From 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...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A certificate of Registry No 16, granted by you, for the Ship Lucretia, has been delivered up, at the Port of Newbern in north Carolina, and returned to this officer by the Collector of that port. Inclosed you will receive part of the certificate, containing the official Seals and signatures of yourself and the naval Officer; which is transmitted to you, in order that the Bond given agreeable...
8From 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...
9Enclosure 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...
10From 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...
11From 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...
12From 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...
13From 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...
14From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 11th of May and 4th Ulto have come ⟨late⟩ to hand. The last the day before yesterday only. The cost of the Glass therein enclosed, shall be immediately paid to Messrs Solomon Cotton & Co. Merchts in Baltimore—and for your agency in this business I pray you to accept my thanks. The mistake will, I trust, soon be rectified as the wrong box of glass was returned to Baltimore...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I transmit to you, the Copies of three several petitions of Jacob Quincy, and John McCalpin to the Judge of the District Court of the District of Maine. I have therefore to request that after maturely considering the facts stated in the said Petitions and the suggestion concerning your Deputy you will be pleased to inform me, whether what is alledged did happen and also what is the...
16From 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...
17From 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...
18From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
As Doctr Gordons departure for England is an event that was to have taken place about this time & may have happened I take the liberty, in that case, of requesting the favor of you to do what shall appear right with the inclosed Subscription Paper & Bill. I will make no apology for the trouble this request may give you as I persuade myself your inclination to serve the Doctr will keep pace...
19From 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...
20From 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...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 14, 1794. “Your letter of the 21st of January last in the hurry of business got out of view. The instruction therein requested, respecting the Schooner Flora and Schooner Greyhound is however no more required; the appraisements of those Vessels and Cargoes having been since received. It appears that the money you lodged in the branch Bank of New York on account of the...
22From 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...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 2, 1792. “I have directed a packet to be sent to you by water, containing two Thermometers which I request you will forward by a safe conveyance; the one to the Collector of Barnstable, and the other to the Collector of Frenchman’s bay.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56,...
24From 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...
25From 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...
26From 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...
27From 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...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 8, 1790 . The endorsement on the letter which Lincoln wrote to Hamilton on April 6, 1790 , reads: “Answered 8th May.” Letter not found. ]
29From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [29 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I have written to the Directors of the Bank of Massachusettes, a letter of which the inclosed is a copy. Be so good as to aid in diffusing the knowledge of the arrangement. You need not mention the transmission of the letter lest it should be misinterpreted. I remain very truly Your friend & serv ALS , Maine Historical Society, Portland. H to the President and Directors of the Massachusetts...
30From 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...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion that the Legislature did not contemplate any distinction in the rate of Duty between Sugars of different qualities, if unmanufactured & free from damage. Goods belonging to Foreign Consuls are not exempted from duty, by virtue of any privilege to which they are legally entitled. I am however of opinion that the indication of the sense of the Legislature, contained in the new...
32From 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...
33From 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...
34From 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...
35From 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...
36From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
As the Gentlemen who are now remaining of my family, propose to honor me with their Company to my Ho. in Virginia & will of course need a little of their Pay, you would oblige both them & me, if you could devise a method by which three or four Months of it could be obtained. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obed. & Affe Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
37From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is an application which has been made to the President. I request your opinion, as to the competency of the present allowance, or as to what would be a competent one, if you think the present deficient. When you communicate it, you will please to send back the representation now transmitted. I am, with great consideration, Sir, Your Obed Servant. LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
What sail Cloth shall we use for the Frigates that of Domestic or that of Foreign Manufacture? National pride & interest plead for the former if the quality be really good. But is it really good? Objections are made; that which is principally insisted upon is that it shrinks exceedingly. Let me know with certainty what Experience has decided. I ask your opinion because I rely on your...
39From 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...
40From 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.
41From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the tea mentioned in your letter of the 13th of July is confessedly not simply Bohea but a different kind of black tea and was entered under a different denomination, I see not how it can be exempted from the duty laid on the second class of teas namely “Souchong and other black teas.” I cannot find that Bohea Congo is a species of tea known in the China Market, tho the Bohea of the...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 6th instant. I refer you to the 45th Section of the Act, commonly called the Excise law, where you will find a penalty of five hundred Dollars, for making use of untrue certificates. This Section would be applicable in the case you state, as the certificate accompanying the Rum must be deemed untrue relatively to the article. I am of opinion that, though...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The excuses made by the owners of the Lighter, as stated in your letter of the 17th. Ulto, may be true but as they are the mere allegations of the Defendants, you will percieve the impropriety of considering them as sufficient to justify them. The seizure of a Boat under such circumstances was a prudent & necessary step, and it seems proper that you consider further whether the law does not...
44From 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...
45From 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...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 10, 1792. “The Collector of Wiscassett has applied to this Office for a supply of blank Certificates of Registry. I have to request that you will, for the present, transmit him a dozen blanks without delay. He has been directed to apply in future to you in due time—naming the quantity required.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the...
47From 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...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
As it has become my duty to prepare a plan for the consideration of Congress, respecting the encouragement of Manufactures it is of course my wish to ⟨secure in⟩formation, which can be had on the Subject. I shall therefore be obliged to you, for such ⟨– – particular⟩s, as may assist me in forming a right judgement of the means, which may be proper to be pursued. The several kinds of...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, May 1, 1794. “The difficulty stated in your letter of the 10th of April with regard to certain claims for drawback can only be obviated by an application to Congress, there being no where a power vested to dispense with the proof which is required by law of the landing of the goods in a foreign country.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the petition of John Mackay, Master of the Ship Charlotte, praying for a mitigation or remission of the damages found against him by the Jury, together with a statement of facts on the same subject from the District Judge of Massachusetts. As the fine was in the discretion of the Jury the imposition of one so considerable as two hundred and fifty Dollars furnishes a presumption...