1To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Adams mentioned to me last evening that you wanted to know the state of our forts, the number of men we have to support the lines and the number of cannon in the town and vicinity of Boston. She desired I would write upon those matters. We have on Fort Hill in Boston a square fort about an hundred feet Curtin with four Bastions, a good ditch with pickets therein; a small fort at...
2To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
Congress, a few days since, received your letter of the 19 of April last which announced to them that you had been received by the States General of the United provinces in the quality of Minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America—an event interesting and important—besides a participation in the general joy occasioned hereby my private feelings are perfectly gratified that...
3To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Congress has ordered me to prepare and lay before them a State of the pay Rations and Subsistence of the Officers and Men in the Armies of the different powers in Europe—as these often vary I have no means of procuring the necessary information with accuracy from any books I have seen— I am under the...
4Enclosure B: Extracts from the Secretary of War’s Letters to the Late Major General Greene, [10 July 1782–22 January … (Hamilton Papers)
“The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern, and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excites, are powerfully enhanced, that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled, by special contract, to better fare, but whose meritorious and gallant exertions under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate;...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of the 9th. ultimo in which you request that I would communicate to you my thoughts on a military Peace establishment for the United-States. As the detail of the System, which I am about to recommend, will more properly rest with the executive Officers of the Engineer and Inspector General’s departments—I will confine my information to the following general...
6To John Jay from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 September 1779 (Jay Papers)
I have the pleasure to congratulate Congress on the arrival of Count D’Estaing’s Fleet off Savannah—but am sorry to inform them that his stay on this coast will be but short and the aid we can afford him very inconsiderable— The Count has sent one of his Officers on shore to establish a plan of operations— He returns immediately with Dispatches on that head— All the Troops are ordered to take...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address your Excellency on the 24th. our frigates have returned from a short cruize. By what they discovered, and the information of the Prisoners taken on board two sloops, part of the fleet with about 45 Dragoons on board, (their horses were shipped in the same Vessels, but were all lost on the passage but two) which were brought in by them, the enemy are now...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that the Virginia Line are ordered from the Main Army to reinforce the one here. Unless they have more than a common stock of shoes and socks, they will soon be barefooted, which will at this inclement season, prevent their continuing the march. I have, therefore, to request that these articles may be provided for the troops and supplied them, if necessary, on the march. And as...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By a vessel decoyed in here yesterday bound from New York to Savannah we learn that she sailed from the Hook the latter end of December in company with a fleet of about 90 sail, bound to Georgia, with Troops on board, the number uncertain or who commands, of which 6 were line of Battle ships besides one 54 one 40 and one frigate, and that she parted with them off Cape Hatteras in a storm. It...
10Virginia 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...
11To James Madison from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). In the hand of a clerk, except for the complimentary close, signature, and address. Addressed to “Hon Mr. Madison.” Before I report on the proposed promotion of Captain Pierce, I beg leave to submit the following remarks to your consideration. The new arrangement will take place on the first day of January next. Major Holmes may then have an...
12From Benjamin Lincoln to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with your favor of the 27th. I do not recollect the cases of Dr Shields and Mr Beck I have generally admitted such of the officers of Ld Cornwallises Arms as wished it go into New York provided they were not to return. As I do not remember the particular situation of the Gentlemen you mention I must request that the General would enquire into the matter and permit them to...
13Benjamin Lincoln[?] to Virginia Delegates, 14 December[?] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Extract (American Art Association Catalogue [21–22 January 1926], Charles A. Munn Collection, item 186). The description in the catalogue reads: “An interesting letter written while Secretary of War and addressed to the delegates in Congress from Virginia [a.l.s.]. The letter is written in the form of twelve questions, asked to ascertain the resources of Virginia, undoubtedly for the files of...
14To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The commanding officers are applying for arms for the Musick—The donation of Arms to the Troops was in consequence of your Excellency’s recommendation should you be of opinion, all circumstances considered, they have a right to arms, I think no difficulty will arrise in Congress from the measure. I have requested General Knox to commence as soon as possible the build ing a Magazine on...
15To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the present state of our finances, the temper and disposition of the several States in general and the little hope we have of farther aid from France–it becomes absolutely necessary to take a view of our present establishments and enquire whether any new arrangements can be made consistent with justice policy & the good of the service. I have therefore to offer to your Excellency...
16To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
So many difficulties attended the late mode of issuing provisions to Officers or their own returns, that when the new contract was entered into, the contractors would not agree to issue as they had formerly done, but requested that the number of rations which each Officer was entitled to draw might be ascertained—this induced the recommendation of the enclosed resolves of Congress by which the...
17To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777. Charles E. Tuttle Co. of New York reportedly sold in 1951 an autograph letter signed “addressed to ‘His Excellency Gen. Washington’, regarding the march of General De Hoar’s brigade to Morristown to join the main army. Washington’s reply (as written by his adjutant T imothy P ickering ) is written at the bottom of Lincoln’s...
18To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was on the 12th instant honored with your letter of the 31st ultimo covering several papers. Those for New-Hampshire I cannot forward as the return of their Troops did not accompany them. As soon as it shall come to hand, which I may hourly expect, I will forward them to Colonel Dearborn, the only Officer I know in the State of New Hampshire now at home—from whose influence and attention...
19To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Your Excellency that Congress have permitted the Lieutenants Epuilemat , Ferriol, and Boileau to retire from Genl Hazen’s regiment, to be considered on the Invalid establishment—and at present remain with their families. I have the honor to be, with profound respect, your Excellency’s obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
20To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I find from the Report of Colo. Barber, who is on Duty in York, that there are many Irregularities—the Enemy are yet issuing Stores, and a great Number of the Men are seen with two new Hats each—From the Appearance of the Baggage of the Officers he thinks all is not right. There are so many people crouding into Town that it is impossible to preserve it from Confusion. This cannot be prevented...
21To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was this day honored with your two favours of the 30th Ultimo, the returns and the papers inclosed in them have been laid before Congress. Captain Phelps petitioned Congress for leave to retire from the Invalid Regiment on the emoluments allowed to retiring Officers of the 3d and 21st October 1780, on which Congress passed the enclosed resolve. On the receipt of your Letter covering the...
22To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Major Gordon of the 80th British Regiment in which he requests that Captain Asgill, who he says has been admitted Prisoner on Parole by your Excellency, may be permitted to go into New York and thence to Europe. If your Excellency should think the request admissible at this time I wish you would forward to him a passport. Major Gordon has requested leave for...
23To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was the last Evening honored with your Excellency’s Favor of Yesterday Afternoon—On the Receipt of it I applied to Colo. Dearborn Dy Qr Mr Gnl, to know what Number of Vessels were left, and what Number it would probably take to transport the French Artillery, Baggage, Sick, &c. On his Report I found it impossible to take Vessels enough for another Corps, and leave a Sufficiency for the...
24To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I find by the report of an Officer, I sent to observe the state of the roads, by Bull’s Iron works & New Milford, to Litchfield (30 odd Miles) that some parts of the road are much out of repair—but that the bridges are passable—On this Road the Troops may halt well at the distance of nine Miles (Draper’s Tavern) next at Peets Mill 9 Miles, next at Stones over Mount Tom , 8 Miles after that, to...
25To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 23 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I write by this opportunity rather from a desire to embrace it, than because I have any particular news to communicate. Since my last an exchange of prisoners has taken place, our private soldiers have been all liberated, and but few of our officers remain in the enemy’s hands; among them is Colo. Elbert of the 2d Georgia battalion. The enemy claim a Brigadier for him, he was appointed...
26To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose your Excellency three resolves of Congress—one of April the 23rd, which I suppose had been forwarded at the time it passed—and two others of the 11 instant. I also enclose a copy of my letter to your Excellency of the 10th instt transmitted by the mail which was taken some days ago. When our troops retired from York town in Virginia a large quantity of Ordnance...
27To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The late Board of War were by Congress impowered and directed to take depositions in the case of Major General Howe in support of complaints made against him by the Delegates of Congress from Georgia—The Board did not proceed far in this business, their powers now cease and this matter does not fall within my Commission. It appears to me that the shortest way of terminating this affair is by a...
28To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
On revolving in my mind the subject of making suitable provisions for the Invalid Officers as you recommended, I find many difficulties will attend our making that provision for them to which the services and sufferings of some of them entitle them, without doing that for others, which in justice they can have no pretentions to—I should be much obliged by your thoughts on a System which will...
29To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am requested, my dear General, by Mr Izard to represent to your Excellency that the Citizens of South–Carolina, who had made arrangements for returning to their State in flags to be furnished by the British Commander in Chief, are extremely anxious to learn whether those flags will be granted, and when—for this purpose they wish that your Excellency would please to renew the application to...
30To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1777. In his letter to Hancock of 12–13 April, GW writes: “13th I have this Moment recd a line from Genl Lincoln informing me that the Enemy attempted to surprize him, early this morning, at his post at Bound Brook, but he made good his Retreat to the pass of the Mountains just in his Rear, with trifling Loss.”
31To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the arrangement of the Virginia line—I suppose it to be right—Your Excellencys approbation of it is however necessary before it can be recorded in this Office—if you approve it the arrangement may remain with you as I have a Copy of it. I wish your Excellency’s opinion on the subject soon—as the Officers are applying for their subsistance. The materials for turning...
32To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 24th covering two letters, under flying seals, one to Genl Greene & the other to General Mulenburg. I shall request General Greene, if he thinks proper to send any troops Northward this fall, to send on those I mentioned to your Excellency. Some time since, I ordered a contract for forage, for Colo. Armands corps, to be made at Winchester, on a...
33To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The committee on ways and means have now before them the resolves of Congress of the 4th instant in which part of the necessary supplies for the next campaign are apportioned on the several States—as also their circular letter calling in the most rational and energetic terms for a speedy and punctual compliance. It is with pleasure, I can assure your Excellency, that this State convinced of...
34To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The night before last Captain Ludlow of the guards, came to this City with letters for General Carleton soliciting his attention to Captain Asgill of the guards—the person to whose lot it falls to suffer for the crimes of others. Major Gordon is here with Capt. Asgill and wishes to attend him into the Jersies as his friend—they will leave this City this evening or in the morning—The Officers...
35To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 5–6 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the evening of the 25th ulto I received information, at Charles-Town, that the enemy had arrived with upwards of twenty ships at Tybee, near the mouth of the river, Savannah, and in a harbour south of the river. The few troops at Charles-Town were immediately put in motion, and marched for Georgia; On my way, I met an express, from General Howe, who was in Georgia, informing that on the...
36To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the enclosed copy of a Resolve, your Excellency will observe that Congress have referred to you the determination of the questions, what Officers shall be allowed servants and what Number of them. I have daily applications from Officers for order, empowering them to draw rations for their servants. I have delayed issuing any orders to the Contractors, as I do not know who, nor what number...
37To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 19 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
One of the Hessians left their camp at the landing this afternon, his account of their numbers & situation is very simelar to that we have often had from others. He informs there are no appearances of removing at present, they are waiting for a reinforcment which they daily expect—That the treatment they receive is so very different from what they expected, & so injurious, (were promised 16d....
38To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
A Colonel Connelly was under your Excellencys parole and has left Virginia with out your permission. I have thought it necessary to send the inclosed for your inspection-- Connelly is now in this City. I have the honor to be Dr sir with the greatest esteem your most Obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
39To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the latest accounts from the West Indies there is the highest probability that the French will have a decided naval superiority the Ensuing Campaign To detain their whole fleet on that Station in the hurricane months would be placing a great part of the marine of France in a situation too hazarduous, while the will being of that Nation depends so much on it’s safety—That it will return...
40To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 22 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 22 Oct. 1779 . GW wrote Lincoln on 12 Dec. : “I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 22d October.”
41To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am sensible the State of Massachusetts Bay are determined, to use every vigorous exertion, to raise their proportion of the Continental army—It is my indispensable duty, to promote their determination. I am conscious, many good men, from the militia of that State now in camp, might be engaged, were they indulged a furlough, on their enlistment. But, as the design of the Court, in sending out...
42To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Messrs Livingston, Phelps, and others have contracted to supply the moving army with rations for the next campaign from the first day of may to the last of december. Mr Phelps, who will have the honor of delivering this to your Excellency, and Timothy Edwards Esq. both of the State of Massachusetts have made a sub-contract to supply all the meat which shall be called for under the first...
43To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 20th of Jany last a few days since, on my journey from Albany to this town; and the last evening, with your favor of the 9th ulto inclosing a copy of the former. I have read the two resolves of Congress, in the operation of which, you suppose, I shall be effected. I find by the first that the officers of the Pennsylvania regiments are now to...
44To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency two late resolutions of Congress. They have this morning passed resolves respecting the settlement of the pay of the army—and authorising the filling up of vacancies to the first of January next—these I cannot send by this post, as they are yet open to debate and will be read again tomorrow morning. I shall be happy to be informed what encouragement...
45To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your several favours of the 22d, 23d and two of the 24th Instants. The Letter covering Colonel Van Schaick, and the Letters respecting issues to the New York Troops and the papers enclosed, were sent in to Congress. I have the Honor to be Dear General with great respect & esteem Your very obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
46To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letters on the field Commissary of military stores’ department. Enclosed are the resolves of Congress establishing the department. I am, with sincere esteem, my dear General, Your obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
47To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 11 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favor of the 6th instant. I see the difficulty to which you must be reduced respecting the post at Wyoming—if any thing more is done I am convinced it must be by Congress. I have already transmitted your Excellency the decision of Congress in Asgill’s affair—Enclosed is a subsequent resolve on the subject of retaliation. On my return from Camp I...
48To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s orders I waited upon General Schuyler on my way to the militia, who had assembled and were assembling at Manchester on the grants, received his instructions, and met the troops the second instant, found only five or six hundred there—but one regiment was on the road from the Massachusetts, and about thirteen or fourteen hundred from New Hamshire, before many of...
49To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 23 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
I Sent out in the morning Two parties ordered one of them to the Right of the Enemy & the other to the left & to meet in the Centre of their front each performed the part Assigned him on their meeting they joined a party of Rifle men and march[ed] in a body to the eastd of wards Tavern were soon discovered by the enemy who attempted to incir[c]le them they fell back to Wards where they posted...
50To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to enclose you a Copy of the Resolves of Congress respecting the Invalids. Doctor Smith of the British Hospital came some time since from York Town in Virginia, on the breaking up of the Hospital there, to Annapolis ; prior to his leaving York he was obliged to give a new parole to Count Rochambeau in which he engages not to leave Annapolis without Your Excellency’s...