1To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned in my last that our Senators were chosen—This common wealth has been divided into Eight districts each having a right to chuse one representative to the general Government. Each town was directed to return the name of two persons for electors of President & vice President from the two highest in each district the General court are to chuse one this will make Eight and two are to be...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned yesterday, to some of the members of Congress, that I thought it would be very satisfactory to your Excellency to know the ideas of Congress relative to the number of troops to be reclaimed on the evacuation of New York—on this point a motion was made in Congress by Mr Gerry & seconded by Mr McHenry "That the commander in chief be authorized and directed after the evacuation of New...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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.
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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.”
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I was early convinced, upon your Excellencys retirement from public life, that too much of your time, for your own happiness was engrossed by a correspondence as extensive as is the knowledge of letters, and by the frequent visits of people throughout the equally extended limits. An idea that these visits were multiplied by the ease with which people obtained letters of introduction to your...
27To 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....
28To 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.
29To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honoured by the receipt of your favor of the 31st Ulto. Your feelings and wishes which have been called up by the distresses of my family are such as fully evince your concern for our happiness and welfare are additional proofs of your affection and demand our most grateful acknowledgments. A Gentleman of this town who attended the New Hampshire convention the last week...
30To 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...
31To 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.”
32To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 January 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have since my return, My Dear General, been looking agreeably to your request, among my young friends to see whether I could find among them one who would answer your purpose as a private Secy &c. &c.—I have at last found a Mr Lear who supports the character of a Gentleman & a schollar—He was educated at Cambridge in this State—Since he left College he has been in Europe & in different parts...
33To 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...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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.
38To 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.
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a subsistance Roll for the officers, in the hospital department with Mr Carletons remarks—I wish your Excellencys information who of them will be continued in pay for this month—I have the honr to be Dr Sir with great esteem your Excellencys most Ob. st DLC : Papers of George Washington.
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the first instant—By mine of the 26th ultimo I meant only to ask what number of servants the public should feed and pay for the several Officers in the Staff department in case they hired them themselves. The money will be immediately paid to the Workmen at Burlington. Three hundred suits of clothes are put up for the recruits raised by Maryland, and most of...
45To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed papers, transmitted me by General Heath, exhibit charges against the Contractor for the post of West point—The terms of the contract prescribe the mode of trial in cases of delinquency—it is wished that your Excellency would be pleased to take the matter up, and give the necessary directions for a enquiry. Mr Sands (who says he is conscious of having in every instance demeaned...
46To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of the State of the enquiry by Connecticut respecting the time when Lieutenant Colonel Huntington should take rank as Such. It has been before Congress—they have referred it to me to take order thereon—I have to request that Your Excellency would direct the Matter to be enquired into as soon as may be if your Excellency should think on reading the papers that...
47To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the appointment of General Duportail to the office of Major General, I see that General Knox is greatly hurt—Congress now make a difficulty in giving him the same rank—I have reason to believe that one line from your Excellency would remove every objection—and be a means of retaining in service an officer, who if not now promoted, will be lost to us—I have the honor to be with every...
48To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency a Certificate from Doctor Warren of Boston relative to the inability of a Soldier there as also an Extract of a Letter from Mr Green on the Subject—I saw the Man when I was in Boston and supposed him quite unfit for the Service but did not think myself authorized to Discharge him—I have the Honor to be Dr Sir with the greatest Esteem Your...
49To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was on the 15th instant honored with your favor of the 9th with several letters one to Mrs Washington I shall do my self the honor of waiting on her if I pass through Alexandria—I am greatly obliged to you for your introductory letters to Gentlemen in Carolina and for your many unmerited marks of friendship, for them, I can only thank you over and over again—As early as I can know a state of...
50To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Docr Oliphant was during the war at the head of the medical department at the southward —He always supported the character as master of his profession a Gentleman of arangment, of Justice, œconomy & industry—He is among those unhappy men who have suffered by the late war and has seen better days If there should be an opening for him again in the public line I have no doubt but he would honour...