1Credentials of the Massachusetts Delegates to the Continental Congress, 6 February 1775 (Adams Papers)
Resolved, that the Hon. John Hancock Hon. Thomas Cushing Esquires Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Pain Esquires appointed by the last provincial Congress “to represent this Colony on the 10th of May next or sooner if necessary, at the American Congress, to be held at Philadelphia” be and they hereby are, authorized and impowered “with the Delegates from the other American...
2To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed will be presented to you by a committee from a number of Citizens on Monday next at half fast ten oClock should you at that time be at Quincy and in a situation to receive them—Our mutual friend Mr. Jonathan Jackson is with me & proposes to return here to meet our brethren Vzt. Colo: Daws Dr. Mason Mr Higginson Judge Wendal J Jackson B Lincoln With sincere wishes for your...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had too little time with you when in Philadelphia. Your particular engagments forbid my calling on you as often as under different circumstances I should have called. One question in particular was left unsettled the application of Mr. Joseph Blake respecting the quallity of some wines he imported. The Comptroller was in opinion that there could not any consideration be made for its being of...
9To 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...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I reported to you that I had contracted for the Cutter to be built in this State I mentioned that she was to be compleated fit for the sea that is with riging sails boats &c for 1440 dollars. After Captain Williams was appointed master he suggested to me his wishes that there might be some deviation from the plan I had given and on which the agreement was founded. On this I wrote to the...
11To 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...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 27 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 27, 1790. “Your circular letter of the 17th. instant on the importance of your receiving the earliest information when breaches of the revenue law should take place came to hand by the tuesday post.… About five weeks since information was given that two trunks of merchandise had been in the night landed from on board the Ship Neptune Capt James Scott from London. On search the two...
13To 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.
14To 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...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Notwithstanding our wishes to the contrary, we are too often impelled to call your attention from the more important duties of your Office to circumstances trivial indeed compared therewith. However painful the measure we cannot avoid it & preserve that uniformity in the different Offices so much to be desired, as thereby the general interest is promoted & the minds of the People kept in a...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
A few days since the Brig revolution Captain Coffin entered here from Amsterdam with an intention to unlode part of his Cargo here & part at New York. Part is landed here & the Captain has a Copy of his Manifest given him in which I have distinguished the articles landed here & he has given bonds for the due landing the remainder in New York. By law I am empowered to put an inspector on board...
17To 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...
18To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
The extreme bad traveling for some time past has prevented my calling and paying to you the debt of my most dutiful Gratitude While I sympathise with my country in the loss which they have sustained by the events of the late election it is some consolation that you will suffer less by the change than any other of your fellow citizens in the Union. Some few of them may be ingrateful for your...
19To 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...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I first received your orders for supplying the Cutter I attempted to bring the men to the established ration fixed by Congress. The moment our design was known a good Crew left the vessel. I was therefore obliged to supply as the Merchants supply or suffer the Cutter to remain in port. The latter I thought would be more difficult for me to justify than given the men the supply generally...
21To 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...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [3 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, August 3, 1792. On August 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln and acknowledged receipt “of your letter of the 3rd instant.” Letter not found. ]
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have just been honoured by the receipt of your favor of the 8 th. instant— I have not time, as I must soon leave town, to observe now on that part of it which is in answer to a sentiment of mine on which we seem to differ— There is no proposition, to which I can more fully accede than to the one which affirms how important it is to People that the President, the vice President, the Senate...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [November–December 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
At our last interview you expressed a wish that I would make such remarks on the impost laws as in my opinion would have a tendency to increase the revenue in a way as little burdensome and as conformable to the wishes of the people as possible. The cheerfulness discovered by the merchants in general doing business at this Port in paying the established duties on merchandise evinces to me that...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 29 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honoured with the receipt of your circular letter of the 8th. instant. I will aim at that discharge of the duties therein required which shall give satisfaction. A few days since I had a hint that a vessel from the Bahama Islands had touched into tarpaulin cove, in one of the Elizabeth Islands, and had there landed a few bags of Cotton. The same vessel came into this port and...
32To 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...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The post last evening brought me your letter of the 26th. Ulto. The copy of a letter from the Collector of Ba[r]nstable said to be inclosed has not come to hand. You mention that the letter relates to a request from him for a boat for the use of the inspector at Tarpentine Cove. I cannot find such a place within the district of Barnstable. There are now in the Office two Masters of vessels...
34To 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.”
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 12, 1792. “I have received your Letter of the 2d. instant. The manner in which you have directed the lodgment of the money will obviate all the difficulties which I supposed might take place under your first order.… I wish to know how I shall settle the price of goods imported from France. Their paper seems to be in a depreciated state and the goods charged proportionately high.…”...
39To James Madison from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin Lincoln. 5 September 1805, Boston . “Your request of the 10th. of July last has been attended to. The fine Muslins nor the Diaper could not be procured here & a Billit of the Sweet meats & Coffee is inclosed.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 217, First Auditor’s Accounts, no. 18,370). RC 1 p.; cover sheet addressed to JM at Washington and redirected to Philadelphia; docketed by...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The time will soon arrive when we may expect that large quantities of pickled & dryed fish will be imported here from Nova Scotia. Upon their arrival they are charged with a duty, on the pickled fish seventy five Cents ⅌ barrel & on the dryed fish fifty cents ⅌ Quintal. These fish are not consumed in the United States and are entitled to a draw back upon their being exported to a foreign...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston ] July 26, 1792 . “A few days since the Brig Sally arrived here from Amsterdam with a quantity of Ginn on board part of which was in Keggs or Anchors as they are called. This was such an open violation of the Law, after full time had passed for the interested to have know their duty & interest if proper attention had been paid to them, that I could not persuade my self that I should...
45Enclosure: Benjamin Lincoln to Thomas MacDonough, 14 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I am authorised, in conjunction with you, to appoint persons to establish the value of such Vessels & Cargoes the property of the subjects of Great Britain as have been captured by French privateers armed and equipped in the ports of the United States between 5th of June and the seventh of august last and which have been restored. At present however my attention is called to three only the...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your instructions of the 18th ulto and the copy of a letter to Mr Appleton came by the last Post. I shall with the utmost cheerfulness attend to his applications and he may always depend on my best aid. You have I hope before you several letters from me, one of Feby 23rd one of Feby 25th one of March 9th & one 18th. I wish to receive an answer to that of the 23rd Feby as early as it shall be...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 13 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A short time since we had a vessel entered here with about one hundred quarter chests of tea. It was entered by the importer as Camphu. H since informs me that his papers also describe it as Bohea Congo . As it was entered as a black tea other than Bohea, tho~ it appears to me to be of the same kind, and the importer says it cannot be sold for more, I hardly know what to do with it. If I...
48To 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...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I just now received your letter of the 19h instant the articles mentioned have been received are now in the public store and will be held there untill an opportunity shall offer of sending them to Washington or Alexandria I have the honour of being with very great consederatn your most Obedient & most humble servant. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ...
50To 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....