31To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, January 20, 1790. Discusses the type of boat that should be used to prevent smuggling. States that “As all drawbacks on goods … & bounties paid on articles exported too often operate as Caches on the revenue of a country the greatest barriers possible should be placed around it to prevent the practice of frauds of every kind.” ADf , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, August 17, 1790. States that members of the lighter that unloaded fish illegally from the schooner from Nova Scotia “had no idea that they were breaking the law of the United States.” Asks approval for oil contract for lighthouses. States that “the Light Houses at the Gurnet are nearly ready to tumble down from the want of repairs.” LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letter...
33To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honoured with your Excellency’s favour of the 23d—Should it be necessary hereafter to appoint a Court Martial—for the trial of Captain McCurdy I will do it and direct them to report their proceedings to your Excellency. I have the Honour to be with the highest Respect Dear General yr mst obed. Servt N.B. I have conversed with Mr Livingston with respect to he is convinced you...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, March 24, 1790. States that “General Warren is going in the Morning to the City of New York to settle his public accounts as a Member of the Navy board, in this State.” Recommends General Warren’s son, Henry, for “an office in the revenue.” Copy, RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1818, Vol. 11, National Archives. James Warren of Plymouth,...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, May 25, 1790. On June 8, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln : “I have received your favor of the 25th of May.” Letter not found. ]
36To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Boston, 14 Aug. 1788. His “amiable young friend Mr. Hays leaves this town in a few days for France where he means to compleat his knowledge in the french language and acquaint himself with the mode of doing business in that nation.” He will pay his respects, and TJ’s “countenance will essentially serve a youth of real merit.” RC ( MHi ); endorsed. Recorded in SJL as delivered “(by Mr. Hays)”...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, 1789. ] Discusses the difficulty of distinguishing between goods on which duties have been paid and those on which they have not been paid. Proposes a system of branding casks, chests, and boxes, and marking bales to prevent smuggling. LC , RG 36, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1818, Vol. 11, National Archives.
38To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
It has just been hinted to me, in a private way, that as Count Rochambeau expects soon to embark for Europe he would be glad to receive & carry with him the two peices of ordnance given him by Congress—If the peices are here and you will send what you wish should be engravened on them I will have it done here & the peices forwarded. I have the honor to be My dr Genl with affection & esteem...
39To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed are forwarded by order of Congress. I have not yet heard from Sr Guy Carleton. I have the honor to be your Excellencys most Ob. servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Bing this morning honoured by your kind & friendly reply to my expressed desire of resignation as Collector I should be untrue both to my former professenal and my present gratefull feelings if I did not immediately assure you that your inclination now discovered to me as to the time shall be a Law in my mind. I have the honour of being My Dear Sir with the most perfect esteem, your obedient...
41To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to forward the inclosed papers for your Excellencys perusal. And am my Dr Genl your servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
42To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, September 3, 1790. “Herewith you will receive my account current & the necessary papers to the first of July.… A few days since we put our hands on two bags of Coffee. If we are not deceived by the informant, such facts will turn up in evidence as deeply to involve the captain of the vessel.… A British ship came here a few days since from Ireland had nothing on board saving a few...
43To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 15 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The delegates from south Carolina not having heard from Your Excellency on the subject of the enclosed resolve are inclined to suppose you have not been informed of it--Lest a former copy should have miscarried, I beg leave to send you a duplicate. I have the honor to transmit you a Resolve of yesterday--and the proceedings of a Court of Enquiry on the conduct of Mr Hubbart. I am, with the...
44To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Monies recd. by the President of the U. S. from Benjn. Lincoln Collector at Boston. 1799 April 12. P. recd of this date—being the amt. due to Presdt. for his compensation to 4 Mar: 1799 Ds. 6,000 June 5. P. recd. of this date 2,000 Augt. 23. P. ditto—Co 2000 Sept: 25. P. ditto—Co 2000 30.
45To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, October 7, 1790. On November 22, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln : “You mentioned in your letter of the 7th. of October.” Letter not found. ]
46To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, September 7, 1790. Estimates that repairs to the lighthouses at Plymouth will cost $170. LS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives; LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letter Book, 1790–1797, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Boston, National Archives.
47To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since closing my public letter I have learned that the committee to whom you r E xce ll ency’ s letter was referred reported in favor of the discharge of Lord Cornwallis’ but it was violently opposed in Congress & among others by Governor Rutledge who was one of the Committee. I have the honor to be With perfect esteem You r most Obe. servant PHi : Dreer Collection.
48To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
When your Excellency, some weeks since, took into consideration the number of Servants which should be allowed to the officers of the army—your determinations were confined to the line of the army only—I have to request that your Excellency would again take up the matter and determine the number which shall be allowed to the several grades in all departments of the army. I shall be happy to...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 16, 1790. Presents a new design for lighthouse lamps to elimate soot accumulation on the glass. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives.
50To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, June 1, 1790. “A district court for the Masst district was held here this day. The case of the Ship neptune the two trunks of Merchandize & of the Molasses and liam mentioned in my last have been called & are all gone by default.…” LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letter Book, 1790–1797, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Boston, National Archives....
51To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, July 5, 1791. “Your letter covering instructions to Cap Williams has been received. I have caused a copy of them to be made. I will attend particularly to his supplies.…” LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; LC , RG 36, Letters from the Collector at Boston, Letter Book, 1790–1797, National Archives; two copies, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Boston, National Archives....
52To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do my self the honor to enclose for your Excellency inspection a letter I have in idea to submit to Congress if in your opinion a resolution founded thereon will promote the good of the service—pray give me your opinion this evening or in the morning as, if any thing is done, it should go out with the instructions to the recruiting officers & to the several States. I have the honor to be...
53To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, June 14, 1791. On June 23, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln : “I have received your letter of the 14th instant.” Letter not found. ]
54To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 October 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 Oct. 1784. On 5 Feb. 1785 GW wrote to Lincoln : “Not until these few days have I been favored with your letter of the 18th of Octr.”
55To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 17, 1790. “The inclosed papers I received from Portland. It was supposed then that the appointment of a keeper for the light house at Portland was with me. I think it my duty therefore to forward the papers for the information of the President. I do not know either of the persons in nomination.…” ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and...
56To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this letter Captain Montour waits upon Your Excellency to solicit employ in the Army—I have to request that you will please to detain him in Camp until you hear farther from me on the subject, which you may expect to do in a few days. I am with perfect respect, Your Excellency’s obedt servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
57To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, December 26, 1789. “… your Circular letter of the 18th. just came to hand and I am happy to inform you that I have anticipated your orders and early adopted that line of conduct which I thought would secure that punctuality in the payment of bonds.… I have the pleasure now to inform you that we have not … had any person a delinquent for a moment.…” ADf , Collector of Customs at Boston,...
58To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [1 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, July 1, 1790. ] Recommends Barzillas Delano “as a suitable person” to be the keeper of the lighthouse at Portland Head. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives.
59To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your letter enclosing certificates from the several Lines of their acceptance of the commutation of half pay proposed by Congress in their act of the 22nd of march last. I am, with perfect respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
60To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 11 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
By a late resolve of Congress all officers under the rank of Brigadier not in the line of any State nor annexed to any corps are discharged the service saving such as the secretary at war shall return to Congress as necessary to be retained. I beg your Excellency would mention such as are necessary to be kept either from polacy or otherwise—If I remember right you gave me reason to hope for...
61To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 17, 1794. “… By the inclosed you will see that we have made a different estimate of the value of Livres from the estimate in Philadelphia. This creates discontent among the Merchants here and makes it necessary for me to lay the matter before you for your direction.” LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letter Book, 1790–1797,...
62To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 11 instant. General Gates informs me that he has written to your Excellency fully on the subject of his joining the army. I enclose a late resolve of Congress which respects him—and a resolve approving the sentence of the Court Martial which tried General McDougal. I wrote some days since on the subject of Hazen’s regiment. I have...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, December 16, 1789. On January 19, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln : “I am favored with your letter of the 16th. of last month.” Letter not found. ]
64To 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...
65To 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...
66To 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...
67To 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...
68To 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...
69To 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...
70To 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...
71To 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...
72To 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...
73To 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...
74To 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...
75To 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...
76To 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...
77To 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...
78To 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...
79To 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...
80To 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...