61To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that Colo. Laurens sailed on the 13th, after waiting several days in Nantasket-Road for a fair wind. On his arrival here he found the Alliance had not completed her crew & that it would be difficult soon to effect it. This induced him to apply to the Navy-Board to obtain from the General Court a power to impress—which not only failed in the House, but so...
62To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your Excellencys favors of the 10 & 21 Ultmo Orders will be immediately issued for collecting the recruits and I hope they will in a few days come on cloathed. It will be difficult to send them on without, as they have been promised cloathing and are not therefore prepared to march without them—They will be armed here. The fifteen hundred coats for the troops in...
63To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
On my return from Rhode Island I found that a very considerable delay would attend the compleating our clothing for the recruits as ordered by the General Court which induced me to attempt as a temporary supply Hunting shirts & overalls in this I failed, as the Court was not sitting, from the want of powers in the supream executive—But as there are a number of the recruits well cloathed they...
64To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was Yesterday honored with your Favor of the 4th Inst. Every attention is paid to collect and forward the Troops with dispatch from all the Counties saving those in the eastern part of this State. they, by a resolve of the Assembly in their last session, were detained untill the pleasure of your Excellency & that of Congress could be known with respect to their being further detained for the...
65To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with your Excellencys favor of the 21st. Mr C. informs me that his frind will have the honor of calling on your Excellency immediately on his and will digest or agree on a plan for future operations. The General Court have repealed their order directing the Levis raised in the three eastern counties to remain there untill your pleasure should be known respecting...
66To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General Assembly have, in compliance with your Excellencys request, voted the tents &c. for the Massachusetts line, and discover a disposition to give all the assistance in their power in support of the common interest—but they are greatly embarrassed from the want of money, notwithstanding the various modes adopted, by this State, for procuring it—this may possibly cause some delay—I hope...
67To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
We arrived and landed our troops here between three & four this morning immediately our boats were covered with green boughs & our men in a neghbouring wood many things combined to cause a failure of landg as first proposed Majr Darby miss under stood Majr Bayley re sp ecting the place the Boats were to be carried which prevented his finding them this caus e d a delay of one hour after we had...
68To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1781 to 5 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Clinton advised to sending two Regiments of Militia to Do b se s F erry & Tarry-Town, I sent a pilot to lead them across the Land they Arrived at the place of their destination yesterday where I met them. there are Houses enough here to cover the Troops—I have left orders with Colo. Denny, the Oldest officer, to watch the motions of the Enemy prevent thier plundering the inhabitants,...
69To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Genl Lincoln presents his most respectful compliments to his Excellency Genl Washington & beg to offer the following hints The murders Robbing and disorder in our rear and on one flank point to the necessity of throwing out parties to prevent them—The inhabitants from incontestible evidence are aiding and abetting in these high hand offences and must I think be brought under certain...
70To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the friquent applications made to me this morning for passes to the Inhabitants to pass through Camp in Search of Horses, Cattle &c., said to be taken from them, carried down to the Enemys Lines, and by us brought back, I am convinced that under pretence of this search a good account may be taken of our Situation and Numbers, as every Tent may be told and the fullest representation made...
71To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have, my dear General, agreeable to your Wishes, made some Observations on the Situation of Charles-Town, the Strength of its Works, the Number of Men necessary to garrison it, and the point or points by which it may be approached. The Town of Charles-Town is situated on a Peninsula formed by the Cooper and the Ashley; the former about two & a Half Miles wide, and the latter about one and a...
72To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The troops arrived here about 2 oClock in the afternoon yesterday—I went towards evening to bound brook where I met Col. Lamb & every thing in order. As there are so many circumstances to be taken into consideration prior to a determination what number of waggons ought to proced Southward and as we cannot avail ourselves of all of those circumstances here, such as the probability of a full...
73To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Our van has passed the rear will be at the ferry in about one hour. No moment will be lost in loading the artillery Stores &c. We have an account this morning from New York that the enemy are embarking troops and have put on board twenty peices of feild artillery—the Arrival of Hood is mentioned in the New York paper which I conclude your Excellen c y will receive before this. As soon as I can...
74To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of this date at 1/2 past one at the landing—we have put & are putting on board the vessels the ordnance stores &c.—I shall send in the same vessels the Corps of artillery—Corps of Sappers & miners and also Colo. Hazens Regt by sending Gen. Hazens Regiment suppose it will be unnecessary to send the hundred men you mention I thought it was best to send whole Corps &...
75To 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...
76To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The troops are now under arms and are just leaving their ground. we Shall encamp to night a mile or two on the other side Willmington—I do not observe any discontent among the troops—A little money however would make us good natured. I have the honor to be my Dr Sir with sentiments of esteem you r most huml. Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
77To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 11 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The first division of the troops were embarked and ready to sail to -day at 12 o’clock, and are now only waiting for the turn of the tide. The embarkation would have taken place 24 hours sooner, had not several of the large vessels run on ground. We have on board Colo. Scammell’s Brigade, Colo. Lamb’s Regt, 2d Regt of Jersey, Sappers & Miners and the corps of Artificers—Besides the Grenadiers...
78To 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...
79To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
As Count DeGrass cannot aid us in our most favorite object an expedition against Charlestown and if an attempt to reduce it is now made it must be independent of a marine force & as your Excellency has asked my sentiments on the propriety or impropriety of attempting it under those circumstances I do, on the fullest reflection, give it as my opinion that it may not be done with a rational hope...
80To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
As part of the Troops are not arrived and those who are, not ready to march, as the sick are gone on to Philadelphia and as it seems to be the Intention of the Board of War to put them into Hospitals in that City, I have thought it necessary, after leaving the inclosed Orders, to proceed as fast as possible to that place, to prevent, if in my Power, the Measure from taking Place, for it...
81To 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...
82To 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.
83To 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...
84To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
In order that the British Prisoners may be kept with more safety than they have been by the Militia and to correct that spirit of desertion which has taken place to a very great degree since the Capture of Cornwallis they are to be removed from their present Cantonments to Lancaster where there are good Barracks picketted in. I have to request that your Excellency will order one of the...
85Benjamin 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...
86To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the Covenant between Mr Morris & Messrs Sanos for the purpose of supplying the Post at West Point & its dependancies with Provisions. Your Excellency will observe that many matters are left to the decision of the Secretary at War or some person appointed by him to retain a gentleman constantly for this business would be attended with expence & evils might arise from...
87To 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...
88To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Excellencys Queries I beg leave to observe 1st They will increase their supplies sufficient to feed any number of Men requisite in the North River. 2nd Those are agreed on & settled. 3d The present Contract is supposed to Operate rather at Stationary Posts & is not the one under which the Army in the Field will be supplied——the stock on hand must supply any increased demand...
89To 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.
90To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The representatives of the United States in Congress assembled have been pleased in their resolves of the 29th of Oct. last to express the high sense they entertain of your Excellencys illustrious services in the cause of your country and particularly for the late August event in Virginia, and also to direct that some of the brilliant trophies obtained under your auspices should be presented...
91To 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...
92To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
As Sr Hy Clinton has requested leave that two officers, with cash for the prisoners might be suffered to pass to them I think it unnecessary that Captain Barcly and Lieutenant Hall should be indulged with the liberty of going into New York and intended to mention the matter to your Excellency that if you was of the same opinion our answer on the subject might be similar. I have no doubt but Dr...
93To 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...
94To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
A Detachment of the Jersey Line are at Wyoming, they have been there some considerable time and wish to be relieved. If necessary to relieve them, or the Officer commanding them, as their complaints seem high against him. I am of opinion that they should be relieved and the post kept by the Recruits of and now in this State, unless the old quarrel should be an objection. I suppose it would not...
95To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys favor of the 20th and have conferred with the superintendant of finance on the subject of it. I think it essential to send an officer of abilities and Address to each of the New England States to stimulate them to Adopt the most decided and spirited measures for filling up their Battalions. Mr Morris will instruct the same Gentleman to represent to the...
96To 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...
97To 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...
98Virginia 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...
99To 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...
100To 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...
101To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Carrington has laid before me several estimates for the southern service, among which is that of purchasing a number of horses for Colonel Armand—the necessity and importance of granting them depends upon the force your Excellency intends to send into the southern States—and; as the state of our finances not only requires the most rigid oeconomy, but that the little money at our...
102To 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...
103To 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...
104To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency a resolve of Congress regulating the Paymaster’s department—By this resolve it is directed that warrants issue from your Excellency for contingencies—at Lieutenant Wheaton’s request I enclose you his accounts—for the payment of which he wishes to obtain a warrant on the Paymaster General. I have the honor to be, With perfect respect and esteem, My...
105To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your letters of 10 & 12. instant—The former I shew to the Clothier General to whom Mr Morris has committed the care of purchasing the articles of clothing requisite to compleat the Troops—He will write you fully on the Subject and his report will render any relation of mine unnecessary. I think it is very unfortunate for us that we have nothing at this late hour which...
106To 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...
107To 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.
108To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 1st instant. I have laid before Congress the matter of challenges, and your request that the resolution respecting the Adjutant General’s department, may be passed—I will endeavor to get it through as soon as possible. Your Excellency mentions an uneasiness respecting the late regulations for the issue of provisions to Officers—The...
109To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 6 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your private letter, which I shall answer when a safe conveyance offers. I beg leave to suggest to your Excellency the expediency of removing the Rhode Island regiment from the vices and follies of the City, by calling Them to Camp. The commanding Officer informs me that a great proportion of them must be committed to the Surgeon’s care before they will be fit to take...
110To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I find by the late muster of General Hazen’s regiment that Major Reed is returned absent without leave, and Major Woodson as having overstaid his furlough. Woodson, I am informed by the General, was furloughed by your Excellency at York Town for three months—Reed’s standing with his General and Officers of the regiment is such as gives no hope of his ever re-joining the Corps. General Hazen...