61To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I just arrived here—Find only part of two Regiments of the militia, from the Massachusetts—The badness of the roads hath much retarded the troops—I have left some of our best Officers, at different posts to forward them, and provide every necessary to facilitate their march. I flatter myself, from the provisions, that hath been made, and is now making, that the time will not be long, nor the...
62To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose your Excellency a return of all the troops here except the militia of this state whose numbers are so uncertain that I know not what return to make of them, indeed I hardly know in what light they are to be considered, for though the state declare they are in the pay of the Continent and are to act in conjunction with the regular forces, yet they are not to be...
63To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
On consideration of the several questions proposed by your Excellency to the Council, the last evening, I beg leave to give it as my opinion—that the army ought to be immediately removed eastward—One division of it consisting of a number sufficient fully to reinforce the troops in the Highlands and in conjunction with them be equal to the defence of that post to be marched to Danbury and there...
64To 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...
65To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of inclosing you some sketches of posts in Canada and some observations on them. They may be of use and afford you some amusement—if so I shall be happy. with the highest esteem I have the honor to be yours DLC : Papers of George Washington.
66To 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...
67To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Nothing My dear General very new or material has taken place, since I did my self the honor to address your Excellency under the 26th. However I cannot omit so good an opportunity as offers by this express, to inform you that the recruiting service goes on well, and that there is good reason to hope our battalions will soon be filled up. The matter of clothing the army is of such importance,...
68To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 12th instant—and to enclose to you a late resolve of Congress. I am, with the most perfect respect and esteem, You Excellency’s obedient servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
69To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Pickering has orders to build, without loss of time, a magazine on West-Point, or on Constitution Island, as your Excellency shall direct—When we were down the General Officers were divided in their sentiments whether it should be on the Point or Island—and if on West Point, at what spot—Time has been given for a more perfect view—I wish therefore that Your Excellency would, of...
70To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 27 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of enclosend two news papers in which are the debates of the convention to Saturday the 19th —they are not forward enough to give your Excellency a just state of the business I therefore am inclined to observe that yesterday we were on the 9th sect.—The oposition seem now inclined to hurry over the business and bring on as soon as possible the main question—however this...
71To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
On my arrival here this morning, I found the inclosed papers relative to Canadian matters on my Table with an order to forward them. By the enclosed resolve your Excellency will learn that the keeping the Troops longer at Wyoming or not, is with you—if you should think proper to remove them, I can with ease forward your orders from this place. The within arrangement for the Quarter Master...
72To 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...
73To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Militia from the State of Massachusetts Bay were directed by the General Court to receive their Amunition at this place and the Court Ordered out a quantity of Powder for that purpose which has not yet arrived —The Troops are Collecting here and finding it dificult to git supplies and detaining them till the Powder shall come in will greatly incommode those who are following and being...
74To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 17 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had last evening the honor of your Excellencys favor of the 9th. Our people were thunder struck by the accounts brought by General Knox. I hope they and the several States seeing the evils which will necessarily result from the revolt of the Pennsylvania line will be induced to pursue such measures as shall prevent the like in future by removing in time every just cause of complaint from the...
75To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency a resolution of Congress relative to the Hospital department, the department of Commissary of prisoners and of Military stores. I am with perfect esteem and respect Your Excellency’s obedient humble servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
76To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed are forwarded by the direction of the president of Congress. I am D. Sir You Ob. servant NB— The Inclosed were the Commision & Letter of Lieut. Sheppard of the 3d NJersey Regt requsts Dischargd which for want of proper Certificates attend it—is transmitted to Colo. Dayton. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
77To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Vacher, who was before the year 1780 a Surgeon in one of the New York regiments, complains that by the new arrangement he was left out though senior to those appointed—this he thinks a hardship, and that justice is not done him—he requests an enquiry into the matter. I wish, if he should apply to Your Excellency to have his right investigated in this way, that he might be indulged—it...
78To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor, in obedience to the order of Congress to inclose the copy of a letter from the president of this state to their Delegates in Congress, and the copy of a Letter from General Irvine to the secretary at War with the doings of Congress on these Letters. I have the Honor to be Dear General with great esteem Your obedt servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. I have this day...
79To 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...
80To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to a resolve of Congress passed June 14th 1782, which was transmitted your Excellency on the 19th of same month.I do myself the honor to enclose you a farther list of the exiled Citizens of South Carolina, who wish to return home in the flags to be furnished by the british Commander in chief—the list designates such as are entitled to return in the flags from the manner of their...
81To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Queries—&c. &c. Submitted to the consideration and determination of the Secretary at War Answers by the Secy at War 1st Is the reduction of the Lines of New Hampshire—Rhode Island, and New Jersey to take place on the 1st March? Yes 2— In that case shall the Troops of New Hampshire be organized into one Regiment of 500 Rank & file, and the residue formed into one compleat Battallion of four...
82To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your Excellency’s letters of the 13th and 15th instant. In my letter of June 23rd I only meant to express a wish that, in matters of convenience, we might meet the Contractors on the open and generous plan which they professed themselves disposed to adopt—this I supposed would be productive of reciprocal benefit But if they continued to practise upon their...
83To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday morning my dear General honored with your private letter of the 2d instant. The picture your Excellency gives of the distresses of the army is horrible it is nevertheless, I doubt not, strictly true their sufferings require the immediate attention of Congress I shall without the least delay faithfully lay the matter open to them and shall not fail to represent in strong terms...
84To 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...
85To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 23–24 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had a few days since the honor of your favor of the 12th Ulto by Colo. Laurens—announcing that the Virginia line were ordered to this department, than which nothing could be more acceptable, saving that of their not being needed—their speedy arrival is an event most ardently wished for. By our late accounts from Philadelphia, and from a large ship being seen off this bar on the 10th with...
86To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 14 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In my last I had the honor of informing your Excellency that the enemies fleet had arrived in North Eddesto —since that they have landed their troops on Simmons’s Island & marched part of them to the North East end of Johns Island. I have not been able yet to learn, with any degree of certainty, their numbers for although we have frequent information from Savannah yet as the troops were keept...
87To 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 &...
88To 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...
89To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this morning, honoured with Your Excellencies favour of yesterdays date, On General Heard leaving his present post Colo. Broadhead will possess it every assistance in my power will be afforded him in placing the Guards Patrols &c.—our mutual safety depend on our acting jointly—I had information last night that the enemy were imitating our dress in order to deceive & surprize us we shall...
90To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
Boston, 10 June 1791. Recommends for any “opening in the public line” Francis Cabot, his aide during the disorders of 1787 in Massachusetts, “a Gentleman of information & of great probity,” who “has justly merited the esteem & confidence of a very extensive acquaintance” and is “a Gentleman of a respectable family, brother to Mr Cabot one of our Senators in Congress.” Cabot “left this part of...
91To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this morning honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 27th ultimo. I have no idea that the explanatory resolve of Congress has relation to any corps but such as are subject to the reform directed in the resolve of the 7th of August—and I am confident such a measure would meet a certain negative were it proposed for whenever a request for leave to return with the emoluments granted by...
92To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
As the Enemy will probably soon leave the Southern States, if they have not done it already, we shall not have the same necessity for Cavalry and Artillery as heretofore; I beg leave therefore to suggest to your Excellency the propriety of confining the recruiting service in Virginia to the Infantry: unless this be done, I think there will be a stop put to filling up the Battalions of...
93To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since my last the enemy have very unexpectedly brought over the ships mentioned in the enclosed paper —it has been thought there was not water enough for a 64 gun ship—Before they came into the harbour it was determined to form a line of battle across the channel with our ships, to act in conjunction with Fort Moultrie—but afterwards, as the enemy were so vastly superior to our force, it was...
94To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have not heard any thing of the request of Major Villefranche to be promoted—If it should come before me it will be difficult for me to recommend the measure to Congress as I find many Majors in the line who are much older than he is—If there are any reasons in your Excellencys mind which will justify his being promoted over the heads of others I should be very happy, if, in a private way,...
95To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed extract of a letter from the Lt Colonels Commandants has been before Congress and by them referred to me—I shall be made very happy by your Excellencys opinion on this subject—whether it will be best to interfere with the present arrangement—if any alleration is to be made what that aught to be—I see nothing which will satisfy them and the other officers unless the commandants are...
96To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I had the last evening the pleasure of receving your Excellencys very kind and welcome favour of the 31st Ulto—It will be pleasing indeed to our citizens, when they find that federal ideas increase in your part of the United States. Things here wear a complexion, which evince, that a large majority of our people are friends to the new constitution, and I am confident they will embrace the...
97To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys private letter by Mr Frothingham. I have no doubt but Congress will confirm the exchang of Lord Cornwallis for Colonel Laurens and that they will not hesitate a moment about the matter when they are informed of the fact by him—by what I hear it will not be done before. Your letter on the Adjutant Generals department covering two letters from General...
98To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enemy crossed the Ashley, in force, near the ferry on the 29th ultimo, and the next day moved down, and encamped about three thousand yards from our Lines—before this they had transported their heavy baggage, Ordnance, and Stores, from out of Wappoo across land about two miles, to Old Town creek on the West side of the river opposite their encampment. In the morning of the first instant we...
99To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that the commissioners for settling a general cartel are returned without affecting any thing and that it is not probable a general cartel will be soon agreed on. Can we not with propriety go into a partial exchange as heretofore? It is particularly hard for many of the foreign officers to be held prisoners of war they are deranged and wish to return to Europe where they can be...
100To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
I consider, my dear General, that not only the happiness of the people under the new government but that the very existance of it depends in a great measure upon the characters and abilities of those who may be employed in the judiciary and executive branches of government. Under this government I hope yet to live and to leave in its arms a large and an extensive family I cannot therefore be...
101To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of inclosing a copy of the appoint of Mr Edwards to the office of Judge Advocate. I have the honor be Dr General with sincere esteem you Excely most ob. ser. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
102To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencies directions of the 20th forwarded by Colonel Harrison. In order to prevent in some measure the too frequent desertions, and to promote the safety of this camp I have detached a few companies of good faithful men on whom we can depend as well for their atteachment to the cause as for their bravery and activity, to act as scouts ⅌ day and patrols by night, they...
103To 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.
104To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 14 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this moment receivd an extract of a letter from Genl Stevens to your Excellency of this days date, purporting the situation & designs of the enemy—and a letter from Colo. Harrison expressing your desire that I woud avail myself of the intelligence containd in the extract, and be gaurded in the best manner possible, to elude, & baffle their designs, I shall most chearfully do it —I have...
105To 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...
106To 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...
107To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 11 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellencys favor of the 26th ulto covering a letter from Sir Henry Clinton to me I cannot but hope you have a little misapprehended him and that it was not his intention to make my exchange depend absolutely on the exchange of the southern Army—did I fully believe this to be his meaning I should suppose no advantages would result from my meeting Major General...
108To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 8 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days since honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 26th October last by Lieut. Colonel Ternant. I am too fully convinced of the utility of the new regulations not to afford him every countenance and assistance in my power, and it will be my greatest attention to have the troops in this Department formed on the plan adopted for the order & discipline of the army of the United...
109To 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...
110To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your letters of the 3d and have laid before Congress the Copy of your letter to Sir Guy Carleton. I have written to General Greene respecting the disposition of the Troops which I mentioned to your Excellency. General Hazen has been some time since notified that no passes signed by him would avail the Officers. In a late letter to your Excellency I have requested your...