151From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday which will accompany this, I have recd your two favors of the 28th ulto by General Potter and Colo. Magaw. From them, and on account of a letter which I have received from the Delegates of South Carolina, there is an indispensable necessity for your making the application to Congress, which I recommended, in order to know, whether any, or what part of the Army...
152From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the tenor of your private letter of this date, I presume you are unacquainted with my recommendation of General Knox to Congress (at the time Genl Duportail was mentioned to that body by me). If my expressions in his favor were not warm and full, they fell as far short of my intention, as of his merit, and did injustice to both, because I absolutely refused to recommend the latter without...
153From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 31st ulto—You cannot be too pressing in your endeavours to procure Blankets, which will be as much wanted as you can imagine—nor is any time to be lost in forwarding the other Articles ordered by you. Colo. Dayton is so exceedingly uneasy on account of the promotion which he has long conceived himself intitled to, that he has come to a resolution to...
154From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you the Returns of the Invalid Regt accompanied by the Copy of a letter from Colo. Nicola on the subject of reforming the Corps— That part of it which respects the inexpediency of reducing it wholly at this season of the year is worthy of attention. There is a detachment in Philada who are not included in the Returns now sent, you will be pleased to call upon...
155From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed that Major Genl Gates is now in Philadelphia, & being now about to make my ultimate Arrangements for the Campaign, I take the liberty to request you will be pleased to inform me by the earliest conveyance, whether he wishes to be employed in this Army, or not. As it is now in my power to give Gen. Gates a command suitable to his rank, and as I have not heard from him,...
156From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned to you my Intention to submit the Complaints of the Officers against the Contract for the movg Army—to the Superintendt of Finance they now go to him by this Conveyance—I refer you to his Letter for a Disclosure of their Subjects, of the very serious & alarming Circumstances which we are now brot to from that Quarter—serious indeed they are, & of such Importance as to demand your...
157From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to what I mentioned to you in my last of the 30th of Septemr—I now have the Honor to inclose to you, to be laid before Congress, a Copy of my Letter to Sir Guy Carleton. on the Subject of payment for the maintenance of the British prisoners of War in possession of the United States. With great Regard I am Dear Sir &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
158From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the Plan of Inspection which you did me the honor to put into my hands yesterday. I have compared it with the draft I sent to you a day or two before—and I return them both with the following observations. Artl 2d Instead of the words "and the Secretary at War" I ask if it would not be better to substitute, "Duplicates of which to be, by them, transmitted to the Secretary at...
159From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 2d Instt came to my hands the 20th by Doctr Craik—I am much indebted to you for the sentimts & calculations contained in it. You have however, if my information & estimation of the Enemys strength in New York is right, fallen a good deal short of their numbers—and if I may be allowed to ground an opinion upon present appearances, information and past experience—I...
160From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having attentively perused the Letter from Major Genl Knox to you, respectg extra Allowances to him, which you committed to my Consideration; I can with g r eat Truth & Justice say, that the Requests made by Genl Knox, appear to me to be perfectly reasonable and well founded. In the first Instance, the Duties of his Command, from the Time of his entering the Service, have been arduous &...
161From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Two things appear to me to be greatly necessary as the basis, and foundation of all the arrangements of the ensuing Campaign—Vizt Effectual measures for filling up the Army, & certain prospects of being able to support it. As the completion of our Battalions as early as possible is a Matter of the utmost importance, and as the success of Recruiting them will depend greatly on putting the...
162From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hazen’s sending an officer under the capitulation of York Town for the purpose of retaliation, has distressed me exceedingly. Will you be so good as to give me your opinion of the propriety of doing this upon Captain Asgill should we be driven to it for want of an unconditional prisoner. Presuming that this matter has been a subject of much conversation, pray, with your own, let me know...
163From David Cobb to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 23d inst. has been duly received—the Commander in Chief having gone up the River to view the Posts at Albany & its vicinity; I can only observe that the alteration made in the mode of Issues will give general satisfaction, if the Issuer behaves with the Least Decency; As you are sensible that it is not altogether the badness of the Contract, but the mode of its execution that...
164From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two favors of the 19th & 26th inst. The favorable disposition of Congress expressed in their late acts appears to be highly satisfactory to the Army. My Papers for last year not being with me I cannot recur to the Letters which have passed on the subject I am about to mention—but I recollect it was proposed some time since to alter the military Establishment so...
165From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 26 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I believe it was mentioned when you was at Head Quarters that Major Villefranche had made application for promotion—I have declined in this and all similar instances to use my influence directly with Congress, to obtain rank for Gentlemen who solicited it out of the common course of promotion; because I wished in the first place that Honble Body might decide according to their own pleasure,...
166From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received from Capt. Kirkwood, the Arrangement of the Officers of the Delaware Battalion—which has my Approbation. Capts—Wm McKennan & George Purvis, will by their Concent, also continue in Service, to do the Duty of P. Master & Adjutant. Should it be thot proper to collect that Battalion together, it is more probable that they may be called to join the Main Army, than to be ordered to...
167From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
When Gnl Potter & Colo. Magaw were with me from the State of Pennsylvania, solliciting my Approbation & Assistance in the Expedition proposed to be carried on by that State against the Savages—I frankly & freely gave them my Opinion respecting their Projections which was entirely opposed to the Idea suggested—I gave them my Reasons. Since those gentlemen left me, the Information mentioned in...
168George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1780 . Fears that loss of the “Bar” may mean loss of Charleston. Sends news of enemy’s movements and of the march of the Maryland Division. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
169From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have devoted almost my whole time & attention since leaving Philadelphia to reviewing & examining into the particular state of the Troops which compose the Army under my immediate command—It gave me equal surprize & concern to find that several Corps had not been able to get the new Cloathing compleated, so as to be delivered to the Soldiers, & that the Men were actually in the most naked &...
170From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to send to your Care under a flying seal the inclosed Address of the Officers of the Army on the Happy Event of the Birth of a Dauphin. Should you think proper to give it your Concurrence, & wish to pay a particular Compliment to the Minister on this Occasion, you will be pleased to present it with your own Hand otherwise cause it to be conveyed under its Cover from me the...
171From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I shall be glad to meet you here tomorrow Evening at 7 OClock on the business of the allowance of servants to Officers. You will be pleased to bring with you any Resolves of Congress or Papers which may be relative to the Matter. Inclosed is a letter from General Mcdougal recommending Docr Ledyard to a continuance in the new Hospital arrangement. I have no particular knowledge of the...
172From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed Copies of Two Resolutions of Congress you will perceive that they have restored Genl Arnold to the rank he claims in the line of General Officers, and have directed me to grant him a Commission for that purpose. This I have done, and he will receive it by the conveyance by which this goes. From your peculiar situation, and being one of the Officers within the operation of the...
173From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 19th inclosing A copy of the Contract for supplying the Post of West point & its dependencies. The quaeries & observations on it which follow are submitted to you. 1st Do the Contractors mean to supply only the Garrison of West point and the dependant Posts Which May amount to 3000 or 3500 Rations? or will they increase the supply to any number of Men Which...
174From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon Enquiry I have too much Reason to fear we shall not be able to secure Craft eno’ to embark all our Troops, Stores, Baggage, Cannon &ca upon the Water—in which Case some must go by Land—You will be pleased to consult Colo. Lamb, respecting the heavy Cannon, Carriages, Military Stores & Baggage, & find what will be most cumbersome & heavy to transport by land, & let that have the first...
175From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the resignation of John Lawrence Esqr, Judge Advocate Genl. for the determination of Congress thereon, & to solicit, upon its being accepted a successor may be appointed to him—I have further to inform you that Mr Edwards a Liutt. in the 9th Mass. Regt is now the only Depy Judge Advocate with the Army, of whose capacity to fill the Office as a Principal, I am not...
176From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 26 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
It is his Excellency’s desire, that you have an immediate inspection made into the state of the mens arms and accoutrements, belonging to your division; and take effectual measures to have them put into the best order possible. Also to have your men completed to their proper complement of ammunition, strictly injoining the greatest care to avoid all wanton and unnecessary waste. I am Sir ...
177From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
When you passed the Army in December I believe you was fully impressed with the necessity of furnishing at least one pair of wollen Overalls⅌ man—the necessity is daily encreasing, for the building of the Hutts has almost entirely destroyed their last Years breeches—I must therefore again take the liberty to urge in the strongest terms that a supply of this Article may be Sent on as soon as...
178From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours with the Return of your Division. I observe that the Return of the two independent Companies is much smaller than the last and the deficiency not accounted for. I therefore desire the Captains may be called upon to know what is become of their Men. I also observe that there are eight Men of the Corps under Chambers absent on furlough, I desire that they may be ordered in as well...
179From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
The alteration which has lately been made in the system of the Inspectors Department, having left the Department of the Adjutant General, which was blended with it, in a vague & deranged State, it has become necessary that some new regulations & appointments should be made—for this purpose, I wish the enclosed Plan, may thro’ the channel of the War Office, be proposed for the consideration of...
180From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 17th and 18th Instants—with their inclosures—I have forwarded a passport to Mr Garden. I inclose you under flying Seals My letters to General Greene and General Muhlenburg by which you will perceive that I have in a great measure left the execution of the Resolve of the 9th to the discretion of the former—The latter I have ordered to remain in Virginia...
181From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letter of the 18th I have taken an Opportunity of consulting some more of the Officers upon the Propriety of annexing the Duty of Brigade-Conductor to that of the Brigade Quarter-Master, and they are of Opinion that he will be able to execute both. This Annexation therefore, with the Addition of a Deputy Commissary and two Conductors or Clerks for the Post of West Point (which are...
182From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Observations on the Nature & practice of Challenges, have been produced in Consequence of the Tryal of M. Genl McDougall upon the Arrest of M. Gl Heath. On this Occasion M. Gen. McDougal, havg made Objections to several Members composing this Court—& no Rules havg been prescribed by Congress for the Regulation or Extent of these Objections, much Delay & some Difficulty have been...
183From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress having directed me to order an Engineer for the service of the Southern Department —Lt Colonel L’Aumoy is in consequence of General Du portails recommendation detached on that duty—he is instructed to proceed with all possible expedition to South Carolina, there to take your orders—and his Conduct while he has been attached to this Army, leaves me no room to doubt that he will give...
184From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is to be feared from the Scarsity of the Craft which appears on the Bay—that you will not be able to embark the whole of the Troops on two Trips—of this however you will be the best Judge, upon a Calculation of the Vessels that carry the first Division—& the Number which may be collected at Baltimore by the Time of the second Embarkation—If you should find that the whole cannot be...
185From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Every day convinces me that the Enemy are determined to bend their force against the southern States, and that we must support them powerfully from this Quarter, or they will be lost. Except such support is given in time, it will be ineffectual—The enemy will not only have established themselves in posts, but in the affections of many of the people. The pennsylvania Line is already ordered to...
186From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and John Peter Gabriel … (Washington Papers)
I am well convincd that the amazing desertions which have of late prevail’d among our Troops, proceeds intirely from their not being regularly paid; For it is not to be supposed, that the bare encouragement of recieving a few Dollars from the Enemy for their Arms could operate so forcibly upon them. I have in vain endeavour’d to make the officers bring in their Pay Rolls and draw their money,...
187Virginia 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...
188Enclosure No. 2: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 19 December … (Hamilton Papers)
“You will see by some of my former letters, that, in consequence of your orders, I had taken measures, to provide such articles of clothing, as were necessary to complete the troops with their winter clothing. Messrs. Banks and Company have furnished most of the articles we shall want, and will provide the rest. Mr. Hamilton, the clothier, had instructions to contract with such as would supply...
189From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favord with yours of the 13th instant. Disagreeable to me as the Measure is, I am compelled by necessity to give Orders to Genl Hazen to select an Officer from among those under Capitulation or Convention—inclosed are my Instructions to him—which you will be pleased to forward. I think it necessary & expedient that the Aides D. Camp, to the Brigadiers, & the Brigade Majors, should...
190From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Major Campbell advises by Letter just now received that the Enemy are advancing toward Van Vacter’s Bridge. I wish you to send out fresh scouts immediately, and to make the earliest reports. If this report is confirmed by your scouts you will order your Tents to be struck, and put into the Waggons, and have everything in readiness to move. I am Sir yr mt hume servt LS , addressed to Wayne, in...
191From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 15 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have successively received your several letters of the 23d and 28th of January 12th 14th and 23d of February, almost all of which were come to hand when I wrote you by General Du Portail, but by accident were not acknowleged. As far as it is possible for me at this Distance, and with a very inconsiderable knowlege of the Country, to judge, your reasonings on the best plan for an expedition...
192From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
From the inclosed Transcript of a Letter from M. Genl Greene to me, and the Extract of my Reply to him, you will learn, the Wishes of Genl Greene respecting the Removal of the Troops from the Southward. And you will also observe my Opinion thereon, provided no Reasons of Congress shall militate against it. Will you be pleased to obtain the Pleasure of Congress on this Subject—and in...