George Washington Papers

Major General Benjamin Lincoln to George Washington, 26 April 1781

From Major General Benjamin Lincoln

Boston April 26 1781

My dear General

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 desist1 or agree on a plan for future operations.2

The General Court have repealed their order directing the Levis raised in the three eastern counties to remain there untill your pleasure should be known respecting them3—Major Darby, who lives in one of those Counties is gone, to urge them forward,4 The recruits are daily arriving to the several randezvous and are marched on as soon as they arrive.5 The prospect that We shall raise most of the men voted is yet flattering.6 I have the honor to be with the highest esteem your Excellencys most obedient & most humble servant

B: Lincoln

ALS, DLC:GW.

1Lincoln appears to have written “digest” for this word.

2Jesse Cole’s friend likely was John Flood (see GW to Lincoln, 21 April, and notes 2 and 3 to that document).

3The Massachusetts legislature passed this resolution on 17 April (see Mass. Acts and Laws, 1780–81 description begins Acts and Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1781. Reprint. [Boston] 1890. description ends , p. 382).

4Maj. Samuel Darby came from the York County in the District of Maine.

5For other reports on Continental army recruits from Massachusetts, see William Heath to GW, 14 April, n.7, and 3 May, n.1; see also William Shepard to GW, 24 April, and n.4 to that document.

6GW replied to Lincoln on 11 May (MH).

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