1From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 21 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been obliged to make so large a temporary detachment, that it becomes indispensibly necessary to call in the Recruits from the States nearest at hand. You will therefore be pleased to dispatch orders to the superintending Officers to send forward, to the Army, such as may have come in to the places of rendezvous, and to exert themselves to collect and send in any which may yet be...
2From George Washington to Major Generals Benjamin Lincoln and John Sullivan and Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 22 … (Washington Papers)
An Inconvenience of considerable Magnitude arising from the Practice of carrying Household furniture &C. in Waggons & Carts to the Enemy has determined me to direct that in future nothing shall be transported that way—I do not mean to prevent such of the Inhabitants as choose to withdraw within the Enemy’s lines from taking with them all their Apparel & Household furniture as usual if they can...
3From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 12 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you, Copies of a Memorial of sundry Officers of the Invalid Regiment, and the Opinion of a Board of Inspection on their several Cases; which you will be pleased to lay before Congress for their Consideration & Determination. With great Regard and Esteem I have the Honor to be Dear Sir Your most Obedient & humble Servant, DNA : Item 149, Letters and Reports from...
4From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 26th of April and of the 3d inst. I am pleased to hear so flattering accounts of the prospects of Men and of some kinds of supplies, but so great are my apprehensions on the score of provisions, that I am sending General Heath purposely to the Eastern States to represent our distresses and to endeavour to fix a plan for our regular supply in future. I refer...
5From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Finding the Commissioners appointed to liquidate the accounts of Monies due for the maintenance of Prisoners, and make permanent provision for their future support, have seperated without accomplishing any thing; I think it highly expedient that measures should be adopted, at this moment, for taking the German Prisoners of War into our service: as this measure has been considerably agitated, I...
6From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Troops composing the Detat c hment under your Command may, till they are united with the Force in Virginia, be formed into three Brigades—Vizt—The light Infantry, to be commanded by Colo. Scammel, on the Right—The two York Regiments under Brigr Genl Clinton on the Left—& Hazens, Jersey & Rhode Island in the Center. You will march Tomorrow at four oClock in the morning—in two Columns—for...
7From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to a Resolve of Congress of the 19th of December last I am to make known to you the number of General Officers which I shall judge necessary to be in the Field in the Main and separate Armies and in different parts of the United States. This at the present moment considering the uncertainty of the operation of the Campaign which will depend not only upon the dispositions of the...
8From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 11th of May and 4th Ulto have come ⟨late⟩ to hand. The last the day before yesterday only. The cost of the Glass therein enclosed, shall be immediately paid to Messrs Solomon Cotton & Co. Merchts in Baltimore—and for your agency in this business I pray you to accept my thanks. The mistake will, I trust, soon be rectified as the wrong box of glass was returned to Baltimore...
9From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you a Copy of the proceedings of our Commissioners at their late Meeting at Tappan, with Copies of the powers presented by the British Commissioners, and the several papers which passed between them ’till their Seperation on the 28th—by which you will see their Business has been brot to a speedy & undecisive Issue. Inclosed are Copies of Letters which passed...
10From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
When pressed by Neccessity to adopt a Measure, a Choice is scarcely left us. In answer therefore to your Letter of the 12th Instant, I am obliged to observe, that the Tardiness of the States will compel us to that, which in my Opinion, policy forbids. At this critical Moment, Inclination would not lead me to consent to disbandg any Corps of the Army—But if the States cannot—or what is the...
11From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
As Doctr Gordons departure for England is an event that was to have taken place about this time & may have happened I take the liberty, in that case, of requesting the favor of you to do what shall appear right with the inclosed Subscription Paper & Bill. I will make no apology for the trouble this request may give you as I persuade myself your inclination to serve the Doctr will keep pace...
12From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry I happened to miss you yesterday. I waited till two Oclock p.m. in expectation of your arrival, and then divided my family upon difft roads—but all of us escaped your Tract. conceiving that this might happen, I left a few introductory Letters (for you to some of the first Gentlemen in Carolina) with Baron Kalb, and would now inclose you others to my friends in Virga if I knew what...
13From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favors of the 19th Decemr and 5th January. I thank you for your communications and shall always be happy to hear from you when you have leisure. I am so utter a stranger to the Country in which you are, that I cannot pretend to offer my opinion upon the measures that ought or ought not to be pursued. Of this however I am confident, that your Abilities...
14From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your several Letters of 26th Febry—1st—4 & 4th of March. I know no Objections to the Arrangement of the Virginia Line as transmitted to me from your Office—It has my Approbation—& may pass into Record. Whatever of Cloathg can be obtained for the Army, I wish to have forwarded with as much dispach as possible—Mr Morris, knowg our Circumstances, & his own Abilities, or rather...
15From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
General Hazen in the same Letter which acquaints me of the Designation of Capt. Asgill of the Guards for the purpose of Retaliation, also informs that there are two persons in our power at York & Winchester, who come under my first Description—I have therefore immediately given him the inclosed Orders, which you will see, & which I beg you will cause to be conveyed to him. If Lieut. Turner or...
16From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 11 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 25th & 28th of last Month, and it gives me very great pleasure to find that you are appointed to a Committee the subject of whose deliberations you are so well acquainted with—and it adds not a little to my satisfaction to hear, that it is generally composed of Gentlemen remarkable for their good sense & patriotism, at a time when there never was greater...
17From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
A skilful Navigator, and a man of respectable character should be appointed Commodore—He is to give to each Skipper his Orders—fix signals for the whole to be governed by—to keep them in compact order—run them to Burwells Ferry, or James Town on James River, where they are to debark unless they meet other orders, on the passage—and to return with all possible expedition to Baltimore for the...
18From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 8th of July with that pleasure which we always experience in hearing from those for whom we have a real esteem—The details you give me of your attack upon Stono ferry are obliging and satisfactory; and “though all was not done which you wished” I have no doubt that the attempt had a good effect and at least accelerated the retreat of the Enemy—It did no discredit...
19From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 13 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of the earnest Application of Colo. Stewart on the part of the Contractors—and agreeable to what appeared to be your Wish, I have suffered a Number of public Teams to be sent into Jersey to bring on Flour for the Army—I hardly know on what footg this Business is placed—whether the Contractors are to be charged the Amount of this Service or whether it is intended as a Gratuity to...
20From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 25th of December. If prejudices will still prevail against experience, the fatal effects of temporary inlistments must be endured to the risque, if not the ruin, of the cause. The discontents and jealousies arising from this source have at length broke out in the Pennsylvania Line as you will have been informed by General Knox before this...
21From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
As it was your opinion when you honored the Army with your presence in Octr last, and as it was clearly mine, that the two Regiments of New Jersey and New Hampshire & the Regiment of Rhode Island, had better remain entire Corps until the States to which they respectively belonged should (on application being made to them) determine whether they would recruit those Corps to the number required...
22From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Reports, whi c h I have received from the several Lines & Corps of the Army under my Command, accepting the Commutation proposed by the Resolution of Congress of the 22d of March. Colo. Olneys Regiment being at Saratoga, I have not yet been made acquainted with this Election—but will forward it as soon as received. You will also find inclosed a Copy of a Letter from Brigr...
23From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your several favors of the 6th & 7th Instant. I have taken measures to obtain the sentiments of the Officers respecting their Actions so soon as I am favor’d with them they shall be communicated to you. When a furlough was granted to Major Wooster for three Months it was determined that he should join his Regiment at the experation of that time or should resign—he may...
24From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
As the Gentlemen who are now remaining of my family, propose to honor me with their Company to my Ho. in Virginia & will of course need a little of their Pay, you would oblige both them & me, if you could devise a method by which three or four Months of it could be obtained. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obed. & Affe Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
25From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment received your two Favors of the 8th instant per Mesrs Edwards & Phelps. Respecting the Requisitions of Colo. Carrington; as you are at the Fountain of Intelligence, you are probably better informed than I am & therefore better able to decide on those Estimates than I can at present determine. The Nature of our Operations, you are sensible, must depend greatly on the Views of...
26From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The detachment under your command is to march to Springfield in New Jersey by two Routes. The left Column with which you will go is to be composed of the Light Troops and York Regiments (if Courtlands should get up in time) and four light Feild pieces with the Baggage of these Corps. The right Column is to consist of the park of Artillery— O’dnance Stores—The Quarter Masters and Commissary’s...
27From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon information of the Sailing of the Fleet from the Chesapeak Bay, I gave Orders for the Troops, which were embarked, to be stopped. Since my arrival at this place, I am informed that the Count de Grasse has been joined by Count de Barras, and having captured two English Frigates, is returned to his former Station at the Capes; on this pleasing information, I have sent forward Count Fersen...
28From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your several Favors of the 4th 5th 9th 10th & 16th of July—their respective Subjects are attended to. As you do not mention them I am at a loss to collect the particular Instances of Difficulty which occur to you in formg a System for the new Arrangement of the Invalid Corps, & therefore refer the Subject to you again—the same Difficulty occurs respectg the Dispute of Rank...
29From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose you a Letter from Colo. Vanschaaik—of the 1st New York Regiment—asking a continuation of that leave of absence which Congress before granted him—what that leave was I know not, but I think it absolutely necessary that something should be determin’d on in this matter—as Colo. Vanscaaik has already been absent from the Army near a twelve month. I am Dr Sir &c. DLC :...
30From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I received with your letter of the 9th instant, one from Mr Minot and also his History of the Insurrections in Massachusetts. The work seems to be executed with ingenuity, as well as to be calculated to place facts in a true point of light, obviate the prejudices of those who were unacquainted with the circumstances & answer good purposes in respect to our government in general. I have...
31From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Reply to your Letter of Yesterday respectg the Ordnance & Ordnance Stores in Virginia, I transmit to you Copy of a Letter from the Count Rochambeau, to whom I had submitted your Quere, & requested to know from him what future Service he expected from those Stores for the Use or Security of the French Troops. I think it will be well for you to take your Measures for the Removal of such as...
32From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your two Letters of the 2nd & 4th inst.—In what manner the new mode proposed respecting the Officers subsistence will be considered by them, I am not yet competent to determine—Tho I am sensible that almost every innovation is in danger of being viewed in a disadvantageous point of light in the present state & temper of the Army, yet for my own part, I see no...
33From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I informed you on the 11th Inst. that a bill was before the House to provide for the Expences that might attend the Treaties & Negociations to be made with the Indian Tribes, and for the appointment of Commissioners to be employed in the same. This Bill has to day passed into a Law, and in consequence thereof I have nominated, and by & with the advice & consent of the Senate, have appointed...
34From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 12 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 22d October by Colo. Laurens, to whose information, I am indebted for a very particular account of the situation of affairs to the southward. I had, previous to his arrival, been furnished by Congress with Copies of your dispatches by Major Clarkson, who came forward himself to Head Quarters. By him, I had the mortification of hearing of the ill...
35From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 9 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose the within representation of Colonel Nichola for your directions, as it relates to Orders issued from the War Office. Some of the Prisoners who come on with your Passports to go into New York seem to Expect that they are to carry in their Horses—to prevent any discussion of this matter when they arrive I would wish it to be mentioned in the Passports whether they...
36From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to you, Copy of a Letter from the Day Judge Advocate. If the Appointment of a Judge Advocate has not already been made, I wish it may be speedily attended to—Mr Edwards’s Duty, since the Resignation of Judge Lawrence, has been severe—& it may justly be deemed a Hardship for him to continue to discharge the Duty of the whole Depart. upon his present pay & Emoliments. Your Letters of...
37From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
On the 15th of September next there is to be a treaty held in the State of Georgia, between the Indians on the southern frontiers and Commissioners on the part of Georgia. At this treaty there will be a numerous and respectable concourse of Indians; two, and some say three thousand. Their famous Counsellor, the noted McGilvery is to be present at it; and it is now in agitation, and a bill is...
38Orders to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
As I am credibly inform’d that the inhabitants along the Sound carry on a frequent communication with the Enemy on Long Island, you are hereby instructed to collect all the boats, & other small craft on the sound, from Horse Neck downwards to any extent you shall think proper, & convey them to any place you shall concieve to be most convenient. Givn under my hand at Head Quarters this 7th...
39From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of yesterday respecting Mr Taulman of the Sappers & Miners. I am not able to give any possitive opinion whether or not that Gentleman is entitled to the Commission he sollicits—the very small number of Men in the Corps renderd it not necessary to fill any Vacancies in the Officers—his claim therefore, must rest on what has been the practice in the Corps in Similar...
40George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 27 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 27, 1780 . Is pleased with Lincoln’s present situation. Hopes that the Spanish success in Florida will turn the British attempts in that direction. Instructs Lincoln to cooperate with Juan de Miralles. Reports that Virginia troops are being sent to the South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed paper relative to the Services & Claims of Capt. Goodale, was put into my Hand by Brigr Genl Putnam, with a Wish that it might be laid before Congress. Something peculiar appears in Capt. Goodales Case; and his pretensions, being founded entirely on the Idea of Merit, I am desirous they may be represented in a favorable Light. Should Congress, from a Consideration of his Services,...
42From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 19th of March, which should have been done at an earlier period had any thing transpired in these parts which was worth communicating. I can now, with pleasure, inform you that the State of Maryland adopted the proposed Constitution last monday by a very large majority; this you will undoubtedly have announced by the publick papers...
43From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Lre. of the 27th of January is received. In answer to that part of your letter of the 15 January, which respects the appointment of a Brigadier for the State of Connecticut I am to observe that when the Secretary at War was at Verplanks point last fall it was agreed to be the best plan for future Promotions to divide the Continent into districts and when a Vacancy happend for a General...
44George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 18, 1780 . Asks Lincoln to employ Lieutenant Colonel Dubuysson “in such a manner as will enable him to indulge his ardor.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lieutenant Colonel Charles François Dubuysson des Hays.
45From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Painful as the task is to discribe the dark side of our affairs, it some times becomes a matter of indispensable necessity—Without disguize or palliation, I will inform you candidly of the discontents which, at this moment, prevail universally throughout the Army. The Complaint of Evils which they suppose almost remediless are, the total want of Money, or the means of existing from One day to...
46From 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...
47From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmitt you Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton together with copy of Lt Reinkings Memorial respecting the ill treatment of the German Prisoners. Such part of General Carletons Letter as respects our Naval Prisoners I have communicated to Mr Morris and I will be obliged to you to give me such information respecting the Prisoners as will enable me by a transcript...
48From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 19 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have wrote to General Herd to march the Militia assembled under his Command to this place —I am about making a new disposition of the Forces and shall give General Herd the necessary Orders upon his arrival here—You will send the 8th Pennsylvania Battalion commanded by Col: Broadhead to occupy the Posts General Herd leaves —You will please to give the Col: all the assistance in your power in...
49From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to refer to your attention the inclosed letter from Capt. Swan, particulary so much of it as respects the furnishing three hundred sets of Horse Accoutrements which only want Bits and Stirrups to compleat them. The swords which are the most essential Weapons for Dragoons with their Belts should also be procured if possible. I presume a certain proportion of Cloathing will be...
50From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding your letter of the 28th of August, in which you mentioned that Congress had taken up the proceedings of the former Commissioners, and a most pressing letter of my own to the President of the 28th of last month, requesting to know whether Congress would confirm Lord Cornwallis’s exchange for Mr Laurens—and whether they would consent to Sir Guy Carletons and Admiral Digbys...