51From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to you Copies of two Letters which I have received from Brigr General Hand in Consequence of the Late Arrangement of the Adjutant Genls Department. When I wrote you the 16th instant, I did not know that Genl Hand had obtained any knowlege of the Arrangement—nor did I intend to have communicated it to him, untill I had submitted those inconveniences which appeared to me to have...
52From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of recieving your private letter of the 12th I cannot but think the conduct of respecting the release of Lord Cornwallis very extraordinary—Is it reasonable that Mr Laurens should be at full liberty and acting as a Commissioner in Europe while Lord Cornwallis for whose liberation he pledged his own and consequently as a public Man the honor of the States is held bound...
53From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favr of the 12th inclosing sundry Resolves of Congress to which due attention shall be paid. your proposed arrangement of the department of the Feild Commissary of Military Stores is under consideration—the principal doubt is whether the Brigade Quarter Masters can or will undertake and execute the duty of Brigade Conductors—also General Knox seems to be of...
54From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the Act of Congress of the 1st of August (which was forwarded from the War Office in your absence) for arranging the Adjutant General’s Department, it should seem to have been understood by that Honble Body, that there is now in existence an Establishment, which should continue in force, until the first day of Janry next—but by adverting to the Resolutions of the 25th of Septr 1780. and of...
55From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th of August is come to hand covering a new Arrangement for the Army. I know no preference which Lees Corps is entitled to, but what will arise from the Date of its Establishment. Doctr Vacher’s Complaints, when presented, will be attended to. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
56From 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...
57From 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,...
58From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just now recd a Letter from Doctor Cochran, of which the enclosed is a Copy, giving, as you may observe, a Detail of his Wants. You are too sensible of the Importance of having Hospitals supplied with every Necessary to need a single Argument of mine to recommend his Request to your Attention. I have the Honor to be &c. &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
59From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Armand in a Letter of the 3d June last inform’d me that his Cavalry is compleat to within five Men of his established number—but that Sixty Horses are still wanting—I imagine there is very little probability that our means will admit of furnishing him any more Horses, and as his Corps may be of essential service in the So. Army—I will be obliged to you to transmit him Orders to March...
60From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a Letter from Colo. Olney with some other Papers relating to a soldier of the Rhode Island Regiment who has been in confinement in the state of Maryland since last Winter. As it would be extremely unjust and cruel that the Soldier should be any longer confined or should be sold to pay the charges of his Prosecution I must request you to take the matter up as...
61From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
As it is highly essential to the discipline as well as Appearance of the Troops & that they should be furnished with Colours, I could wish they might be forwarded as soon as possible, for I am informed they are already purchased. There is a Deficiency of about 30 Drums & 20 Fifes (as you will perceive by the Inspection Returns) which should likewise be supplied. The Bearer is charged with the...
62From 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...
63From 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...
64From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you, Copy of a Letter I have received from Brigadier General Glover, which you will observe he desires may submitted to Congress. Was I to give my Opinion on this matter, it would be that his Request should be complied with, for I think it pretty evident that the Country will reap very little benefit from any future services from him—his Age and Infirmities...
65From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Several Letters of the 18th 19th 23d 26th and 28th Inst.—Your Passport to Dr Smith of the British Hospital to go to New York is agreable to me. Upon consideration of General Greens plan, I think it the best that can be adopted, for the Troops South of Jersey—but I would not have it extend to the Regiments North of Pensilvania, while they remain so...
66From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
You will observe by the inclosed Papers that Lt Colo. Smith and Major Clarkson have applied for leave to Join the Combined Armies in the West Indies—As it is not with me to grant the permission I have refer’d it to you that you may grant their request or, if that is not in your power, may make the necessary application to Congress in their behalf. I am Sir Your very hum. & Obed. Servant DNA :...
67From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the enclosed Extract from General Orders (which I have the honor to request after perusing, you will be pleased to seal & forward) my determination respecting the Proceedings of the Court Martial of which Col. Ricd Butler was President in the case of Capt. McCurdy, will be made known to you—As I do not consider Brig. General Hazen as commanding through out the State of Pennsylvania &...
68From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing the Extract of a Letter from Col. Nicola Commandant of the Corps of Invalids, proposing some alterations & amendments in the Establishment of that Corps; and wish for a decision thereon. I likewise transmit an Extract of Gen. Heaths Letter of the 17th Inst. to me, covering a Letter from Lt Frye (which is also enclosed) and have to request that not only a...
69From 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...
70From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to you Copy of a Letter I have received from Major Genl Heath on the Subject of the Appointments of a Brigadier in the Line of Massachusetts. I approve the proposal—but As that is not the only Line of the Army in which similar promotion is become necessary, I think it will be best to be take up on a general Scale, so far as circumstances demand. The two Brigades of Connecticut Troops...
71From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to address you the 4th Instant covering a Letter to Genl Hazen ordering him to send on a certain Prisoner now in York Goal . I have reasons for countermanding the order and wish to stop it if possible before it gets to General Hazen—but should this not arrive in time for that I must beg you to send an Express to Genl Hazen directi n g him not to carry the order into execution...
72From 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...
73From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Olney writes me that he has taken up and confined at Providence Ensign Johnson of the Rhode Island Regiment for shamefully deserting from his Arrest occasioned by his ungentleman like conduct towards you. I shall be obliged to you to inform me what you know of the Affair, that I may be able to give the necessary directions. I am. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
74From 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...
75From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have made Enquiry respecting the 1000 Arms you complain of being Detained—No Orders of mine are or can be produced to justify this Detention—I can’t absolutely ascertain the true Reasons—but believe the failure has happened ’thro Mr Ruddock, the D.Comy of Military Stores, who says he had conceived an Idea that 1000 Stands only were Ordered; & that Number are gone on. I forward to you a...
76From 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...
77From 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...
78From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Defines a Ration—& expressly declares, that as a component part, the Commissioned and Staff Officers is to have West India Rum of Merchantable Proof . Non Comd & Privates, Country R. & W. Provides that these Rations shall be issued “in such proportions, numbers & quantities” as the Secretary at War or person appointed by him shall direct. And gives a certain price “for each & every Ration...
79From 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...
80From 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...
81From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 15th is received—with its several Inclosures. The Resolution of Congress respectg the Inhabitants of So. Carolina, would have been commincated to the British Comander in Chief in N. York, before this Time, but for the disagreeable Circumstance of Retaliation which has intervened—the purport of that Resolve is transmitted in my Letter of Yesterday to Lord Guy Carleton....
82From 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...
83From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I should be glad to know whether Colo. Pickering is detained in Philadelphia by proper authority, or whether his remaining there is to answer any valuable purpose? I am sorry to add, but I cannot well avoid it, that for any good, or even knowledge I derive from this Gentleman, in his office, I might almost as well act without a Qr Mr Genl—When I arrived at Phila in Novr last and found I was to...
84From 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...
85From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 13 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Majr Genl Heaths representn to you, before my arrival at this place and your Letter of the 3d I wrote a letter of which No. 1 is a copy to Maj. Genl Heath and obtained a specification of complaints made by the Officers against the Contractors No. 2. Upon Receipt of this Colos. Humphry and Trumbull held a conference with Mr Sands and at my desire inclosed is their Minutes of...
86From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the Letter to Brigdr General Hazen, which I have enclosed to you under a flying seal for your inspection, you will observe the distressing alternative to which we are at last reduced; I must request you will give that Letter a safe & speedy conveyance. As soon as the British Officer, whose unfortunate lot it is to be designated as the object of Retaliation, shall arrive in Philidelphia, it...
87From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hall of the Delaware Regiment writes me that General Greene has transmitted to the of the Delaware State—Charges against him, of being absent from his Regt since 1778—drawing his full rations of Provisions & forage at his Home and giving furloughs & discharges to Men for compensations in Grain for his own use—he requests me to order him tried at Head Quarters or Philadelphia My answer I...
88From 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...
89From 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...
90From 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...
91From 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 :...
92From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Copy of a Letter from Governor Clinton, with my Answer to him, you will be pleased to submit to the Consideration of Congress: the Subject will be disclosed by a perusal, from whence you will also observe the Importance of an early Decision. The Necessity of the Case only, grounded on the Govrs Representation, could have induced me to have consented so far as I have done and this...
93From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Recipt of your Favor of the 10th instant—inclosing the Resolves of Congress respectg the Pay Master Genl & Department. I never had in Idea when we conversed on the Subject of Contingencies in the Army, & Warrants being drawn by the Commander in Cheif for their payment, that it was to have a Retrospect beyond the Commencement of the present Campaign, or that it was to...
94From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have only time by Mr Eveleigh to acknowledge the rect of your private letter of the 2d & to thank you for it. The moment I am at leizure & a good oppertunity offers I shall write you more fully on the subject. Permit me to recommend the Letters herewith inclosed to your care—if no better oppertunity offers, be so good as to forward them by the first Post. Most sincerely & Affectionately I...
95From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favord with yours of the 9th. The same Observations I think will apply to Colo. Sheldons Requisition, as were made to you in mine of the 12th—respectg Colo. Armands Corps—If the Circumstances of the Campaign (wch are yet to be known) should require the full Compliment of Horse, we shall be as able perhaps to procure them some Time hence as at present. I am &c. DLC : Papers of...
96From 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...
97From 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 &...
98From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your favor of the 26th March which was handed me on my way to this place. When the matter respecting the number of Servants to be allowed to the offices of the Army, was taken up by the General Officers, If I am not mistaken, it was the general Sentiment that the indulgence ought to be confined to the officers of the Line, that as the Staff were in general allowed a pay...
99From 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...
100From 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...