11To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure a few days since of receiving your Excellencys very kind favor of the 11 Ulto—My letter to which you refer was of such a nature that I did not expect an answer for I was confident that there had been a great number of applications and that the line of conduct which your Excellency adopted was the one which you would pursue —I expected no more than to be on the roll of those...
12To 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...
13To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned in my last that our Senators were chosen—This common wealth has been divided into Eight districts each having a right to chuse one representative to the general Government. Each town was directed to return the name of two persons for electors of President & vice President from the two highest in each district the General court are to chuse one this will make Eight and two are to be...
14To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have been honour with the receipt of your two favors Octr— and the 14th Ulto—The information conveyed by them is pleasing and interesting it at once relieved my mind from a state of painful anxiety and impressed in its stead sensations the most agreeable. Last Thursday our votes were given in for representatives and for electors of President and vice President Mr Ames is probably chosen for...
15To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of transmitting to your Excellency a publication containing a number of letters written some time since by Mr J: Adams—It is the only copy which I have seen And it appears by the authors advertisement that we may not soon expect to see it generally circulating—The writer has I think discovered great knowledge of our country and of the state of our affairs and conducted his...
16To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of inclosing to your Excellency a political publication which lately made its appearance in this Commonwealth. It was ushered into light with all that cover of secrecy which often attends that of an illegitimate child. The father however has shared the fate which is common in such cases his likness being so strongly impressed upon his offspring that all our shrewd observers...
17To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was my dear general a few days since in Boston where I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 23d Ulto. The information which your Excellency has received, respecting the machinations of the antifederal characters, appears from what circulates in this part of the country, but too well founded. I have no doubt, but every exertion will be made to introduce into the new government, in...
18To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving the several letters answers to those which I have had the honour of writing to your Excellency. In one of my last I suggested to your Excellency what appeared to me to be the temper of our last house of representatives relative to the new constitution and my apprehensions lest the same spirit which they possessed would be by them difused through the...
19To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honoured with the receipt of your Excellencys favor of the 29th Ulto. Nothing very material has taken place since the convention was dissolved, saving the meeting of our General court. An attempt was made by some in the house of representatives, in a proposed answer to the Governours speach, to reprobate the doings of the convention held at Philadelphia and of the one in...
20To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honoured by the receipt of your favor of the 31st Ulto. Your feelings and wishes which have been called up by the distresses of my family are such as fully evince your concern for our happiness and welfare are additional proofs of your affection and demand our most grateful acknowledgments. A Gentleman of this town who attended the New Hampshire convention the last week...
21To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
New hampshire convention is setting the accounts are vague and uncertain things do not look as well as we wish they did we however flatter ourselves that the constitution will go down among them—Governour Sullivan & Mr Langdon, who have been in oposite boxes, are in this matter united and they are uniting their whole interest in favor of the constitution. Our supream judicial Court opened here...
22To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
In my last I had the pleasure of announcing to your Excellency that we had adopted the reported constitution. Nothing very material has taken place since saving what is mentioned in the enclosed paper by that you will learn what was the temper of many of those who had been in the oposition I think they discovered a candour which does them honor and promises quiet in the State. Some however...
23To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 6 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
The convention this evening ratified the constitution. present three hundred and fifty five members One hundred & Eighty seven Yeas & one hundred & sixty eight Nays 19 majority in favor of the adoption. As I mentioned to you in my last the spirit which operated the last winter had its influence in the appointment of members for the convention and was a clog upon us through the whole business,...
24To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will find by the papers of yesterday, which I do myself the pleasure to inclose, that the Governour has taken his seat as President of the Convention and that he came forward with a motion for the adoption of the constitution and sub joined a recommendation that some alterations may take place in it; The motion has taken up a considerable time; those in the opposition want the...
25To 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...
26To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
In my last, I mentioned to your Excellency the critical situation in which I consdeered my son though I entertained hopes that appearances were in his favor; my hopes were alive untill friday morning last; a manifest change then took place in him—He died at four in the afternoon. In him I have lost a beloved son, an agreeable companion, and a sincere and confidential friend—With him expired...
27To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9–13 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have, my dear General, been some time in this town with my son Benjn who has been exceedingly sick for about four weeks. On thursday last we thought his days were fully numbered, and that his last moments were rolling rapidly on and that they would have been terminated before the evening; but in the afternoon he revived, he yet lives, his situation, we trust, is not so critical as it has...
28To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln (Washington Papers)
I was honored by the reciept of your favour of the 7th Ulto, and your circular address by one of the last Posts. I wish your Excellency had not in so decided a manner expressed your determination to retire from the head of the order of Cincinnati. I shall communicate your address to our delegates at the next general meeting, and to our State society. I have made three trips into the eastern...
29To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 May 1786 (Washington Papers)
Mr Lear will have the honor of delivering this. I have the highest expectations that his services will be acceptable. He wishes to pursue in his liesure hours, the study of the law; his want of books may retard his progress therein—Had I been acquainted with any Gentleman of the bar in your neighbourhood, I would have solicited the loan of some books for him, but, as I am not permit me to ask...
30To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 May 1786 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with the receipt of your Excellencys favor of the 16th Ulto. It is probable that Mr Lear will be with you by the first of June I expect him from Portsmouth New Hampshire in about six days he will soon after commence his journey for Virginia I hope & trust your Excellency will find him a Gentleman of an amiable character. With real esteem & affection I have the honor of...
31To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 15 March 1786 (Washington Papers)
Immediately on the receipt of your Excellencys favor of the 6th Ulto I wrote to Mr Lear, who lives at Portsmouth New Hampshire, on the subject of joyning your family and requested to know the terms, ⅌ Year, he would perform the several duties pointed out The following is an extract from his letter in answer to mine “Two hundred dollars ⅌ annum will be satisfactory on my [part] for the services...
32To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 January 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have since my return, My Dear General, been looking agreeably to your request, among my young friends to see whether I could find among them one who would answer your purpose as a private Secy &c. &c.—I have at last found a Mr Lear who supports the character of a Gentleman & a schollar—He was educated at Cambridge in this State—Since he left College he has been in Europe & in different parts...
33To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 October 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 Oct. 1784. On 5 Feb. 1785 GW wrote to Lincoln : “Not until these few days have I been favored with your letter of the 18th of Octr.”
34To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 15 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
I may not omit so good an opportunity as now offers ⅌ Major Bayliss to inform your Excellency that at the meeting of the Cincinnati of this State they with great pleasure adopted the system as altered and amended by the general meeting and it appears to give great satisfaction to the citizens at large. I am pursuing the plan I mentioned to your Excellency the last fall of erecting mill for...
35To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Since I was honored with the receipt of your favor of this State society of the Cincinnati have had a meeting & have made choice of General Knox Genl Putnam Colo. Cobb Colo. Hull & Majr Serjeant to represent them in the General Meeting to be held at Philadelphia on May next. they are notified to attend I expect that two or three or more will have the pleasure of meeting your Excellency...
36To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am this minute honored with the receipt of your Excellencys favor of this date. I will give the necessary orders for the removal of the Invalids to West Point—The assistant Qr M aste r Mr Hodgden is here, who will wait on you, and I will particularly instruct him in this business. One of the lads I expected would go with me to Boston has been sick and is not here & the other I mentioned a...
37To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned yesterday, to some of the members of Congress, that I thought it would be very satisfactory to your Excellency to know the ideas of Congress relative to the number of troops to be reclaimed on the evacuation of New York—on this point a motion was made in Congress by Mr Gerry & seconded by Mr McHenry "That the commander in chief be authorized and directed after the evacuation of New...
38To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a subsistance Roll for the officers, in the hospital department with Mr Carletons remarks—I wish your Excellencys information who of them will be continued in pay for this month—I have the honr to be Dr Sir with great esteem your Excellencys most Ob. st DLC : Papers of George Washington.
39To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
My late aid and Assistant Major Jackson is quitting public life and is going to Europe with commercial views. I think him a youth of great honor abilities & integrity and feel myself much interested in his future happiness—I have therefore to request from your Excellency a letter in his favor to some friend in England or france & a certificate purporting his services in the field & that he has...
40To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 15 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
There are in Philadelphia six or eight officers and about one company of the invalid regiment. They are in a situation disagreeable to themselves and expensive to the public. Some of the Officers, by the loss of limbs and other inabilities, are rendered totally incapable of acquiring by their own exertions a support in life—others are in a degree debilitated, while some seem to have recovered...
41To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I find by the returns that there are but a few of Sheldons Dragoons who are not engaged to serve during the War; and as all the Horses are sold, I am fully in opinion that the little service which the remainder of the Corps would render in the circumstances they now are, will not compensate the expences which must arise from keeping them together. I therefore think that if at the time your...
42To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The commanding officers are applying for arms for the Musick—The donation of Arms to the Troops was in consequence of your Excellency’s recommendation should you be of opinion, all circumstances considered, they have a right to arms, I think no difficulty will arrise in Congress from the measure. I have requested General Knox to commence as soon as possible the build ing a Magazine on...
43To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 6 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Trumbull, your Excellencys secretary put into my hands, this morning a letter in which he represents that the gentleman who, before him, filled the office he now holds, was, soon after his appointment thereto, honored with a Lieutenant Colonels Commission and that this took place soon after the resolve of Congress which gave all your Excellencys Aid de Camp the rank of Lieutenant...
44To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to Your Excellency the copy of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Brigadier General Clarke, written to him in consequence of a request which I made that Sir Guy would be equally explicit in declaring that our officers, who had been prisoners of war, were absolved from their paroles—as I had done in a similar declaration respecting their officers who were...
45To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to request that you will be pleased to order an inscription, expressive of the vote of Congress, to be engraved on two of the six pound cannon taken at York Town, and which were to be presented to the Count de Grasse. When the engraving is finished the Q.M. Genl will take order for transporting the cannon to this City. I am, with the most perfect respect and esteem Your...
46To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your letter enclosing certificates from the several Lines of their acceptance of the commutation of half pay proposed by Congress in their act of the 22nd of march last. I am, with perfect respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
47To 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...
48To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed are forwarded by order of Congress. I have not yet heard from Sr Guy Carleton. I have the honor to be your Excellencys most Ob. servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
49To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to Your Excellency some late resolves of Congress. I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
50Agreement for Liberating British Prisoners, 19 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum of Agreement for Liberation of British prisoners of War—agreed upon between the Minister at War & the Commander in Chief 19th Aprl 1783 Orders to be given as soon as possible for their Liberation—& to commence thier March. Sir Guy Carleton to be informed that it is at his Option whether they march all the Way thro the Country—or be conveyed partly by Water—Those of Frederick Town &...
51To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the enclosed Resolves of Congress, your Excellency will learn, that we are in conjunction to make proper Arrangements for setting at liberty all land Prisoners. It seems to be the wish of Congress that this business should be effected as soon as possible, therefor to avoid the delays which may arise by adjusting the matter between us by Letter, I have to propose that your Excellency would...
52To 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.
53To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Delaware Troops will compose one Battalion—Captain Kirkland informs me that he has reported to your Excellency such Officers as are agreed on to command it for your Approbation. It is also his Wish that the Troops may be drawn together—I advised him to report the Situation of them to your Excellency and take your directions—I have only to observe that the duty of those Troops can be...
54To 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,...
55To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Since closing my letter of the first I have been honored with the Receipt of your public letter of the 24 and your private one of the 26 Ultimo. The Clothier General informs me that the Shirts your Excellency may depend on—I am sorry that I cannot give you the same Assurance respecting the Woollen Overalls—Mr Moylan informs me that he has applied to Mr Morris for the Money to supply the Cloth...
56To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the arrangement of the Virginia line—I suppose it to be right—Your Excellencys approbation of it is however necessary before it can be recorded in this Office—if you approve it the arrangement may remain with you as I have a Copy of it. I wish your Excellency’s opinion on the subject soon—as the Officers are applying for their subsistance. The materials for turning...
57To 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...
58To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
There are a number of deserters confined in the Goal in Boston, whose sufferings (notwithstanding their follies) demand attention. Colo. Popkins has applied to me for directions how they should be sent to their respective regiments. I have order’d him to detain a sufficient guard from the men now on furlough. As soon as they can be collected they will march. This order may interfere with the...
59To 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...
60To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys Letter of the covering an extract of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton of the 11th Instant and the copy of Lt Reinkings memorial to him on the subject of the Brunswic Prisoners of War at Reading. the Prisoners at Reading were sufferd to remain in Hutts untill by their improper conduct they had forfieted all right to any particular indulgence the Officer...