11To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 14 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this moment receivd an extract of a letter from Genl Stevens to your Excellency of this days date, purporting the situation & designs of the enemy—and a letter from Colo. Harrison expressing your desire that I woud avail myself of the intelligence containd in the extract, and be gaurded in the best manner possible, to elude, & baffle their designs, I shall most chearfully do it —I have...
12To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 19 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
One of the Hessians left their camp at the landing this afternon, his account of their numbers & situation is very simelar to that we have often had from others. He informs there are no appearances of removing at present, they are waiting for a reinforcment which they daily expect—That the treatment they receive is so very different from what they expected, & so injurious, (were promised 16d....
13To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have in the Guard House an infamous tory said to be one of Skinners men who on an attempt made by our people to secure him fired on them & wounded one—he also was wounded but is now almost well—By the enclosed warrant your excellny will learn more of the matter than I can explain —Wish to know whether he is to be tried by the civil authority of this State or by a Genl Court martial—By a...
14To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencies directions of the 20th forwarded by Colonel Harrison. In order to prevent in some measure the too frequent desertions, and to promote the safety of this camp I have detached a few companies of good faithful men on whom we can depend as well for their atteachment to the cause as for their bravery and activity, to act as scouts ⅌ day and patrols by night, they...
15To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
A number of Colo. Brodheads men, 8th Pennsylvana regiment, were some time since tried for desertion—Your Excellency was induced from the disordered state of that regiment to suspend the execution of the several sentences untill a court of enquiry could ascerta[i]n the real cause of such disorder no court hath set & from the long confinment of the men they have lost their healths & are become...
16To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777. Charles E. Tuttle Co. of New York reportedly sold in 1951 an autograph letter signed “addressed to ‘His Excellency Gen. Washington’, regarding the march of General De Hoar’s brigade to Morristown to join the main army. Washington’s reply (as written by his adjutant T imothy P ickering ) is written at the bottom of Lincoln’s...
17To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I met General Schuyler the 30th ultimo; a mile or two above Fort miller, just after the General officers had in council resolved to remove the army to Saratoga, as a place more tenable and convenient for disciplining the troops; I hope he will have it in his power there to make a stand, and be able soon to attack the British troops, or at least some parties of them, with success, And give a...
18To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s orders I waited upon General Schuyler on my way to the militia, who had assembled and were assembling at Manchester on the grants, received his instructions, and met the troops the second instant, found only five or six hundred there—but one regiment was on the road from the Massachusetts, and about thirteen or fourteen hundred from New Hamshire, before many of...
19To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the unhappiness to acquaint your Excellency, that on the morning of the 8th inst. I had the misfortune, to r[e]ceive a shott from the enemy in my right leg, by which it was broke, and the bones very much fractured; altho’ The appearance of the wound was, at first, so bad as left not the least probability of saving the leg—Yet such are the favourable symptoms at present that my surgeons...
20To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Claiborne, who has acted as my Aid de Camp, and whom I have permitted to return to Virginia, will have the honor of delivering this to your Excellency. The great distance from Virginia to New-England, and the uncertainty of my state of health, and in what part of the Continent I may serve, should I ever be able to take the field, may render it uncertain whether he can again join my...
21To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 20th of Jany last a few days since, on my journey from Albany to this town; and the last evening, with your favor of the 9th ulto inclosing a copy of the former. I have read the two resolves of Congress, in the operation of which, you suppose, I shall be effected. I find by the first that the officers of the Pennsylvania regiments are now to...
22To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 17 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Would not an early attempt upon the city of New-York by part of the Continental Troops, and the Eastern Militia be attended with great probability of success? Indeed if there was but a small prospect of our carrying the city it appears to me, that our collecting a respectable body of men in its vicinity would be attended with many good effects; as thereby we should probably divide the enemy,...
23To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your kind favor of the 7th Ulto the 19th accompanying your valuable present the epaulettes & sword knot —you will permit me to return my most cordial thanks for them, and to assure your Excellency, that this testimony of your approbation of my conduct fills me with the highest sentiments of duty & affection, will always be remembred with the warmest gratitude, and ranked...
24To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
On consideration of the several questions proposed by your Excellency to the Council, the last evening, I beg leave to give it as my opinion—that the army ought to be immediately removed eastward—One division of it consisting of a number sufficient fully to reinforce the troops in the Highlands and in conjunction with them be equal to the defence of that post to be marched to Danbury and there...
25To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I find by the report of an Officer, I sent to observe the state of the roads, by Bull’s Iron works & New Milford, to Litchfield (30 odd Miles) that some parts of the road are much out of repair—but that the bridges are passable—On this Road the Troops may halt well at the distance of nine Miles (Draper’s Tavern) next at Peets Mill 9 Miles, next at Stones over Mount Tom , 8 Miles after that, to...
26To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s favor, of yesterdays date, the last evening. I immediately gave orders that a party from each Brigade in my Division should this morning be marched to repair the roads as mentioned in your letter—and to prevent their interfering one with the other & with the party which should be ordered by General McDougal I have assignned to each, of mine, its district...
27To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was on the 15th instant honored with your favor of the 9th with several letters one to Mrs Washington I shall do my self the honor of waiting on her if I pass through Alexandria—I am greatly obliged to you for your introductory letters to Gentlemen in Carolina and for your many unmerited marks of friendship, for them, I can only thank you over and over again—As early as I can know a state of...
28To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 19 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Immediately on my arrival here I called for a return of the troops and continental stores in this state, and the state of Georgia, but have not yet obtained them—otherwise I should have done myself the honor of inclosing them; but from all I can learn there are very few continental stores in either of the states. The troops have been supplied by this state, and the heads of the several...
29To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 5–6 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the evening of the 25th ulto I received information, at Charles-Town, that the enemy had arrived with upwards of twenty ships at Tybee, near the mouth of the river, Savannah, and in a harbour south of the river. The few troops at Charles-Town were immediately put in motion, and marched for Georgia; On my way, I met an express, from General Howe, who was in Georgia, informing that on the...
30To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned in my last the loss of Savanna and some of the particulars of that affair, the weakness of our post, deficiency of supplies &c. —for a particular and minute state of all these matters I beg leave to refer your Excellency to General Howe, who doth me the favor of carrying this: He hath given me every assistance in his power. I am happy in reflecting that you will find him a sensible...
31To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose your Excellency a return of all the troops here except the militia of this state whose numbers are so uncertain that I know not what return to make of them, indeed I hardly know in what light they are to be considered, for though the state declare they are in the pay of the Continent and are to act in conjunction with the regular forces, yet they are not to be...
32To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your favr brought to this State by Colonel Laurens but have not had the pleasure of seeing him, nor an opportunity of showing him those civilities, to which your recommendation so justly entitles him, he being wounded in the flesh part of his arm almost immediately upon his arrival here which occasioned his removal to Charlestown. I wish I had it in my power to...
33To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address you on the 5th Ulto by Major Rice, the enemy have evac⟨u⟩ated their posts, at Stono-Ferry and on John’s Island; have sent I hear their sick and wounded to St Augustine; part of them are returned to Savannah, and the other are in their vessels and on the Islands of Port-Royal and St Helena; By the latest information they do not mean to take post there,...
34To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 22 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 22 Oct. 1779 . GW wrote Lincoln on 12 Dec. : “I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 22d October.”
35To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your very obliging favor of the 28th of September the last evening—I wish it was in my power to give you such an account of matters in this department, as would afford you some satisfaction in the perusal—but unfortunately for me, and perhaps it may soon be more so for the public, I cannot do it—We remain unsupported by troops, unsupplied wt. many essential articles, and...
36To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 23 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I write by this opportunity rather from a desire to embrace it, than because I have any particular news to communicate. Since my last an exchange of prisoners has taken place, our private soldiers have been all liberated, and but few of our officers remain in the enemy’s hands; among them is Colo. Elbert of the 2d Georgia battalion. The enemy claim a Brigadier for him, he was appointed...
37To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 8 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days since honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 26th October last by Lieut. Colonel Ternant. I am too fully convinced of the utility of the new regulations not to afford him every countenance and assistance in my power, and it will be my greatest attention to have the troops in this Department formed on the plan adopted for the order & discipline of the army of the United...
38To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 23–24 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had a few days since the honor of your favor of the 12th Ulto by Colo. Laurens—announcing that the Virginia line were ordered to this department, than which nothing could be more acceptable, saving that of their not being needed—their speedy arrival is an event most ardently wished for. By our late accounts from Philadelphia, and from a large ship being seen off this bar on the 10th with...
39To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28–29 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to write you on the 24th instant, I have received a letter from the Presidt of Congress and a resolve of that Body, empowering me to correspond with the Governor of Havanna, and with him, to plan, adjust, and carry into execution, measures for the reduction of Georgia, and then to extend our operations to the conquest of East Florida —When this passed Congress, I...
40To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 11–12 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received information that on the 3rd instant the enemy landed about 8000 troops commanded by Sir Hy Clinton—if this is true, we may soon expect them before this town—for they probably know that we soon expect reinforcements. 2 o’clock P.M. I have just received information that a large fleet is off—matters are fast ripening, and will, I think, soon become very serious. 8 o’clock, I am...
41To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 14 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In my last I had the honor of informing your Excellency that the enemies fleet had arrived in North Eddesto —since that they have landed their troops on Simmons’s Island & marched part of them to the North East end of Johns Island. I have not been able yet to learn, with any degree of certainty, their numbers for although we have frequent information from Savannah yet as the troops were keept...
42To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The last time I did myself the honor to address Your Excellency, I mentioned that the enemy were landed on John’s Island —from that place some have crossed Stono-ferry, and now possess the works which they threw up last summer —I am exceedingly at a loss to know what are their views in taking post there—if, thereby, they mean to cover the landing of their cannon and stores, they will...
43To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Sir Harry seems to be collecting his force on James Island, and is there throwing up some works—one among the ruins of Fort Johnson, another a little to the westward of it—it is said that he is also throwing up a Bomb-battery opposite the Town; drawing his principal force to this Island, hawling his Gallies, and other armed vessels, of small draught of water, near the mouth of Wappoo,...
44To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since my last the enemy have very unexpectedly brought over the ships mentioned in the enclosed paper —it has been thought there was not water enough for a 64 gun ship—Before they came into the harbour it was determined to form a line of battle across the channel with our ships, to act in conjunction with Fort Moultrie—but afterwards, as the enemy were so vastly superior to our force, it was...
45To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enemy crossed the Ashley, in force, near the ferry on the 29th ultimo, and the next day moved down, and encamped about three thousand yards from our Lines—before this they had transported their heavy baggage, Ordnance, and Stores, from out of Wappoo across land about two miles, to Old Town creek on the West side of the river opposite their encampment. In the morning of the first instant we...
46To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 11 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellencys favor of the 26th ulto covering a letter from Sir Henry Clinton to me I cannot but hope you have a little misapprehended him and that it was not his intention to make my exchange depend absolutely on the exchange of the southern Army—did I fully believe this to be his meaning I should suppose no advantages would result from my meeting Major General...
47To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 11 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Hingham, Mass, 11 August 1780. “Could a consciousness of having the fullest intentions to serve my country and a sincere attempt to have executed such intentions have so availed me as to have discharged the debt of responsibility to the public for my conduct while their servant, and especially to you my dear General, as my commanding officer, I should have saved you the trouble of this long...
48To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 25 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take this early opportunity to inform your Excellency that in the late interview no exchanges took place; and that I see little prospect that any will be effected while the idea remains that officers only are to be the subject of it. In the course of conversation with General Philips (for nothing more took place between us relative to a general exchange of prisoners, as I early informed him...
49To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 25 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellencys favor of ⟨the⟩ 8th instant announcing my ⟨ex⟩change—an event extrem⟨ely⟩ felicitating. The General Assembly of this commonwealth, is now sitting, the first on our new c⟨on⟩stitution. Had I arrived fro⟨m⟩ camp a few days sooner, I shoul⟨d⟩ probably have been honored wi⟨th⟩ a seat among them. Though I am happy to inform your Excellency, that the...
50To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The committee on ways and means have now before them the resolves of Congress of the 4th instant in which part of the necessary supplies for the next campaign are apportioned on the several States—as also their circular letter calling in the most rational and energetic terms for a speedy and punctual compliance. It is with pleasure, I can assure your Excellency, that this State convinced of...
51To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 25 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was in the evening of the 23d honored with your Excellencys favor of the 11th. No measure has been left untried to save the question for filling up our battalions for the war; but every attempt of its abettors for that purpose, and many there were in the assembly, proved abortive. The following short anecdote will point your Excellency to some and I think the principal reasons, on which the...
52To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Nothing My dear General very new or material has taken place, since I did my self the honor to address your Excellency under the 26th. However I cannot omit so good an opportunity as offers by this express, to inform you that the recruiting service goes on well, and that there is good reason to hope our battalions will soon be filled up. The matter of clothing the army is of such importance,...
53To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 17 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had last evening the honor of your Excellencys favor of the 9th. Our people were thunder struck by the accounts brought by General Knox. I hope they and the several States seeing the evils which will necessarily result from the revolt of the Pennsylvania line will be induced to pursue such measures as shall prevent the like in future by removing in time every just cause of complaint from the...
54To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
As General Knox, who well knows the state of our affairs here, will be with Your Excellency as early as this can reach you, I may omit many matters which otherwise I should think it my duty to mention. I am informed that Congress have acceded to a general exchange, and that it is left with Your Excellency to carry it into effect, at such time as you shall think proper. I know too well Your...
55To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that Colo. Laurens sailed on the 13th, after waiting several days in Nantasket-Road for a fair wind. On his arrival here he found the Alliance had not completed her crew & that it would be difficult soon to effect it. This induced him to apply to the Navy-Board to obtain from the General Court a power to impress—which not only failed in the House, but so...
56To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your Excellencys favors of the 10 & 21 Ultmo Orders will be immediately issued for collecting the recruits and I hope they will in a few days come on cloathed. It will be difficult to send them on without, as they have been promised cloathing and are not therefore prepared to march without them—They will be armed here. The fifteen hundred coats for the troops in...
57To 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...
58To 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...
59To 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.”
60To 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...