51From 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...
52From 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...
53From 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...
54From 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...
55Orders 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...
56From 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...
57From 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,...
58From 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...
59From 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...
60From 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...
61From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
From some recent Intelligence from the Northward, His Excellency grows very anxious for the Departure of the Troops—The General therefore wishes you as soon as possible to consult with Mr Ross Agent for this State—& the officers of the Vessells offerd for the Service what Number of Men it will be necessary for them to take—& have the Men on Board & the Vessells Dispached, as early as can be....
62From 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...
63From 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...
64From 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...
65From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Last Evening I received advice from Gnl Forman of the Arrival of 18 large Ships of War, which were discovered Yesterday morng standg in from the Southward—a Frigate had gone out from the Hook to speak with them—& was retung back again, having sent out a Boat towards them—The Conjecture was that it may be the Fleet of Admiral Hood from the W. Indies—I expect to hear further this Night or...
66From 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...
67From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Upon your return to Philada, I beg leave to request your particular attention to the following matter, as I look upon myself bound to procure the Gentleman interested a full compensation for his services while in my Family. Mr Mc Henry, formerly one of my Secretaries, writes me, that upon application to the Auditor of the State of Maryland, of which he is a Citizen, to settle his arrearages of...
68From 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...
69From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to you Copies of a Report of the Engineer Maj. Villefranche & a Representation of Maj. Genl Knox—respectg the magazine which was proposed to be erected on Constitution Island. Immediately upon the Plan being determined on, Fatigue Parties from the army were ordered to be employed on the Work of Digging & preparing for the foundations as often as they were applied for by the Engineer,...
70From 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...
71From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 25th instant a Doctr Shields & Mrs Beck from Lancaster arrived at Dobbs Ferry, with Genl Hazens passport to go into N. York—agreable to Genl Orders, they were stopped & reported at Head Quarters—The Genl has ordered them to be detained untill information can be had from you respectg them. As these people are very impatient to go in, you will be so good as to give the Genl Notice as soon...
72From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
The violent rains, and consequent freshes, have given such interruption to the Stages in this part of the world, as to prevent your favor of the 15th Ulto getting to my hands till Saturday last. I accede to the sum of Two hundred Dollars in addition to the stipulations mentioned in my last, as compensation for Mr Lear’s Services a year; and shall be glad to receive him into my family as soon...
73From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 8 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Copy of a Letter which I have this Moment received from Mr Boudinot. You will please to send a Copy of it to General Putnam ⅌ Express. Genl Green suspects that the Woman mentioned in the inclosed Letter is the same that applied to you for a pass to come up to Basken Ridge to look for her Son. You will therefore keep a strict watch for her, or upon any other Woman that applies...
74From 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...
75From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the inclosed Copy of a Resolution which came to hand last night, that Congress have determined on measures for securing Charles Town, in case the Enemy should form an expedition against it, and have appointed you to command there. I have nothing to add upon the subject, except my assurances, that you will have, as you have had upon all occasions, my warmest wishes for your...
76From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 24 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received information that the Fleet left the Hook yesterday, and as I think Delaware the most probable place of their destination, I shall immediately move the Army that way. I desire that you will agreable to what I hinted to you, set off immediately, and proceed as quickly as your Health will permit to join the Northern Army under the Command of Genl Schuyler. My Principal view...
77From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
As you must be convinced that whatever effects your happiness or welfare cannot be indifferent to me, I need not tell you that I was most sensibly affected by your letter of the 20th of January. Yes, my dear Sir, I sincerely condole with you the loss of a worthy, amiable & valuable Son! Altho’ I had not the happiness of a personal acquaintance with him, yet the character which he sustained,...
78From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 22d and 27 t h ulto—I cannot see upon what principles Colo. Swift should be promoted and not Colo. Dayton—There being already a Brigadier to the Connecticut Line and none to the Jersey—Colo. Shephard has resigned under the Resolve of the 19t of November. There is, I believe, no occasion of publishing your report respecting the reform of the Invalid...
79From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and John Peter Gabriel … (Washington Papers)
I am well convincd that the amazing desertions which have of late prevail’d among our Troops, proceeds intirely from their not being regularly paid; For it is not to be supposed, that the bare encouragement of recieving a few Dollars from the Enemy for their Arms could operate so forcibly upon them. I have in vain endeavour’d to make the officers bring in their Pay Rolls and draw their money,...
80From 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...
81From 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...
82From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 25 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
From the uncommon prevalency of desertion at this time in the army, I am induced to think, there must be great mismanagement and abuses among the officers, which must be corrected as the first and principal step towards preventing it. This general consideration makes it necessary that a careful inquiry should be made into the matter, and as the practice exists in a higher degree in the 8th...
83From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this Day received your favor of the 27th ulto—Before this reaches you, you will have received my Letter, covering one to Major General Greene, which was left open for your Observation—In my Letter to Genl Greene, reference being made to his own Disposition of the Troops, without mentiong the particular Corps he intended to put in motion to the Northward—I will only observe to you, that...
84From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favor of this date respecting the claim of Mr Trumbull to the Commission of a Lt Col. in the Army, I can without hesitation give it as my opinion he is clearly entitled to such an appointment—for upon the resignation of Lt Colonel Harrison my former Secry I made the proposal to Mr Trumbull to accept that Office, assuring him at the same time, (as I supposed I had a right to...
85From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 20 t h covering a Resolve making provision for the Geographers of the Army and another explanatory of the Resolve of the 7 th of Augt—A Question has been made whether The liberty for senior Officers intitled to remain in service, to retire upon half pay, is confined to those Lines which are now to be reformed or whether the allowance is general—Be...
86From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been induced (in convenient as it is to my Finances) to build two houses in the Federal City—near the Capital—to accomodate a person who means to lay himself out for the accomodation of the members of Congress; when that body shall have removed to the permanent Seat of the Government. For those buildings I shall want Glass, in quantity, quality & size, as per enclosed list; and being...
87From 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 &...
88From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I took up the estimates which you put into my hands for examination, and had made some observations upon them, when finding the calculations run upon 25000 Men instd of the number resolved on by the late Act of Congress, and that my remarks—as you will perceive by the inclosed specimen—were very unimportant—indeed could not be of much use unless it went to the precise Force...
89From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letter of this Morng—upon Consultation with Count Rochambeau, I find him inclined to march the French Troops by Land from Trenton to Head of Elk—which will give a larger proportion of Craft for the American Stores & Troops. You will therefore, notwithstandg my preceedg Letter, after allotg a sufficient Number for the French Baggage &ca (their Request is Six)—first put on Board the...
90From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the reception of your favor of the 24th of Feby; which I have delayed answering till this time in expectation of being able to give you some information of what will probably be the determination of this State, upon the Constitution; but the proceedings of New Hampshir, so directly opposite to what we had reason to hope for, from every account, has entirely baffled all...
91From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 13 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the Pleasure to write you under the 11th May ulto—which went on by the Hand of Maj’r Genl Heath, who was instructed with a particular Commission to the Eastern States—In that Letter I mentioned your comg on to join the Army. Least the above Letter should by any Means have misscarried, I take this Opportunity to mention my Wishes to you again—& to request you will be pleased to...
92From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to you a Copy of the Report of the Board of Officer s upon the Rank of Lieut. Colos Huntington & Gray—decided in favor of the former. You wil find also a Return of Recruits joined this Army up to the fir s t of this Month—which you will be pleased to lay before Congress. I beg your leave for the inclosed Letter to Colo. Wm Butler. With much Regard & Esteem I am D....
93From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
All the Troops which are about to return to the Northward will be under your Command— and I entreat you to use every means in your power to dispatch them by Land, or Water, or partly by both, as circumstances may require. The Ordnance, and Stores of every kind, must be dispatched, or in such train for it, as to need no further cover or aid from the Troops, ’ere they can move from their prest...
94From 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...
95From 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...
96To George Washington from George Washington To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 10 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter I have received from Sir Henry Clinton of the 4th Instant, I find that the interview which has been proposed between You & General Phillips is to take place on the 19th of the Month, at Elizabeth Town. I presume Sir Henry Clinton informs You of this by the Letter I now transmit; and I need not add, that it will give me the highest pleasure if You can effect your exchange either for...
97From 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...
98From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 12 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Several motives operate to induce me to transmit to you the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Doctr Craike Chief Physician to the Army; and to desire you to make a representation thereon to Congress in his behalf. The Doctors age & experience, his Professional knowledge, with his care and attention to the duties of his Department, and his long continuance in the Service, as well as the grade he...
99From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 7 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to hear by yours of the 4th Inst. that you had arrived at Peekskill, and I hope from the measures you have taken to hasten up your Troops that they will soon be all with you. General Heath will communicate mine of this date to you, by which you will find that the greatest part of your Troops are to move down towards New York to draw the Attention of the Enemy to that Quarter, and if...
100From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 8 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have now the pleasure to congratulate you upon your exchange—The certificate of it will be transmitted to you by the Commissary of Prisoners—Majrs Bailey and Jackson are also exchanged. I do not mean by this notice to hasten your return to the Army, for that alas! is upon the eve of its annual dissolution & consequently of the Enemys advantages—I am of opinion that your influence, and...