1From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had Yesterday the Honour of your Letter of 25. September, and I beg leave to thank you, for your kind Congratulations on our little Success at the Hague.— I wish to have it in my Power to congratulate you Soon, upon a good Peace.— But, every Thing within my Observation, is disposing itself, both on the side of France and England for another Campaign So that I cannot give much Encouragement...
2From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind favour of April 22 d and Shall not be easy till it is answered, though it is not easy to find the time, amidst the Confusion of innumerable Visits, formal Ceremonials, Balls, Commencements, Levees, &c a &c a , blended with the constant more serious Duties of my Situtation.— I agree with you entirely, that among the first dangers to be apprehended is a contest between...
3From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 26 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I am, this Evening favoured with yours of the 18. In Answer to your Question, I ask another.— Where is the Sovereignty of the Nation lodged? Is it in the national Government, or in the State Governmen[ts?] Are there more Sovereignties than one? if there is more than one there are Eleven. if there are Eleven there is no general Government—for there cannot be eleven Sovereignties against one.—...
4From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 30 th. of May, and find We are well agreed in opinion in all points. Nothing Since my return to America, has alarmed me So much, as those habits of Fraud, in the Use of Language which appear in conversation and in public writings. Words are employed like paper money, to cheat the Widow and the fatherless and every honest Man. The Word Aristocracy is one...
5From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 May 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have duly received but not duly answered your favor of April 3 d . It is a misfortune that a man can never be spoken to by a projectors without being misunderstood or misrepresented I told M r. Forbisher that if he expected any thing from the general government, he must apply to it by petition. But I never told him, that I had the least suspicion that the general government would ever do...
6From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 November 1793 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Reasons Why the Commissioners did not make Peace with the Indians, I have read with all the Interest that the Subject and the manner of treating it naturally inspire. The Facts are so natural and conformable at the Same time to all the Observations I was able to make, and all the Information I could obtain during my Residence both in France and England, that I have not a doubt of...
7From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
I was in hopes to have troubled you no more in this Way: but am disappointed. If you can oblige me, I shall transmit the Sum to you, as soon as I get to Philadelphia. I am with Usual Esteem and / Love, yours NjP : DeCoppet Collection.
8From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received with much Pleasure your favour of the 19th. If I should meet with any “Roses,” in my Path, I shall thank you for your congratulations, and when I set my foot on “thorns” as I certainly shall, I will thank you equally for your condolence. But when you assure me that you “feel a confidence in the safety of our political Bark,” you give me much comfort, and I pray you may not be...
9From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Congratulations on my return to my Family and Friends are very obliging. Your polite Invitation is accepted with Pleasure. At this Period, when Disorder, Indiscipline and Disobedience of every kind fashioned into a kind of Science, are vindicated as Rights and inculcated as Duties, it is not to be expected that our Country should wholly Escape their contagious Effects. Although many...
10From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I presume Mr. Pickering has sent you the inclosed declaration. But least it may not have come to your hand I send you a copy. This unaccountable misunderstanding, I hope will have no ill consequences. With great esteem I am Sir your / most obedient servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
11From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning received your favour of the 3d and rejoice in the recovery of your usual health and pray that it may continue many years. When I came into office it was my determination to make as few removals as possible; Not one from personal malice; Not one from mere party Considerations. This Resolution I have invariably observed. Conviction of Infidelity to a Trust cannot be resisted...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 26 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
It is his Excellency’s desire, that you have an immediate inspection made into the state of the mens arms and accoutrements, belonging to your division; and take effectual measures to have them put into the best order possible. Also to have your men completed to their proper complement of ammunition, strictly injoining the greatest care to avoid all wanton and unnecessary waste. I am Sir ...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, [28 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by your letter to his Excellency that the detachment of Marylanders under Col Spotswood, have marched to your post, with the other troops. His intention and directions were, that they should remain at Princeton, as he wishes to keep the Corps united, but since the matter has fallen out differently, he desires that detachment may immediately return to Princeton. ALS , sold at...
14George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 30 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 30, 1779. Regrets that Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens was wounded. Discusses lack of men. Regrets not being able to send troops to the South. Sends news of Stony Point, the arrival of Charles, Earl Cornwallis, and rumors from the South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
15George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 28, 1779. Congratulates Lincoln on Stono Ferry attack. Regrets delay in securing reinforcements from Virginia. Believes British objectives to be Georgia and South Carolina. Sends news of the French fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 27 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 27, 1780 . Is pleased with Lincoln’s present situation. Hopes that the Spanish success in Florida will turn the British attempts in that direction. Instructs Lincoln to cooperate with Juan de Miralles. Reports that Virginia troops are being sent to the South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 30 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 30, 1780 . Introduces and recommends Brigadier General Du Portail. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 15 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 15, 1780 . Approves of plans for expedition against St. Augustine. Discusses situation in the South. Instructs Lincoln to “determine places of deposit” for provisions and forage in North and South Carolina. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 18, 1780 . Asks Lincoln to employ Lieutenant Colonel Dubuysson “in such a manner as will enable him to indulge his ardor.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lieutenant Colonel Charles François Dubuysson des Hays.
20George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1780 . Fears that loss of the “Bar” may mean loss of Charleston. Sends news of enemy’s movements and of the march of the Maryland Division. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
21From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [24 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
As I shall have occasion to draw on the several Collectors it is necessary that you should be acquainted with my Signature which you have here below I am Sir Your most humb Servt. L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives. Lincoln was collector of customs at Boston.
22From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
⟨Here⟩ with is a circular letter, the ⟨principal object of⟩ which relates to an arrangement with the ⟨Banks⟩ of North America and New York, founded upon an immediate accommodation to the public. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the constitution and operations of your Bank to determine posstively how far the receipt of their Notes in payment of the Duties would be a measure of prudence....
23From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
It may happen that the Treasurer will draw upon you for the Compensation to the Senators and Representatives of New Hampshire as well as those of your State. The direction given to you with respect to the latter, is to extend to the former. I am Sir Your obedient Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1790–1810, Vol. 2, National Archives. Samuel...
24Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 15 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
There is a species of information, which it will be convenient to you to obtain and which will be of important use to the Government: it respects the mode of Navigating of the several States; and of Foreign Nations. With a view to which I have framed a number of Queeries, to which as speedily as the requisite enquiries can be made, I request answers. Thought I do not consider it as a part of...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 19, 1789. “I have this day drawn on you … a sett of Bills of Exchange payable at Sight for Two thousand Dollars.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are copies of two letters, one Circular to the several Collectors of your State, yourself excepted; the other to the Directors of the Bank of Massachusetts. You will perceive the intimation I have given respecting yourself. It is my wish to have an eye on the spot to attend to the operations of the Bank, ⟨in order that the meas⟩ure now adopted may be continued ⟨or discontinued, as...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 16, 1789. “The Register of the Treasury transmitted to you lately in pursuance of my Directions … Registers for Vessels.… You will oblige me in distributing them with as much dispatch as possible.…” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1790–1817, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favored with your letter of the 16th. of last month; which I would have replied to sooner if my time had not been engrossed of late in preparing business for the consideration of the Legislature. The case of Mr. Jefferies (as stated by himself) appears a hard one; but I take the Construction of the law to include the Articles you mention; and there is no authority in any of the Executive...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
A Petition from Christopher Sadler, with a Letter from you to Mr. Ames, has been referred to me by the House of Representatives for examination and Opinion. The face of the thing and your Letter leave me no doubt, that the case is such an one as to require relief. Yet I could not report in favor of it on the present evidence, without making a precedent that might in other circumstances be...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 20, 1790. Instructs Lincoln to reimburse John Coffin Jones “for Oil supplied the Lighthouses” in Massachusetts. LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters and Papers re Lighthouses, Buoys, and Piers, 1789–1819, Vol. 3, National Archives. Jones was a stockholder and director of the Massachusetts Bank, 1785–1786.
31From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
As it has become my duty to prepare a plan for the consideration of Congress, respecting the encouragement of Manufactures it is of course my wish to ⟨secure in⟩formation, which can be had on the Subject. I shall therefore be obliged to you, for such ⟨– – particular⟩s, as may assist me in forming a right judgement of the means, which may be proper to be pursued. The several kinds of...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 28, 1790. Directs Lincoln to distribute ship registers to the Massachusetts collectors. L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1809, Vol. 1, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.
33From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 30, 1790. On February 7, 1790, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “I received last night your several favors of the 27th. 28 & 30th Ulto.” Letter of January 30 not found. ]
34From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the report of the Collector, Naval Officer and Surveyor of the Port of Boston & Charlestown. As some little delay may attend the process of obtaining relief, I would advise that the Vessel and Cargo be released, upon competent Security being given to pay their value, in case the forfeiture be not remitted. I am, Sir L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith you have copy of the Act for the establishment and support of Lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. Among other things contained in it, you will perceive that it is made the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide by contracts to be approved by the President of the United States , for rebuilding when necessary and keeping in good repair the Light houses, Beacons,...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have in a late report to the house of Representatives in substance proposed, what you mention in your Letter of the 15th Inst. respecting coasters. There is also a proposition before the house, contemplating a provision for boats to secure the revenue against fraudulent practices; it will therefore be best for the present to wait the result. I am Sir Your Obedt Servt L[S] , RG 36,...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 8, 1790 . The endorsement on the letter which Lincoln wrote to Hamilton on April 6, 1790 , reads: “Answered 8th May.” Letter not found. ]
38From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, May 22, 1790. “You will be pleased to examine and settle the Account, of Mr. Devens for supplying the Light Houses in your District, and for expences since the 15th of August, and so far as found right, & duly Vouched, to pay the same. The acct. & Vouchers you will then be pleased to transmit to this Office. I observe the opinion of the Attorney for the Massachusetts...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 25th of May, and am much obliged to you for putting the information concerning the Manufactures of your State in a train, that promises so much authenticity & accuracy. The direction of the duplicate to you, was occasioned by an opinion of some of the Members of the Legislature, that such a Committee had been appointed & that you were the Chairman. I beg leave...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 24, 1790. “No official information has been yet received of the Cession of the Light House at Portland Head.… If you could procure … an Account of the Cost of the Light House, so far as it is built—the height to which it is carried—the height to which it is proposed to be carried, and an estimate of the expence that will attend the Completion of it, I shall be obliged...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 14, 1790. Encloses the commissions for the various lighthouse keepers in Massachusetts. LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters and Papers re Lighthouses, Buoys, and Piers, 1789–1819, Vol. 1, National Archives.
42From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 9th Instant, and duly observed the useful hints in it relative to the exportation of & re-exportation of salted provisions & Fish. The question with regard to Weighers will probably meet the attention of the Legislature in the present Session. I observe with great satisfaction your successful endeavors to detect the Breaches of the Revenue Laws and to secure...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 27, 1790. “… I request that you will be so obliging as to inform me, whether you have received and found right, a parcel of 150 Ship Registers prepared according to law & forwarded to your Office on the 9th of December last, and another parcel of 200, also forwarded to your office on the 16th of the same Month.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 30, 1790. “I have been favored with your information, respecting the light House at Portland Head some days; but it has not been deemed proper to ask from the Legislature, the needful Authority to finish that Building untill the Cession by the State should be received.… The repairs stated in your letters relative to the Light Houses on Plumb & Thatchers Islands &...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion that the Legislature did not contemplate any distinction in the rate of Duty between Sugars of different qualities, if unmanufactured & free from damage. Goods belonging to Foreign Consuls are not exempted from duty, by virtue of any privilege to which they are legally entitled. I am however of opinion that the indication of the sense of the Legislature, contained in the new...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The excuses made by the owners of the Lighter, as stated in your letter of the 17th. Ulto, may be true but as they are the mere allegations of the Defendants, you will percieve the impropriety of considering them as sufficient to justify them. The seizure of a Boat under such circumstances was a prudent & necessary step, and it seems proper that you consider further whether the law does not...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, September 10, 1790. “I received your letter of the 3d. instant with the papers enclosed.… The British ship, which you mention will not have the second duty of Tonnage to pay, if she should have arrived at the eastern port after the first of September.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1818, Vol. 5, National Archives; copy, RG...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 10, 1790. On September 17, 1790, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “Your private letter of the 10th came by the post the last evening.” Letter not found. ]
49From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 4, 1790. “It being necessary that I should prceed according to the directions of the Legislature to complete the Light house at Portland in the Province of Maine, I find the remote situation of the place will render your assistance requisite on the occasion. Enclosed you will find the Act of Congress which must limit your disbursements. I wish this business to be...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 22 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 8th. September has not been answered so early as would otherwise have been the case, from the extraordinary engagements in this office about the business of the new loan, & the removal from New York to Philadelphia. The clause in the late & existing Collection Law relative to exporting goods in the same packages in which they were imported cannot apply to goods actually...