PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
[REVOLUTIONARY WAR]. LINCOLN, Benjamin (1733-1810), Major General. Letter signed ("B. Lincoln"), as Secretary of War to Maj. Gen. NATHANAEL GREENE with autograph postscript, War Office, 10 July 1782. 5 pages, 4to, creases very neatly reinforced. With a docket by Greene.
Details
[REVOLUTIONARY WAR]. LINCOLN, Benjamin (1733-1810), Major General. Letter signed ("B. Lincoln"), as Secretary of War to Maj. Gen. NATHANAEL GREENE with autograph postscript, War Office, 10 July 1782. 5 pages, 4to, creases very neatly reinforced. With a docket by Greene.
"THE SPIRIT OF MUTINY HAS IN SO GREAT A DEGREE SUBSIDED"
Lincoln's lengthy letter to Greene shows the still tenuous state of the Continental Army, and the doubtful ability of Congress to keep it adequately supplied. He also discusses "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Gen. "Mad Anthony" Wayne's conquest of Savannah. "I am happy to hear that the spirit of mutiny has in so great a degree subsided," he says. "I wish I could give you positive assurance that there would soon be such ample supplies furnished as you would do perfect justice to the troops, and remove all cause of discontent...The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excite, and poignantly enhanced by the reflection that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled by special contract to better fare but whose meritorious and gallant exertions, under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate. Mine is the unhappy station in which I must hear these complaints without having it in my power to redress the grievances. I do not know that any provision has been made to recruit Colonel Lee's legion - at present I am confident none can be made. Though I do not think myself authorised to determine the question of rank between the Legionary and other Corps, which you mention - yet I will endeavor to have some principles adopted which shall put an end to the dispute...Congress have directed the stores to be put in the most expeditious train...Mr Morris has not yet been able to forward them..." He closes with comments on Captain Nixon's remaining in Philadelphia after being ordered to join forces with Lafayette. Lincoln thinks Nixon can escape punishment "if...he joined the Corps with the Marquis before the first of March." Then, noting Anthony Wayne's re-taking of Savannah, Lincoln says, "General Wayne's success is important and honorable."
"THE SPIRIT OF MUTINY HAS IN SO GREAT A DEGREE SUBSIDED"
Lincoln's lengthy letter to Greene shows the still tenuous state of the Continental Army, and the doubtful ability of Congress to keep it adequately supplied. He also discusses "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Gen. "Mad Anthony" Wayne's conquest of Savannah. "I am happy to hear that the spirit of mutiny has in so great a degree subsided," he says. "I wish I could give you positive assurance that there would soon be such ample supplies furnished as you would do perfect justice to the troops, and remove all cause of discontent...The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excite, and poignantly enhanced by the reflection that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled by special contract to better fare but whose meritorious and gallant exertions, under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate. Mine is the unhappy station in which I must hear these complaints without having it in my power to redress the grievances. I do not know that any provision has been made to recruit Colonel Lee's legion - at present I am confident none can be made. Though I do not think myself authorised to determine the question of rank between the Legionary and other Corps, which you mention - yet I will endeavor to have some principles adopted which shall put an end to the dispute...Congress have directed the stores to be put in the most expeditious train...Mr Morris has not yet been able to forward them..." He closes with comments on Captain Nixon's remaining in Philadelphia after being ordered to join forces with Lafayette. Lincoln thinks Nixon can escape punishment "if...he joined the Corps with the Marquis before the first of March." Then, noting Anthony Wayne's re-taking of Savannah, Lincoln says, "General Wayne's success is important and honorable."