Howe, Robert, 1732-1786 to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Howe as a Major General to Major General Lincoln as commander of the Southern Department. Lincoln had replaced Howe as department commander in September 1778. Says he is desirous of beginning a correspondence. He hopes any information he sends along is important enough to merit Lincoln's attention. Says he saw Brigadier General John Ashe and that he marches tomorrow. Says he strove to assist him and he hopes he has succeeded. Says Ashe has 1500 men and that he [Howe] has struggled to obtain 1000 "stand" (possibly guns), although they are not in possession of all of them yet. Says he has facts that 100 militia infantry and 50 artillerymen are marching to join Lincoln. He hopes they serve him well. Says he suffers from disappointment of having to leave Lincoln (After the American defeat at Savanna in December 1778, Howe came under intense scrutiny for his actions there and was eventually sent north in April 1779). He hopes he can help assist in any way and claims he takes pleasure in serving Lincoln.