Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01546 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 28 August 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 33.1 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written from the War Office. Mentions that he received Knox's letter of the 19th regarding the French shells and Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch, and asked Mr. Faesch whether he would cast the French shells under his present contract. Mr. Faesch said a new contract would be necessary, so he wrote to Mr. [Robert] Morris to ask for more money, who replied that that he has "no hopes of receiving the necessary sums required by Mr. Faesch." However, since the "repairs of the arms are of too much importance to be omitted if possible to effect them," he wonders about the "propriety of sending on some German prisoners of war, who are armourers, and who wish to obtain their liberation - could they, or would they not be trusted?" Reports that he will attend to Mr. [Richard] Frothingham's "requisition respecting the Officers in his Department." Finally, says that he suspects that General George Washington will agree with Knox about the Department of Field Commissary of Military Stores, and will be "exceedingly happy" to have Knox retain such officers as he thinks proper. Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln. The body of the letter is written in William Jackson's hand, future secretary of the Society of Cincinnati.
War Office August 28. 1782
Dear Sir,
Before I was honored with your favor of the 19 I had received a letter from Mr. Faesch covering your letter to him on the subject of the french shells- he informed me that he could not cast them under the present contract for that he should complete it- and before he could be prepared to cast the french shells - But that he would engage to cast them under a new agreement, the terms of which he mentioned - I thereon applied to Mr. Morris to Know whether he would himself, or enable me to, enter into a new contract - enclosed [inserted: is] his answer from which you will observe I have no hopes of receiving the necessary sums required by Mr. Faesch.
I am [2] very happy that your orders were conditional- had they not been so, Mr. Faesch would have been disappointed.
The repairs of the arms are of too much importance to be omitted if possible to effect them. - I have therefore to suggest to your consideration the propriety of send on some German prisoners or war, who are armourers, and who wish to obtain their liberation. - could they, or would they not be trusted?
I will attend to Mr. Frothingham's requisition respecting the Officers in his department.
I suppose the Commander in Chief will be in sentiment with you respecting the department of field Commissary of Military Stores - as the department will be more immediately under your direction, I shall be exceedingly happy, if it is left to me, to [3] have you retain such Officers - and such only, - as you think proper.
I have no partiality in favor of any - such as are entitled, from their services, to the public attention, I wish to have noticed
I have the honor to be
Dr Sir
with great esteem
your obedient Sert
B. Lincoln
honorable
Major Genl. Knox
Commanding the Artillery
[address leaf]
Public Service
honorable
Major General Knox
commanding the Artillery Camp
B. Lincoln
[docket]
From
Gen. Lincoln
28 August 1782.
[free frank]
FREE
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