Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) to Henry Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02161 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript letter Date: 14 June 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23.3 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. Says he will probably go to Virginia on public business in a few days. Says he was so impressed with Captain "Lilly" (Jonathan Lillie, Knox's aide-de-camp) on his trip from West Point, New York to Philadelphia, that he has asked Lilly to join him on the trip south. Notes he would not normally do this without asking for Knox's permission, "but you will, I know, forgive it, as Captn Lilly's happiness is concerned in the measure as well as mine." Informs Knox he wrote to Colonel Stevens about the buildings in Virginia and requested him to take as many brick-makers, Masons;, and carpenters as he can procure to Richmond, Virginia.
War- Office June 14. 1783
Dear Sir,
I expect [struck: to go] in a few days to go into Virginia on some public business.
I was so much pleased, on the journey from West Point to this City, with my young friend Captain Lilly that I have invited him to go with me [struck: to Virginia] - I should not have taken the freedom to make this request to the Aid of any General Officer without his consent - but you will, I know, forgive it, as Captn Lilly's happiness is concerned in the measure as well as mine.
I have written to Colonel Stevens to undertake the buildings in Virginia, and have requested him to repair to Richmond with such Brick-Makers, [2] Brick-layers, and Carpenters as he can procure.
I wish you would aid him with your advice, and as he may have occasion to request your assistance.
I am, with perfect esteem,
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate, and
obedient Servant.
The honorable
Major General Knox
[docket]
From Genl Lincoln 14 June
1783 -
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.