Gates, Horatio (1728-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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 #: GLC05563 Author/Creator: Gates, Horatio (1728-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 26 August 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 31.6 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Gates as newly installed commander of the Northern Department to Major General Lincoln, who was sent to New York in July 1777 by George Washington to reinforce Gates's army. Says he received enclosed letters from General Benedict Arnold, who was also sent northward by Washington, and Colonel Peter Gansevoort (letters not included). Mentions a British deserter who provided intelligence on the size of Burgoyne's army. Expects Arnold and a group of Indians to join General Enoch Poor in a few days. Says that Livingston and Cortlandt's regiments will join Poor today. Compliments General John Stark who led his New Hampshire militia admirably against a detachment of Burgoyne's army at the Battle of Bennington on 16 August 1777. Hopes to have the rumors of that success verified soon. Lincoln just missed Bennington, but did capture forts on Lake George after the battle, cutting off Burgoyne from Canada.
Head Quarters 26th August 1777.
Dear Sir,
Yesterday I receive the inclosed Letters from Genl. Arnold and Col Gansevoort, and this Morning a Deserter from the Enemy, brings the within Intelligence - he is a Seaman, and knows little of Numbers further than the Hearsay of the Army - his Account, compared with that you will be able to procure, will bring us nearer the Truth - I expect General Arnold with all his Command, and a Body of Indians to join General Poor, in a few Days - Livingston's & Cortlandt's Regiments rejoin him this Day - The Rifle Men I hourly expect at Albany, shall march them up immediately -
My Compliments to General Stark - I am much pleased with the promising Account he gives me of the great Body of Militia, that are upon their March - and hope soon to see his Sanguine Expectations Verefied.
I am
Dear General
Your Affectionate
Humble Servant
Horatio Gates
The Honble. Major General Lincoln.
[docket:]
From General Gates
Augt. 26th 1777
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.