A larger version of this object is available to teachers and students for free. Others can subscribe for $25/year.
Larger images are also 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.
- GLC#
- GLC01478
- Type
- Letters
- Date
- December 4, 1786
- Author/Creator
- Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
- Title
- to George Washington
- Place Written
- Hingham, Massachusetts
- Pagination
- 8 p. : docket ; Height: 23 cm, Width: 19 cm
- Language
- English
- Primary time period
- The New Nation, 1783-1815
- Sub-Era
- Creating a New Government
Refers to Washington's resignation as head of the Order of the Cincinnati. Describes a settlement he left after receiving a request to take command of the Massachusetts state militia, which was needed to suppress Shays' Rebellion. In response to a question from Washington, Lincoln discusses Shays' Rebellion in detail: the anger it is arousing, its causes, his expectation of bloodshed, the role of debt, and the rebellions current advantages. He writes that "In Short the want of industry economy & common honesty Seem to be the causes of the present commotions." Includes a postscript note dated January 21, 1787, updating the outdated information. Indicates that he has been appointed to command a militia of four thousand and is currently marching towards the counties of Worcester, Hampshire, and Berkshire. Also reports that Daniel Shays is said to be assembling forces and is planning to prevent (debtor's) court from sitting on January 23, 1787.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
- Copyright Notice
- 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.