Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01478 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 Place Written: Hingham, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 December 1786 Pagination: 8 p. : docket ; 23 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
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. Writes that "In Short the want of industry economy & common honesty Seem to be the causes of the present commotions." Includes a post script note dated 21 January 1787, updating the outdated information.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 23 January 1787.
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