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Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01540 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 August 1782 Pagination: 6 p. : docket ; Height: 33 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. Marked "Private." References Knox's private letter of last Saturday evening sent by Frothingham. Asked him to reread his public letter of 31 July because "fearing from the warmth of expression that you supposed me more responsible than I really was & that I had omitted a part of my duty -- I am now satisfied -- do not wonder at my noticing every thing which looks like a hint that there has been an omission." Believes the officers should not address the assembly of Massachusetts on half pay at this time, as Congress has not recommended it as a settlement yet. Says the officer's application "should be directly to Congress from all the officers of the main Army praying that the several states may be directed to settle the half pay." Gives list of 5 reasons why they should wait to confront the state of Massachusetts. Says he has given his opinion in full freedom.

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