Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04933 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 April 1791 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; Height: 30.5 cm, Width: 18.6 cm Order a Copy
Received Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Comments on "young Mr. [William] Balch" and calls him, "a wild citizen, yet I think he has many qualifications which will recommend him as an officer - He very well knows that he cannot sport with his character and hold his rank in the army." Talks extensively about the job of army surgeon and why Dr. William Eustis did not accept the appointment. Eustis could not be guaranteed a rank equal to his experience and "Besides the pay of the surgeon of a regiment, though handsome for a young Gentleman whose wish is to introduce himself into life is no temptation to a Gentleman already established to leave the City, give up his friends, and an extensive & lucrative practice & submit to the fatigues of the camp." Also states that if Dr. Eustis could be convinced that his services would be used to the fullest "and not be marred by the controul [sic] of others, he would not hesitate one moment to accept it and would leave the arms of his friends here in which he is embraced with the utmost tenderness and affection..." Encloses something for Mr. Lear (not present).
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