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Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 to Benjamin Lincoln

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05563 Author/Creator: Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 26 August 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : docket Height: 31.6 cm, Width: 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.

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Burgoyne, John, 1722-1792
Poor, Enoch, 1736-1780
Gansevoort, Peter, 1749-1812
Stark, John, 1728-1822

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