Benjamin Lincoln Papers, 1635-1964 » Jan.–May 1779  

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These reels consist of letters and other documents detailing Lincoln's initial attempts as commander of the Southern Army to stop British advances from their base in Savannah, Ga. The first item is a letterbook (volume 3) containing copies of 380 letters written by Lincoln between November 7, 1778, and August 2, 1779. These letters reveal the multiple problems, setbacks, and occasional successes experienced by Lincoln in trying to build and equip an army in the face of British offensive movements. Letters addressed to Washington and to Henry Laurens and John Jay, Presidents of the Continental Congress, contain Lincoln's assessments of military needs and requests for aid. Among the other correspondents are: Robert Lowndes and John Rutledge of South Carolina, Governor Caswell of Georgia, Lincoln's quartermasters, and General Prevost. Subjects discussed in the correspondence include: the procurement of militia units and supplies, transport, depreciating currencies, loyalist sentiment and readiness to surrender Charleston, efforts by loyalists to enlist Indian and back-country support, prisoners of war, officer parole, and civilian displacement. Except for a few personal letters written by Lincoln, the rest of the documents on these reels consist of correspondence received by him. Almost all of the letters deal with military matters--reports and returns from unit commanders and court-martial proceedings. Lincoln's most frequent correspondent was Governor Rutledge, whose genuine support of the Revolution and generous cooperation with Lincoln are well documented in his letters. The correspondence also reveals General Moultrie's constant complaints, General Ashe's excuses and justifications, Francis Marion's bluntness, and Colonel C.C. Pinckney's enthusiasm for the cause. This incoming correspondence to Lincoln's headquarters is supplemented by a few letters from officials in Philadelphia, communications from British officers, and reports on family matters from Benjamin Lincoln, Jr.