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Lot 83
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General Benjamin Lincoln arranges for additional militia to reinforce West Point
General Benjamin Lincoln arranges for additional militia to reinforce West Point
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Description:

Lincoln Benjamin 1733 - 1810 Five days before the Continental Army began their historic march to Yorktown, General Benjamin Lincoln arranges for additional militia to reinforce West Point Š—” part of Washington's elaborate ruse to fool the British occupying New York City which ensured the American victory.

Fine content Autograph Letter Signed, "B:Lincoln," as Major-General, 1 page, 6.25" x 7.75", "Camp," August 14, 1781, to Colonel William Shepard at Springfield, Massachusetts, arranging for additional Massachusetts militia to report to West Point, "or to such other Place as the Commander in Chief directs..." Light soiling along mailing folds, partial separation affects "o" in "Lincoln," tear repaired on verso, else very good condition overall.



Lincoln writes, in full: "By the Law of our State, which ordered a Number of Militia to be raised for three Months, they are ordered to West Point or to such other Place as the Commander in Chief should direct.Š—” I have it in Command from His Excellency Genl. Washington to inform you that the Militia from the County of York should join the Militia from the Counties of Hampshire & Berkshire at Albany or wherever they may be Stationed, & that when they arrive at Springfield, you give your Orders accordingly."



Washington's original plan for the campaign of 1781 intended to utilize the 7,000 French troops stationed at Newport, Rhode Island to assist the Continental Army in an attack on British-occupied New York, after they learned that a large French fleet was sailing toward the mid-Atlantic. However, after reconnoitering the formidably defended island of Manhattan, Washington and Rochembeau decided at attack on New York would prove too costly. Learning that Cornwallis' army, which had been active in the Carolinas and Virginia, had fortified the town of Yorktown in Virginia, the two decided to make an attempt to corner the British forces there.

Since the British still commanded a large body of troops and ships at New York, Washington had to deceive General Henry Clinton into believing that the joint Franco-American force still intended an attack on the city. The French constructed bake ovens in New Jersey making it appear that they were planning for a prolonged siege, while both armies conducted feints against the city. To augment numbers, militia from states as far as Massachusetts were summoned to swell the ranks of what was in essence a phantom army besieging New York.

The ruse proved incredibly successful. Clinton, convinced that Washington intended to attack New York, delayed a large naval expedition to bring much-needed reinforcements for Cornwallis at Yorktown. Clinton learned of Washington's true intentions when he heard news of the Continental Army marching through Philadelphia. By that time it was too late. French naval ships had closed Chesapeake Bay. Clinton dispatched a large naval force under Admiral Hood, but the French Admiral DeGrasse won a narrow tactical victory, but also allowed another French squadron, laden with heavy siege artillery, to enter Chesapeake Bay unmolestedŠ—”essentially sealing Cornwallis' fate.

At Yorktown, Lincoln commanded the Second Division at Yorktown. At the surrender ceremony on October 19, 1781, as second in command of American forces, he accepted the surrender sword from British General O'Hara, Cornwallis' second in command.

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