To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1781

My Dear General

Trentown 31 Augt 1781 1/2 past 5 p.m.

I was honored with your favor of this date at 1/2 past one at the landing—we have put & are putting on board the vessels the ordnance stores &c.—I shall send in the same vessels the Corps of artillery—Corps of Sappers & miners and also Colo. Hazens Regt by sending Gen. Hazens Regiment suppose it will be unnecessary to send the hundred men you mention I thought it was best to send whole Corps & not a detachment as the former mode would fully comply with the spirit of your Orders The vessels I expect will leave this at about 7 oClock so as to be down early in the morning—I have [order] them to wait on your Excellency for further orders.

The light troops the Jersey Brigade & Col. Vanschaick’s Regt will leave this in the morning—As there are so many empty waggons I think the troops, with their aid, will march with ease and dispatch this idea & the necessity the French will have for the Vessels has induced me to send none by water, saving the invalid & those before mentioned-- I shall detain one vessel to receive such of the stores as are in our rear with Colo. Coartland & may not be exposed to rain—The other stores & the troops can go in the same boats they have with them their waggons will be made light & sent round.

The moment I have made the necessary arrangements I will follow the troops & wait on your Excelley at Philadelphia. I am my Dear sir with the greatest respect your most ob. [ser.]

B. Lincoln

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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