To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 6 May 1782

Dear General,

War Office May 6. 1782

I have been honored with your private letter, which I shall answer when a safe conveyance offers.

I beg leave to suggest to your Excellency the expediency of removing the Rhode Island regiment from the vices and follies of the City, by calling Them to Camp. The commanding Officer informs me that a great proportion of them must be committed to the Surgeon’s care before they will be fit to take the field—and that some of them unless they are soon attended to, will be lost to the service for the campaign—The Recruits, who appear to be a good set of Lads, will too soon from the example of the others be led astray.

I think we had better submit to the necessity of calling a few Militia to do duty in this City than ruin one of the best regiments in service. I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, my dear General, Your most obedient servant

B. Lincoln

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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