To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1781

Dear General

War Office 22nd Decr 1781

In answer to your Excellencys Queries I beg leave to observe

1st They will increase their supplies sufficient to feed any number of Men requisite in the North River.

2nd Those are agreed on & settled.

3d The present Contract is supposed to Operate rather at Stationary Posts & is not the one under which the Army in the Field will be supplied——the stock on hand must supply any increased demand at the Posts & be replenished as soon after as possible.

When the Army takes the Field the evils you apprehend from the uncertainty of our Numbers must be provided against in the Contracts under which they will be supplied by obliging the Contractors to keep a large Stock on hand in Magazines at such a distance from Camp as may then be thought proper. I think you observations are just & will endeavour to have your Ideas interwoven into the Covenants which shall be made.

I return you the Covenant as it was copied for your use. I have the honor to be Dr Sir with real esteem Your most obt servant

B. Lincoln

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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