Lyman Hall special request to Benjamin Lincoln, 1779

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

Lyman Hall (1724-1790) was a member of the Continental Congress from Georgia. Previously, he was doctor, but was elected to the Congress as the first representative from Georgia. He later became the governor of Georgia in 1783. His hometown, Sunbury, was burned down by the British in 1779, causing his family to flee to the North and then eventually resettle in Savannah.

Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810), the letter's recipient, was a major general throughout the Revolutionary War. Although initially from Massachusetts, Lincoln became commander of the Southern department of the militia in 1778. He led his army to an attempted siege of Savannah in 1779, but ultimately failed and was forced to retreat. He later accepted General O'Hara's sword during the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Lincoln ultimately served as the nation's first Secretary at War.

This letter, dated March 7, 1779, is a request from Hall to have a man named Luke Mase report to and serve under Gen. Lincoln. Mase, who left his family to fight for the Georgia militia, is referred to as "Trust[w]orthy, a hearty friend to the American cause" by Hall. In addition, he claims that Mase is very well acquainted with the topography of Georgia and will be of great service to the Southern army leader.

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About This Item

  • Title: Lyman Hall special request to Benjamin Lincoln, 1779
  • Creator: Lyman Hall
  • Creation Date: 1779-03-07
  • Subject Date: 1779-03-07
  • Locations:
    • Harrisburg
    • Georgia
  • Media: Ink on paper
  • Dimensions: 32.3 cm x 20.1 cm
  • Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 58/14
  • Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
  • Object Type: Text

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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