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.
Transcription
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
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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
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Founding Fathers of the United States
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- United States. Continental Congress
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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