Mount Vernon. 7 Novr. 1786.

My dear Sir,

I have, I think, seen your name mentioned as President of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Massachusetts. For this reason I give you the trouble of the enclosed address.

I hope your wishes were fully accomplished in your Eastern trip. Are your people getting mad? Are we to have the goodly fabrick that eight years were spent in rearing pulled over our heads? What is the cause of all these commotions? When & how is it to end?

I need not repeat to you how much

I am My dear Sir
Yr. Most Obedt. & Affecte.
Hble. Servant
Go: Washington

Genl. Lincoln

Notes: Fitzpatrick. Writings of Washington.29: 58-59. In 1778 Congress appointed Lincoln to command the South Department in South Carolina, neglecting to consult Washington first. Lincoln failed to prevent the British seizure of Savannah. Benjamin Lincoln served as the nations first secretary at war until 1783