October 22nd
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“It is a peculiar happiness that so great a gratification of my private feelings should be involved with my public duty in transmitting to your Excellency these truly noble proofs of the gratitude of America.”
Benjamin Lincoln
National Park Service
From Benjamin Lincoln*
Philadelphia, 28 December 1781
Dear General
The representatives of the United States in Congress assembled have been pleased in their resolves of the 29th of Oct. last to express the high sense they entertain of your Excellencys illustrious services in the cause of your country and particularly for the late august event in Virginia, and also to direct that some of the brilliant trophies obtained under your auspices should be presented to you as the most conspicuous monument of their respect and approbation.**
It is a peculiar happiness that so great a gratification of my private feelings should be involved with my public duty in transmitting to your Excellency these truly noble proofs of the gratitude of America.
I have only to add that I hope the period is near when an honorable and lasting peace shall crown your Labors and that you may long live in the enjoyment of the richest feast of a virtuous mind, the conciousness of having contributed to the happiness of your country. I have the honor to be Dear General with perfect esteem your Excellencys most obedient servant
B. Lincoln
* Secretary at War; former Major General; accepted the British surrender at Yorktown
** “By this resolve Washington was presented with ‘two stands of colors taken from the British army under the capitulation of York . . . in the name of the United States in Congress assembled.’” — Fitzpatrick, et al., WGW
"When I consider how much I am indebted for this singular mark of public Esteem, to the exertions of the Generals and indeed all the other Officers who accompanied me to that rich Field of Glory to the Allied Arms, I feel a sensation of gratitude which I cannot express."
George Washington
The MET
To the Secretary at War*
Philadelphia, 30 December 1781
My Dear Sir,
You have enhanced the value of the Trophies with which Congress have been pleased to honour me in their Resolve of the 29th of October, by the polite and affectionate manner of presenting them.
When I consider how much I am indebted for this singular mark of public Esteem, to the exertions of the Generals and indeed all the other Officers who accompanied me to that rich Field of Glory to the Allied Arms, I feel a sensation of gratitude which I cannot express. Believe me sincere when I assure you, that I hold myself under very particular obligations for your able and friendly council in the Cabinet and Vigor in the Field. I am with much truth My dear Sir Yr very Affect. H: Ser.
G:o Washington
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