Benjamin Lincoln: A Revolutionary Leader and Statesman Introduction

Benjamin Lincoln (January 24, 1733 – May 9, 1810) was a pivotal figure in the American Revolutionary War and an influential statesman in the United States' early years. His military career and political service reflected his dedication to the Patriot cause and the fledgling nation. Lincoln's role in key events such as the Battles of Saratoga, the Siege of Charleston, and the British surrender at Yorktown solidified his place in American history. Beyond the battlefield, he served as the first United States Secretary of War and later played a significant role in Massachusetts politics.

Casey Adams

1/18/20253 min read

Early Life

Born in Hingham, Massachusetts, Benjamin Lincoln was the sixth child and first son of Colonel Benjamin Lincoln and Elizabeth Thaxter Lincoln.

His family’s roots in Hingham are traced back to the early settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Lincoln’s father, a wealthy and influential figure, served on the governor’s council for nearly two decades.

His maternal grandfather, Colonel Samuel Thaxter, was also a prominent leader in Hingham.

Lincoln grew up working on the family farm and attending local schools.

He began his public service career as a town constable at 21 and joined the Suffolk County militia, where his father was a colonel.

By 1757, Lincoln had married Mary Cushing, with whom he had eleven children, seven of whom survived to adulthood.

His political career started in earnest when he became Hingham’s town clerk, a position he held for 20 years.

Pre-Revolutionary Political Activity

As tensions rose between the American colonies and Great Britain in the 1760s, Lincoln became an outspoken critic of Parliamentary tax measures.

In 1765, he was elected a town selectman, a role he used to advocate for Patriot causes.

His leadership was evident in 1770 when he helped draft resolutions supporting non-importation agreements and condemning the Boston Massacre.

By 1772, Lincoln had risen to lieutenant colonel in the Suffolk militia and was elected to the Massachusetts provincial assembly.

American Revolution

When General Thomas Gage dissolved the provincial assembly in 1774, it reconstituted itself as the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.

Lincoln became a key member, serving on committees overseeing militia organization and supplies.

These roles proved critical when the Revolutionary War began in 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Lincoln worked tirelessly to supply the Continental Army, securing essential items such as gunpowder and blankets.

His administrative skills and dedication earned him a promotion to major general in the Massachusetts militia in February 1776.

Later that year, he was appointed to command militia forces in southeastern Massachusetts, leading expeditions to secure coastal defenses.

Key Military Campaigns

  • Saratoga Campaign (1777): Lincoln joined the Northern Department of the Continental Army under General Horatio Gates during the Saratoga Campaign. Although wounded in battle, his contributions helped lead to the surrender of British General John Burgoyne, a turning point in the war.

  • Siege of Charleston (1780): As commander of the Southern Department, Lincoln faced overwhelming British forces at Charleston, South Carolina. Despite his efforts, he was forced to surrender the city, resulting in the largest American defeat of the war.

  • Yorktown (1781): Redeeming his earlier setback, Lincoln served as George Washington’s second in command during the Siege of Yorktown. He was entrusted with formally accepting the British surrender, a symbolic act underscoring his stature and resilience.

Post-War Career

After the war, Lincoln was appointed the first United States Secretary of War, serving from 1781 to 1783. In this role, he helped shape the nation’s military policies.

Lincoln also became a founding member and the first president of the Massachusetts chapter of The Society of the Cincinnati.

In 1787, during Shays’ Rebellion, Lincoln led a privately funded militia to quell the uprising, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining order and supporting the new Constitution.

He later served one term as lieutenant governor of Massachusetts and became the politically influential customs collector of the Port of Boston, a position he held for nearly two decades.

Legacy

Benjamin Lincoln’s life was marked by service, perseverance, and dedication to the ideals of the American Revolution.

His involvement in three major surrenders—Saratoga, Charleston, and Yorktown—showcased his challenges and triumphs as a military leader.

As a statesman, he played a crucial role in shaping the early United States, advocating for strong governance and constitutional principles.

Lincoln’s contributions extended beyond his lifetime, influencing subsequent generations, including his distant relative, President Abraham Lincoln.

His legacy as a Patriot, general, and public servant remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to his country.

Benjamin Lincoln