General Benjamin Lincoln Metal Tree Decoration

General Benjamin Lincoln was a prominent American military officer and statesman during the American Revolutionary period. Born on January 24, 1733, in Hingham, Massachusetts, Lincoln played a crucial role in the early stages of the American Revolution. He initially served as a militia officer and rose to prominence when he was appointed as a major general in the Continental Army in 1777. Lincoln's most noteable contribution to the war effort came during the Siege of Charleston in 1780 when he was forced to surrender the city to British forces under General Sir Henry Clinton. Despite this setback, Lincoln remained a committed patriot and continued to serve in the Continental Army. He played a pivotal role in the successful American campaign to recapture Charleston in 1782. Following his military service, Benjamin Lincoln transitioned into a career in public service. He served as the Secretary of War under the Articles of Confederation from 1781 to 1783, overseeing the demobilisation of the Continental Army and helping to establish the United States' peacetime military structure. Later, he served as the first Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and briefly acted as the state's governor. Benjamin Lincoln's life exemplified the commitment and sacrifices made by many American patriots during the Revolutionary era, both on the battlefield and in shaping the young nation's governance. He passed away on May 9, 1810, leaving behind a legacy of service to his country during a critical period in its history.