George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1782

Head Quarters May 19th 1782

Dear Sir

Fortune seems to smile upon the perseverence of Great Britain, Count de Grass’s defeat mentioned in my official letters appears to be much more important than I expected. Since I wrote I have seen Admiral Rodneys letter. Cout de Grass is a prisoner and has lost six Ships of the line; and I fear the rest of the fleet are so shattered as to be incapable of attempting any thing for a long time. This mis fortune will put it out of the power of our Ally to cooperate with us in these States or to the Northward. I expect the enemy from finding it impracticable for the French to cooperate with us and from having again the command of the Sea will detach from New york to this quarter to procecute farther operations. However this will depend upon the force they have at New York. All that will be necessary there will be a good Garrison. They cannot have offensive operations in view there, their force is unequal to it; but by detaching a part to this quarter they can improve it to advantage and leave New York in perfect security. I have always been of opinion that farther attempts would be made for the subjugation of this Country should fortune favor them in the West Indies. I can see no other reason for having held footing on it so long. Should Count Rochambeau be ordered to this quarter for offensive operations, I hope your Excellency will also come your self; for it will not be for the honor of America that a foreigner command an American department. If this cannot take place I could wish the American force could act independant of his command and only act by conjunction. I believe my rank will give several french Officers a right to command me; but if the honor of the Nation was not connected with it, I should have no objection. However I shall be perfectly satisfied with whatever you may think necessary for the good of the service. My desire to be useful is so much greater than my wish for command, that there is no conditions to which I will not chearfully submit, that are not personally disgraceful, to promote the interest of this Country.

I fear Virginia will do little while the French Army is in that State either for her self or the Union. As far as I can learn little or nothing has been done for seven Months past; nor can I learn that any decisive measures are pursuing for the purpose. What ever may be your Excellencys intentions with regard to the French Army it would not be amiss to inform the Governor that they may expect that Army to leave them shortly and that great exertions are necessary for their own security. It may serve as a spur and the genius of America often requires spurring.

I wish to know your Excellencys intentions in this quarter as early as possible. Many measures will be requisite to accomodate matters to your views if you have any thing offensive in view. Could the French Army have arrivd in this Country by the middle of this Month, I am confident we could have obliged the enemy to have evacuated it.

Reports say here your Excellency had a narrow escape through the Clove. Mrs Greene joins me in respectful compliments to yourself and Mrs Washington. With esteem and Aff. I am

N. Greene

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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