John Jay Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Greene, Nathanael"
sorted by: author
Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jay/01-01-02-0388

To John Jay from Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1779, enclosing Thomas Chase to Nathanael Greene, 1 July 1779

From Nathanael Greene

New Windsor July 14th 1779—

Sir

The enclosed is a letter from Col. Chace D.Q.M.G. at Boston. The representation it contains, and the consequences that will follow, point out the necessity of some mode being adopted for the security of the Barracks—

For the present, I have directed Col. Chace to enter into contract with the proprietors of the soil on which the Barracks stand, to make them a reasonable compensation for the use thereof; and have instructed him to consult the principal characters in Boston, with respect to the mode and conditions of the contract; but as these Contracts are of a temporary nature, and from the Advantages the owners have, the public may be subject to very hard and unreasonable conditions, it will be highly necessary therefore that a more effectual mode be adopted, not only for the remedy of the present evil, but to establish a more permanent security for public property under simular circumstances—

It is a melancholy truth that Continental Interest in different States, finds too little protection to secure it from unjust invaders, either from the force of law, or the attention of the people— It being a received opinion among many, that whatever public property, shall by accident, or otherwise, fall in their way, they have a right to apply to their own use—thousands of arms and all kinds of public Stores have been conveyed away upon this principle.

It is not uncommon for people who live in some obscure place, to take up public Horses astray and keep them for a year together—

The prodigious quantities of public stores, that are constantly upon the roads, and the various accidents that attend them, give many opportunities to the people, to apply them to their own use.—

Waggons often break, and loads prove too heavy in one part of the country, that was light and easy in another, owing to the state of the roads and change of weather. This renders it necessary to deposit the stores with the inhabitants; but they frequently refuse to receive them or be accountable: by which many losses are sustained— In remedying all these evils, I would beg leave to propose, that each state pass a law that whatever grounds are wanted for erecting public buildings, or to determine the rents or value of Lands on which public buildings now stand, that those persons be appointed by the Quarter Master General, or any of his Deputies, in whatever state the lands are wanted; and that they fix the rent and value thereof, which shall be binding upon both parties, this to take place only in such cases, as the proprietors and public agent cannot agree—

I would beg leave also to propose, that it be recommended to each State, to pass a law, subjecting all persons to a large fine, who has public property in possession, either by accident or otherwise, and do not report it in writing to the nearest public agent in ten days after it comes into their hands.— Such a law being passed in each State, will be a legal declaration of the light in which these crimes are veiwed, and leave the peopels no excuse, and therefore will operate as a check— A large fine added to this, may in a great measure prevent the mischief; and in order to make the people watch over one another, I would recommend that the fines recovered ^be given^ to the informers, as well for a reward for their information, as to make people afraid of concealing public property, least their Neighbours should report them.

I have taken the liberty to throw out those hints. The Congress will improve upon them, or reject them altogether, as they shall think proper; but something is necessary to be done to remedy the mischiefs that now prevail, and I beleive I may say with truth, are constantly encreasing.— I have the honor to be, with great respect, your Excellency’s most obdt., hum. Servt.

Nathl. Greene QMG

His Excellency John Jay Esqr.

[Enclosure]
Thomas Chase to Nathanael Greene

Boston July 1st. 1779.—

Sir,

Your favor of the 16th. June I have receivd,1 Shall send on my Accounts and returns as Soon as I possibly can, which will be in a few days—

A Certain Tuffts of Charlstown, who owns the Land the Continental Barracks Stand on— Has taken down one of the Barracks and converted it to his own use, and threatens to take down all the rest.

The Guard who are at Cambridge Guarding the Barracks and Magazine, confind said Tuffts for about an hour under Guard, He has Sued the Soldiers for puting him under Guard.

I have petitioned the General Court concerning the Barracks,2 They have risen without doing any thing, beg you would give me instructions which way to secure the Barracks from total Destruction, 50,000 Dollars will not make good the Dammage they have already sustained by the people of Charlstown and Cambridge, The Guard are not able to do their duty, if they do, they are liable to a Civil prosecution.

If Congress does not do Some thing the Barracks will be totally destroyed on his Land, every body will do the same, and every body who owns the Land where any Fort is, will have a right to Dismantle it when he pleases— I am Sir with Great respect your Obdt. Servt.

Thos. Chase

ALS, DNA: PCC, item 155, 1: 147–54 (EJ: 10937). Endorsed by Charles Thomson: “. . . Read July 19, 1779. Referred to board of war.” Enclosure: C of Thomas Chase to Nathanael Greene, 1 July 1779. Dft, NjP (EJ: 4071). On 23 July, based on the board’s report, Congress “resolved that it be recommended to the legislatures of the respective states, to make effectual provision by laws for the preservation of the buildings belonging to the United States.” JCC description begins Worthington C. Ford et al., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1904–37) description ends , 14: 868–69. For responses in New York and Rhode Island, see PNG description begins Richard Showman et al., eds., The Papers of General Nathanael Greene (13 vols.; Chapel Hill, N.C., 1976–2005) description ends , 4: 230.

1Greene to Thomas Chase, 16 June 1779, not found.

2On 28 June 1779 the Massachusetts General Court considered Chase’s petition against “one Tufts, of Charlestown, [who] had taken down a barrack belonging to the United States.” The petition was referred to a committee, but its report has not been located. Journal of the Honorable House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts Bay (Boston, 1779; Early Am. Imprints description begins Early American Imprints, series 1: Evans, 1639–1800 [microform; digital collection], edited by American Antiquarian Society, published by Readex, a division of Newsbank, Inc. Accessed: Columbia University, New York, N.Y., 2006–8, http://infoweb.newsbank.com/ description ends , no. 16350), 67.

Index Entries