1To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 25 April 1785 (Washington Papers)
Some little time ago Capt. Gunn formerly an officer in the horse sent me a challenge to fight him upon the footing of equality as Citizens. His reasons for it are he says I injured him in a tryal while I was in command in this Country. He sold a public horse and was called to account for it. To avoid breaking him I refered the matter to a board of Officers in preference to a Court Martial. I...
2To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 2 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
Mr Watson by whom this will be handed you having some things for you brought with him from England and having it in contemplation to call at Mount Vernon it gives me an opportunity to inform you of my safe arrival with my family. I found Mrs Greene and the children all in good health. I hope the Marquis arrivd safe in Virginia. A report prevails here that his Frigate is cast away near the...
3To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 29 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
My ill health and the distressing situation of my private affairs for some time past has claimed too much of my Attention to afford me either time or inclination to attend to any thing else. At the time of the meeting of the Cincinnati in Philadelphia I had a dangerous and disagree[able] pain in my breast. It had hung about me then upwards of two months; but by the use of balsam of firr soon...
4To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 6 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote you by Col. Henley I took a ride to Boston to try my strength and see how traveling would affect me. It increased my complaint but not so much as to discourage my attempting to be at the Cincinnati had not my complaint increased since my return. The Doctor thinks my life would be endangered by attempting to cross the Water and my pain in my stomach increased by riding by land. In...
5To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your two letters of the 20th and 27th of March both came safe to hand. My indisposition is such I fear it will not be in my power to comply with your wishes if there was no other obstacle. I have a constant pain in my breast and am now so weak as to be incapable of bearing the fatigues of a Journey. Besides which the Doctor thinks it would be dangerous to go by water for fear I might burst a...
6To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 16 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 28th of December last, and having had the Honor of being appointed President of the Cincinnati of Rhode Island, I embrace the earliest opportunity of giving you an Answer. General Varnum, Major Lyman, and myself, are in the appointment to attend the annual General meeting of the order. It is not expected more than One will attend the meeting....
7To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 3 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I return your Excellency many thanks for your polite letter accompanying the resolution of Congress, complimenting me with a couple of Cannon. I am not very certain where those Cannon are, but I believe two are in Virginia & three in So. Carolina, and it is no less difficult for me to determine where I would wish those sent which are made choice of for me. If those in So. Carolina should be...
8To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 11 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
Several Officers belonging to the Southern Army have made application to me to use my interest with your Excellency for obtaining appointments in the peace establishment. Col. Harmer was among the first and a better Officer cannot be found; his whole soul is in pursuit of the profession of Arms. Col. Men t gez is also exceeding anxious to be put upon the establishment both from his fondness...
9To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 26 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am this far on my way to the Northward and should have had the happiness of seeing you before this but have been sick with a fever at Alexandria. I dined at Mount Vernon and went to Alexandria in the Evening and that night was taken with a fever which lasted me nine days. For six days I had no intermission and but little remission. My fever is gone but has left me exceeding weak. While it...
10To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote you last I did not expect to address you from this place again; but Col. Carrington has detained me upwards of a week to complete the business of his department. On Thursday next we set off by land for the Northward. The Assembly of this State have rejected the impost Act recommended by Congress. Had your circular letter been printed a fortnight earlier I am persuaded it would...
11To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 23 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
The bearer of this Mr Clarke was an inhabitant of the City of Philadelphia and went off with the british Army when they left that place in—78. He is an old acquaintance of Col. Lawrens’s the late President of Congress and was introduced to me by Lt Col. John Lawrens his Son as a very deserving character altho he had been unfortunate in joining the enemy. He rendered us considerable service in...
12To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 11 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received an order, since your Excellencys letter of the 18th May from the War office, and a resolution of Congress for sending the troops to their respective states, and for furloughing them until the definitive treaty is signed. In consequence of which, I have sent home the North Carolinians, furloughed the troops of this State and Georgia, and expect to embark most of the rest in a...
13To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am now sick with a fever and almost blind with sore Eyes. I only write this Leter to apoligize for not writing. Mrs Greene who will have the pleasure of delivering this letter embarks to day for Philadelphia. Her health is so much improved I am anxious to get her to the Northward notwithstanding my own situation. Mrs Greene will deliver your Excellency a Green silk embroidered pattern for a...
14To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 20 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to Congratulate your Excellency upon the returning smiles of peace, and the happy establishment of our Independence. This important event must be doubly welcome to you who has so successfully conducted the War, thro’ such a variety of difficulties to so happy a close. If universal respect, and the general Affections of a grateful Country can compensate for the many painful hours...
15To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 4 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Your Excellency a Return of the Army for the month of March. I am with great esteem Your Excellency’s Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
16To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 3 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Persuaded that your Excellency, would wish to have good information upon every subject, before you take your ultimate determination upon a place of operations, I shall take the liberty of laying before you a slight sketch, of the political disorders, & military resources of the Southern States. As I am entrusted with the command here; the people will expect it of me, and as your Excellency...
17To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 16 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with your Excellencys despatches of the 18th of December, and 29th of January. I am made happy by your full approbation of my conduct and the Army under my command, during the Southern operations. The evacuation of Charles Town, & the proposals of Peace, are matters highly interesting to this Country, whose finances, and political arrangements, are in the most deplorable...
18To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose your Excellency the returns of the Southern Army for the Month of January. With due respect and esteem, I have the honor to be your most obedient humble servant Not Assigned.
19To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 19 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency a copy of my letter to Congress containing an account of the evacuation of Charles Town, on which happy event I beg leave to congratulate you. It has been long in expectation, and for some time past seemed to hang in doubtful suspence. This, together with the liberation of all the militia on parole in the southern States, places them on the most...
20To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 12 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the liberty to inclose to your Excellencys care a number of family letters from Mrs Greene and my self to our friends in Rhode Island; the whole under cover to Governor Greene. I am not informed whether letters go to the Governors free from postage. If they do not, I beg you will be kind enough to give them a private conveyance by the first safe opportunity. I should not have...
21To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 10 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I doubt not your Excellency expected to hear of the evacuation of Charles Town long before this. The enemy are not yet gone altho’ now just upon the eve of this departure. In two days more the town will be free. Your letter of the 23d of Sepr I just acknowledged in Novr with a promise to give it a more full answer at a future day. The Minister at War sent me an order for incorporating &...
22To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 6 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency a Return for the Month of November of the infantry, cavalry, Artillery, and the Legion serving in the Southern Department. I am Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
23To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 11 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose your Excellency the returns of this Army for the Month of October. In my next dispatch perhaps I may have the pleasure to congratulate you on the evacuation of Charles Town. This event I expected would have taken place long before this, but some particular circumstances have occurred to prevent it; and I believe they will not leave this Country untill about the 20th...
24To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 4 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by your Excellency’s long and communicative letters of the 9th of July and 6th of August. Since my letter of the 26th of August the evacuation of Charles Town is reduced to a certainty. The following disposition it is said is to be made of the troops in garrison. Lord Rawdon’s corps which is put upon the british establishment as the 105th Regt is going directly to Ireland....
25To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency a day or two ago Lt Colo. Laurens has been killed in an Action on the Combahee River about fifty miles south of our Camp. The Enemy made a detachment into that quarter with a number of armed Vessels, empty Sloops and Schooners with about 500 Infantry to collect Rice. General Gist with the Light Troops, in which Lt Colo. Laurens held a command, was detached to...
26To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 27 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
From present appearances and what is past one would be led to conclude the enemy mean to change the whole plan of the war for a time or that they are taking measures to bring about a peace. Which is their object or whether either, is what I could wish to have your sentiments on. I am much at a loss how to take some measures of a private nature and shall esteem it a particular mark of your...
27To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send your Excellency a duplicate of my letter of the 12th Inst. As it is necessary you should be early and fully informed of what is going on in this quarter, and as conveyances are subject to interception I think this precaution requisite to guard against any evil which a circumstance of that kind might produce. Since I wrote you last two fleets have passed this latitude...
28To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 12 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have great reason to believe as well from appearances as from the enemy’s declarations that they will evacuate Charlestown very soon. I hinted something of the kind in my letter of the 11th of July which I hope has been recieved. Appearances then were equivocal, they now seem to wear a face of certainty. They have left the Quarter-house, requested the inhabitants to hold themselves in...
29To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
My letter of the 7th Ulto covering the returns of the army, I hope has been safely delivered. Since which I have been duly honoured with your Excellencys favours of the 23d of April and 22d of May. The troops have been so badly cloathed and the season is so very hot that many of the soldiery have been seized with fevers which render them unfit for service although it has by no means proved...
30To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Benjamin Cattle Esquire an inhabitant of South Carolina lately in the Continental Army and one of the Governors privy Council has been in a declining state of health for a long time. It has been recommended to him by his physician, and friends to go to the Northward by winter to New York for the recovery of his health, and General Leslie has been polite enough to grant him the necessary...
31To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 6 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency the monthly return of the Army under my command. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most Humble Sert MiU-C : Nathanael Greene Papers.
32To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 31 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of informing your Excellency in a letter of the 19th instant that a dangerous spirit of discontent had been discovered in the Army, and of the measures I took to suppress it. I am happy to inform you that this spirit seems intirely to have subsided, as the persons who fomented it are removed at a distance from the troops: and, as we have now a prospect of some cloathing and...
33To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
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....
34To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am just favored with your Excellency’s letter of the 18th of March. I wrote you in my letter of the 22d April that a spirit of mutiny and discontent had got footing in the Army. hanging the serjeant and sending off five others belonging to the Pennsylvania and Maryland Line has happily put a check to it, and the troops appear now of quite a different temper, altho’ their sufferings still...
35To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured by your Excellency’s letter of the 2d Ulto two days since. The enemy continue in the same position as when M.Genl St Clair left this army; however from various circumstances I am led to believe they are making preparations for a forward movement, and am apprehensive for the consequences of such an event. Our force is inferior to the enemy and in a distressed situation the men...
36To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 15 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
General St Clair being on the return to the northward affords me an opportunity to inform your Excellency of the safe arrival of Mrs Greene and to return you my sinsere and grateful acknowledgements for your kindness to her. She spent some time at Mount Vernon and was most agreeably entertained. Her journey was disagreeable and beset with many difficulties; but the politeness and hospitality...
37To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letters of the 26th of January, and 18th of February have both been received. But I am afraid some of the Northern dispatches have been taken by the Enemy, and carried into Charles town. It is certain they have taken a packet coming to me, but where from I cannot learn. I have represented my situation so fully in several former Letters, and as our difficulties rather increase...
38To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Being informed by Major Burnet that the arrangement of the several Lines of the Southern States had not been made agreable to my order on that head, I have enclosed a Copy of all that have come to my hand, or that I have been able to procure. The distraction that has prevailed in these States, the great number of Officers belonging to the several Lines in captivity, and the great extent of...
39To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 9 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency the 8th of February since which I am without your favor. In my last I informed you that I had written to Count Rochambeau for reinforcements. Inclosed is his answer. I am persuaded he must have mistaken your intentions. I find nothing is to be expected from that quarter. I am sorry the Legion was put in motion as it may raise the enemy’s apprehensions, and bring upon us...
40To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 7 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Ecellency’s letter of the 29th of December, came to hand yesterday. The reinforcement you mention has not arrived, and I hope they are gone to another quarter. I got intelligence of the preparation making in New York, and of the opinion of their being destined to Charles Town. But whether they went to some other quarter, or the small reinforcement mentioned in my last was what gave rise...
41To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency on the 9th of December, I have been favored with your dispatches of the 16th of Novemr 15th & 19th of December. My letter to Congress, a copy of which I inclose, will inform your Excellency of the arrival of General St Clair with the Pennsylvania and Maryland Troops. The Virginia Officers protested against marching until they got their pay, and are still in...
42To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 9 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of my letter to Congress which contains all material matters of occurrence since I wrote your Excellency before. Capt. Shutrick, who transacts the business for Major Hyrne in the commissary of Prisoners department since his misfortune has transmitted a copy of the State of that business in this quarter and upon examination I found Major Hyrne had forwarded one a few days...
43To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your very affectionate letter dated before York. Your approbation of my conduct affords me the highest satisfaction; and I flatter my self nothing on my part will ever be wanting to deserve a continuance of your esteem and regard. I may be unfortunate but I shall never be unfaithful to my friendships. My letter to Mrs Greene your Excellency will please to forward, if she is not on...
44To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your affectionate letter of the 15th ultimo by Mr Mathews was this moment handed me. I thank you most cordially for the kind attention you pay to Mrs Greene. I did not expect she would have had the courage to engage in such a disagreeable journey and shall be extreme happy if she gets through it without meeting any capital misfortune. I sinserely condole with Mrs Washington on the loss of her...
45To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 21 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letters of the 16th, 24th and 30th of October containing an account of the operations of the combined Army afford me the highest satisfaction and I beg leave to congratulate Your Excellency again upon this important and happy event. I contemplate its advantages with infinite satisfaction and feel a relief upon the occasion that is difficult to express. Count Rochambeau’s stay...
46To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 2 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency upon the glorious and important success of your Army. The news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his Army reached us the 27th in the evening; and it came so well warranted that we had a feu de joy upon it the 28th. The intelligence came away the 18th from Richmond; but I find by a letter I have since received from Col. Carrington that the...
47To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 30 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Within a few days, I have received from General Smallwood, the arrangement of the Maryland line; by which I find that Colonel Hall has resigned, and that the regiments are fast forming, to compose two brigades; and as General Smallwoods promotion, creates a vacancy in the line of Brigadiers, to which Coll Williams stands in the line of promotion; I am to request, that your Excellency, will...
48To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 25 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
My last letter was dated at Charlotte & forwarded by Lieut. Coll Lee; since which I have received your Excellencys favor of the 28th of september. I am happy to find the army under your command ready to commence operations against Lord Cornwallis, but I am sorry to hear you think the Issue somewhat doubtful. And it gives me great pain to find that whatever may be our success in Virginia, the...
49To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 7 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th Sept. dated at Philadelphia I have had the honor to receive. but before the receipt of which I was informed of the arrival of Count de Grasse and since which I have had the pleasure to hear of your arrival in Virginia with a force sufficient to reduce the british army under Earl Cornwallis in a short time. I beg leave to congratulate you on your happy...
50To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 4 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major Giles who served with General Morgan as an Aid in the battle of the Cowpens is desirous of serving as a volunteer Aid in your Excellencys family during the operations in Virginia. I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellencys notice as a young Gentleman of merit and good sense, adorned with a liberal education and of a good disposition accompanied with a degree of prudence and...