1From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish you to dispatch a messinger to Philadelphia with orders to bring up to Trenton fifteen or twenty boats, with as much expedition as the nature of the business will admit. At Trenton you will have them put in a state of the greatest readiness to be transported by land at the shortest notice. Head Quarters will move to day if possible. I am Sr &. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ;...
2From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 29 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
On the 18th of Decr I wrote a long Letter, advising you very fully of the state of affairs in this part of the Continent—since that time I have had the pleasure to receive your three favors of the 6th 10th & 19th of the Same Month—I scarcely need assure you that the intelligence communicated in your last of the liberation of the Southern States from the power of the Enemy, has afforded us...
3From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor dated the 4th Inst. informing me of your arrival at Providence, and the flattering disposition of things in that quarter. We have just received an account from Genl Maxwell of Lord Howes sailing from the Hook with his fleet of armed vessels early on Thursday morning last. Whether it is to make demonstrations of fighting the Count d’Estaign, in order to favor the...
4From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 Feb. 1778. John Laurens docketed Greene’s letter to GW of 16 Feb. “Answd 17th.”
5From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The distress of a great part of the troops for want of Cloathing, particularly in the essential article of shoes, which would render them useless, should circumstances require the activity of the army, induces me to request your exertions to give the Clothier the assistance he may stand in need of for bringing on his supplies—These have been delayed much longer than I expected for want of the...
6From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege the receipt of your last letters of the 30th Ulto and the 1st Inst. which met me on the way to this place. If Mr Wallace can spare two rooms below Stairs, it will <certainly> make our quarters much more comfortable as well as render them more convenient for public business. You <will be pleased> to concert measures with Mr Wallace for this purpose. I consider with you the...
7From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 24th instant, which went on thro’ the Hands of Genl Sumner in No. Carolina—previous to which I had permitted Colo. Lee to inclose to you a Copy of the Articles of Capitulation, which were dispached, with an Injunction that they should not be printed. I have delayed writing further, waiting the Return of Colo. Lee, who I am informed has taken a Tour to Port Royal. It now...
8From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received New York papers confirm⟨ing⟩ the arrival of Rodney with 10 sail of the line. Major Jammison says 8 and adds that Clinton has ordered the whole flying army to New York and that 70 transpor⟨ts⟩ were ready to receive them —West Point I fou⟨nd⟩ is very weak. I would have you move the army to the vicinity of Tappan ⟨in order to⟩ be nearer all the points that interest us—The garrison...
9From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered the Assistant Commissary at this place, to repair immediately to Camp. It is the peculiar misfortune of this Army to have, generally speaking, the head[s] of the different departments always absent when they are most wanted—Two months was I labouring, as hard as a man could, to get the Comy Genl to this place, & had scarce accomplished it before the Congress ordered him to...
10From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Correspondent accounts from New York point so strongly to a movement of the troops there, that I have scarce a doubt of its happening soon, perhaps within a few days, the object is not quite so clear, but in any event it is indispensably necessary for us to be in a condition to march and transport our stores. I therefore desire you will exert your utmost diligence in preparing accordingly. Let...
11From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress having receiv’d intelligence that the Count DEstaing with a considerable Fleet & army has arrived upon this Coast & that it is the intention of our allies to operate against the enemy in these States they have been pleased to direct me to concert & execute such plans of co-operation with the Minister plenepotentiary of France, or the Count as I may think proper and to make the...
12From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you the copies of two letters for your consideration. The one my letter to Mr Wadsworth on the quantity of provision which he may be able by his utmost exertions to lay in at Albany, and on Connecticut river from No. 4 (or fort Charles) up to the lower Co’os inclusively, by the first day of February next; and whether he could keep a large army to the Northward regularly supplied? In...
13From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with a Letter from Congress of the 17th Inst. covering Sundry Resolutions. They have determined to adhere to those formed sometime ago respectg Lt Colo. Campbell & the Hessian Feild Officers; Yet I am not able to conclude certainly, whether they mean to hold them as Sureties for the future safety & good treatment of Genl Lee ’till his Exchange is really effected, or...
14From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The forgoing list being submitted to me by you, for consideration, I shall observe that if the articles therein contained, are intended as an extra provision for the ensuing campaign and wholly designed for such troops as may proceed by the way of Wyoming, I think the quantity too great, and that the following deduction may be made; as an expedition of this kind, should be as little encumbered...
15George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 2, 1780 . Instructs Greene to prepare Maryland Division for march to the South. Df , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
16From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 26 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
It gives me infinite satisfaction to transmit you the inclosed Copy of a Resolve of Congress of the 18 Inst. which was put into my hands yesterday. Perfectly coinciding with the sentiments which Congress have expressed on this occasion I shall feel the greatest pleasure in complying with their Resolve—but I must request you to inform me where the pieces of ordnance are to be found and to what...
17From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9-11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your Letters of the 7th and 8th of December, together with the Returns of the Army under Your command. It is impossible for any one to sympathize more feelingly with you, in the sufferings and distresses of the Troops than I do: and nothing could aggravate my unhappiness so much as the want of ability to remedy or even alleviate the calamities they suffer, and in...
18George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 26, 1780 . Transmits plan for conducting the quartermaster’s department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 5, 1778 . Reviews situation in Europe and discusses possible enemy movements. Df , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
20From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the inclosed plan for conducting the Quarter Master General’s department of the 15th instant, which I transmit for your government. With the greatest esteem I am Sir Your most Obedt servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; copy, DNA:PCC , item 11; copy, DNA:PCC , item 39; copy, DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA : RG 93, manuscript file no. 25382; Varick...
21From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 9th of December from the Round O, inclosing the Copy of your letter of the same date to Congress. I regret that your plan for the surprise of the port of Dorchester did not take full effect.The maneuvre was a masterly one, and, at least, answered the purpose of dislodging the enemy, which was a great point gained. The Count de Rochambeau has transmitted me a...
22George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 3, 1779. Explains why Greene, as quartermaster general, is not entitled to a military command in the line. Commends Greene for his service and conduct. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish to know, how many horns have been delivered to your department, in consequence of the general orders for that purpose; and that you would take measures to have a sufficient number of them converted into the common powder flasks for the proposed expedition—And that the whole may be under your view. You will also be pleased to give directions for the necessary complimentary shot pouches....
24From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am again called upon for another meeting between Colo. Walcott & Mr Harrison to negotiate the Cartel—so long the Subject of Correspondence between Genl Howe & myself & those two Gentn. Without incurring further charge of delay, I could not defer their interview longer than next Friday morning; I therefore request that you will transmit me by Express, who may arrive here early enough on...
25From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 18th Ulto came safe to hand—although the honors of the field did not fall to your lot, I am convinced you deserved them. The chances of War are various—and the best concerted measures, and the most flattering prospects may, & often do deceive us, especially while we are in the power of Militia. The motives which induced you to seek an Action with Lord Cornwallis are...
26From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 13th & 19th of last month from Mount Vernon and Richmond. I wish your Business had permitted you to have staid longer at the former. It is happy for you, that you went to the Southward prepared to meet difficulties, which I fear will increase as you go forward. I know of nothing which can releive us in respect to Cloathing but the arrival of the quantity long...
27George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 16, 1780 . Is setting out for Hartford. States that Greene is to be in command of the Army. Sends instructions concerning post at Dobbs Ferry. Reports that Admiral Rodney is “at the Hook and that the Enemy are making an embarkation for Rhode Island.” States that if this information is true, Greene is to make preparations for attacking New York. Df , in...
28From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The following present themselves to me as the most material general directions necessary for you in laying out the intended encampment. The Brigades to stand in the following order from the right—if in one line. Woodfords Muhlenbergs Smallwoods Gist Irvine Johnson Hand Maxwell Clinton Starke Parsons Huntington If the encampment is in two lines, and eight Brigades in the first—they will be...
29From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From many concurrent circumstances it appears that the enemy are preparing to evacuate Philadelphia, whether their design is to withdraw altogether from the Continent or to concenter their forces at new york cannot be ascertained—in case the latter shd be the case it will be proper to have provision of forage made on the road to the No. River for such body of Troops as may be ordered to march...
30From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
With peculiar Satisfaction I do myself the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your several Favors of the 10th 14th & 16th of May last—with that of the 22nd of June—and to assure you at the same Time, that it is with the warmest pleasure I express my full Approbation of the various Movements and Operations which your Military Conduct hath lately exhibited; while I confess to you that I am...
31From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter ⟨of⟩ yester night (wro⟨te af⟩ter I returnd from a view of ⟨the Ene⟩my’s Lines from the other side Schuylkill) I must refer to. Our Situation, as you justly obs⟨erve, is⟩ distressing, from a variety ⟨of irreme⟩diable causes; but more espe⟨ci⟩ally from the impracticabillity of ⟨an⟩swering the expectations of the world without running hazards w⟨hich no⟩ military principles can j⟨ustify;...
32From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have not recieved any certain intelligence that the Fleet have got within the Capes. By the last accounts they were beating in, the Wind unfavorable; It was supposed they would get in about three OClock yesterday Evening. I would wish you to collect and bring up your rear, as soon as may be, to German Town or to proper Grounds contiguous to it where the Troops are to remain untill further...
33From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 18 Feb. 1777. In his letter of 20 Feb. Greene informed GW that “your favor of the 18th came to hand last Evening.”
34From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 6th last night but being engaged with the committee of Congress I could not answer it till now. Should you on a review of the ground think the alteration essentially necessary you may give orders for the connecticut line taking the position you have mentioned, or any other convenient one. I am sir &c. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript ,...
35From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 31 Oct. 1776. Greene’s first letter to GW of 29 Oct. is docketed “An[swere]d 31st.”
36From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 31 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inclose to you a Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette, which came under Cover to me, by the Packet Triumph, dispatched by the Marquis & the Count de Estaing from Cadiz to Philadelphia. All the accounts which this Vessel has bro’t, of a Conclusion of a General Peace, you will receive, before this can reach you. You will give the highest credit to my Sincerity, when I beg...
37George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] September 18, 1780 . Reports arrival of Admiral Rodney. Directs Greene to move the Army to vicinity of Tappan and to send a Continental regiment to West Point. Df , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
38From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 16 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you so fully & freely by Lieut. Colo. Lee, who left me about the 29th ulto, that I have at this Time but little else to say, than to acknowledge the Rect of your Letter of the 25th ulto, which came to hand two Days ago, and by which I am surprized to find that you have received nothing from me later than the 28th of Septemr. Since my last, the American Troops destined to the Northward,...
39George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 14, 1780 . Directs Greene to send George Olney to New London to receive clothing, arms, and ammunition expected from France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 26 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
In my last, which was on the 31st of December, I informed you that an embarkation said to consist of three British Regiments and a detachment of Foreigners was upon the point of sailing, and thought to be destined to the southward—They did sail, and I suppose have been long since arrived, but my first intelligence was wrong as to numbers. The British Regiments did not embark, and, from the...
41George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 24, 1780 . Asks Greene to rectify the present difficulties concerning the Chevalier de Rochefontaine’s quarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Captain Etienne Nicolas Marie Béchet, Chevalier de Rochefontaine.
42From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Some days past it was requested in Genl Orders that you would have the Waggons & horses in the most perfect readiness to use at the shortest notice. I am now to request you will let me know the state they are in at present & that the utmost attention may be paid to them hereafter, keeping the horses constantly shod and every thing in perfect order to move, as it is impossible for us to know...
43From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received information by express that the enemys fleet have disappeared from the Capes yesterday morning about eight OClock. This unexpected event makes it necessary to reverse our disposition and I have accordingly sent orders to Sullivan’s division, and the two other brigades on the other side the Delaware to return and recross the North River. You are immediately to complete your...
44From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have, by this conveyance, written to Congress on the defects of the New System for supplyg the Army. I shall thank you for the News and politic’s of the Town. particularly on the Subject of finance (wch I think evy one ought to support) & the prevailing sentiment respecting our Southern Affairs—The currt opinion of sensible men, on the propriety and practicability of affording further...
45From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of the 19th I have received your letter of the 29th of March, with the Copy of one to Congress of the 30th. The sequel of Cornwallis’s late movements do as much honor to you as discredit to him. He is so far baffled—’Tis deplorable that the composition of your force did not enable you to make it more. The project you had adopted of endeavouring to transfer the War has many...
46From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
A Letter from Genl Schuyler of the 7th Instt (referrd to in another letter of his, recd several days ago) came to my hands at nine O’clock last night, & contains the following paragraphs. “The measure I proposed to Gen. Green the moment before I parted with him I learnt on my arrival had already been decided upon as unnecessary, and I was confidentially advised that it would be in vain to urge...
47From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 23 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 6th of August, I have recd your favors of the 6th of June 11th of July and 12th of Augt. I hope before this reaches you, you will be in possession of Charles town, and will have found a glorious end to your difficulties and distresses in the Southern Quarter. An application from the Government of South Carolina produced the Resolve of which the inclosed is a Copy, and...
48George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Chester [ Pennsylvania ] August 1, 1777. Orders Greene to hold men in readiness to march and to give the necessary orders to quartermaster general and commissary general respecting provisions and forage. States that British fleet has departed from the Delaware. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Although H’s crossed-out signature can be seen on the draft, this...
49From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 6 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that your Packet for Govr Greene which came enclosed to me (in your private Letter of the 12th of December) was forwarded in an hour after it came to my hands by a Gentleman returning to Rhode Island (Welcome Arnold Esq.)—there can be no doubt therefore of its having got safe to the Governor. It is with a pleasure which friend ship only is susceptible of I...
50From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Accounts, tho’ not official, still continue to announce Count D’Estaings fleet being near this Coast. Should he arrive in this quarter; I would wish, if possible, to have every thing in readiness to cooperate with him. If the Boats directed to be got ready and brought down from Albany are not yet come, be pleased to have it immediately done, and give directions to have the public Boats in the...