101To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellencys Letter containing a list of the Counties in Virgina where Waggons might be got and the properest persons to employ to make the purchases. We shall send one Mr Johnston Smith—I shall be much oblige to your Excellency for a Letter to the Inhabitants of Virgina by Mr Smith requesting their aid in forwarding the business of the departmt. I shall also be oblige to your...
102To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The only hope that the Enemy can ever have of subjugating this Country is by possessing themselves of our Capital Cities , distressing our trade—destroying our Stores, and debauching one part of the Comunity to lend their Aid to subjugate the other. These appear to be the great out lines of their plan, upon which they have hitherto regulated all their Operations; and they have never varied...
103To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From the Situation in which I found the Quarter Master General’s Department on my entering upon the Office, which is not unknown to your Excellency, it appeared to be absolutely necessary to make very extensive & speedy Preparations for the ensuing Campaign, especially in Horses, Teams, Tents, and other Articles of high Price. In Consequence of this apparent Necessity, I have given extensive...
104To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
In order to answer your Excellencys six queries and be clearly understood—I shall first state a query & then give it an answer—And so on in order untill the whole is answered. Query the first Whether any enterprize ought to be undertaken against Phila. Answer—I am clearly of Opinion that there ought not. The Enemy can recall any part of their force from the other side of Delaware, so easily &...
105To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The delicate situation I am in prevents my speaking in councels of war with that openness I should if I was to take a part in the command. I must confess the opinion I subscribed to if it is to be considerd in confind sense does not perfectly coincide with my Sentiments I am not for hazzarding a general action unnecessarily but I am clearly of opinion for makeing a serious impression with the...
106To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11–14 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I would propose writing to the french Admiral that there are two objects one of the two may be improvd as a blockade or an investiture as circumstances and the practibillity of entering the Harbour of New york should be found. The french fleet to take their station at Sandy Hook and block up the Harbour. This Army to take a position near the White Plains to cut off the Land communication and...
107To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Varnum is at this place and has very lately returnd from Rhode Island, he says that there are 1500 State troops including the Artillery Regiment. There is the Continental Battallion commanded by Col. Greene about 130 strong. Besides these 2500 Militia are orderd from the Massachusets, Conecticut, & New Hampshire States, part of which are already arrivd; and the others dayly coming in....
108To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has made me very unhappy. I can submit very patiently to deserved censure; but it wounds my feelings exceedingly to meet with a rebuke, for doing what I conceivd to be a proper part of my duty; and in the order of things. When I left your Excellency at Haverstraw you desird me to go forward and reconnoiter the Country, and fix upon some proper position to draw the troops...
109To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 4 Aug. 1778. On 8 Aug., GW wrote Greene : “I received your favor dated the 4th Inst.”
110To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12–13 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 12–13 Aug. 1778. On 21 Aug., GW wrote Greene : “On Wednesday afternoon I re⟨ce⟩ived your favor of the 12th & 13th Inst.”
111To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 22 Aug. 1778. On 1 Sept., GW wrote Greene : “I have had the pleasure of receiving your several letters, the last of which was of the 22d Augt.”
112To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28–31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 21st came to hand the evening of the 25th. In my last I communicated to your Excellency the departure of the Count de Estainge with his fleet for Boston. This disagreeable event, has as I apprehended ruined all our operations. It struck such a panic among the Militia and Volunteers that they began to desert by Shoals. The fleet no sooner set sail than they began...
113To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The growing extravagance of the people and the increasing demand for the Article of forage in this quarter, has become a very alarming affair. Hay is from 60 to 80 Dollars ⅌ tun and upon the rise. Corn is 10 Dollars a bushel and oats 4 and every thing else that will answer for forage in that propo[r]tion. Carting is 9/ ⅌ mile by the tun and People much dissatisfied with the price. I have...
114To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th came to hand last Night. I have waited upon General Heath and have got the state of the cloathing department. Mr Fletcher has forwarded for Springfield from this place between 10 & 12000 Blankets 7669 pair of Shoes, 8000 Suits of Uniforms & 2000 Shirts. He is forwarding from Portsmouth about 15,000 Pair of Hose & 11,000 Suits of Uniforms. Messrs Otis &...
115To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 22d of Sept. and the 1st of October came to hand last Evening. I am exceeding sorry for Col. Baylors misfortune. The surprise is the worst part of the affair; and no Man will more sensibly feel upon the ocasion than the Col. should he recover. Col. Butlers and Major Lees surprise made upon the Chasseurs was a compleat one. These two events serves to shew how much...
116To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys queries laid before the Council held the 16th of this instant, Has been duly considerd and I shall endeavor to give them an answer as far as I am able to comprehend the subject. The first query is whether it will be prudent and advisable to make a detachment from this Army for Boston & of what force? A detachment to move towards Boston can only be necessary upon the...
117To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon examination into the state of the Forage department I find there is wanted 200 Men to mann a number of Battaues which are to go up the River single and then be lashed together and come down double. Six tuns of Hay may be brought upon two Battaues in this way. The weather is now good for the business and the greater exertions are necessary as the Time will be short. There is Fifty Fatigue...
118To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencys commands I have been in company with Colo. Putnam and examined all the Country from this place to Fish Kill from FishKill to Pecks Kill and from Pecks Kill to Crumpond, Croten and Bedford and from thence up through Salem to this Place and can find but one Tract of Woodland of sufficient extent to Hut the Army collectively. That is called the Furnace Lot and lies a...
119To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Campaign being near a Close, the Cantoning of the Troops for the Winter is probably under Your Excellency’s Consideration. In the Choice of a Position I doubt not due Regard will be paid to the Practicability of obtaining Supplies of Provisions & Forage; But as the Means of furnishing these Capital Articles fall much within my Department, and I am apprehensive of some Difficulties which...
120To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is General Schuylers Letter, which I have read. The utility of the plan which he recommends being altogether dependant upon the Canada expedition; and that being rather in contemplation than agreed upon, I think it will be necessary before I give any orders upon the matter to receive your Excellencys instructions upon that head. Your Excellency expressed a desire to have all the...
121To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
We find ourselves exceedingly distressed for want of Waggoners. Mr Thomson Waggon Master General informs me there are a number of Soldiers now in the Hospital that are incapable of doing the duty of Soldiers any more. Who are about to be discharged from the service. Mr Thomson thinks they may be usefully employed as Waggoners and as they are enlisted during the War it will be a public loss to...
122To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is Colo. Biddles Letter to me upon the distressed state of the Forage Department. Our Cattle for this ten days past have not had one half the necessary allowance of Forage. The Resolution of Congress prohibiting the use of Wheat and the Restrictive Laws in the several States, in the Neighbourhood of Camp, renders it impossible to subsist the Cattle, unless some further aid can be...
123To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wish when your Excellency gives your orders for the Troops to march from Fish Kills that those employed in transporting forage may continue in that service until the Troops that are to Winter there, arrive and furnish a party to releive them. There are also a few Masons now employed in building Chimneys to the Barracks. These I wish may be left for about a fortnight. There will be wanted for...
124To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The repeated instances of violence commited by Officers of inferior rank in the line, upon Waggon Masters, In direct violation of your Excellency orders render it necessary that some check should be given to this unwarrantable practice. The warrant Officers begin to think their situation so very disagreeable that they are determined one and all to quit the service unless they can find some...
125To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is Col. Biddles Letter to me upon the subject of Forage. I shall only add that a great number of our Horses for Ten days past have been falling away to such a degree for want of a sufficient supply that those which were in good order then are now almost unfit for duty. I am perswaded it will be impossible to subsist the Cattle belonging to the Army here unless there is a Press Warrant...
126To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
There is great complaints from Fish Kill and other Posts among the Waggoners and Artificers on account of the Commisarys, being directed to issue a Gill of Rice in lieu of half a pound of flour and being cut off of their usual allowance of Rum—Col. Hay writes me the Waggoners are actually leaveing the service on account of the Rice and the Country People refuse to work without the allowance of...
127To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I got to this place last night but too late to take a survey of any part of the Country. I waited upon Lord Sterling as I came through Elizabeth Town and to my great surprise found Col. Moylans Light Dragoons had not been sent off. I spoke to his Lordship upon the necessity of sending them away immediately, he refusd to let them go, and said he would not remain at the Post if they were order’d...
128To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Nathanael Greene, 1 Dec. 1778. On 4 Dec. , GW acknowledged receipt of a letter of the “1st Inst. which met me on the way to this place.”
129To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Nathanael Greene, 4 Dec. 1778. On 5 Dec., GW’s aide Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Greene that GW “desired me to acknowledge his receipt of your favor of yesterday” (see GW to Greene, 4 Dec. , source note).
130To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
The little leisure I have dont afford me a sufficient opportunity to go largely into the subject your Excellency requested my opinion upon. I have been oblig’d to write for two Nights past until after one oClock in the morning, and am now writing before Sunrise. Therefore I hope your Excellency wont think me inattentive to your wishes or regardless of the Subject. I think the fact is pretty...
131To John Jay from Nathanael Greene, 18 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
It cannot be unknown to Congress that in the different Departments of the Army there are many Persons employed in the Character of Officers who have no other Commission than a kind of Warrant or Appointment from the Head of the Department in which they serve. They consequently have no Rank in the Army, but are left on the Footing of private Soldiers as to Arrests, and Modes of Trial. Amongst...
132To John Jay from Nathanael Greene, 1 February 1779 (Jay Papers)
In the different Movements of the Army it frequently happens that the Inhabitants of the Country unavoidably suffer damages of various kinds for which Justice seems to demand that they should receive a Compensation from the Publick. There are two ways in which these damages usually happen one of which is the taking; of such Articles on sudden Emergencies as the Army may stand in need of, which...
133To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have carefully looked over the plan for a Resolve of Congress. There appears to me two defects in it. One is the Articls taken in the Commisarys & quarter masters line should pass through the principals of those departments instead of going to the Auditors as it must be supposd they are better judges of the necessity and proper application of the things taken than the Auditors can be. The...
134To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 23, 1779 . States that the work on “batteaux” will be continued in case it is decided to revive expedition against Canada. LS , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
135To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I find from experience in the Quarter Master’s department, the greatest difficulty in procuring waggoners—These are a class of men that are difficult to be found; and are so essential to the movements of the army that there is nothing to be done without them. The encouragement that was given last campaign appeared to be very high, and the pains that was taken to enlist men for the waggon...
136To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is your Excellencys queries with the Answers; they are not so particular as I could wish; but are pretty explicit to the most capital points. Should be glad to know whether you will want to see Col. Hooper again, or have any orders to give for preparations in his district. If the Troops should March from Easton to Wyoming the Col. should have some previous notice of it. I was...
137To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17–24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have carefully looked over General Schuylers plan for an Indian expedition; and tho I think many of his observations are just, yet I am perswaded it will be attended with more risque and expence and be less certain of success, than if the Expedition is carryed on by the way of the Susquehannah. There is six great objects to be taken into consideration in the plan of the expedition—The force...
138To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wrote Your Excellency the 24th Feby, pointing out the necessity as well as utility for Enlisting Waggoners dureing the War. I have received a Resolution of Congress upon that subject, Dated the 16th of this instant. The Resolve directs Your Excellency to take the necessary measures for carrying it into execution. As the Object is important, I wish to receive your instructions upon the...
139To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is a Letter receivd last Evening from Mr Patterson. The contents are not the most agreeable; and how it comes directed through me to your Excellency I cannot imagin. He mentions there being a greater number of Boats upon the Susquehannah then he gave an account of when at Camp. Will it not be best to lessen the number orderd to be built; if the proper sizd ones can be had already fit...
140Council of War, 10 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War held at Head Quarters Middle Brook April 10th 1779. Present The Commander in Chief[,] Major Genls Sullivan[,] Greene[,] Ld Stirling[,] St Clair[,] D’Kalb, [Brigadier Generals] Smallwood[,] Knox[,] Woodford. The Commander in Chief states to the Council, that since the last meeting of Commissioners on the subject of an exchange of Prisoners, the result of which is contained...
141To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wrote Your Excellency the 24th of February upon the necessity of enlisting a Corps of Waggoners for the War. There is almost two Months elapsed, and nothing decided upon the question. The season is now almost past for engaging this Class of people; the operations of the Campaign near at hand; and the army without Waggoners. What is to be done in this case? is the question. I must beg your...
142To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receivd a Letter from Col. Mitchel, informing me of the Minister of France haveing postpond his visit to Camp. On my arrival at Philadelphia I shall wait upon the Minister; and will indeavor to learn the precise time he sets out; and give your Excellency the earliest information. By several Letters I have receivd on the Road I find the preparations for the Indian expedition...
143To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I waited upon the Minister of France this morning; and find he sets out for Camp on Tuesday next. He has recoverd a tolerable share of health, and seems in perfect good humour. It is said he has been detaind by Congress for some days past; but on what account is a matter of speculation. There is a report secretly whisperd about Town that there has some overtures of Peace been made by Great...
144To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 22d was deliverd me this afternoon. I am happy to find you have wrote so fully to Congress upon the disagreeable consequences that may follow from starveing the quarter Masters Department at this critical season. I wish it may have the desird effect and rouse their attention; but I must confess I am afraid the stupor is so great that nothing can alarm their fears...
145To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 24th I had the honor of receiving last Evening. I dind yesterday with the Minister of France and find him still determind to set out for Camp to morrow. He sets out at seven in the morning and intends lodging at Trenton. On Wednesday he will be in Camp, if no accident attends him; but at what hour cannot be assertaind as the place he dines at, is not yet determind...
146To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Ambassador is now at this place. He sets off for Camp at 7 oClock in the morning and intends dining with your Excellency. I have this moment arrivd here I left Philadelphia between two & three this afternoon. Before I left Town an Express arrivd from Georgia that brought dispaches from General Lincoln—He says there has been two little skirmishes lately in both which we gaind...
147To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just receivd a Letter from Governor Greene upon the recall of Glovers brigade from the State of Rhode Island. I shall make no comments upon it. The weak and distressed condition of the State your Excellency is as well acquainted with as I am. You are also equally as well acquainted with the Enemies force being greatly superior to that of ours all this was known at the time the order was...
148To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1779. GW wrote to Greene on this date enclosing a letter from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan complaining about the shortage of wagons and other supplies. GW then wrote to Sullivan on this date enclosing Greene’s “answer,” which he had just received.
149To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of what your Excellency said to me yesterday morning I had given orders for distributeing the Camp Equipage before the receipt of yours to day. The business is now executing as fast as possible. I dispached the orders to Col. Cox for ordering in the Teams Saturday Evening past. I have now repeated the orders, to hasten them in as soon as possible: with such additional Stores as...
150To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days since I was mentioning to your Excellency the impossibility of subsisting the Cattle of the Army in the way now pursued by applying to the Magestrate for pasture ground. The slow progress of the business in this way is totally inadequate to our wants. The necessity for changing positions and Sudden Marches that frequently take place in the Army, will not admit of the present mode of...