4551From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Septr 1776 amidst the distresses we experienced in removing the Army from the City of New York (for want of Teams to transport the Stores &ca) Majr Gibbs put a valuable riding horse of his to one of my Baggage Waggons in which Service he received a hurt of which I am told he died within the space of a few days—this being the case he has a just claim on the public for another, and I have to...
4552From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 22d came to my hands about 9 O’clock this day. I thank you for the information contained. After the Minister has actually set out, I should be glad to be informed of it by express and (if the knowledge can be obtained readily) to be informed of his Stages, & the hour he may be expected in Camp. I am sorry for the difficulties you have to encounter in the department of...
4553George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 24, 1779 . Instructs Greene to countermand former instructions, but to continue to prepare for an expedition against Indians on a smaller scale. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4554From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Under our present expectations of the daily arrival of the Fleet and Army from France at Rhode Island—and of operations that may be consequent—it is of great importance that the means of conveying intelligence between providence & Head qrs, should be placed on the most certain & expeditious footing. I therefore request that You will, without the least delay, have a proper number of...
4555George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 22, 1781 . Approves of Greene’s tactics against Cornwallis. Reports that Pennsylvania line will be delayed. Hopes that Greene will be able to employ Major William Macpherson. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4556George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Orders Greene to assume the command of the southern army until an inquiry has been made into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct in the southern campaign. Orders Greene to appoint the court of inquiry. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
4557From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The information I gave you respecting the Forage department, was only meant to excite a close attention to the conduct of those who are employed in the execution of this branch of business; suspicions of unfair dealing, in some of them, having been imbibed. No direct charge, or regular information, was lodged against the forage Master in this department; for if there had, I should have...
4558From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of yesterday, accompanied by a letter from His Excellency Governor Clinton, who gives me an account of the incursion upon the Frontiers. I am happy that you detached Gansevoorts Regiment immediately—You will be pleased to order either Weisenfelds or Willets, as you may judge proper, to follow, and to take orders from the Governor or the commanding Officer. This is all the...
4559From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I wish you to write to Providence for a return of the number of Boats there, & their condition—also to direct that they may be put in order without loss of time. Doctor Craick who is going to that quarter will afford you an opportunity of writing —You will likewise be pleased to give the same directions respecting those in Connecticut & Delaware Rivers. I am Df , in Richard Kidder Meade’s...
4560From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I shall adopt the order you recommend. Tomorrow if we are all ready to ma[r]ch we will begin to cross the River for Dobbs’s ferry. You will therefore discontinue your preparations for the object that brought us here as it has ceased, further than as they may promote the views of the campaign. Endeavour to have every thing in your department ready to day to move the Troops. I am &c. Df , in...
4561George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 14, 1778 . States that clothing is to be forwarded from Boston to the Army. Asks Greene to cooperate with Major General William Heath to assure safe and quick delivery of clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4562From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have concluded to send Major André of the British Army and Mr Joshua Smith who has had a great hand in carrying on the business between him & Arnold to Camp tomorrow. They will be under an escort of Horse and I wish You to have Separate Houses in Camp ready for their reception, in which they may be kept perfectly secure and also strong Trusty Guards trebly officered & that a part may be...
4563George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinson’s, Highlands [ New York ] July 30, 1780 . Empowers Greene to impress in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as many teams as are necessary. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4564From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of the establishment of the Marechaussé, as passed in Congress the 20th Ulto —This Corps is to be armed and accoutred in the manner of Light Dragoons—You will therefore provide with all possible expedition sixty three horses, with proper Saddles and bridles—as the nature of the duty will principally require patroling within the distance of a mile from the pickets, the horses...
4565George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Asks Greene to assist Brigadier General Du Portail in drawing up a report on the defenses needed to withstand an attack on the winter camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4566George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 4, 1779 . States that Major General John Sullivan is to command Indian expedition. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4567From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
It gives me much pleasure to hear, that my letters of introduction were serviceable to you —I am perswaded there is not wanting a disposition in Congress, or the individual States to the Southward to afford you every support the unhappy state of our finance (which seems to be the source from whence flows all our difficulties) will admit; but if any thing in my power can give a spring to their...
4568George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] February 26, 1780 . States that if Colonel Clement Biddle will not go to the legislature of New Jersey and explain the forage situation, some other method should be found to inform the legislature. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4569From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Board of War have advised me of a large quantity of ready made cloathing for the use of the army, in possession of Mr Samuel Fletcher of Boston; which they have ordered to be immediately sent on to Springfield and Hartford in the first instance and afterwards to the army. You are aware of the mismanagement there has been in the manner of transporting cloathing, which has commonly been...
4570From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of yesterday and to day—there has been no considerable desertion from this camp to my knowledge within a few days past, nor have the Enemy made any number of Prisoners on the other side of Schuylkil; the persons said to have been paraded in the city, were perhaps defenceless Inhabitants that have been seized upon by the traiterous parties who style themselves...
4571From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have given the Commissary General orders to lay in a Magazine of four Months provisions for twelve hundred Men at Fort Pitt; and another of the like quantity for one thousand Men at Sunbury, both to be formed by the first day of May next and exclusive of the quantities necessary for the subsistence of the Troops in those quarters. I have directed him if possible, to draw his supplies for...
4572From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
The late passage of the 3 Vessells up the North River (which we have just received Advice of) is so plain a proof of the inefficacy of all the Obstructions we have thrown into it that I cannot but think it will fully justify a Change in the Disposition which has been made. If we cannot prevent Vessells passing up, and the Enemy are possessed of the surrounding Country, what valuable purpose...
4573From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have lost—& cannot tell how—an old & favourite penknife & am much destressed for want of one—if you have any in your stores please to send me one—if you have not, be so good as to get one immediately. perhaps Mr Bayley could furnish me. one with two blades I should prefer, where choice can be had. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt ALS , on deposit at CSmH . At least five repositories are known to...
4574From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 20 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
From the purport of your letter dated at New Port Feby 16th which only came to my hands yesterday I have little expectation that this reply to it will find you in the state of Rhode Island—If however the case should be otherwise it is to express an earnest wish that you might make it convenient to take the general meeting of the Cincinnati in your way to So. Carolina. I was concerned to hear...
4575II. From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received in the night at 12 & 3 OClock, Your Two Favors of Yesterday Evening in regular succession with respect to their dates. I have just heard several Cannon, but am still at a loss to know the design of them. I shall hold the Troops here in readiness till I receive further intelligence by which I may regulate myself. You will be so good as to advise me from time to time of matters;...
4576From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favor respecting the state of the back road, & in order to effect that business with the least inconvenience to the troops, I have inclosed you a letter to Col. Hall of the Delaware battalion —It is left open for your perusal, & you will find that I have desired him to follow your directions, which you will be pleased to give him; and take such steps about the necessary tools as...
4577From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of yesterday requesting some general or particular orders for the necessary provision in the Quarter Master’s department for the ensuing Campaign —Under present circumstances, any directions, which I can give, must be of the former kind, and after furnishing you with the number of Men which Congress have thought fit to require for the number year, I must leave it to your...
4578From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
You are so well acquainted with the reasons which operate against keeping a greater quantity of Stores of any kind, than are absolutely necessary, in the vicinity of this Camp, that it is almost needless to desire you to avoid an accumulation of those belonging to your department at this place. I have given orders to the other departments to divest themselves as soon as possible of every thing...
4579From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased by their Resolution of the 5th instant, to authorise me to appoint an Officer to the command of the southern Army in the room of Major Genl Gates ’till an enquiry can be had into his conduct as therein directed, I have thought proper to choose you for this purpose. You will therefore proceed without delay to the southern Army, now in North Carolina, and take the...
4580From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
If you have not moved from Mount Holley when this comes to hand, I wish you to wait there till you see Colo. Meade, who will set off immediately charged with some important matters which I thought it improper to commit to paper. This However you are to understand under this restriction—That I do not mean to prevent you a moment from prosecuting any Object you have immediately in view that...
4581From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, I have gained information, thro’ the Channel upon which I most depend, that the embarkation which sailed from New York the 20th of last month, consisted of about sixteen hundred Men, chiefly detachments from the British—German and new Corps. I hear of no intire Corps but the Queens Rangers. Arnold commands. We have various reports, thro’ the New York papers and our own, of an...
4582From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The situation of affairs to the Southward makes it a serious question whether any further succours ought to go from this Army. There are many obstacles to the measure, perhaps insurmountable ones, but in considering it, it is essential to ascertain how far it may be practicable to transport the Troops. They must of necessity go a great part of the way by land. I am therefore to request you...
4583From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Although I am convinced, from your late frequent representations and my own knowledge, of the distress in which your department is involved for want of money, and consequently of your inability to make almost any new provision of the many articles necessary for the operations of this Campaign, yet there are some matters which may be put in a state of readiness, through the means of the...
4584From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having already fully explained to you the plan of the Western expedition against the Indians of the Six Nations, and the preparations necessary in your department—I am now to inform you that Major General Sullivan is appointed to the command of this expedition, and to desire that you will comply with his immediate requisitions for every thing which falls within the province of your department...
4585From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letters of y⟨e⟩sterday two Deserters have got in from the Enemy (at Dobbs’s Ferry) who relate m⟨a⟩ny circumstances in proof of the Enemys Intention of crossing into the Jerseys at or near Dobbs’s Ferry under cover of a Cannonade from their Shipping. These Deserters say that Boats were to have been brought up (from New York they add, but possibly they may be brought from the Sound by...
4586From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 27th reached me this day at Noon at Sufferans. From a consideration of all circumstances I am led to decide upon the position back of Mr Kembles, and more especially, as I think there will be an immediate necessity of sending a further reinforcement to South Carolina—I mean, besides the North Carolinians. This, with the diminution of force which will be occasioned by the...
4587George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 19, 1779 . Advises Greene to use whatever method is necessary to obtain wagoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4588From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
There is no disposition that can be made of the Army at this time under our prest uncertainties that may not be subjected to material change (as you will be convinced by recurring to the conversation I held with you on Wednesday last) —It is as I observed to you on that occasion, a matter of great question with me, whether West point will not become the head quarters of the Army when we go...
4589From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
By dispatches recd the last evening from the Count de Rochambeau I am informed that the French Fleet and Army consisting of eight ships of the Line two Frigates and two Bombs and upwards of five thousand Men have arrived at Newport —This makes them rather inferior to the combined naval force of Arbuthnot, and Greaves; but as a second division of ships and land Forces (a circumstance you will...
4590From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The good People of the State of Pennsylvania living in the vicinity of Philadelphia & near the Delaware River having sufferd much by the Enemy carrying off their property without allowing them any Compensation, thereby distressing the Inhabitants—supplying their own Army & enabling them to protract the cruel & unjust war that they are now waging against these States—And whereas by recent...
4591From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more & more probable, that the Enemy are preparing to evacuate it—Whether they intend to leave the Continent, or only go to some other part of it must be uncertain. There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York. In any case it is absolutely necessary, we should be ready, for an instant movement of the...
4592From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
By advices received from General St Clair who is on the lines, it appears that the enemy have augmented their force considerably on Staten Island, and at Pawlus Hook. From this circumstance, and their impressing sleds (as it is said on Bergen neck) it would seem as if they had some offensive operation in view. I have therefore to request that you will use your best endeavours for the purpose...
4593From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 17th of March inclosing the copy of one of the 16th to the President of Congress—The motives which induced you to hazard a battle appear to me to have been substantial—I am happy to find by your subsequent letter to Congress, that the retreat of Cornwallis in circumstances of distress corresponded with your expectations. I still however regard your affairs as...
4594George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 22, 1778 . States that provisions for the French fleet have not arrived. Asks Greene to see “that every possible expedient may be embraced to promote” the forwarding of supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, Bibliothèque Municipale, Lille, France.
4595From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 22 of April also Your two favors of the 19th of May, with the Returns of the Army under your Command, have been duly received; but having been in momently expectation that intelligence would arrive from Europe, or some other event turn up, which might disclose the intentions of the Enemy, & give a clue for the final determination of the Operations of the Campaign , I have...
4596George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 20, 1779 . Instructs Greene to assist the clothier in forwarding clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4597From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 16 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of 6th instant by Colo. Morris informed you that our Trenches would be opened that Night—they were so—without discovery or Losses at the Distance of about 600 yds—from that time to the 9th—we were employed in compleatg our first Parallel & constructing Batteries—on the 9th & 10th—Our Fire from Cannons & Mortars commenced very Briskly & had a very good Effect upon the Enemys...
4598Instructions to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The necessity of having the Congress well inform’d of many matters essential to the well being of this Army, and the Impracticability of doing this fully by Letter, have induced me to request you (who intimately know our Circumstances) to repair immediately to Philadelphia for this purpose. at the same time to know how we are to be supplied with Arms and many other Articles of wch we are...
4599From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the general order of this day you take the command of the troops left at this post and the vicinity, consisting of Maxwells and Starke’s brigades, Lees corps and the militia—The objects of your command are as far as possible to cover the country and the public stores—the dispositions for this purpose are left entirely to your discretion, with this recommendation only that you use every...
4600From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Appearances & facts must speak for themselves—to these I appeal —I have been at my present quarters since the first day of Decr & have not a Kitchen to cook a dinner in, altho’ the Logs have been put together some considerable time by my own Guard—nor is there a place at this moment in which a servant can lodge, with the smallest degree of comfort. Eighteen belonging to my family, & all Mrs...