51From 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...
52From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday afternoon I re⟨ce⟩ived your favor of the 12th & 13th Inst. by Mr Hulet the Pilot, who did not arrive in Camp till then. I am much obliged by your particular relation of matters, and request that you will continue it from time to time whenever oppertunity will permit. There was one circumstance in your relation, of which I was exceedingly sorry to hear. You will readily know which...
53From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your several letters, the last of which was of the 22d Augt. I have not now time to take notice of the several arguments that were made use of, for and against the Counts quitting the Harbour of Newport and sailing for Boston. Right or wrong, it will probably disappoint our sanguine expectations of success, and what I esteem a still worse consequence, I...
54George 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.
55From 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...
56George 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.
57From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 16th. The exorbitancy of the price of forage to the Eastward exceeds what I had any conception of, and should the seat of War be transferred to that quarter, the prices, high as they are, would no doubt rise with the demand—Mr Pettit and Colo. Biddle, alarmed at the prices of that Article in this quarter, and finding the people every day more unwilling to...
58From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
By some late accounts from the Eastward, it appears, that none of the provisions, destined for the use of the French fleet had arrived; nor had they any knowlege of its being near—I shall be glad to know what steps have been taken in consequence of my former directions, and what progress has been made in the business of forwarding supplies for the fleet—This is an object of so great...
59From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed was sent to you at Boston, and by mistake of General Heaths Aide de Camp, who imagined you were returning directly to the Army, sent back again. The enemy are foraging with strong parties on this side the River, between the plains and the Bridge, and on the other, in Bergen. A few nights ago they made an unlucky stroke at Baylors Regiment of Horse laying at Harrington, four Miles...
60From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of last evening. From present appearances and a variety of circumstances, I think we may conclude, that nothing can be done towards the Canada expedition this Winter. It appear<s> now, notwithstanding Genl Baileys assurances, that the Country, upon the head of Connecticut River, will afford but a scanty if any supply of provision. Genl Bailey has lately, upon a supposition...
61From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [8 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests you will direct a couple sets of tools provided and sent to General McDougall to blow up rocks which greatly impede his carting &c. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
62From 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...
63From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Nathanael Greene, 25 Nov. 1778. Greene’s letter to GW of 24 Nov. is docketed “ansd 25 th .”
64From 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...
65From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Without loss of time you will provide and deposit at Albany Sail cloath rigging, pitch, Junk, Iron, and every other material for shipbuilding. I cannot at this instant give you either the kind or dimensions of the vessels which are to be built as it is necessary for me to advise with good naval judges on this occasion before I resolve; but that you may have some data for your government, say,...
66From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I expect shortly to be called upon by Congress to lay before them a general State of the Army with our Resources and prospects for the ensuing Campaign; I am collecting from the Gentlemen at the Heads of the several great departments their opinions of the present and future prospects of supplies in their respective lines. Your department (including Forage) being of the utmost consequence...
67From 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...
68From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby directed to provide with all convenient dispatch Twenty five hundred pack saddles of the cheapest and strongest kind, fit for the purpose of transporting Provisions, Stores and Baggage. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
69From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [23 February 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has given me some memorandums for instructions to you on the subject of the Northern preparations. He is however undecided on one point—How far the preparation for vessels ought to be pushed. It was his wish when the resolution to discontinue the former plan was taken to stop the provision for the vessels as well as other matters; and he is only induced to depart from this idea in...
70George 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.
71From 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...
72From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this morning. I have no particular Business with Colo. Hooper, I would only wish him to leave or send me any draughts of the River or Country that may serve to inform me of the Situation. I have not yet determined upon the march of the troops from Easton, but should it be concluded you shall have timely notice, that you may give directions to Colo. Hooper to make...
73From 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...
74From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Early last Fall I wrote to Mr Mitchell for one dozn Table Cloths, and while I quartered at Fredericksburg received Seven (three at one time & four at another). About three Weeks ago—by Letter—I enquired why the others had not been sent, and received the following answer. “I sent eleven Table cloths at different times, they went by three several persons, General Green had some each time, and it...
75From 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....
76From 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...
77George 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.
78From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday evening your letter of the 21st. At this time I could have wished there had been no obstructions in the way of completing our Indian preparations—I would imagine however, that your personal representation to a committee of Congress, on the subject of your letter, will procure an immediate and necessary supply of money; which you think is the only thing wanted on the...
79From 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...
80George 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.
81From 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...
82From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The first Jersey Regt is under marching orders, and it is pro[ba]ble will move on this route the day after to-morrow. Gen: Maxwell writes me “we have not got our portmanteaux nor waggons—Our tents are not taken out of the Store at Morristown for want of waggons.” This respects the whole. I have thought it best to give you this notice, that there may be no delay on the above account, as the...
83From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Major General Sullivan with the several papers to which he refers. The difficulties that have arisen through a deficiency of waggons—and the want of tents and other articles in your department, will claim the earliest notice. The papers will point out the embarrasment which our operations must experience should they not be removed. I have therefore to request your...
84From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duryee has applied to The General to have a Barn of his released, taken up for the use of the hospital, representing that from its situation relatively to his dwelling house it will produce greater inconvience to him than the taking some other barn in the neighbourhood will produce to its proprietor. The General would wish to avoid every thing that would look like discrimenation without...
85From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [22 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter we have received from General Sullivan it appears that Poor’s Brigade have left their tents behind. The General requests you will have them supplied from your nearest deposit, and, in general, that you will make up every deficiency in this article for the expedition as speedily as possible. General Sullivan appears to be very anxious to have his supplies of every kind forwarded to...
86George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] May 25, 1779 . Instructs Greene to have tents in readiness to deliver to troops and to make sure that stores are not within reach of the enemy in Virginia. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
87From 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...
88From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [31 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you will send some discreet person to Brunswick to ascertain the No of Boats in the River. A countryman that is judicious & trusty would give less suspicion than an officer. It should if possible be a person acquainted with the place. His inquiries will be the more easily accepted. The more hurry & dispatch the better. DS Yr obt Serv JCH Transcripts John C. Hamilton...
89George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Authorises a “military impress” for procuring forage. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. A notation on the draft reads “Intended to have been written.”
90From 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 ;...
91From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [11 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests you will have an exact return made of the total strength of the Pensylvania batalions, in which you will designate the different terms of service, for which the men are engaged. He is aware there is ony one distinction, between those for during the war and those for three years or during the war . He wants to know the precise number of each. The Board of war have...
92From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [25 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Points submitted to the consideration of the Council— Our force stated at 10.300 The enemys at 12.000 —At stoney Point— 1300 Verplanks— 700 2000— Main body at Philips &c— Questions—What general dispisition of our army should be made—Whether any and what Offensive movements can be undertaken against the enemy at the present juncture?— Whether the muster Masters department is necessary?...
93From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [27 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 27, 1779. Document listed in dealer’s catalogue. Document not found. ] ADS , listed by Thomas F. Madigan, New York City, in Autograph Notes , I (January-February, 1919), 3, Item 203. Greene, a Rhode Island Quaker who served in the state militia in 1774 and 1775, was appointed a brigadier general in the Continental Army on June 22, 1775. After the British evacuated Boston in...
94From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
As there is a charge brought against Col. Hooper and a trial must be the result there would be an impropriety in giving him a discharge, unless he consents to the process taking its course as if he were still in the department under this condition you are left to act as you think proper. I am Yrs &c. Df , in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For the charges...
95From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received a Letter from Congress of the 28th Ulto—transmitting a Copy of a Letter from Genl Sullivan of the 21st and of several papers which accompanied it. I inclosed them for your perusal—and you will be pleased to shew them to Colo. Wadsworth. I intend to write to Congress upon the subject of their Contents so far as they respect myself. I am &c. Df , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s...
96From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [17 August 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Whitehead undertakes to go tomorrow morning early with some important dispatches for The General to Philadelphia. You will be pleased to have him furnished with a good horse saddle & Bridle for this purpose. ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. Lieutenant James Whitehead, Second Pennsylvania Regiment.
97George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 24, 1779. Authorizes Greene to impress teams when necessary. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
98From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Whereas it is found impracticable by the ordinary mode of procuring teams to furnish a sufficient number to prosecute the important defences of this post with so much vigor and effect as the exigency of the public service demands, and there is a constant necessity to have recourse to the expedient of impressing them through the Country; You are hereby authorised from time to time, by yourself...
99From 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...
100From 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...