51To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The critical situation in which the Army are in, will I hope sufficiently Apologize for my troubleing your Excellency with this Letter. The Sentiments are dictated I am sure by an honest mind, A mind who feels deeply Interested in the Salvation of his Country; and for the honnor and Reputation of the General under whom he serves. The Object under consideration, is whether a General and speedy...
52To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are landed at Powleys Hook, they came up this afternoon and began a Cannonade on the Battery; and after Cannonadeing for half an hour or a little more they landed a party from the Ships. General Mercer had orderd off, from the Hook all the Troops except a small Guard who had Orders to Evacuate the place from the first approach of the Enimy. General Mercer mentions no Troops but those...
53To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am inform’d a large body of the Enemies Troop have landed at Froggs point. If so I suppose the Troops here will be wanted there. I have three Brigades in readiness to reinforce you; General Clintons Brigade will march first. General Nixons next and then the Troops under the command of General Roberdeau. I dont Apprehend any danger from this quarter at present[.] if the force on your side are...
54To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have a Copy of the Letter in answer to mine, to Congress, relative to Cartridges; As soon as the Cartridges comes up they shall be forwarded—Colonel Biddle has wrote to Amboy for Ninety thousand that are at that Post. We have collected all the Waggons in our power and sent over—Our people have had extream hard duty, the common Guards, common fatigue, and the extraordinary Guards,...
55From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 24 Oct. 1776. Greene’s letter to GW of this date is docketed: “Genl Greene 24th Octr 1776. Ansd same day.”
56To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Major Howel you will receive 119000 Musket Cartridges. Part arrived today and part last Night. as soon as the remainder comes up from Amboy & Philadelphia they shall be sent forward. I have been to view the roads again; and fixt upon Aquacanack, Springfield Bownsbrook [Bound Brook], Prince Town & Trenttown to establish the Magezines at. Trent Town and Equacanack, to be the principal ones,...
57To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Lasher burnt the Barracks yesterday morning three oClock. he left all the Cannon in the Fort. I went out to examin the ground and found between two and three hundred Stand of small Arms (that were out of repair) about two miles beyound Kings Bridge, a great number of Spears, Shot Shells & so, too numerous to mention. I directed all the Waggons on the other side to be employd in geting...
58To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an Estimate made of the Provisions and Provinder, necessary to be laid in, at the different Posts, between this and Philadelphia, to form a communication; and for the support of the Troops, passing and repassing from the different States. Your Excellency will please to examine it, and signafy your Pleasure. Shoud the Estimate be larger than is necessary for the Consumption of the...
59Enclosure: Estimate of Provisions and Table of Distances for New Jersey Magazines, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
An Estimate of the Magazines to be laid in at the following Posts for the Subsistance of the Troops and for the Horses in Waggons and Artillery. bbl Flour Beef & Pork Tons of Hay Bushl Grain 2000 Men at Fort Lee for Five Months 3100 3100 300 10000 At Hackinsack for the Use of the Hospital allowing fresh Provisions to supply the rest 1000 300 150
60From 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.”
61To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy have possession of Fort Independance on the Heights above Kings Bridge, they made their appearance the night before last. We had got every thing of Value away, The Bridges are cut down and I gave Colonel Magaw Orders to stop the Road between the Mountains. I should be glad to know your Excellency’s mind about holding all the ground from Kings Bridge to the lower lines—If we attempt...
62To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Harrison wrote me you were in great want [of] flour —tis attended with very great difficulty to bring it up from Fort Lee by land[.] Waggons cannot be got to transport a sufficient supp⟨ly⟩ for your Army—At Dobb’s ferry there is Eight or nine hundred Barrels brought from the other side. I have directed Col. Tupper to load a number of the Petty Augres and flat bottom Boats and send them up...
63From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy after having Incamp’d in full view of us, and reconnoitring our Situation for several days thought proper on Tuesday Morning to decamp. they have bent their course to Dob⟨bs⟩ Ferry Inclining towards Kings bridge. what their real designs are, we, as yet, are strangers to; but conjecturing that too little is yet done by General Howe to go into Winter Quarters, we conceive that Fort...
64To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By an Express from Major Clarke stationed at Dobbs ferry I find the Enemy are encampt right opposite, to the number of between three and five thousand—and the Major adds from their disposition and search after Boats they design to cross the River—A frigate and two Transports or Provision Ships past the Cheveau de frize Night before last—they were prodigiously shatterd from the fire of our...
65From 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...
66To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 8 November 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 8 Nov. 1776. Greene wrote in his letter to GW of 9 Nov. : “By the letter that will Accompany this, and was to have gone last Night by Major Mifflin Your Excellency will see what measures I took before your favor [of 8 Nov.] came to hand.”
67From 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...
68To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency letters of the 8 this moment came to hand—I shall forwa⟨r⟩d the letter to General Stevens by Express —The Stores at Dobbs ferry I had just given orders to the Quarter Master to prepare Waggons to remove them—I think the Enemy will meet with some difficulty in crossing the River at Dobbs ferry however tis not safe to trust too much to the expected difficulties they may meet...
69To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 10 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor by Col. Harrison of the 8th came to hand last Evening—I am takeing every measure in my power to oppose the Enemies landing, if they attempt crossing the River into the Jerseys—I have about 500 men posted at the different passes in the Mountains—fortifying—About five hundred more are marching from Amboy directly for Dobbs ferry —General Mercer is with me now—I shall send...
70To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11–12 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Justice Mercereau of Statten Island I am informed that 10,000 Troops embarked on board of a number of Transports day before yesterday—Lord Dunmore was to command and that they were bound for South Caroline—A large number of Transports were getting ready to sail for England for Stores—Mercereau says that he saw a man from York yesterday that informed him he had been employ’d in constructing...
71To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you have a letter from Col. Magaw —the contents will require your Excellencys Attention[.] I have directed Col. Magaw to defend the place until he hears from me[.] I have order’d General Hands Brigade to hasten on—I shall go to the Island soon. I am dear Sir your Excell. Obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Although this letter is not dated, it is docketed in GW’s writing: “Majr General...
72To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
The much greater part of the Enimy march’t off from Fort Washington and above Kings Bridge this morning—their rout appeard to be towards New York—One of the Train of Artillery came across the River last Night on a Raft by his account the Enimy must have sufferd greatly on the Northside of Fort Washington—Col. Rollings Regiment was Posted there, and behaved with great spirit—Col. Magaw could...
73To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Lord Sterling will write by the same express that this comes by and inclose to your Excellency several peices of intelligence obtaind of different People Yesterday —His Lordship thinks the enemy are makeing a disposition to advance for my part I am at a loss to determin whether their disposition is to advance, or for defence—the Enemy have got a party Advanced about Seven Miles this side...
74From 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.”
75To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 18th came to hand last Evening—I shall pay due attention to its contents—but I fear my situation is too remote to carry on a communication of intelligence to advantage—Ever since I have been here I have been revolving the matter over and over in my mind respecting the subject of intelligence Nothing more elligible has occurd than the plan your Excellency suggests—but I hope...
76To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 3 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I wrote to you, or you to me, who stands in debt upon the schore of Letters I cannot tell therefore I shall begin anew if you have time and inclination you will give it an answer if not—I shall consider it as the Ladies do their Visits after Marriage, if theres no return the acquaintance drops. I believe you are pretty well convinced of the truth of the observation I...
77From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 9 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had, last Evening the Pleasure of yours of March 3. by your Brother, to whom in his Business to this Place I shall give all the Assistance in my Power. In whose favour the Ballance of Letters lies, I cant Say: but if I am in debt, in Point of Numbers it must be because Some of my Remittances have miscarried. I am not yet entirely convinced, that We are playing a desperate Game, tho I must...
78Instructions 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...
79From 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...
80From 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...
81To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your letter of the 21st I was with a Committee of Congress who had the business of the Cartel and other matters under consideration when your Excellencies letter was deliverd me—I had explaind the matter fully to the Congress & Committee I was two hours before the former and two Evenings with the latter—I believe the business of the Cartel will be settled agreeable to your...
82To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 5 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have neither seen nor heard of any Resolution of Congress approving or disproving of the Laboratory being fixed at Springfield. If the Congress approves thereof it will be necessary for them to say so there being now an Order for it’s being fixed at Brookfield and the Council of the Massachusets State commissioned to provide the materials for the erection of the necessary Buildings at that...
83From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
In considering a Letter from the General, sometime ago, in the Board of War, it was agreed to report to Congress a Resolution, approving of the Laboratory at Sprin g field, and such a Report was made, but upon some Opposition to it, it was ordered to lye on the Table, where it has lain ever since. I will, move to have it taken up and determined. Some Gentlemen will oppose it, par ticularly...
84To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Enemy made an attempt to surprise General Lincoln. This morning they advanced by three divisions. One crossed the Rarotan about a mile above Head Quarters—the second division came up in front of the Town—the third to the left of the Town and crossed the River cald Boundbrook. Besides these three divisions there was a Corps of de reservs commanded by General Mathews. The Padroles and Guards...
85To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 2 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of April 22d. came to hand a few days since. General Lincoln is deservedly acquited from any blame. It is as you observe impossible to guard against the intrigues of the Tories and the Negligence of the Militia. However I hope with you that few such surprises will take place. I most sincerely lament the great inattention and indifference that appears among the People in general...
86To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 7 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 27th of April I am to acknowledge. I cannot concur with you in Sentiment because the Enimy did not go to Philadelphia last December that they had no intention then or since of going there. I am of opinion if the Enemy could have got over the Delaware immediately after our Army crosd it, it would have been agreeable to their wishes. Had they effected it before the Junction of our...
87From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 9 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 2d Instant, came duly to hand. The Indifference of the People about recruiting the Army, is a Circumstance, which ought to make Us, consider what are the Causes of it. It is not, merely the Melancholly, arising from the unfortunate Events of the last Campaign, but the Small Pox, and above all the unhappy State of our Finances, which occasion this Evil. There are other...
88From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 10 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 7th. was brought me this Morning. My Meaning was that if the Conduct of our Army, had depended on me, I should have taken more Pains to have obtained exact Information of the Enemies Numbers, and our own, and should have considered every Indication of the Enemies Intentions of coming to Philadelphia more particularly. Altho, there is no doubt that Congress have Authority to direct...
89From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
In your ride to and from Peeks Kill, I would have you make the best observations that time and Circumstances will admit, upon the Country, and point out, at your return, such places for posts of Communication, as you shall conceive necessary. Determine upon the propriety of having a Post at Pompton, examine the Works throwing up at that place, and give such directions to General Heard or...
90To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the opinion of the General Officers at this Post and General Wayne who has had a very good opportunity to view the River & the fortifications upon the same —Agreeable to your Excellencies instructions I have given the necessary orders to carry the further obstructions in the River into execution —I am going this day up to New Windsor to view the Obstructions there & the passes...
91From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 23 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 23 May 1777. Greene wrote GW on 24 May : “Your Excellencies favor of Yesterday this moment came to hand.”
92From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 24 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
During the civil Wars in Rome, in the Time of Sylla, and young Marius, after the Death of the Elder Marius, Sylla commanded one Army against Mithridates King of Pontus, and Fimbria another. Both were in Arms against the Same foreign Enemy: but Sylla and Fimbria were equally Enemies to each other, commanding different Armies in the Service of different Parties at Rome, which were disputing...
93To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencies favor of Yesterday this moment came to hand. I am perfectly satisfied with the exchange of Hazens Regiment for the Barron Arends—I am by no means attach’t to any particular Regiment—nearly an equal distribution of the forces will be entirely satisfactory to me. I only wish to stand upon an equal footing with other Officers—then if I dont execute my duty as well I am willing...
94To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I find a great want of Tents in several Brigades—General Maxwell sais he has none neither has he had it in his power to get any. I shall endeavor to get a more particular state today and will notify your Excellency upon the subject. A small detachment of Col. Lewis Regiment came in last Evening without Blankets or Tents and sais there were none to be had at Philadelphia. If that be true we...
95To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment the Commisary reports to me that the Provisions & supplies fall short and that its out of his power with his utmost exertion to procure a sufficient supply. I wish your Excellency would order the Commisary at Morris Town down here as soon as possible to the assistance of this. We must take Sheep & Cattle about the Country to supply the present deficiency. I think Trumbull should...
96From 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...
97To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d a letter from you some days since. I have it not with me, and therefore cannot be very particular in the Answer. I re member you lament the general corruption of manners, and the increase of vicious habits that prevail in the Army; It is a serious truth, and much to be lamented; I know of nothing that a people can receive in exchange, for the loss of their Morals that is an...
98From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 2 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 28 Ultimo is before me. It is certain that Religion and Morality, have no less obligation upon Armies, than upon Cities and contribute no less to the Happiness of Soldiers than of Citizens. There is one Principle of Religion, which has contributed vastly to the Excellence of Armies, who had very little else of Religion or Morality, the Principle I mean is the Sacred obligation of...
99To George Washington from Major Generals John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, and Adam Stephen, 28 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In obedience To your Excellencys order we have met and Considered The Pretensions of Colo. Moylan and Colo. Bland to Rank in the Army of The United American States; And beg Leave to Report That we are Unanimously of Opinion That Colo. Moylan is Intituled to Rank in the Army before Colo. Bland; which is Humbly Submitted to your Excellencey by your Excellenceys most obedt Servants LS , in...
100From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 7 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
I never before took hold of a Pen, to write to my Friend General Green, without Pleasure, but I think myself obliged to do it now upon a Subject that gives me a great deal of Pain. The Three Letters from, the Generals Sullivan, Green and Knox, have interrupted the Deliberations of Congress, and given many of the Members of it much Uneasiness. They thought themselves bound, in Honour and...