51From 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...
52George 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.
53From 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,...
54Enclosure B: Extracts from the Secretary of War’s Letters to the Late Major General Greene, [10 July 1782–22 January … (Hamilton Papers)
“The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern, and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excites, are powerfully enhanced, that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled, by special contract, to better fare, but whose meritorious and gallant exertions under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate;...
55From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [21 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
It is found necessary to send surgeons with the detachments on the lines, and they must have horses to convey their Chirurgical apparatus. Will it be most convenient to get them from you by special application or to obtain them from the Brigades? This question the General orders me to make. Yr. very humble serv ALS , Library of The American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
56George 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.
57From 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...
58George 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.
59From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [3 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We have to request, you will order a couple of very good teams to be got ready to proceed to the enemy’s lines for General Lee’s baggage. He is to come out on parole, on Sunday morning. You will judge when they ought to set out from here—suppose tomorrow noon, so as to get in the neighbourhood of Vandeering’s Mill by tomorrow night. When they are ready to set out tomorrow let them make report...
60From 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...
61From 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...
62From 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...
63From 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...
64From 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...
65From 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...
66From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [22 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The horse I borrowed of you the other day giving out while we were on Staten Island, my servant exchanged him there for another. The one he took in lieu of him I now return. I believe the public will lose nothing by the exchange. I omitted informing you that a couple of horses which I received here from Col Abeel on my way to the French fleet were on my return delivered at this place to Lt Col...
67From 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...
68George 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...
69From 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...
70From 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...
71From 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...
72From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [10 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I really do not think it would be an adviseable measure to detach a brigade, for though I should not apprehend any material danger here, yet I think without some substantial object, it would hardly be prudent to lessen our force. There are possible events that might at least embarrass us. But my principal objection arises from my considering a compliance rather as a bad precedent; if you yield...
73From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to send Mr Olney to New London to receive the arms Cloaths and ammunition which is expected there by the French fleet. They will probably be convoyed by a frigate, or two—to the Captain of which Mr Olney will apply with the Inclosed Letter. He will take measures to have them fowarded to the army with all possible expedition, by applying to the Magistrates to impress waggons...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, Enclosing Warrant to Impress Horses, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you in haste yesterday by the return of your express in answer to your letter of the 15th. Majr McGill not being able to set out till this morning, furnishes me with an opportunity of inclosing you regular blank powers of impress to be directed to such persons as you shall think proper for impressing horses for your dragoons. When we ordered out the militia from the several counties,...
75From 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,...
76From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
There has just been unfolded at this place a scene of the blackest treason, Arnold has fled to the Enemy. André the British Adjt Genl is in our possession as a Spy. This capture unravelled the mystery. West Point was to have been the Sacrifice, all the dispositions have been made for the purpose and ’tis possible, tho’ not probable to night may still see the execution. The wind is fair, I came...
77From 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...
78From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will take the command of the two divisions consisting of the Jersey and York Brigades, and Starkes and late Poors Brigades with which you will march by the directest route to West Point—The Troops will go all the way by Land, sending their baggage and Artillery by Water from Kings ferry for the security of which you will take effectual precautions. I wish the Troops to arrive at their...
79Enclosure F: Robert Forsyth to Nathanael Greene, 29 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Some days ago, I was honored with your answer to my letter of resignation; the very warm approbation, given of my conduct in public service, gives me most singular pleasure and satisfaction, and makes me hope for that countenance and aid in private life, which I enjoyed, while I had the pleasure to serve under your command. I must beg your attention to a brig of Mr. Banks’s, which he loaded at...
80From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 24th of January and your public and private letter of the 7th of February—It gives me the more pain to hear of your distresses for want of Cloathing or other necessaries, as you are at so great a distance that you cannot be suddenly relieved, even if we had the means. I am not however without hopes, that should the War be continued to the southward (of which I have my...
81From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of last Evening respecting the arrangement of the Corps of Artificers. I must depend intirely upon you for the nomination of the Officers, as I am utterly unacquainted with the Merits or pretensions of any of those who have been in service, or who may with propriety be appointed should there be any deficiency of Officers. If you will make out an arrangement specifying the...
82From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from Genl Forman is this instant came to hand. there are by information—from Genl Schuyler—1700 Barrls of flour at Trenton. Use every possible means to hurry it on to the North River and to get this Army in a moving condition. The General (& ind[ee]d other) Officers at Morris Town will not fail being in Camp this Afternoon. My Letters to Genl Howe & Govr Trumbull are left open for...
83George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 17, 1778 . Instructs Greene to prepare for possible movement of Army and to set up magazines along routes to North River. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
84From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours late last evening, inclosing Colo. Biddles representation of the state of our forage—which is indeed alarming. As the State of Jersey, on which we must depend untill a supply can be brought from a distance, have, in consequence of the recommendation of Congress, taken upon themselves to procure a certain quantity of provision and forage, I think Colo. Biddle ought, without loss of...
85From George Washington to Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
From your Brigade (& principally from the Riffle Regiment) detach as many Men as will be sufficient to effect the purpose mentioned in the following Resolution of the Provencial Congress of New York. “In Provencial Congress New York June 24. 1776 Whereas Information has been given to this Congress that Sundry Persons on Nassau Island disaffected & inimical to the American Cause are in Arms in...
86From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 16th was delivered me an hour since—I am aware, that the command you are entering upon will be attended with peculiar difficulties and embarrassments; but the confidence I have in your abilities, which determined me to choose you for it, assures me you will do every thing the means in your power will permit to surmount them and stop the progress of the evils which have...
87John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 4 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). The inclosed extracts from Genl. Washingtons letter of the 13th & 27th. Ulto. and from Mr. Houston’s of the 30 Ulto. & newspapers will give you all the information from this quarter, worth communicating, except that the fleet from New York, is sailed; what it’s destination is, we are at present uninformed. ’tis said Portsmouth in...
88From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of the 31st of October, & am pleased to find your appointment so agreeable to the veiws and wishes of Congress. So fully sensible have I long been of the distressed situation not only of the Army in this quarter, but also at the southward, and of all our great departments, from the embarrassed state of our finances , that it has been not only a constant subject of...
89From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 22d Ulto came to my hands the day before yesterday, and giving fresh assurances of your attachment & regard for me was received with gratitude and Affection. As I feel myself interested in every thing which concerns you it is with unfeigned pleasure I hear the plaudits which are bestowed on your conduct by Men of all descriptions—public & private—and I communicate...
90From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 27th ulto which went by Colo. Stewart, I informed you that I expected to open Trenches before York Town by the 1st of Octo. A variety of Causes, among which the Want of sufficient Transportation, has been a principal One, has prevented that Event taking Place, ’till this Day—the Trenches will be opened this Night. The whole Army moved from Williamsburg on the 28th & took...
91From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your note on the subject of Col. Biddles letter I can only say that I have already recommended his waiting upon the Legislature and I still think he will have it in his power to make representations for the good of the service; but though I wish the measure to take place I would not press it or do violence to the scruples which I cannot but acknowledge are natural in Col. Biddles...
92From 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...
93From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 1 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 22nd and 27th of April enclosing Copies of your Letters to Congress. The difficulties which you daily encounter and surmount with your small force, add not a little to your reputation, and I am pretty well assured that should you be obliged finally to withdraw from South and even from North Carolina, it will not be attributed to either your want of abilities...
94From 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...
95From 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...
96From Thomas Jefferson to Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the moment of receiving your letter of the 10th. I issued orders to the Counties of Washington, Montgomery, Botetourt and Bedford for seven hundred and odd riflemen and to those of Henry and Pittsylvania for four hundred and odd of their Militia. Yet my trust is that neither these nor the adjacent counties have awaited orders, but that they have turned out and will have joined you in...
97From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 20 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
After a long & boisterous passage, my Nephew G.A. Washington returned to this place a few days since, & delivered me your letter of the 25th of April. Under the state of the case between you & Capt: Gun, I give it as my decided opinion that your honor & reputation will not only stand perfectly acquited for the non-acceptance of his challenge, but that your prudence & judgment would have been...
98John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 4 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). The inclosed papers will furnish you with the most important foreign intelligence we have lately received. And of what has been done by Congress in consequence thereof. We thought it necessary to give you this communication, not knowing how far [it ma]y influence your future operations [so t]hat you might thereby be enabled to take your...
99John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Address sheet missing. We are desired by Congress to transmit you the inclosed resolutions. Nothing new has transpired since we last wrote, informing you of the departure of the British fleet from New York, except that in less than forty eight hours after their sailing, there was a most violent storm, which we have the best reason to imagine they had to...
100From 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 .