51From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of this days date—it does not appear from any account worthy of credit—that any part of the Detachment which cross’d the Delaware under Lord Cornwallis has return’d to Philadelphia. I am inclined therefore to wish that you would advance to meet it as much in force as possible—and that for this purpose you would use every means to hasten the junction of Glover’s...
52From 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...
53From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Mead delivered me Yours this Morning as I was upon my way to reconnoitre the Enemy’s Lines from the West side of Schuylkill. I had a full view of their left and found their works much stronger than I had reason to expect from the Accounts I had received. The Enemy have evacuated Carpenters Island and seem to be about doing the same by province Island. Accounts from the City say Lord...
54From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter ⟨of⟩ yester night (wro⟨te af⟩ter I returnd from a view of ⟨the Ene⟩my’s Lines from the other side Schuylkill) I must refer to. Our Situation, as you justly obs⟨erve, is⟩ distressing, from a variety ⟨of irreme⟩diable causes; but more espe⟨ci⟩ally from the impracticabillity of ⟨an⟩swering the expectations of the world without running hazards w⟨hich no⟩ military principles can j⟨ustify;...
55From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene or Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum or Brigadier General … (Washington Papers)
Capt. Duplessis has just delivered me yours of this Morning from Burlington. Every account from Philada confirms the Report that the Enemy mean to make a speedy Move. I shall not be disappointed if they come out this Night or very early in the Morning. You will therefore push forward, the Rear Brigades with all possible expedition and the Moment that the Troops and Baggage have all passed, let...
56From 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...
57From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterday and have given instructions to the Quarter Master to supply your demand of Waggons, by sending forward as many as can be spared from the Camp and pressed in the neighborhood—however I would not have your exertions abated, by a Reliance on Success in this quarter. As it is impossible to secure the Hay on the Jersey Shore, for our own use it is certainly...
58From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 Feb. 1778. John Laurens docketed Greene’s letter to GW of 16 Feb. “Answd 17th.”
59From 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...
60From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
200,000 Bushels of Grain and as much Hay as can be drawn in from both sides of Delaware, to be lodged on the banks of Delaware from Trenton upwards. 200,000 Bushels of Grain and as much Hay as can be procured, at different posts on Schuylkill. 200,000 Bushels of Grain and as much Hay as can be procured within 40 Miles of the Camp, to be fixed at different posts from the Head of Elk to Camp....
61From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 3d I give it clearly as my opinion, that no change has happened in our affairs, which will justify the least relaxation in our military preparations and consequently that the provisions you have been, and are, making, in your department, ought to be continued in their fullest vigor and extent. Whether any, or what change may happen, in the local situation of the...
62From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From many concurrent circumstances it appears that the enemy are preparing to evacuate Philadelphia, whether their design is to withdraw altogether from the Continent or to concenter their forces at new york cannot be ascertained—in case the latter shd be the case it will be proper to have provision of forage made on the road to the No. River for such body of Troops as may be ordered to march...
63From 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...
64From 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...
65From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the Removal of the Troops under Genl Smallwoods Command will leave our Stores at the head of Elk exposed, and their only protection will be such as they may derive from the Militia of the Country You are without loss of time to have every thing of value in your magazines thereabouts, transported to the most convenient place for the purposes of the army. I am &c. As Genl Smallwood with his...
66From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The very sickly situation of the camp, and the danger of its becoming still more alarming makes it improper we should remain longer on the present ground. You will be pleased in the course of this day, to reconnoitre a new camp, with the aid of the chief Engineer. The object, principally to be attended to, is a wholesome situation, convenient for the accommodation of the men, well provided...
67From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I cannot at this time ⟨(h⟩aving many People round me, & ⟨Lett⟩ers by the Southern Post to read) go fully in⟨to⟩ the cont⟨ents⟩ of yours of this date, ⟨but⟩ with ⟨ the ⟩ same truth I have ever done, I still ass⟨ur⟩e you, that you retain the same hold of my affections that I have professed to allow you—With equal truth I can, and do assure you⟨,⟩ that I have ever been happy in your friendship, &...
68From 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...
69From 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...
70From 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...
71From 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...
72From 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...
73From 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...
74From 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...
75From 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...
76From 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...
77From 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 .”
78From 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...
79From 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,...
80From 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...
81From 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...
82From 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 .
83From 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...
84From 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...
85From 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...
86From 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...
87From 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....
88From 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...
89From 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...
90From 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...
91From 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...
92From 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...
93From 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...
94From 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...
95From 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 ;...
96From 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...
97From 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...
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...