51From 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...
52From 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,...
53From 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...
54From 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...
55From 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 .
56George 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.
57From 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...
58From 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...
59From 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...
60From 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...
61From 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....
62From 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...
63George 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.
64From 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...
65From 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...
66George 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.
67From 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...
68From 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...
69From 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...
70George 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.
71From 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...
72George 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.”
73From 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 ;...
74From 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...
75From 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...
76George 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.
77From 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...
78From 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...
79From 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...
80George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 3, 1779. Explains why Greene, as quartermaster general, is not entitled to a military command in the line. Commends Greene for his service and conduct. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
81From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th accompanied by those from the General Officers, and have carefully considered their respective contents —The subject is of such a nature, that I should have thought it advisable not to have brought it to a formal investigation; but since it has been done, I shall give you my opinion with candour and explicitness. When you accepted the Quarter Master...
82From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am not sure that I rightly understood you when you talked of the Boats at Albany. If you did not say that, you had already ordered a number from thence, it is my wish that you should do it immediately; and of such kinds (if there are more than one kind) as will answer the purposes we were talking of. It may be necessary also, to turn your attention a little to the proper kind of plank for...
83From 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...
84From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress having receiv’d intelligence that the Count DEstaing with a considerable Fleet & army has arrived upon this Coast & that it is the intention of our allies to operate against the enemy in these States they have been pleased to direct me to concert & execute such plans of co-operation with the Minister plenepotentiary of France, or the Count as I may think proper and to make the...
85From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have lost—& cannot tell how—an old & favourite penknife & am much destressed for want of one—if you have any in your stores please to send me one—if you have not, be so good as to get one immediately. perhaps Mr Bayley could furnish me. one with two blades I should prefer, where choice can be had. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt ALS , on deposit at CSmH . At least five repositories are known to...
86From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Board of War having directed two Thousand dried Hydes to be sent to Philada by the returning Waggons, you will be pleased to give directions to the Deputy Qr Mr and Waggon Master at Newberg and New Windsor to furnish Mr Hatfield the Commissary of Hydes with return Waggons for the above quantity. Mr Hatfield represents that he could often send Hides and Leather to different places by return...
87From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I shall be glad to know whether you have made enquiry if a sufficient number of Vessels can be procured, and held in readiness, to transport troops up the River, should the Indian incursion to the Northward prove serious. Be pleased to forward the inclosed to Colo. Gouvion by Express immediately. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, PPAmP : Nathanael Greene Papers....
88From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I intended to inform you, but am not sure that I did do it, that a Party of Militia would be sent by Govr Clinton (for the purpose of cutting wood for the expedition below) between this & Kings-ferry. You will be pleased, while at Fish-kill to make your arrangements with the Govr or Colo. Malcolm accordingly—furnish Tools—& give the necessary direction to the Officer commanding. I am Yr Most...
89From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The following present themselves to me as the most material general directions necessary for you in laying out the intended encampment. The Brigades to stand in the following order from the right—if in one line. Woodfords Muhlenbergs Smallwoods Gist Irvine Johnson Hand Maxwell Clinton Starke Parsons Huntington If the encampment is in two lines, and eight Brigades in the first—they will be...
90From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 17th and 20th I am sorry to find by the latter, that you have found the Ground described by Lord Stirling and Colo. Abeel so different from your expectations. It is impossible to decide upon a position, untill you have fully reconnoitered that district of Country, in which we shall be obliged to Canton. To encamp the whole Army together is on every account...
91From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of this morning I have received yours of the 22d by which I am sorry to find that your perplexity as to a Winter position for the Army was rather increased. As I mentioned in mine of this morning—the position below the Mountain, should the Enemy have made a considerable detachment—would on every account be most advantageous—should they remain in force—we have no alternative but to...
92From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 27th reached me this day at Noon at Sufferans. From a consideration of all circumstances I am led to decide upon the position back of Mr Kembles, and more especially, as I think there will be an immediate necessity of sending a further reinforcement to South Carolina—I mean, besides the North Carolinians. This, with the diminution of force which will be occasioned by the...
93From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 6th last night but being engaged with the committee of Congress I could not answer it till now. Should you on a review of the ground think the alteration essentially necessary you may give orders for the connecticut line taking the position you have mentioned, or any other convenient one. I am sir &c. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript ,...
94From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
You are so well acquainted with the reasons which operate against keeping a greater quantity of Stores of any kind, than are absolutely necessary, in the vicinity of this Camp, that it is almost needless to desire you to avoid an accumulation of those belonging to your department at this place. I have given orders to the other departments to divest themselves as soon as possible of every thing...
95George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Asks Greene to assist Brigadier General Du Portail in drawing up a report on the defenses needed to withstand an attack on the winter camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
96From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General DuPortail to meet you tomorrow morning that you may in conjunction with him examine all the grounds in the environs and make a written report to me without delay of the different spots which appear most proper to be occupied in case of any movement of the enemy towards us, pointing out the comparitive advantages and disadvantages of each. You will consider the several...
97George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 20, 1779 . Instructs Greene to assist the clothier in forwarding clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
98From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The distress of a great part of the troops for want of Cloathing, particularly in the essential article of shoes, which would render them useless, should circumstances require the activity of the army, induces me to request your exertions to give the Clothier the assistance he may stand in need of for bringing on his supplies—These have been delayed much longer than I expected for want of the...
99From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterday and am extremely concerned to find that you meet with such difficulties in quartering the Officers whose rank & situation require they should be lodged in the houses in the vicinity of the Army. I regret that the Inhabitants should be unwilling to give shelter to men who have made and are still making every sacrafice in the service of their Country, and...
100George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . Asks that Colonel John Mitchell be allowed to come to Camp to testify in Major General Benedict Arnold’s behalf. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.