51From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene or Commanding Officer at West Point, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is represented to be indispensably necessary in the course of Smiths trial, that Col. Lamb, Col. Livingston, & Mr Kearse the Qr Master should attend the Court Martial as Witnesses—I have to request that you will Notify them, their presence will be necessary on thursday Next, and give them directions to attend accordingly if possible. I am Sir with great esteem Your Most Obedt Hble Servt LS...
52From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of yesterday, accompanied by a letter from His Excellency Governor Clinton, who gives me an account of the incursion upon the Frontiers. I am happy that you detached Gansevoorts Regiment immediately—You will be pleased to order either Weisenfelds or Willets, as you may judge proper, to follow, and to take orders from the Governor or the commanding Officer. This is all the...
53From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
By a letter received yesterday afternoon from His Excellency, the President of Congress, of the 6th Instt, inclosing the copy of a resolution of the preceeding day, I find it has been their pleasure, to direct me to order a Court of enquiry to be held on the conduct of Major General Gates, as Commander of the Southern Army; And also to direct me to appoint an Officer to command it in his room,...
54From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
There is no disposition that can be made of the Army at this time under our prest uncertainties that may not be subjected to material change (as you will be convinced by recurring to the conversation I held with you on Wednesday last) —It is as I observed to you on that occasion, a matter of great question with me, whether West point will not become the head quarters of the Army when we go...
55From 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...
56From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have concluded to send Major André of the British Army and Mr Joshua Smith who has had a great hand in carrying on the business between him & Arnold to Camp tomorrow. They will be under an escort of Horse and I wish You to have Separate Houses in Camp ready for their reception, in which they may be kept perfectly secure and also strong Trusty Guards trebly officered & that a part may be...
57From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I request that You will put the Division on the left in motion as soon as possible, with orders to proceed to Kings ferry where or before they will be met by further Orders. The Division will come on light, leaving their heavy baggage to follow. You will also hold All the Troops in readiness to move on the shortest notice. Transactions of a most interesting nature & such as will astonish You...
58George 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.
59From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received New York papers confirm⟨ing⟩ the arrival of Rodney with 10 sail of the line. Major Jammison says 8 and adds that Clinton has ordered the whole flying army to New York and that 70 transpor⟨ts⟩ were ready to receive them —West Point I fou⟨nd⟩ is very weak. I would have you move the army to the vicinity of Tappan ⟨in order to⟩ be nearer all the points that interest us—The garrison...
60George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 16, 1780 . Is setting out for Hartford. States that Greene is to be in command of the Army. Sends instructions concerning post at Dobbs Ferry. Reports that Admiral Rodney is “at the Hook and that the Enemy are making an embarkation for Rhode Island.” States that if this information is true, Greene is to make preparations for attacking New York. Df , in...
61From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Tomorrow I set out for Hartford, on an interview with The French General and Admiral. In my absence the command of the army devolves upon you. I have so intire confidence in your prudence and abilities, that I leave the conduct of it to your discretion, with only one observation, that with our present prospects, it is not our business to seek an action or accept it but on advantageous terms....
62From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
You are appointed to the command of the Light Infantry and four brigades from your own Wing to be employed upon a forage dow⟨n⟩ to Bergen and from thence up to the English neighbourhood. You will make the necessary disposition for your own security and the Waggons employed upon the occasion. Such are the necessities of the Army and such the situation of the Inhabitants being all within the...
63From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
As you are retiring from the Office of Quarter Master General, and have requested my sense of your conduct & Services while you acted in it, I shall give it to you with the greatest chearfulness & pleasure. You conducted the various & important duties of it with capacity & deligence—entirely to my satisfaction—and as far as I had an oppertunity of knowing—with the strictest integrity. When you...
64George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Orangetown, New York ] August 12, 1780 . Instructs Greene to retain the teams mentioned in Greene’s letter. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
65From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I shall adopt the order you recommend. Tomorrow if we are all ready to ma[r]ch we will begin to cross the River for Dobbs’s ferry. You will therefore discontinue your preparations for the object that brought us here as it has ceased, further than as they may promote the views of the campaign. Endeavour to have every thing in your department ready to day to move the Troops. I am &c. Df , in...
66George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinson’s, Highlands [ New York ] July 30, 1780 . Empowers Greene to impress in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as many teams as are necessary. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
67From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby empowered to impress in the states of Penssylvania and New Jersey, such a number of teams as the exigency of the service requires, for the purpose of transporting provisions and military stores from Easton Sussex &c., for which this shall be your warrant. Given at Robinsons Highlands July 30th 1780 Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . On 3...
68George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 26, 1780 . Transmits plan for conducting the quartermaster’s department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
69From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the inclosed plan for conducting the Quarter Master General’s department of the 15th instant, which I transmit for your government. With the greatest esteem I am Sir Your most Obedt servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; copy, DNA:PCC , item 11; copy, DNA:PCC , item 39; copy, DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA : RG 93, manuscript file no. 25382; Varick...
70From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
By dispatches recd the last evening from the Count de Rochambeau I am informed that the French Fleet and Army consisting of eight ships of the Line two Frigates and two Bombs and upwards of five thousand Men have arrived at Newport —This makes them rather inferior to the combined naval force of Arbuthnot, and Greaves; but as a second division of ships and land Forces (a circumstance you will...
71From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to Yours of this Evening—The Whole of the Cloathing & Arms are to be sent to Fish Kill Town in the first instance, unless orders should be given to the contrary, and though it is a matter of great importance and infinitely desireable to save expence by bringing them by a Water transportation part of the way; yet the present state of navigation will not permit it or justify me in...
72From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The moment for commencing our operations is so near that no time is to be lost in bringing forward to the North-River, a proper proportion of intrenching tools for an operation against New York with all the tents which can be procured. To you it would be wholly unnecessary to recommend expedition. I am Dr Sir &. P.S. have you intrenching tools in this quarter, or how soon could they be had in...
73George 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.
74From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have determined upon a plan of operations for the reduction of the City and Garrison of New York; which is to be carried on in conjunction with the french forces dayly expected from France. The number of Troops to be employed upon this occassion may be about forty thousand men. You are hereby directed therefore to make every necessary arrangement & provision in Your Department for carrying...
75From 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...
76From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 June 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 25 June 1780. In his first letter to GW of that date , Greene wrote: “I have this moment receivd your Excellencys letter of this day.”
77II. From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received in the night at 12 & 3 OClock, Your Two Favors of Yesterday Evening in regular succession with respect to their dates. I have just heard several Cannon, but am still at a loss to know the design of them. I shall hold the Troops here in readiness till I receive further intelligence by which I may regulate myself. You will be so good as to advise me from time to time of matters;...
78George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1780 . Instructs Greene to “take the command of the troops left at this post and the vicinity,” to cover the country and public stores, and to secure information concerning enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
79From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the general order of this day you take the command of the troops left at this post and the vicinity, consisting of Maxwells and Starke’s brigades, Lees corps and the militia—The objects of your command are as far as possible to cover the country and the public stores—the dispositions for this purpose are left entirely to your discretion, with this recommendation only that you use every...
80From 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...
81From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Under our present expectations of the daily arrival of the Fleet and Army from France at Rhode Island—and of operations that may be consequent—it is of great importance that the means of conveying intelligence between providence & Head qrs, should be placed on the most certain & expeditious footing. I therefore request that You will, without the least delay, have a proper number of...
82From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Although I am convinced, from your late frequent representations and my own knowledge, of the distress in which your department is involved for want of money, and consequently of your inability to make almost any new provision of the many articles necessary for the operations of this Campaign, yet there are some matters which may be put in a state of readiness, through the means of the...
83From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I wish you to write to Providence for a return of the number of Boats there, & their condition—also to direct that they may be put in order without loss of time. Doctor Craick who is going to that quarter will afford you an opportunity of writing —You will likewise be pleased to give the same directions respecting those in Connecticut & Delaware Rivers. I am Df , in Richard Kidder Meade’s...
84George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 2, 1780 . Instructs Greene to prepare Maryland Division for march to the South. Df , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
85From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you on the 26th ulto I have received information which does not seem to admit of doubt, that the enemy are preparing another embarkation, the destination of which is said to be to the Southwd. In consequence of this I have determined, if the measure meets the approbation of Congress, to detach the Maryland division to that quarter, and have also submitted the Route of the...
86George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] March 26, 1780 . Asks if large body of troops can be transported to the South. Instructs Greene to report on “our prospects for moving the army this campaign.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
87From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The situation of affairs to the Southward makes it a serious question whether any further succours ought to go from this Army. There are many obstacles to the measure, perhaps insurmountable ones, but in considering it, it is essential to ascertain how far it may be practicable to transport the Troops. They must of necessity go a great part of the way by land. I am therefore to request you...
88From 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...
89From 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...
90From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of yesterday requesting some general or particular orders for the necessary provision in the Quarter Master’s department for the ensuing Campaign —Under present circumstances, any directions, which I can give, must be of the former kind, and after furnishing you with the number of Men which Congress have thought fit to require for the number year, I must leave it to your...
91From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 6th of this month, covering a copy of one of the 16th of February to Congress, on the subject of your department. That your representation may want no efficacy which it can receive on my part, I shall take the first opportunity to transmit the Congress your letter to me which accompanied it; As also that of Col. Biddles to you of the 24th, and what ⟨h⟩as been...
92George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] February 26, 1780 . States that if Colonel Clement Biddle will not go to the legislature of New Jersey and explain the forage situation, some other method should be found to inform the legislature. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
93From 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...
94From 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...
95From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
As you appear to be of opinion in your letter of this date that the loss of the cattle and perhaps the failure of the attempt, would be the consequence, should the team with the clothing set out for Albany under the present circumstances of the weather—I think it had better be deferred at least till the prospect of travelling is better—I wish it had been in our power to have taken advantage of...
96From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed was transmitted me by the board of war, through the Baron Steuben, and returns requested agreeably thereto. You will be pleased to have them made out as soon as convenient, including the forage masters department on the same form. I am Sir Your obt hble sert LS , in James McHenry’s writing, PPAmP : Nathanael Greene Papers. A note in Greene’s writing underneath the docket reads:...
97George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 8, 1780 . Sends instructions for paying for transportation of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
98From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this day inclosing Copy of one from Colo. Berry, representing the unwillingness of the inhabitants to transport for the Army at the regulated prices, from an apprehension that the regulation will not be general. It would be excessively disagreeable to me to authorise a departure from the law, especially, in an affair of so delicate a nature, and yet it is...
99From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
By advices received from General St Clair who is on the lines, it appears that the enemy have augmented their force considerably on Staten Island, and at Pawlus Hook. From this circumstance, and their impressing sleds (as it is said on Bergen neck) it would seem as if they had some offensive operation in view. I have therefore to request that you will use your best endeavours for the purpose...
100From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having considered the Act of the 27th of December directing the dismission of the Express riders and a subsequent On⟨e⟩ of the 14th of January, in consequence of my Letter founded on the former, the op⟨e⟩ration of which I had in some measure suspended —it would be improper for me to continue the suspension longer in any degree, or to direct any Expresses to be retained, except with the main...