51From 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...
52From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 9th of December from the Round O, inclosing the Copy of your letter of the same date to Congress. I regret that your plan for the surprise of the port of Dorchester did not take full effect.The maneuvre was a masterly one, and, at least, answered the purpose of dislodging the enemy, which was a great point gained. The Count de Rochambeau has transmitted me a...
53From 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....
54From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am again called upon for another meeting between Colo. Walcott & Mr Harrison to negotiate the Cartel—so long the Subject of Correspondence between Genl Howe & myself & those two Gentn. Without incurring further charge of delay, I could not defer their interview longer than next Friday morning; I therefore request that you will transmit me by Express, who may arrive here early enough on...
55From 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...
56From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
With peculiar Satisfaction I do myself the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your several Favors of the 10th 14th & 16th of May last—with that of the 22nd of June—and to assure you at the same Time, that it is with the warmest pleasure I express my full Approbation of the various Movements and Operations which your Military Conduct hath lately exhibited; while I confess to you that I am...
57From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have not recieved any certain intelligence that the Fleet have got within the Capes. By the last accounts they were beating in, the Wind unfavorable; It was supposed they would get in about three OClock yesterday Evening. I would wish you to collect and bring up your rear, as soon as may be, to German Town or to proper Grounds contiguous to it where the Troops are to remain untill further...
58From 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...
59From 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,...
60From 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...
61From 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...
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 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...
67From 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...
68From 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...
69From 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,...
70From 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...
71From 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...
72From 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...
73From 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...
74From 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...
75From 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...
76From 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...
77From 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...
78From 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...
79From 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...
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, 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...
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, 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...
84From 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...
85From 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...
86From 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...
87From 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...
88From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you, I have received yours of the 26th of August, covering a duplicate of one of the 12th. At the same Time, came to hand your favor of the 29th informg the Excursions of the Enemy for Rice, and inclosing a copy of General Gists Letter to you of the 27th. In my last, which was the 23d of Septemr, and which was forwarded under the Care of the Secretary at War, I gave a compleat...
89From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your three Favours of 7th 13th & 15th of April are received—with their several Inclosures. A Variety of circumstances at this Time conspire to prevent an ultimate Decission upon the operations of the Campaign. Before this can reach you, a total change of Men and Measures, which has taken place in Great Britain, will be announced to you—what will be the Consequences of this Revolution, cannot...
90From 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...
91From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Capn De Rochfontaine has represented to me that having obtained quarters by regular application to Mr Lewis whose certificate is inclosed, he has been in his absence dispossessed by your order in favor of Lt Coll Stevens, and no other quarters provided for him. From your letter to the justice which I have seen, you appear not to have known the circumstance of Capn Rochfontain’s having been...
92From 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...
93From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Hearing that you had written to Mr Mitchell yesterday to repair to this place immediately; & convinced that you knew nothing of the letter I had received from him in consequence of my summons some days ago, I now inclose you a copy of it to show how far his absence from Philadelphia may retard the march of the Virginia Troops and affect the business of supplies. You will jud[g]e from this...
94From 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...
95From 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...
96From 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...
97From 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...
98From 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...
99From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing to communicate, but that the detachment, which I mentioned in mine of the 13th, on board about twenty transports fell down to the Hook on the 19th and it is supposed went to sea the same day. The numbers in this detachment are variously reported—The Grenadiers and Light Infantry were once under orders, but they were countermanded and other Corps substituted. I have little doubt...
100From 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...