1From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 22 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the second Instant has lain by me, I suppose these Eighteen days, but I fear I shall often have occasion to make Apologies for Such omissions, which will never happen from Want of Respect, but I fear very often for Want of Time. Your Reasoning, to prove the Equity, and the Policy of making Provision for the Unfortunate Officer, or soldier, is extreamly just, and cannot be...
2From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 14 of July is before me. I am happy to find your Sentiments concerning the Rewards of the Army, and the Promotion of Officers So nearly agreable to mine. I wish the general sense here was more nearly agreable to them. Time I hope will introduce a proper sense of Justice in those Cases where it may for Want of Knowledge and Experience be wanting. The New England Collonells,...
3From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 9 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had, last Evening the Pleasure of yours of March 3. by your Brother, to whom in his Business to this Place I shall give all the Assistance in my Power. In whose favour the Ballance of Letters lies, I cant Say: but if I am in debt, in Point of Numbers it must be because Some of my Remittances have miscarried. I am not yet entirely convinced, that We are playing a desperate Game, tho I must...
4From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
In considering a Letter from the General, sometime ago, in the Board of War, it was agreed to report to Congress a Resolution, approving of the Laboratory at Sprin g field, and such a Report was made, but upon some Opposition to it, it was ordered to lye on the Table, where it has lain ever since. I will, move to have it taken up and determined. Some Gentlemen will oppose it, par ticularly...
5To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 7 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 27th of April I am to acknowledge. I cannot concur with you in Sentiment because the Enimy did not go to Philadelphia last December that they had no intention then or since of going there. I am of opinion if the Enemy could have got over the Delaware immediately after our Army crosd it, it would have been agreeable to their wishes. Had they effected it before the Junction of our...
6From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 9 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 2d Instant, came duly to hand. The Indifference of the People about recruiting the Army, is a Circumstance, which ought to make Us, consider what are the Causes of it. It is not, merely the Melancholly, arising from the unfortunate Events of the last Campaign, but the Small Pox, and above all the unhappy State of our Finances, which occasion this Evil. There are other...
7From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 10 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 7th. was brought me this Morning. My Meaning was that if the Conduct of our Army, had depended on me, I should have taken more Pains to have obtained exact Information of the Enemies Numbers, and our own, and should have considered every Indication of the Enemies Intentions of coming to Philadelphia more particularly. Altho, there is no doubt that Congress have Authority to direct...
8From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 24 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
During the civil Wars in Rome, in the Time of Sylla, and young Marius, after the Death of the Elder Marius, Sylla commanded one Army against Mithridates King of Pontus, and Fimbria another. Both were in Arms against the Same foreign Enemy: but Sylla and Fimbria were equally Enemies to each other, commanding different Armies in the Service of different Parties at Rome, which were disputing...
9From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 2 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 28 Ultimo is before me. It is certain that Religion and Morality, have no less obligation upon Armies, than upon Cities and contribute no less to the Happiness of Soldiers than of Citizens. There is one Principle of Religion, which has contributed vastly to the Excellence of Armies, who had very little else of Religion or Morality, the Principle I mean is the Sacred obligation of...
10From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 7 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
I never before took hold of a Pen, to write to my Friend General Green, without Pleasure, but I think myself obliged to do it now upon a Subject that gives me a great deal of Pain. The Three Letters from, the Generals Sullivan, Green and Knox, have interrupted the Deliberations of Congress, and given many of the Members of it much Uneasiness. They thought themselves bound, in Honour and...
11From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 18 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Give me Leave, by the Opportunity of the Viscount de Noailles, to take this Method of reviving a Correspondence, which has been interupted almost three Years, but was one of the most pleasing I ever had. It is unnecessary to say any thing of the Expedition with which this Letter is intended to go, because I hope it will reveal itself to You, in Accounts which will make themselves heard and...
12George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Chester [ Pennsylvania ] August 1, 1777. Orders Greene to hold men in readiness to march and to give the necessary orders to quartermaster general and commissary general respecting provisions and forage. States that British fleet has departed from the Delaware. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Although H’s crossed-out signature can be seen on the draft, this...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [3 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We have to request, you will order a couple of very good teams to be got ready to proceed to the enemy’s lines for General Lee’s baggage. He is to come out on parole, on Sunday morning. You will judge when they ought to set out from here—suppose tomorrow noon, so as to get in the neighbourhood of Vandeering’s Mill by tomorrow night. When they are ready to set out tomorrow let them make report...
14George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 5, 1778 . Reviews situation in Europe and discusses possible enemy movements. Df , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
15From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [7 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I am sadly distressed for want of a good saddle &c; and such is my situation, that I have no opportunity of procuring for myself. The one I got by your order the other day was of a coarser kind that would only do for my servant. As you are in the way of procuring matters of this kind, you will oblige me much, if you will give orders for purchasing a good saddle bridle holsters &c. for me....
16George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 17, 1778 . Instructs Greene to prepare for possible movement of Army and to set up magazines along routes to North River. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] June 8, 1778 . Instructs Greene to find a new camp site. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 14, 1778 . States that clothing is to be forwarded from Boston to the Army. Asks Greene to cooperate with Major General William Heath to assure safe and quick delivery of clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 22, 1778 . States that provisions for the French fleet have not arrived. Asks Greene to see “that every possible expedient may be embraced to promote” the forwarding of supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, Bibliothèque Municipale, Lille, France.
20From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [8 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests you will direct a couple sets of tools provided and sent to General McDougall to blow up rocks which greatly impede his carting &c. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
21From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [23 February 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has given me some memorandums for instructions to you on the subject of the Northern preparations. He is however undecided on one point—How far the preparation for vessels ought to be pushed. It was his wish when the resolution to discontinue the former plan was taken to stop the provision for the vessels as well as other matters; and he is only induced to depart from this idea in...
22George 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.
23George 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.
24George 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.
25From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duryee has applied to The General to have a Barn of his released, taken up for the use of the hospital, representing that from its situation relatively to his dwelling house it will produce greater inconvience to him than the taking some other barn in the neighbourhood will produce to its proprietor. The General would wish to avoid every thing that would look like discrimenation without...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [22 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter we have received from General Sullivan it appears that Poor’s Brigade have left their tents behind. The General requests you will have them supplied from your nearest deposit, and, in general, that you will make up every deficiency in this article for the expedition as speedily as possible. General Sullivan appears to be very anxious to have his supplies of every kind forwarded to...
27George 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.
28From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [31 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you will send some discreet person to Brunswick to ascertain the No of Boats in the River. A countryman that is judicious & trusty would give less suspicion than an officer. It should if possible be a person acquainted with the place. His inquiries will be the more easily accepted. The more hurry & dispatch the better. DS Yr obt Serv JCH Transcripts John C. Hamilton...
29George 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.”
30From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [11 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests you will have an exact return made of the total strength of the Pensylvania batalions, in which you will designate the different terms of service, for which the men are engaged. He is aware there is ony one distinction, between those for during the war and those for three years or during the war . He wants to know the precise number of each. The Board of war have...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [25 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Points submitted to the consideration of the Council— Our force stated at 10.300 The enemys at 12.000 —At stoney Point— 1300 Verplanks— 700 2000— Main body at Philips &c— Questions—What general dispisition of our army should be made—Whether any and what Offensive movements can be undertaken against the enemy at the present juncture?— Whether the muster Masters department is necessary?...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [17 August 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Whitehead undertakes to go tomorrow morning early with some important dispatches for The General to Philadelphia. You will be pleased to have him furnished with a good horse saddle & Bridle for this purpose. ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. Lieutenant James Whitehead, Second Pennsylvania Regiment.
33George 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.
34George 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.
35From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [7 October 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
It is determined that General Du Portail and myself should go to Count D Estaing. We proceed to New Windsor this afternoon and set out from thence before light tomorrow. Four horses will be necessary to accomodate us, as I am dismounted & General Du Portail is loth to wear out his own horses in the journey. Will you be so good as to send me an order on the person at New Windsor who provides...
36George 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.
37George 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.
38George 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.
39From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [4 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you will let him know your opinion of the number of expresses necessary to be kept in constant pay, considering the late regulation of the post office. You know the necessity of œconomy and he is persuaded will rate the number as low as possible. You will have in view the occasional employment of trusty serjeants. He is writing to Congress. Dr Sir Your most Obedt & very...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [21 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
It is found necessary to send surgeons with the detachments on the lines, and they must have horses to convey their Chirurgical apparatus. Will it be most convenient to get them from you by special application or to obtain them from the Brigades? This question the General orders me to make. Yr. very humble serv ALS , Library of The American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
41From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [22 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The horse I borrowed of you the other day giving out while we were on Staten Island, my servant exchanged him there for another. The one he took in lieu of him I now return. I believe the public will lose nothing by the exchange. I omitted informing you that a couple of horses which I received here from Col Abeel on my way to the French fleet were on my return delivered at this place to Lt Col...
42George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 24, 1780 . Asks Greene to rectify the present difficulties concerning the Chevalier de Rochefontaine’s quarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Captain Etienne Nicolas Marie Béchet, Chevalier de Rochefontaine.
43George 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.
44From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [23 February 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Have you received any directions from The General concerning some espontoons to be brought from Fish Kill for the use of the Officers here? If you have not be pleased to receive them now and give directions accordingly. Yr. obedient humble serv ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
45George 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.
46George 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.
47George 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.
48From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [16 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
When you ask my opinion as a friend, I must always act the part of a true friend, however frequently the advice I give may happen to clash with your feelings justly irritated by injuries which you have not merited. Considering the Board of treasury as so many individuals, the complexion of their letter to you would abundantly justify the asperity of your reply; but considering them as a public...
49George 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.
50George 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.