1From 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...
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.
3George 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.
4George 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.
5From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [12 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
It is an age since I have either written to you or received a line from you; yet I persuade myself you have not been the less convinced of my affectionate attachment and warm participation in all those events which have given you that place in your countrys esteem and approbation which I have know⟨n⟩ you to deserve while your enemies and rivals were most active in sullying your reputation. You...
6George 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.
7From 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...
8George 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.
9From 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...
10From 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....
11George 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...
12George 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.
13Enclosure B: Extracts from the Secretary of War’s Letters to the Late Major General Greene, [10 July 1782–22 January … (Hamilton Papers)
“The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern, and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excites, are powerfully enhanced, that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled, by special contract, to better fare, but whose meritorious and gallant exertions under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate;...
14From 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.
15George 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.
16George 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.
17From 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...
18From 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...
19From 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...
20George 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...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [10 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I really do not think it would be an adviseable measure to detach a brigade, for though I should not apprehend any material danger here, yet I think without some substantial object, it would hardly be prudent to lessen our force. There are possible events that might at least embarrass us. But my principal objection arises from my considering a compliance rather as a bad precedent; if you yield...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
There has just been unfolded at this place a scene of the blackest treason, Arnold has fled to the Enemy. André the British Adjt Genl is in our possession as a Spy. This capture unravelled the mystery. West Point was to have been the Sacrifice, all the dispositions have been made for the purpose and ’tis possible, tho’ not probable to night may still see the execution. The wind is fair, I came...
23Enclosure F: Robert Forsyth to Nathanael Greene, 29 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Some days ago, I was honored with your answer to my letter of resignation; the very warm approbation, given of my conduct in public service, gives me most singular pleasure and satisfaction, and makes me hope for that countenance and aid in private life, which I enjoyed, while I had the pleasure to serve under your command. I must beg your attention to a brig of Mr. Banks’s, which he loaded at...
24George 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.
25George 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.
26George 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.
27George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 19, 1781 . Is pleased with Greene’s successful attack on Cornwallis. States that the southern situation is still critical and that a new British expedition is preparing for either Delaware, Virginia, or North Carolina. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28George 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.
29George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 27, 1781 . Congratulates Greene on Brigadier General Daniel Morgan’s victory. Reaffirms confidence in Greene’s abilities. States that Pennsylvania line has been ordered South. Describes Virginia expedition. Reports supposed victory of Comte d’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30From 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...
31George 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.
32George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 22, 1781 . Approves of Greene’s tactics against Cornwallis. Reports that Pennsylvania line will be delayed. Hopes that Greene will be able to employ Major William Macpherson. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
33George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Orders Greene to assume the command of the southern army until an inquiry has been made into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct in the southern campaign. Orders Greene to appoint the court of inquiry. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
34From 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.
35George 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.
36George 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.
37George 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.
38George 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.
39George 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.
40From 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...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [27 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 27, 1779. Document listed in dealer’s catalogue. Document not found. ] ADS , listed by Thomas F. Madigan, New York City, in Autograph Notes , I (January-February, 1919), 3, Item 203. Greene, a Rhode Island Quaker who served in the state militia in 1774 and 1775, was appointed a brigadier general in the Continental Army on June 22, 1775. After the British evacuated Boston in...
42George 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.
43Enclosure K: [Edward Carrington to Nathanael Greene], 18 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor to hand you herewith, a Contract entered into by Mr. John Banks, for the subsistence of the troops in the service of the United States, in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, for the present year. I am really concerned, that we have been obliged to close this contract, on the execessive high terms agreed to, but the circumstances, under which we had...
44From 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...
45George 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.
46George 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.
47From 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.
48George 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.
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, 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.”