1To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene and Brigadier General Duportail, 16 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
To locate the army to any particular spots, may facilitate the Enemies getting possession of advantageous grounds, either upon one or the other of our flanks. It appears to us more proper therefore, that we move the troops upon the high and advantageous grounds, according as the motions of the enemy may indicate an intention to make an impression at particular places. Having examined the...
2To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 8–12 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Remarks on the Resolution of Congress of the 25th February 1780—requiring each State to furnish certain species of supplies for the support of the Army. The measure seems to be calculated, more for the convenience of each state, than for the accommodation of the service. The aggregate quantity ordered, tho’ far short of the demands of the army, is proportioned on the states, in such a manner,...
3To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
It gives me the greatest pain to hear the murmurs and complaints among the officers for the want of spirits—they say they are exposd to the severity of the weather subject to hard duty and nothing but bread and beef to eat morning, noon, and night, without vegetables or any thing to drink but cold water—this is hard fare for people that have been accustomd to live tolerable—The officers...
4To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is a letter from Mr Levi Hollingsworth relative to the situation of the Stores in that quarter —General Mughlenburg has marched with his detachment to cover the removeal of the Stores—If your Excellency thinks any additional force is necessary it shall be sent immediately—I wait your further Orders and am your Excellencies Most Obedient & very humbl. Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Robert Hanson...
5To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 9 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency the 8th of February since which I am without your favor. In my last I informed you that I had written to Count Rochambeau for reinforcements. Inclosed is his answer. I am persuaded he must have mistaken your intentions. I find nothing is to be expected from that quarter. I am sorry the Legion was put in motion as it may raise the enemy’s apprehensions, and bring upon us...
6To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 9 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of my letter to Congress which contains all material matters of occurrence since I wrote your Excellency before. Capt. Shutrick, who transacts the business for Major Hyrne in the commissary of Prisoners department since his misfortune has transmitted a copy of the State of that business in this quarter and upon examination I found Major Hyrne had forwarded one a few days...
7To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 24th I had the honor of receiving last Evening. I dind yesterday with the Minister of France and find him still determind to set out for Camp to morrow. He sets out at seven in the morning and intends lodging at Trenton. On Wednesday he will be in Camp, if no accident attends him; but at what hour cannot be assertaind as the place he dines at, is not yet determind...
8To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Wayne wrote me last Evening that all his troops had crost over the River Delaware into the Jerseys—He intends to collect all the Stock and burn all the Hay along the River that will be within the reach of the Enemy—If he executes the business effectually the only chance the Enemy will have of forageing will be between Schuylkill and the Delaware—I am told there is considerable Hay upon...
9II. Major General Nathanael Greene’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia is an object of such magnitude, the prejudices of the People in the surrounding States so strong, in its fervor, as to its importance, and consequence, the manufactories & supplies for the Army so numerous in that City, that the loss of it would so effect the Country, and the Army, that very great injury would arise to the common cause of America. to prevent so great an evil, it...
10To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
While I was in philadelphia, I wrote your Excellency, that I had little prospect of being able, either to provide for the march of the Maryland Troops to the southard, or to put this army in motion. Lest you should suppose that the prospects have mended, and be about to take measures accordingly, I think it my duty to inform you, that the former embarrassments still continue, and that new...
11To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have examind the prisoners and find them to be a poor parcel of Ignorant Cowardly fellows. Two are Taylors named John & James Dunbar, and the other two are common labourers named Isaac Petit & Will Smith. They candidly confess they set off with an intention of going to Statten Island, but not with any intention of Joining the Enemy; but to get out of the way of fighting here. I believe the...
12To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am just favored with your Excellency’s letter of the 18th of March. I wrote you in my letter of the 22d April that a spirit of mutiny and discontent had got footing in the Army. hanging the serjeant and sending off five others belonging to the Pennsylvania and Maryland Line has happily put a check to it, and the troops appear now of quite a different temper, altho’ their sufferings still...
13To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclos’d I send your Excellency a copy of a letter from Mr Thompson, Waggon Master General, respecting Waggoners. His plan and reasons you will judge of, and give your directions accordingly. This, or some similar mode, is indispensibly necessary to promote the service; and however inconvenient it may be to the line of the army, Congress have put things upon such a footing, that there is no...
14To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major Burnet and Col. Dehart has just returnd from the Equacanock [Pequannock] and say that there is (as to wood Water & Sandy soil) a most excellent position, within about four Miles of Equacanock [Forks of Pequannock] and five of the great falls, it is distant 15 Miles from Newark ferry, and twenty from Elizabeth town. The left will be coverd by the Pasaic: It lies in a plentiful Country of...
15To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I find in yesterdays orders I am directed to attend the Board of General Offic⟨ers⟩ for settleing the Rank of the Line of Artillery. your Excellency must be sensible th⟨at⟩ the duties of the quarter masters Department are a sufficent employment for the most active mind. I consider my being put up⟨on⟩ these Boards therefore a public injury; bu⟨t⟩ as I seem to be excluded in the present...
16To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The position which Lord Sterling and Col. Abeel wrote such a flattering account about, has nothing but water and naked ground to recommend it, for I dont believe there is one quarter wood enough to supply the Troops through the Winter. I rode all day yesterday, and all day to day in search of a position, but without the least success. I have searched the Country pretty thoroughly from...
17To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 21 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
Prospect Hill, 21 February 1776 . Mr Davids has been chosen chaplain for Varnum’s and Bond’s regiments, and Mr Noble chosen chaplain for Hitchcock’s and Little’s regiments. ALS , DLC:GW . Ebenezer David (c.1752–1778), who was ordained by the Sabbatarian Church of Newport on 31 May 1775, began serving as a chaplain in January 1776. It is said that he returned his commission to GW and acted as a...
18To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrivd here yesterday about noon; and met with a kind and hospitable reception by Mrs Washington and all the family. Mrs Washington, Mr and Mrs Custis, (who are here) and Mr Lund Washington and his Lady are all well. We set out this morning for Richmond, and it is now so early that I am oblige to write by candle light. Nothing but the absolute necessity of my being with my command as soon as...
19To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 2 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
2 March 1776 . “I visited the . . . Guards in the left and Center Division and . . . found all the Guards in Good Order—Capt. Lewis reported Eight oClock this Morning Five sail of Ships were Coming into Boston. . . . N.B. Joel Hewit of Col. Sargeants Regiment & Francis Offy of Col. Greytons Regt confined in the Main Guard at Cambridge for Mutiny & Disobedience of Orders.” ADS , DNA : RG 93,...
20To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is a Letter receivd last Evening from Mr Patterson. The contents are not the most agreeable; and how it comes directed through me to your Excellency I cannot imagin. He mentions there being a greater number of Boats upon the Susquehannah then he gave an account of when at Camp. Will it not be best to lessen the number orderd to be built; if the proper sizd ones can be had already fit...
21To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Benjamin Cattle Esquire an inhabitant of South Carolina lately in the Continental Army and one of the Governors privy Council has been in a declining state of health for a long time. It has been recommended to him by his physician, and friends to go to the Northward by winter to New York for the recovery of his health, and General Leslie has been polite enough to grant him the necessary...
22To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have taken into consideration, as far as my health would permit, the several matters stated to the General Officers in the Council held the 6th Inst.; and am of opinion that as the second division of the French fleet has not arrived, and there being little probability that it will be here in season to attempt any thing to the Northward, it would be a folly to persevere further upon our...
23To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have fifty eight private property teams now in public service with the army. What shall be done with them? The new regulation says that none shall be kept in public service that are the property either of military or staff officers. These are all under this predicament. The owners apply to have their teams discharged or some special assurances given that they shall be paid for their future...
24To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By an Express from Major Clarke stationed at Dobbs ferry I find the Enemy are encampt right opposite, to the number of between three and five thousand—and the Major adds from their disposition and search after Boats they design to cross the River—A frigate and two Transports or Provision Ships past the Cheveau de frize Night before last—they were prodigiously shatterd from the fire of our...
25To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 28 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of my Letter to Congress containing an account of the operations of the detachment mentioned in my last gone towards Charles Town for the purpose of attacking the Enemys lower Posts. The success was less than I expected or than the opportunity promised; however upon the whole many advantages have resulted from the manoeuvre. Major Hyrne our Commissary of Prisoners has...
26To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the answer of Major Brewan respecting erecting a Gallery for the review. In better days it would have been thought a disgrace and reproach to these States not to have had either Money or credit necessary to purchase Lumber for the Army. However so it is. Many things equally necessary in the order of business as these boards are left unprovided from mere poverty. The Affairs of the...
27To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 27 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
From present appearances and what is past one would be led to conclude the enemy mean to change the whole plan of the war for a time or that they are taking measures to bring about a peace. Which is their object or whether either, is what I could wish to have your sentiments on. I am much at a loss how to take some measures of a private nature and shall esteem it a particular mark of your...
28To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 6 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency a Return for the Month of November of the infantry, cavalry, Artillery, and the Legion serving in the Southern Department. I am Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
29To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
In my last dispatches of the 7th Instant I informed your Excellency of my arrival at Camp, and of the condition and situation of the Army. I was apprehensive on my first arrival, that the Country around Charlotte was too much exhausted to afford subsistance for the Army at that place for any considerable time. Upon a little further enquiry I was fully convinced; and immediately dispatched Col....
30To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry it has not been in my power to give your Excellency an earlier answer to your letter of the 26th Ulto. The subject is a matter of such moment, that although it required dispatch, yet the delay must be Less injurious than a want of full information to decide with certainty. It is not less mortifying to me than unhappy for the public interest and national security that circumstances...
31To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has mentioned the necessity several times of establishing expresses between this and Providence; and enquired with respect to the practicability of the thing; but never have given any order upon the matter. The Marquis was requesting this day that the Expresses might be fixed without loss of time. Please to let me know your pleasure in the matter. Colo. Mead also was mentioning...
32To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Varnum Reports from Red Hook about sun set and after as many as One hundred Boats were seen coming from Statten Island to the Ships full of Men. Three Ships went towards the Narrows previous to which about thirty Boats with Soldiers went on board them. From the best Observations made by Capt. Foster and others there is a general Imbarcation. I have inclosd a Report from the Officer of one...
33To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
There is great complaints from Fish Kill and other Posts among the Waggoners and Artificers on account of the Commisarys, being directed to issue a Gill of Rice in lieu of half a pound of flour and being cut off of their usual allowance of Rum—Col. Hay writes me the Waggoners are actually leaveing the service on account of the Rice and the Country People refuse to work without the allowance of...
34To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just receivd a Letter from Governor Greene upon the recall of Glovers brigade from the State of Rhode Island. I shall make no comments upon it. The weak and distressed condition of the State your Excellency is as well acquainted with as I am. You are also equally as well acquainted with the Enemies force being greatly superior to that of ours all this was known at the time the order was...
35To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 28 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hands morning Report contained nothing material. Lt Colo. Chambers reports this moment that he saw at Ten this morning ten Sail of Vessels standing in for the Hook, but at too great a distance to discover what they were. Mrs Grant applies again for Permision to go on board the fleet. Should be glad to know your Excellencys Pleasure in the matter. she pleads great distress. but it can...
36To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
In my despatches of the 29th Ultimo, I did myself the honor to acquaint your Excellency with the disposition I had made to counteract the movements of the enemy, and to protect the Country from their depredations. Lord Cornwallis continued at Weymissbury, making every preparation, and compleatly equiping his troops for the most active operations, untill the 9th Instant; when having been joined...
37To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
One of the Connecticut brigade quarter Masters was with me this afternoon; and says many of the Officers are apprehensive there will be a scarcity of timber on the Mountain where it is proposd for six brigades to hut. Altho I can hardly suppose their fears are well grounded, yet as it will be almost impossible to get wood to them should it fail, on account of the make of the ground, and from...
38To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote you last I did not expect to address you from this place again; but Col. Carrington has detained me upwards of a week to complete the business of his department. On Thursday next we set off by land for the Northward. The Assembly of this State have rejected the impost Act recommended by Congress. Had your circular letter been printed a fortnight earlier I am persuaded it would...
39To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 22d was deliverd me this afternoon. I am happy to find you have wrote so fully to Congress upon the disagreeable consequences that may follow from starveing the quarter Masters Department at this critical season. I wish it may have the desird effect and rouse their attention; but I must confess I am afraid the stupor is so great that nothing can alarm their fears...
40To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do my self the honor to inclose your Excellency a piece of intelligence given by Col. Abeel, who seems to be very positive that the facts stated, are well grounded. Great allowances are to be made for the natural credulity of his temper, and his general inclination to deal in the marvellous; yet I think the information ought not be altogether neglected. It is natural to suppose the Enemy...
41To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 18th came to hand last Evening—I shall pay due attention to its contents—but I fear my situation is too remote to carry on a communication of intelligence to advantage—Ever since I have been here I have been revolving the matter over and over in my mind respecting the subject of intelligence Nothing more elligible has occurd than the plan your Excellency suggests—but I hope...
42To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From the Situation in which I found the Quarter Master General’s Department on my entering upon the Office, which is not unknown to your Excellency, it appeared to be absolutely necessary to make very extensive & speedy Preparations for the ensuing Campaign, especially in Horses, Teams, Tents, and other Articles of high Price. In Consequence of this apparent Necessity, I have given extensive...
43To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
The more I have thought upon the subject of explaining the reasons and causes of our movements to the Army, and through them to the Country, the more I am confirmed in my opinion, of the propriety and necessity for it. Your Excellency will consider this is a great movement, and has been very rapid. The march of the Army has been very fatiguing. The teams of the Country have been impressed and...
44To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand Reports thirty Sail of Ships standing in for the Hook. Perhaps this may be part of the foreign Troops. I detacht for the Galleys between forty & fifty men yesterday. Two Companies that have been with Col. Foremans Regiment are gone from this post to Join their Regiment under General Heard. The Troops in general are exceeding Sickly, great numbers taken down every day. If the state...
45To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am inform’d a large body of the Enemies Troop have landed at Froggs point. If so I suppose the Troops here will be wanted there. I have three Brigades in readiness to reinforce you; General Clintons Brigade will march first. General Nixons next and then the Troops under the command of General Roberdeau. I dont Apprehend any danger from this quarter at present[.] if the force on your side are...
46To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is Colo. Biddles Letter to me upon the distressed state of the Forage Department. Our Cattle for this ten days past have not had one half the necessary allowance of Forage. The Resolution of Congress prohibiting the use of Wheat and the Restrictive Laws in the several States, in the Neighbourhood of Camp, renders it impossible to subsist the Cattle, unless some further aid can be...
47To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am now sick with a fever and almost blind with sore Eyes. I only write this Leter to apoligize for not writing. Mrs Greene who will have the pleasure of delivering this letter embarks to day for Philadelphia. Her health is so much improved I am anxious to get her to the Northward notwithstanding my own situation. Mrs Greene will deliver your Excellency a Green silk embroidered pattern for a...
48To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 24 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Camp on Long Island, 24 July 1776 . “Colo. Hand reports nothing new. every thing remains in much the same situation as they were yesterday.” ALS , DLC:GW .
49To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor to write your Excellency on the 15th Inst., when I was endeavouring to collect a body of Militia to reinforce this Army. But the enemy early on the 19th filed off to Hillsborough, where Lord Cornwallis issued a proclamation, a copy of which is enclosed, and made use of every art to induce the people to join him. To prevent his success in the execution of this business,...
50To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
A new dispisition of the Army going to be made, and an Officer appointed to the command of West Point and the district on the East side of the North River; I take the liberty just to intimate my inclinations for the appointment. Your Excellency will judge of the propriety and determin as the honor of the Army and the good of service may require. I hope there is nothing indelicate or improper...