51To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy have possession of Fort Independance on the Heights above Kings Bridge, they made their appearance the night before last. We had got every thing of Value away, The Bridges are cut down and I gave Colonel Magaw Orders to stop the Road between the Mountains. I should be glad to know your Excellency’s mind about holding all the ground from Kings Bridge to the lower lines—If we attempt...
52To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Harrison wrote me you were in great want [of] flour —tis attended with very great difficulty to bring it up from Fort Lee by land[.] Waggons cannot be got to transport a sufficient supp⟨ly⟩ for your Army—At Dobb’s ferry there is Eight or nine hundred Barrels brought from the other side. I have directed Col. Tupper to load a number of the Petty Augres and flat bottom Boats and send them up...
53To 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...
54To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 8 November 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 8 Nov. 1776. Greene wrote in his letter to GW of 9 Nov. : “By the letter that will Accompany this, and was to have gone last Night by Major Mifflin Your Excellency will see what measures I took before your favor [of 8 Nov.] came to hand.”
55To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency letters of the 8 this moment came to hand—I shall forwa⟨r⟩d the letter to General Stevens by Express —The Stores at Dobbs ferry I had just given orders to the Quarter Master to prepare Waggons to remove them—I think the Enemy will meet with some difficulty in crossing the River at Dobbs ferry however tis not safe to trust too much to the expected difficulties they may meet...
56To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 10 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor by Col. Harrison of the 8th came to hand last Evening—I am takeing every measure in my power to oppose the Enemies landing, if they attempt crossing the River into the Jerseys—I have about 500 men posted at the different passes in the Mountains—fortifying—About five hundred more are marching from Amboy directly for Dobbs ferry —General Mercer is with me now—I shall send...
57To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11–12 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Justice Mercereau of Statten Island I am informed that 10,000 Troops embarked on board of a number of Transports day before yesterday—Lord Dunmore was to command and that they were bound for South Caroline—A large number of Transports were getting ready to sail for England for Stores—Mercereau says that he saw a man from York yesterday that informed him he had been employ’d in constructing...
58To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you have a letter from Col. Magaw —the contents will require your Excellencys Attention[.] I have directed Col. Magaw to defend the place until he hears from me[.] I have order’d General Hands Brigade to hasten on—I shall go to the Island soon. I am dear Sir your Excell. Obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Although this letter is not dated, it is docketed in GW’s writing: “Majr General...
59To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
The much greater part of the Enimy march’t off from Fort Washington and above Kings Bridge this morning—their rout appeard to be towards New York—One of the Train of Artillery came across the River last Night on a Raft by his account the Enimy must have sufferd greatly on the Northside of Fort Washington—Col. Rollings Regiment was Posted there, and behaved with great spirit—Col. Magaw could...
60To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Lord Sterling will write by the same express that this comes by and inclose to your Excellency several peices of intelligence obtaind of different People Yesterday —His Lordship thinks the enemy are makeing a disposition to advance for my part I am at a loss to determin whether their disposition is to advance, or for defence—the Enemy have got a party Advanced about Seven Miles this side...
61To 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...
62To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your letter of the 21st I was with a Committee of Congress who had the business of the Cartel and other matters under consideration when your Excellencies letter was deliverd me—I had explaind the matter fully to the Congress & Committee I was two hours before the former and two Evenings with the latter—I believe the business of the Cartel will be settled agreeable to your...
63To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the opinion of the General Officers at this Post and General Wayne who has had a very good opportunity to view the River & the fortifications upon the same —Agreeable to your Excellencies instructions I have given the necessary orders to carry the further obstructions in the River into execution —I am going this day up to New Windsor to view the Obstructions there & the passes...
64To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencies favor of Yesterday this moment came to hand. I am perfectly satisfied with the exchange of Hazens Regiment for the Barron Arends—I am by no means attach’t to any particular Regiment—nearly an equal distribution of the forces will be entirely satisfactory to me. I only wish to stand upon an equal footing with other Officers—then if I dont execute my duty as well I am willing...
65To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I find a great want of Tents in several Brigades—General Maxwell sais he has none neither has he had it in his power to get any. I shall endeavor to get a more particular state today and will notify your Excellency upon the subject. A small detachment of Col. Lewis Regiment came in last Evening without Blankets or Tents and sais there were none to be had at Philadelphia. If that be true we...
66To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment the Commisary reports to me that the Provisions & supplies fall short and that its out of his power with his utmost exertion to procure a sufficient supply. I wish your Excellency would order the Commisary at Morris Town down here as soon as possible to the assistance of this. We must take Sheep & Cattle about the Country to supply the present deficiency. I think Trumbull should...
67To George Washington from Major Generals John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, and Adam Stephen, 28 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In obedience To your Excellencys order we have met and Considered The Pretensions of Colo. Moylan and Colo. Bland to Rank in the Army of The United American States; And beg Leave to Report That we are Unanimously of Opinion That Colo. Moylan is Intituled to Rank in the Army before Colo. Bland; which is Humbly Submitted to your Excellencey by your Excellenceys most obedt Servants LS , in...
68II. 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...
69To 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...
70To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have just returnd from reconnoitering the grounds about Darby, the Islands below and up to the middle ferry—we purpose to go out again in the morning—from the present view Darby appears the only eligible position for the Army for the purpose of their crossing the river—It is the opinion of several of the gentlemen that the enemy may be best dislodged from the Islands by detachment, others...
71To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Varnum this moment acquaints me that fort Mercer was evacuated last evening. Comodore Hasselwood informs me also that the greater part if not all the fleet except the thirteen Gallies were burnt this morning; one or two of the smallest vessels attempted to pass the city and could not effect it, one was set on fire and one other fell into the enemies hands owing to the matches going...
72To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I came to this Place yesterday morning—the Difficulty of crossing the Baggage over the River prevented it’s coming up last night. The Boats & Scows at Burlington are under very bad Regulations—Gen. Varnum had retreated as I wrote your Excellency before to this place —He left a Party of Militia at Haddonfield; I am afraid there has a very considerable Quantity of Stores fallen into the Enemies...
73To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing new to communicate to your Excellency with Respect to the Motions of the Enemy—they remain or did last night at Woodbury, with a Guard at Timber Creek, consisting of about six hundred men. The Boats that went up, mentioned in my former Letter, I conjecture had on Board the Baggage of the Army; the Soldiers seen on board, were the regimental Guards to the Baggage. The Militia of...
74To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your favor by Col. Mead who has communicated to me the design of an attack upo[n] Philadelphia, the consequences if successful are so desireable that I wish it appeard to me more practicable—In war there must be always some thing left to chance and I would always recommend to trust some consequences to the Spirit and bravery of the troops—An excess of caution which councils of War...
75To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment receivd intelligence the enemy are embarking from Glouster and [c]rossing over to Philadelphia Col. Comstock sends this intelligence and sais it may be depended upon —I have orderd General Varnums & General Huntingtons brigade to advance immediately to fall upon the enemies rear and prevent their geting off their stock—I wait your Excellencies Orders to march where you may think...
76To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency this afternoon that the enemy were crossing from the Jerseys to Philadelphia and that the intelligen[c]es came from Col. Comstock—he is stationd at Haddenfield to collect intelligence—I have receivd two letters from the Col. to day the first dated at 12 oClock the last at three both of which I have inclosd —It appears to me the enemy are crossing their Cattle but I much...
77To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 25th reached me at this place—I halted the troops on the reciept of it those that had not got into the town—Genl Varnums & Huntington’s Brigades got to this place before the letter came to hand—I am sorry our march will prove a fruitless one—the enemy have drawn themselves down upon the Peninsula of Gloucester—the Ships are drawn up to cover the Troops—there is...
78To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday I receivd last Night about 12 OClock—The greater part of the troops returnd to this place last Night and marched early this morning to cross the Delaware—I staid at Haddenfield my self with General McDougals division to give the necessary Orders to the Militia—I have left the riffle Corps at Haddenfield and Capt. Lees troop of light Horse to encourage the Militia and...
79To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Three Brigades are now on their march for Head Quarters my division & Glovers brigade —General MDougalls division is not yet come to town—they had orders to march at four this morning and I was in hopes they would have been in town by the time Glovers brigade got over the River—I am afraid the want of provision has detaind them this morning—It is with the utmost difficulty we can get bread to...
80To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s command I shall in a few words give my Sentiments with respect to the necessity of puting the troops into Winter quarters and the properest place to canton them in. Every one that views the Condition of the army and is acquainted with the severe duty they have gone through will readily agree that good warm comfortable quarters are necessary to supply the defect...
81To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Subject under Consideration before the board is whether a plan to draw together a large Body of militia in aid of the continental Troops in the dead of winter to attack General Howe in his winter quarters is eligible or not. However desireable the destruction of General Howe’s army may be & however impatient the public may be for this desireable event; I cannot recommend the measure. I...
82To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Gibson of the Virgina State regiment sais there are a great number of his men left behind in Virgina and on the road—he wishes to send Lt Col. Brent and two Captains to collect the Straglers deserters and recruits that may be recruited for the Regiment. There will remain a sufficient number of Officers to command the men belonging to the Regiment after these Officers are gone. Col. Gibson...
83To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The commencement of the American war was so singular—it’s duration so uncertain—the hopes of reconciliation so strong, that our defence began, and has been continued rather by temporary expedients, than from any proper and fixed establishment. In the early stages of the dispute, the novelty of war was so great—the spirit of patriotism so high, and the abhorrence of slavery such that the people...
84To 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...
85To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
We are in want of some of the Deputy Q. M. Generals to conduct the business of that department—please to send us one—I receivd two Letters from Col. Biddle—he has got but few Waggons—The Inhabitants conceal them the Col. complains bitterly of the disaffection of the people—I sent out a great number of small parties to collect the Cattle Horses &c. &c. yesterday but the collection was...
86To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Biddle is here and informs me there is but a poor prospect of geting Waggons I wish all those at Camp that can be spard from the ordinary duties of the Camp, may be forwarded to us as fast as posible—We have a great number of small parties out collecting to day of Cattle, Horses, and carriages—their success has not been reported this evening, but I am afraid there will be nothing...
87To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your Excellencies answer by Col. Hambleton to mine of yesterday morning —I wrote you again last Evening proposing the burning the Hay on the Jersey Shore, also another forage in Buck County—upon revolving the matter over in my mind I think the following would be the best plan to execute it upon—Waggons cannot be got in this Country and to attempt to collect them in Bucks County will...
88To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I sent on to Camp yesterday near fifty Head of Cattle—I wish it had been in my power to have sent more, but the Inhabitants have taken the alarm, and conceal their stock in such a manner that it is very difficult finding any—they have done the same with their Waggons and Harness—Our poor fellows are obligd to search all the Woods and swamps after them—and often without success—I have given...
89To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday that I was afraid we had lost one of our small parties, but they came in a few minutes after I sent the Letter off—Has there been any great desertions from Camp, or any report of prisoners made on the other side of the Schuylkill—I am perswaded, there was some of our prisoners paraded for some purpose—If there has been no report of any being lately taken they...
90To 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...
91To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellencys Letter containing a list of the Counties in Virgina where Waggons might be got and the properest persons to employ to make the purchases. We shall send one Mr Johnston Smith—I shall be much oblige to your Excellency for a Letter to the Inhabitants of Virgina by Mr Smith requesting their aid in forwarding the business of the departmt. I shall also be oblige to your...
92To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The only hope that the Enemy can ever have of subjugating this Country is by possessing themselves of our Capital Cities , distressing our trade—destroying our Stores, and debauching one part of the Comunity to lend their Aid to subjugate the other. These appear to be the great out lines of their plan, upon which they have hitherto regulated all their Operations; and they have never varied...
93To 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...
94To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
In order to answer your Excellencys six queries and be clearly understood—I shall first state a query & then give it an answer—And so on in order untill the whole is answered. Query the first Whether any enterprize ought to be undertaken against Phila. Answer—I am clearly of Opinion that there ought not. The Enemy can recall any part of their force from the other side of Delaware, so easily &...
95To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The delicate situation I am in prevents my speaking in councels of war with that openness I should if I was to take a part in the command. I must confess the opinion I subscribed to if it is to be considerd in confind sense does not perfectly coincide with my Sentiments I am not for hazzarding a general action unnecessarily but I am clearly of opinion for makeing a serious impression with the...
96To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11–14 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I would propose writing to the french Admiral that there are two objects one of the two may be improvd as a blockade or an investiture as circumstances and the practibillity of entering the Harbour of New york should be found. The french fleet to take their station at Sandy Hook and block up the Harbour. This Army to take a position near the White Plains to cut off the Land communication and...
97To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Varnum is at this place and has very lately returnd from Rhode Island, he says that there are 1500 State troops including the Artillery Regiment. There is the Continental Battallion commanded by Col. Greene about 130 strong. Besides these 2500 Militia are orderd from the Massachusets, Conecticut, & New Hampshire States, part of which are already arrivd; and the others dayly coming in....
98To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has made me very unhappy. I can submit very patiently to deserved censure; but it wounds my feelings exceedingly to meet with a rebuke, for doing what I conceivd to be a proper part of my duty; and in the order of things. When I left your Excellency at Haverstraw you desird me to go forward and reconnoiter the Country, and fix upon some proper position to draw the troops...
99To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 4 Aug. 1778. On 8 Aug., GW wrote Greene : “I received your favor dated the 4th Inst.”
100To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12–13 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 12–13 Aug. 1778. On 21 Aug., GW wrote Greene : “On Wednesday afternoon I re⟨ce⟩ived your favor of the 12th & 13th Inst.”