51To 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...
52To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
It having appeared in Orders that Colo: Hitchcocks’s Regiment is to take Possession of the Post opposite to Fort Washington I beg leave to acquaint you that their peculiar Attachment to the old regiments that are here, their thorough Knowledge of the Ground, their Discipline and the good Order in which they are respecting Arms makes me desirous of their remaining here, if it can possibly be...
53To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 14th, appointing me to the command of the Southern Army, was delivered me last evening. I beg your Excellency to be perswaded that I am fully sensible of the honor you do me; and will indeavor to manifest my gratitude by a conduct that will not disgrace the appointment. I only lament that my abilities are not more competent to the duties that will be required of...
54I. To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are out and on their march towards this place in full force, having receivd a considerable reinforcement last night, as Capt. Dayton says he was desird by Major Lee to inform me. Col. Dayton this moment sends me intelligence, that the Enemy’s Artillery and baggage are on the Newark Road, and the Troops pushing out this way, are to cover them. If this is true we shall hear more about...
55To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 4 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major Giles who served with General Morgan as an Aid in the battle of the Cowpens is desirous of serving as a volunteer Aid in your Excellencys family during the operations in Virginia. I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellencys notice as a young Gentleman of merit and good sense, adorned with a liberal education and of a good disposition accompanied with a degree of prudence and...
56To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
My public letters to Congress will inform your Excellency of our situation in this quarter. We fight get beat and fight again. We have so much to do and so little to do it with, that I am much afraid these States must fall never to rise again; and what is more I am perswaded they will lay a train to sap the foundation of all the rest. I am greatly obliged to your Excellency for ordering the...
57To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an Estimate made of the Provisions and Provinder, necessary to be laid in, at the different Posts, between this and Philadelphia, to form a communication; and for the support of the Troops, passing and repassing from the different States. Your Excellency will please to examine it, and signafy your Pleasure. Shoud the Estimate be larger than is necessary for the Consumption of the...
58To 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...
59To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 6 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Governor Rutledge arrived in Camp a few Days since and informed me that a French fleet of 20 sail of the Line, besides Frigates were to be on the coast by the 25th of this month to co-operate with the American Army for disposessing the Enemy of the several posts they hold in the United States; and that there are to come with the fleet from five to ten thousand Troops to facilitate the...
60To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will see, by the inclosed representation, that our stock of forage is nearly consumed, and that there is no probability of replenishing the magazines. A failure in this respect strikes as fatally at the subsistance of the army, as a more direct deficiency on the score of provisions. I am with great respect your Excellencys most obt hbe Sevt ALS , DLC:GW . The enclosed copy of...
61To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
There are two points at which the operations may commence, Mor rissiana and Staten Island both of which have some peculiar advantages. Morrissiana is well situated to form a regular communication, by a chain of batteries, either with Long Island or York Island; and also for collecting our force, ⟨a⟩s the greater part of it is expected from the Eastward. It has this other advantage, that as the...
62To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
All that I can say, in answer to your Excellency’s letter of the 4th, is, that I see not the remotest prospect of providing anything in the Quarter Master’s Department, but by requisitions to the States. Orders have been given for repairing the Boats, and having them in readiness: I have great hopes this will be effected; but how we are to get the Oars and Boat-hooks, is beyond my conception....
63To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 23 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your friendly letter of the 18th of April affords me peculear satisfaction. If my conduct meets your approbation it will console me amidst the hissing murmurs of ten thousand of the ignorant rabble. The honor you did me in the appointment is an additional motive to exert my self to the satisfaction of the public. My public letters will inform your Excellency of the situation of things here....
64To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
There is a man now at my Tent whose name is Spencer with whom I am well acquainted. He has just returned from Ch’s Town in South Carolina, and is on his way to Rhode Island from whence he sailed in a Brig of my Brother’s some time since for Ch’s Town, after a load of Rice on the public’s account and was taken by one of Goodriches fleet landed near that city. He says he was in the action that...
65To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 11 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose your Excellency the returns of this Army for the Month of October. In my next dispatch perhaps I may have the pleasure to congratulate you on the evacuation of Charles Town. This event I expected would have taken place long before this, but some particular circumstances have occurred to prevent it; and I believe they will not leave this Country untill about the 20th...
66To 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.”
67To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys queries laid before the Council held the 16th of this instant, Has been duly considerd and I shall endeavor to give them an answer as far as I am able to comprehend the subject. The first query is whether it will be prudent and advisable to make a detachment from this Army for Boston & of what force? A detachment to move towards Boston can only be necessary upon the...
68To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am happy in the opportunity of assuring your Excellency that I am receivd and treated with all the marks of respect and attention that I can wish. Your letters has been of singular service; and I am exceedingly obligd to you for the warm manner in which you recommended me to the notice of your friends. Among whom Mr Carey has been very polite and obliging. Your weight and influence both with...
69III. To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I informed your Ex’y this morning that the enemy were on the advance in force. I now acquain⟨t⟩ you, that they proceeded with vigor until they had gaind Connecticut farms. They there were checked by Colo. Dayton’s regiment. They have since advanced in two formidable Columns on the springfield & Vox hall roads. After very obstinate resistance they are now in possession of Springfield with one...
70To 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...
71To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is all the most material matters which has occurd to me. I am not sufficently acquainted with the Enemies cantonment to determin with any certainty the exact mode of attack or of the proper strength of each party. I am your Exccellencys Most Obedt humble Serv. ALS , DLC:GW . See Greene’s undated Recommendations for Attack on Staten Island , printed as an enclosure to this letter.
72To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place on the Evening of the 8th. The troops got into garrison on the morning of the 9th. The works of the garrison are very incomplete; indeed very little has been done to them this campaign. On my arrival I made the following disposition of the troops. New Jersey brigade to mann the redoubts No. 1, 2, 3 and 4. New York brigade to mann Fort Putnam, Webb’s and Wyllis’s...
73To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency at little River near Ninety Six I have been favored with your dispatch of June the 1st. It affords me great pleasure to hear that an attack is meditating against New York. This measure no doubt will create a powerful diversion in favor of the Country; and I wish most ardently that the Northern States may enable you to compleat its reduction. But I confess this is...
74To 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...
75To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand reports this morning a twenty Gun Ship that came in last Evening fird as She past through the Narrows—and was Answerd by the Admiral—Four Ships went through the Narrows Yesterday—they are at Anchor along New Uttrect Shore. Twenty five Sail of ships are seen at a great distance at Sea coming in. If your Excellency think Col. Varnum deserveing promotion and another Brigadier is to be...
76To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The situation of my department has been, for a long time, peculiarly embarrassed. My greatest solicitude and efforts have scarcely satisfied the common exigencies of the service; and I have the mortification to find, that in spite of all my endeavors the difficulties are every day increasing. I have repeatedly mentioned to your Excellency for some months past, that the supplies of money...
77To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencys commands I have been in company with Colo. Putnam and examined all the Country from this place to Fish Kill from FishKill to Pecks Kill and from Pecks Kill to Crumpond, Croten and Bedford and from thence up through Salem to this Place and can find but one Tract of Woodland of sufficient extent to Hut the Army collectively. That is called the Furnace Lot and lies a...
78To 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...
79To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I confess my self at a loss what opinion to form, or what measures to advise to upon the State of the Enemies force and position and the strength and situation of our Army which your Excellency laid before the Board of General Officers yesterday for this purpose. Was our strength equal to the attempt Offensive opperations would be by far the most elegible. This would give security to our Sea...
80To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose your Excellency the returns of the Southern Army for the Month of January. With due respect and esteem, I have the honor to be your most obedient humble servant Not Assigned.
81To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colonel John Laurence is very anxious to join the southern Army, as soon as he gets exchanged. His knowledge of the southern States and of the customs and manners of the people will render his services very necessary in that quarter. Congress have passed a resolution authorizing me to make exchanges. I could wish to know your Excellency’s intentions in this business, as it is my wish to...
82To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Nathanael Greene, 1 Dec. 1778. On 4 Dec. , GW acknowledged receipt of a letter of the “1st Inst. which met me on the way to this place.”
83To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 18 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
My letter to Congress a copy of which I enclose your Excellency will inform you of an unsuccessful action with Lord Cornwallis on the 15th. Our prospects were flattering; and had the North Carolinia Militia seconded the endeavors of their officers, victory was certain. But they left the most advantageous position I ever saw with out scarcely firing a gun. None fired more than twice and very...
84To 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...
85To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 26 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency by Colonel Morris nothing very material has taken place, except the hanging of Colonel Haynes one our militia Colonels, who the enemy hung in Charles Town a little time since, as a traytor as they call him. He was a man of a most amiable character, highly respected, and of a most extensive influence. This insult offered to the good people of this Country, and to...
86IX. To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I make use of the first moment to acquaint Your Excellency that the whole force of the Enemy which has been in Jersey went from Elizabeth Town Point between 12 and 1 OClock this morning; whether they crossed to Statten Island, or embarked on board their shipping I am not yet sufficiently inf⟨or⟩med, altho it is reported they have embark⟨e⟩d and proceeded up Hackensack River, to the latter I...
87To 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 &...
88To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 19 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 19 Aug. 1776. In a letter to Hancock of 20 Aug. , GW says that he received “a Letter from Genl Greene Yesterday Evening.”
89To 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....
90To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 25 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Challenge I mentiond to your Excellency the other Evening I find is given and accepted and the parties have appointed tomorrow morning to fight. As I am made acquainted with the matter I beg your Excellencys direction in what manner I am to conduct myself. This moment Colo. Hand was with me and Acquaints me that I have mistaken his intentions respecting promotions. As he is coming to Head...
91To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 29 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send your Excellency a Copy of my Letter to Congress for your information respecting the operations in this department. The Marquis de la Fayette has arrived in Virginia; but I beleive his Troops are still in Maryland. some Days since I sent Colo. Morris to confer with the Marquis, and see if he has your Excellencys permission to go farther Southward. I received a Letter from him on...
92To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I Inclose your Excellency two letters—one from Mr Oleney—and one from General Parsons—upon the most proper mode for getting on the cloathing and arms from New-London. Has your Excellency any orders to give thereon? Is the cloathing all to come on to this army, or any part of it to stop at Westpoint; and if any, how many suits, and to whom is it to be delivered? the same of the arms. And if the...
93To 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...
94To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency at Guilford Court House, giving you an account of our situation and of the measures devised by The Council of War. Since which we have been manouvring constantly in the face of the enemy, who pressed our rear every day. Finding our numbers and condition so unequal to the enemy that it would be too hazardous to risque a general action, and being pressed in point of time...
95To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured by your Excellency’s letter of the 2d Ulto two days since. The enemy continue in the same position as when M.Genl St Clair left this army; however from various circumstances I am led to believe they are making preparations for a forward movement, and am apprehensive for the consequences of such an event. Our force is inferior to the enemy and in a distressed situation the men...
96To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have a Copy of the Letter in answer to mine, to Congress, relative to Cartridges; As soon as the Cartridges comes up they shall be forwarded—Colonel Biddle has wrote to Amboy for Ninety thousand that are at that Post. We have collected all the Waggons in our power and sent over—Our people have had extream hard duty, the common Guards, common fatigue, and the extraordinary Guards,...
97To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your Excellency’s letter to me of this morning I am about to dispatch Mr Brown and Mr Durie below the mountains to the forage Officers with orders for the removal of the public forage. I have also written to the forage Officers and inclosed them copies of your Excellency’s letter on this occasion, urging them to exert themselves to give success and dispatch to the business....
98To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th of July I have had the honor to receive. before the receipt of which I had sent off two of my aids to give your Excellency a very particular account of the state of the southern department. By Colonel Morris I wrote my opinion respecting the proper object to operate against should we be so happy as to be joined by our good ally. I presume he is with your...
99XI. To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been too busily employed untill the present moment, to lay before your Excellency the transactions of yesterday. The Enemy advanced from Elizabeth Town about five in the morning, said to be about five thousand Infantry with a large body of Cavalry and fifteen or twenty pieces of Artillery. Their march was rapid and compact. They moved in two columns, one on the main road leading to...
100To 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...