51To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 29 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency by Captain Pierce, on the 17th inst. since which I am informed the Maryland troops which were expected to reinforce this Army, have been Ordered to join the Army in Virginia. our situation is truly distressing, and the want of a reinforcement very pressing; but if it will interfere with more important concerns, I am very willing to struggle with every difficulty &...
52To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received your very affectionate letter of the 30th of July; and your entire approbation of my conduct claims my warmest acknowledgments. I cannot help thinking it no less fortunate for the public than happy for ourselves that so perfect a good understanding subsists between your Excellency the Marquis and my self; and I beg leave to assure your Excellency that from duty and inclination I...
53To 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...
54To 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...
55To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 7 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Governor Rutledge has arrivd in Camp and brings me such flattering accounts of large reinforcment expected from the West Indies as induces me to send for a farther explanation; and also to forward the present situation of the Southern department. I hope the fleet will stay to compleat the reduction of Charlestown as well as New York. But if this is not to be expected I could wish to know it as...
56To 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...
57To 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...
58To 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...
59To 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....
60To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letters of the 19th & 21st see 22 of April, I have had the honor to receive. Nothing would afford me greater pleasure than to have it in my power to oblige Major McPherson; especially as it will afford me an opportunity of obliging your Excellency at the same time. Inclosed is a Copy of my last letter to Congress. Copies of my former Letters I desired the President of...
61To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am so streightened in point of time and my family are so unwell that I have beged Congress to transmit your Excellency copies of my letters to them. As soon as I can get a liesure moment, I will give you a more full and particular account of matters in this quarter. In the mean time I beg your Excellency to believe me to be With the greatest respect Your Most Obedient Humble Servant DLC :...
62To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 16 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Post at this place surrendered to the advance of our Army under Lieut. Colo. See on the 15th the particulars are transmitted to Congress; and as I have not a moments time to lose being anxious to push for ninety six as soon as possible, I must beg leave to refer your Excellency to my letters to Congress. I am in distress and our Affairs are in the most critical situation the Cause I will...
63To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 10 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit your Excellency a copy of the Cartel settled for the exchange and relief of prisoners taken in this department, and shall be happy if it meets your approbation. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
64To 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...
65To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have inclosed a Copy of my Letter to Congress, & am to acknowledge the receipt of a Letter from your Excellency dated the 27th of March. I have the honor to be with great respect, Your Excellencys most obt and most humble servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
66To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have inclosed your Excellency a Copy of my Letter to Congress, that you may be enabled to judge of the miserable situation of our affairs. I have the honor to be with due deference and respect Your Excellencys most obedt & most hble ser vt . DLC : Papers of George Washington.
67To 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...
68To 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...
69To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter sent to the President of Congress giving an account of an Action with the British Army at Gilford Court House. The honor of the Day terminated in favor of the Enemy, but their loss being infinitely greater than ours, I trust the event will ultimately prove advantageous to us. I hope the reasons which urged me to the risque of a general action, will meet with your...
70To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 10 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing your Excellency last, there have been some changes in our circumstances. On the 2d Lieutt Colo. Lee with a detachment of Rifle-Men attacked the advanced of the British Army under Colo. Tarlton near Alamance, and killed and wounded, by report, about thirty of them. On the 6th the British moved down towards high Rock, either with a view to intercept our...
71To 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,...
72To 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...
73To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency by Major Giles, Lord Cornwallis has been constantly in pursuit of the Light Infantry and the prisoners, and is now between the shallow ford upon the Yadkin and Salem, one of the Moravian towns; and still pushing into the country with great rapidity. The moment I was informed of the movements of Lord Cornwallis I put the army in motion on Pedee and left it under...
74To 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...
75To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
My public letter will inform your Excellency of the success of the troops under the command of General Morgan. The event is glorious; and I am exceeding unhappy that our wretched condition will not permit our improving it to the best advantage. I shall do all I can but our prospects are gloomy. Our force is small and dayly declining. We have no cloathing or provisions but what we collect from...
76To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 13th of Decemr, this day came to hand. It is true, I came to the Southward in expectation of meeting with difficulties but they far exceed what I had any Idea of. This Country is so extensive and supplies are so difficult to obtain that it is impossible to carry on the war any length of time with the Militia. The waste of stores & consumption of provision and...
77To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose your Excellency an extract of a letter from Brigr Genl Morgan, the authenticity of which depends solely on the report of the Baron Glaub⟨uc⟩. The memorandum which your Excellency will recieve herewith of the Corps under the command of Lord Cornwallis in S. Carolina, is the best I have been enabled to obtain, and I believe their strength is well ascertained....
78To 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....
79To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place on the 2d this Instant. General Gates having reached this some days before me with a part of the troops under his command, the rest being on their march to Hillsborough. General Smallwood was below this about fifteen miles towards the Waxhaws, where he had been for a considerable time before General Gates marched from Hillsborough. On my arrival I sent for him; but he...
80To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here on the 16th in the evening, and found things in such a train as will unavoidably detain me for several days to make some necessary arrangements, which I shall leave Baron Steuben to complete. The Enemy below after making every preparation for establishing a permanent post at Portsmouth by fortifying the place strongly, suddenly drew in their advanced parties, evacuated the Town,...
81To 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...
82To 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...
83To 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...
84To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
On my arrival at this place I laid your Excellency’s letter before Congress and addressed them on the business of the Southern department. I am happy to inform you that my appointment is perfectly agreeable to their views and wishes. But I am sorry to acquaint you that from the best account I can get of the state and condition of the troops in that quarter, nothing is to be expected from them,...
85To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 18th came to hand this afternoon. I had given over the thoughts of going home even if I obtained your permision before I receivd your pleasure upon the subject. My affairs require it; but I am fully convinced that the time it will take and the state of the Southern department will not admit of the indulgance. When I marched from Tappan I wrote to Mrs Greene to...
86To 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...
87To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
The letter from Governor Clinton which will accompany this, will give your Excellency an account of the Inroads of the enemy upon our Frontiers, of the surrender of Forts George & Ann, and that prepera-tions were making for the Investiture of Fort Schuyler. The enclosed paper containing the examination of Serjeant Ceely who came here last night being forwarded by General Bayley may give your...
88To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send your Excellency the estimates of the annual expence of the war; and the amount of what each State can pay towards the charge. Nothing more can be expected from them than to prove that our income is not equal to our expence. They are calculated upon as low or lower scale than the real cost will amount to. Besides these estimates there are several other matters not included in...
89To 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...
90To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is an account given by a deserter just come to this Post. It is probable; if the person is a spy, he will be in Camp to day, and perhaps to morrow, as the army will be on the move, and uncertain where it is marching to. To fix that, may detain him a day longer & I have thought it of sufficient importance to send an Express; as the detection of spies is an interesting matter to the...
91To 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...
92To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys letter dated at Robinsons House 7 oClock last Evening came to hand ¼ past three this morning. Before the receipt of which I had put the first Pennsylvania brigade in motion; and put the whole Army under Marching orders, in consequence of a letter received from Col. Hambleton dated at VerPlanks Point. As the first brigade had Marched, I thought it most advisable to let the...
93To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote last, Major Burnet has returned from Newark, and brings intelligence that the Enemy continue their preparations for a very extensive embarkation, They are collecting their force on Long Island, while a number of transports have fallen down to the watering place, and are preparing for Sea. they have detached near five hundred of the best men from the new levies in garrison at New...
94To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I send your Excellency all the intelligence I have been able to get since my last. Colonel Dayton and Major Burnet are still at Elizabeth Town and New York. No intelligence can be got. by the way of Pawlas Hook. I am afraid the great difficulty is the want of encouragement to run hazards. The Minister of France stole a march upon us in Camp. He came in Cog: and is on his way to New...
95To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s directions of the 18th, I have taken our old Camp at this place. We marched yesterday; and Meggs’s Regiment for West Point the day before. Colonel Tilghman communicate⟨d⟩ the last intelligence we had from New York. Since that I have not been able to obtain the least information of what is going on there, tho’ we have people in, from three different quarters: none...
96To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclos’d I send your Excellency a copy of a letter this moment receiv’d from Colo. Biddle, respecting the forage Department. The inclos’d News Paper has the resolutions of Congress in it, which Colo. Biddle’s letter refers to. As the matter is altogether out of my power to remedy, I must refer it to your Excellency, and beg your advice and order thereon. I am with great respect and regard,...
97To 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...
98To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
There has been committed some of the most horrid acts of plunder by some of the Pennsylvania line that has disgracd the American Arms during the War. The instances of plunder and violence is equal to any thing committed by the Hessians. Two soldiers were taken that were out upon the business both of which fired upon the Inhabitants to prevent their coming to give intelligence. I think it would...
99To 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...
100To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
The time for which I engaged to act in the Qr Masters department at the request of the committee of Congress for cooperation is almost expired, and as I can not exercise the Office any longer consistant with my own safety; I am to request your Excellency will take measures for relieving me as soon as possible from the disagreeable predicament I am in. In the mean time I shall be exceedingly...