53751To 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...
53752To 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...
53753To John Jay from Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1779 (Jay Papers)
A late law has been passed by the legislature of the state of New Jersey, for the express purpose of taxing the Assistant and Deputy Quarter Masters General, which I am afraid will be productive of the most disagreeable consequences— This law appears so arbitrary and unprecedented upon any free principles of taxation, that I am surprized it ever had the sanction of a deliberative body— Such a...
53754To 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...
53755To 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...
53756To 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...
53757To 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...
53758To 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...
53759To 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...
53760To 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...
53761To 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...
53762To 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...
53763To 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...
53764To 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...
53765To 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...
53766To 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...
53767To 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 .
53768To 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,...
53769To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 28 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
Our correspondence has been long broken off. I had the honor of a line from you by the Count de Noel; but I was at a loss to tell whether I was indebted to you or to him for it. However in that letter you express a wish to renew our correspondence. I should have readily complied with your desire, but as the correspondence had droped from your disinclination and not mine, and as my situation at...
53770To 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...
53771To 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...
53772To 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...
53773To 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...
53774I. 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...
53775To 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...
53776To 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...
53777To 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...
53778Power of Attorney from Nathanael Greene to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 16 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] August 16, 1785 . On this date Hamilton witnessed a power of attorney from Greene to Wadsworth. DS , signed by Nathanael Greene and witnessed by H and Dirck Ten Broeck. Connecticut State Library, Hartford.
53779To 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...
53780To 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...
53781To 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...
53782To 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...
53783To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 22 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to a vote of the Standing Committee of the Washington Society I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed Card, and to request that you will honor the Society with your presence on the ensuing Anniversary of American Independence. With respect, / your most obt Servt— MHi : Adams Papers.
53784To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 2 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of April 22d. came to hand a few days since. General Lincoln is deservedly acquited from any blame. It is as you observe impossible to guard against the intrigues of the Tories and the Negligence of the Militia. However I hope with you that few such surprises will take place. I most sincerely lament the great inattention and indifference that appears among the People in general...
53785To 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....
53786To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 6 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place on the 2d instant, to which place General Gates had advanced with the army some days before I overtook him. I find the troops under his command in a wretched condition, destitute of anything necessary either to the comfort or convenience of soldiers. It is impossible that men can render any service, if they are ever so well disposed, whilst they are starving with cold...
53787To 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....
53788To James Madison from Nathanael Greene, 1 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). With the exception of a few corrections by General Greene, the text of the letter was penned by his aide-de-camp, Captain Nathaniel Pendleton. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, & to thank you, for your Obliging Letter of January 13th. I am uncertain whether I have not done this before, but am fearfull thro’ the hurry of a...
53789To 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...
53790To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on the success of the detachment under Genl. Morgan. They were attacked by 1100 British troops under Lt. Col. Tarlton on the 17th. Inst. whom they defeated entirely and with very little loss. I must beg you will permit me to refer you to Major Genl. The Baron de Steuben for the particulars. I have appointed Major Hyrne of the S. Carolina line Deputy Commissary General of...
53791To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of the 22d. of June, if it was necessary for you to Apologise for not writing sooner it is necessary also for me. But as the express conditions of my corresponding with you was to write when I had time and leave you to answer at your leisure, I think an Apology is unnecessary on either side. But I can Assure you, as you did me, that it is not for want of respect that...
53792To 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...
53793To 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.”
53794To 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...
53795To 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...
53796III. 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...
53797To 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...
53798To 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.
53799To 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...
53800To 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...