To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 May 1779
From Major General Nathanael Greene
Camp [Middlebrook] May 6—1779
Sir
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 given.
I should be very glad if the common interest would admit of their continuance there; but if it will not what can be said. However as an application is made to me to urge their continuance. I think it my duty to lay the Letter before Your Excellency for your consideration.1 I am your Excellencys obedient Servt
Nath. Greene
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed copy of a letter from William Greene to Nathanael Greene, dated 26 April at Providence, R.I., reads: “The order received by General Gates from his Excellency General Washington, for General Glovers Brigade to hold themselves in readiness to March on the shortest notice, greatly distresses the Inhabitants of this State. You are well acquainted with the weak and missarable state we are in, which renders it unnecessary for me to be particular; But I must entreat you in the most earnest manner to use your utmost influence with his Excellency, to reconsider the order, unless there shou’d be an equal number sent here to supply their places, previous to these marching out of the State” (DLC:GW). For more on this dispute, see GW to Horatio Gates, 17 April, and n.2 to that document.