IX. To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1780
IX
From Major General Nathanael Greene
Springfield June 24. 1780 7 OClock A.M.
Dear Sir
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 give but little credit1—However I shall take immediate measures to ascertain the truth, and discover their present position and designs, as far as is possible.
I shall do myself the honor to state to your Excellency, as soon as I have liesure the proceedings of yesterday,2 and in the interim. I am Your Most Obedt Humble Servt
Nath. Greene M.G.
P.S. I have ordered General Wayne to join the Army under Your Excellencys immediate command,3 and beg to receive your direction respecting the remainder of the Troops.
LS, DLC:GW.
1. This report was false. Lt. Gen. Wilhelm von Knyphausen’s entire corps retreated across a bridge of boats to Staten Island.
2. See Document XI.
3. In his letter of 24 June, Greene ordered Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne to send his brigade back to GW’s main army, but he asked Wayne himself to join him at Springfield to help determine the next British objective (see , 6:40).