1To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 26 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
The peculiar situation of American affairs renders it necessary to adopt every measure that will engage people in the service. The danger and hardships that those are subject to who engage in the service, more than those who do not, is obvious to every body which has the least Acquaintance with service, tis that which makes it so difficult to recruit. The large force that is coming against...
2To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 2 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have just receivd your favor of the 26th of May in answer to mine of the 24th. You must not expect me to be a very exact correspondent, my circumstances will not always admit of it. When I have opportunity I will write you with freedom if any information I can give you should be of service I shall be amply paid. I know your time is too precious to be spent in Answering Letters; but a line...
3To 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...
4To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 3 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I wrote to you, or you to me, who stands in debt upon the schore of Letters I cannot tell therefore I shall begin anew if you have time and inclination you will give it an answer if not—I shall consider it as the Ladies do their Visits after Marriage, if theres no return the acquaintance drops. I believe you are pretty well convinced of the truth of the observation I...
5To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 5 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have neither seen nor heard of any Resolution of Congress approving or disproving of the Laboratory being fixed at Springfield. If the Congress approves thereof it will be necessary for them to say so there being now an Order for it’s being fixed at Brookfield and the Council of the Massachusets State commissioned to provide the materials for the erection of the necessary Buildings at that...
6To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Enemy made an attempt to surprise General Lincoln. This morning they advanced by three divisions. One crossed the Rarotan about a mile above Head Quarters—the second division came up in front of the Town—the third to the left of the Town and crossed the River cald Boundbrook. Besides these three divisions there was a Corps of de reservs commanded by General Mathews. The Padroles and Guards...
7To 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...
8To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d a letter from you some days since. I have it not with me, and therefore cannot be very particular in the Answer. I re member you lament the general corruption of manners, and the increase of vicious habits that prevail in the Army; It is a serious truth, and much to be lamented; I know of nothing that a people can receive in exchange, for the loss of their Morals that is an...
9To 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...
10To 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.
11To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 23, 1779 . States that the work on “batteaux” will be continued in case it is decided to revive expedition against Canada. LS , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
12To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
It is impossible for me to tell the number of Expresses that may be necessary to do the public business, that depending so much upon contingencies, and the manner of conducting it. We have heretofore kept about Thirty in pay with the Army; and the duty has been so hard, and the encouragement so small, that the greater part have given me warning, to provide others in their place. If the...
13To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, [15 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you kindly for your candid reply. I confess my self unable to write a milder letter upon this subject than this I send you. My feelings are so irritated that the moment I begin to write my passions take the lead in the Sentiment and mingle in such a manner as you see by my composition. I strove as much as ever Mortal did to keep down my resentment; but I found it impossible and there...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 10 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
General du Portail being on his way to the Northward gives me an opportunity to write you; which I should have done before, had not my letters to his Excellency contained as full information of the state of things, as I was able to give from the little time I had been in the department. When I was appointed to this command I expected to meet with many new and singular difficulties; but they...
15Power 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.
16Enclosure A: [From Nathanael Greene], 22 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Misfortunes are more or less painful, as they have been brought upon us by folly, extravagance, or imposed by public necessity. Those of the latter kind may be distressing, but cannot be dishonorable. I have long struggled with difficulties, in which I was involved, while in command to the southward, and which I should have laid before Congress, at an earlier period, but from a hope, that I...
17Enclosure C: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene, to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 11 November 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
“I am taking measures to obtain clothing for the troops. We have on hand but a small part of our winter clothing, and after what we shall be obliged to issue to those troops going northwardly, we shall have but a small pittance left. I imagine, our purchases will amount to not less than forty thousand dollars, for which I shall draw bills on the Financier; and, as I provide the clothing, at...
18Enclosure No. 2: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 19 December … (Hamilton Papers)
“You will see by some of my former letters, that, in consequence of your orders, I had taken measures, to provide such articles of clothing, as were necessary to complete the troops with their winter clothing. Messrs. Banks and Company have furnished most of the articles we shall want, and will provide the rest. Mr. Hamilton, the clothier, had instructions to contract with such as would supply...
19Enclosure No. 3: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 2 February … (Hamilton Papers)
“Lieutenant Colonel Carrington has closed a contract with Mr. Banks for the subsistence of the army, at something [less] than eleven pence sterling. It is high, but it could not be had lower. There was not an offer made but by Mr. Banks, although I wrote to all the principal men in the country. People have not that spirit for engaging in business, here, as with us. “I shall get the troops...
20Enclosure No. 4: Copy of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 5 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
An idle surmise of Mr. Banks, and an improper curiosity of General Scott in the State of Virginia, may give an unjust complexion to the late transaction respecting the measures taken to obtain clothing, as the Governor of Virginia writes, that it was considered a mere speculation for private emolument. For fear, such rumors should spread to my disadvantage, I take the liberty to enclose you a...
21Enclosure No. 5: John Banks’s Certificate, [ca. 3 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
It having been suggested from an interpretation of my letter of October 1782, to Mr. James Hunter, that the honorable Major-General Greene was interested, or intimated a desire of holding a commercial connection with me in Charleston; I do, therefore, as well for the sake of removing such an idea, as to avert from myself any mischief, that a heedless surmise, expressed in a confidential letter...
22Enclosure D: [Nathanael Greene to Colonel Carrington], [26 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Robert Morris, Esquire, Financier for the United States, has in his advertisements for receiving proposals for contracts for supplying the army with rations, directed them to be made to me, in the States of North and South Carolina and Georgia; but in his letter of the 17th of October, 1782, he desires me to commit the business to your care and management, should I find it more convenient for...
23Enclosure E: [Nathanael Greene to John Banks], 25 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The comfortable condition, in which you have put the army, from the large supply of blankets and clothing furnished it, claims my particular acknowledgments; for, although I expect the public will make you a reasonable compensation, yet, as you were the only person, who had the will and the means to serve us, our obligation is equally great. I am happy to find, that most, if not all our...
24Enclosure G: [Nathanael Greene to Robert Morris], 2 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 18th of September, by Mr. Hayward, with the Bills enclosed, I forgot to acknowledge in my last. He promises me the money very soon; Mr. Drayton also promises to pay me very shortly. The clothier’s, quarter master’s and medical departments, together with the bills drawn for two months pay for the officers, give me no small uneasiness, for fear the amount should exceed your...
25To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 10 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
This moment reported me from the Whitehouse Guard that a deserter had made his escape into Bunker Hill—Two Centries fird at him but he made his escape I believe unhurt—As it is uncertain who it is or what he is I have thought proper to alter the Parole & Countersign for these Guards which if your Excellency Approves youl please to signify it at the return of the Sergeant—If this deserter has...
26Plan for Attacking Boston, 18–25 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to Your Excellency’s Orders, we have considered the Matters referred to Us, & beg leave to recommend the following Signals to be given from Roxbury, in Case of any Movement of The Enemy to Distress our People at Dorchester Hill: Signal in Case the Enemy begin to Embarque, a Flagg on Roxbury meeting House; If they Actually Land at Dorchester Two Flaggs, One, over the Other; In case...
27To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 21 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
Prospect Hill, 21 February 1776 . Mr Davids has been chosen chaplain for Varnum’s and Bond’s regiments, and Mr Noble chosen chaplain for Hitchcock’s and Little’s regiments. ALS , DLC:GW . Ebenezer David (c.1752–1778), who was ordained by the Sabbatarian Church of Newport on 31 May 1775, began serving as a chaplain in January 1776. It is said that he returned his commission to GW and acted as a...
28To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 2 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
2 March 1776 . “I visited the . . . Guards in the left and Center Division and . . . found all the Guards in Good Order—Capt. Lewis reported Eight oClock this Morning Five sail of Ships were Coming into Boston. . . . N.B. Joel Hewit of Col. Sargeants Regiment & Francis Offy of Col. Greytons Regt confined in the Main Guard at Cambridge for Mutiny & Disobedience of Orders.” ADS , DNA : RG 93,...
29To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 8 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
[8 March 1776] . “I visited the Guards and gave such Orders as appear’d to be necessary found them in good Order. The Enemy on Bunkers Hill were very busy last Night and this Morning they were carrying Spunges Ladles &C. from the Hill to the Ferry—By the Noise last Night it was suggested they were moveing their heavy Cannon off the Hill and replacing them with Field Pieces.” ADS , DNA : RG 93,...
30To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 11 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Major Nathaniel Cudworth lately discharged from Colo. Whitcombs Regiment has arrived to Join Colo. Bonds, he is agreeable to the Field Officers and satisfactory to the Captains & Subs. The Major is a good prudent Officer and left the former Regiment only because there was not proper order and Decipline maintain’d in it [.] I esteem him worthy the appointment; and if your Excellencys Sentiments...
31To George Washington from Brigadier Generals John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, and Lord Stirling, 27 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the orders given us we have met & deliberated upon the several matters referred to us by your Excellency & beg leave to report, That the following signals be given upon the approach of any number of Ships toward this Port Viz. Upon the appearance of any number of Ships by day from one to six a large flag is to be hoisted on the Highlands of Never sink, upon the appearance of...
32To George Washington from Brigadier Generals Nathanael Greene and Lord Stirling, 18 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 18 May 1776 . Have investigated the claims of two officers to fill “the Vacant post of a Captain in Colonel Wyllys’s Regiment. Wee find they are both Gentlemen of undoubted Merrit But as to Rank in the Continental Army we can have no doubt remaining that it belongs to Leiutenant Huntington, he having been appointed a first Leiutenant in the Service some months before Leiutenant...
33To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 21 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
From the last accounts from Great Britain it appears absolutely necessary that there should be an augmentation of the American forces in consequence of which I suppose there will be several promotions—As I have no desire of quiting the service, I hope the Congress will take no measures that will lay me under the disagreeable necessity of doing it—I have ever found my self exceeding happy under...
34To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Long Island, 24 June 1776 . Asks directions for disposing of eleven Scotch prisoners who have arrived at his quarters. George Washington Greene transcript, CSmH .
35To George Washington from Brigadier Generals William Heath, Joseph Spencer, Nathanael Greene, and Lord Stirling, 27 June … (Washington Papers)
In Considering the Several Matters which your Excellency has been pleased to referr to us; we do with regard to Long Island and Staten Island think it absolutely Necessary for the Safety & defence of this Colony that all the Stock of Cattle and Sheep (Except such as may be requisite for the present Subsistance of the Inhabitants) be removed to a distance from the Sea Coast and that this be...
36To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 5 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to recommend to your consideration the establishing a certain Guard at Red Hook. tis undoubtedly a Post of vast importance, detach’t Guards never defend a place equal to troops stationd at a particular Post. both Officers and men contract an Affection for a post after being there some time, they will be more industrious to have every thing in readiness and Obstinate in defence. The...
37To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 11 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
A report was sent in last Evening from the out Guards at the Narrows that there was two Ships, One Briggantine & one Schooner standing in for the Hook last Night. I was mentioning some few days past that a putrid fever prevailed in my Brigade; and that I thought it partly oweing to their feeding too freely on Animal food. Vegetables would be much more wholesome; and by your Excellencies...
38To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 16 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand Reports the fleet lies much in the same situation as yesterday. Three Ships at the Hook, two Tenders cruising in the Bay. No deserters last Night, nothing material has happend since yesterday. I am in hopes to get the works on Cobble Hill compleated in a few Days, it has taken much more time than I expected, I have such a number of Guards, that the fatigue party is much smaller than...
39To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 17 July 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 17 July 1776. On 18 July Greene wrote to GW : “I wrote to your Excellency yesterday morning.”
40To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 18 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I receivd a line from Col. Webb last Evening directing me to enquire how many Ships had past the Narrows. Colo. Hand reported one yesterday morning, which I thought was reported in my morning report, and if it is not reported there, it was an omision of mine, I beg your Excellency to examin it. Colo. Hand reported at four OClock in the Afternoon that a Brigantine had gone down towards the...
41To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand reports the Ship that went down day before Yesterday morning still continues there at the Hook. An Armed Sloop came up last Night. All the rest of the fleet continues as they were. Nothing extraordinary has happend since yesterday in this Camp—I am with all due respect your Excellency most Obedient humble servant ALS , DLC:GW .
42To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 21 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand reports Seven large Ships are coming up from the Hook to the Narrows. A Negro belonging to one Strikeer at Gravesend was taken prisoner as he says last Sunday at Coney Island, Yesterday he made his escape, and was taken prisoner by the Rifle Guard. He reports Eight hundred Negroes Collected on Statten Island, this day to be formed into a Regiment. I am your Excellencys most Obedient...
43To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 22 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Hand Reports this morning the Ships that came in yesterday have Troops on board, they appear to be drest in the high Land habit. nothing material has happend in this Camp since yesterday. I have the honnor to be your Excellencys most obedient humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW .
44To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 23 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Camp on Long Island, 23 July 1776 . “Inclosed is a Letter sent me by Colo. Varnum rellative to Capt. Read. . . . Colo. Hand reports the Enemy continues as they were.” ALS , DLC:GW . Col. James Mitchell Varnum’s letter to Greene of 22 July requests that Capt. Joshua Read of his 9th Continental Regiment be discharged because Read “is informed by letters which he cannot discredit, that his Wife...
45To 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 .
46To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 25 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just compleated a Brigade Return for the Vacancies in the different Regiments. my Brigade is so dispersed that it is difficult geting returns seasonably; I should have made this return yesterday but could not get Col. Hands until last Evening. The out Guards reports nothing worthy your Excellencys notice this morning. I am so confind, writing passes &ca that it is impossible for me to...
47To 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...
48To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colo. Chambers at Gravesend Reports Eight Sail of Shiping standing in for the Hook, but they are at too great a distance to discover what they are to a degree of certainty, but they have the appearance of Transports. I have the honnor to be your Excellencys most Obedient humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . This letter is docketed in Samuel Blachley Webb’s writing “Long-Island 26th July 1776.”...
49To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand Reports five Ships one Brigg and five Schooners at the Hook: One very large Vessel came up last Evening to the fleet. One other Ship saild about one this morning but the Col. dont write whether she went down or up. I have four Prisoners Inhabitants of Queens County that were taken yesterday attempting to make their escape to the Enemy: I am just going to examin them, if I discover...
50To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have examind the prisoners and find them to be a poor parcel of Ignorant Cowardly fellows. Two are Taylors named John & James Dunbar, and the other two are common labourers named Isaac Petit & Will Smith. They candidly confess they set off with an intention of going to Statten Island, but not with any intention of Joining the Enemy; but to get out of the way of fighting here. I believe the...