From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780
To Major General Nathanael Greene
Hd Qrs Morris-town Mar. 26th 1780
Dr Sir,
I have, by this conveyance, written to Congress on the defects of the New System for supplyg the Army.1
I shall thank you for the News and politic’s of the Town. particularly on the Subject of finance (wch I think evy one ought to support)2 & the prevailing sentiment respecting our Southern Affairs—The currt opinion of sensible men, on the propriety and practicability of affording further succour to Genl Lincoln from this Army—under the present circumstances of it, & other matters—is what I wish much to learn—the situation of our affairs in South Carola impresses me with many fears on acct of Charles Town & with deep concern at the effect which the loss of it may produce on the minds of People in that quarter.
It is my earnest wish that to the Sentiments of others you would add those of your own—in full & explicit terms. I shall I believe, ask this of the other Genl Officers3—Mrs Green gave us the pleasure of her company yesterday & is well.4 I am.
ADf, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The recipient’s copy of this letter reached Greene on 29 March (see Greene to GW, 31 March).
2. Congress recently had adopted financial reforms (see Philip Schuyler to GW, 12 March, and notes 3 and 4 to that document; see also GW to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 25 March).
3. GW’s concern over the southern military situation prompted councils of war on 27 March and 1 April.
4. Greene’s wife, Catharine, had given birth to the couple’s fourth child on 31 January.