4581From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, I have gained information, thro’ the Channel upon which I most depend, that the embarkation which sailed from New York the 20th of last month, consisted of about sixteen hundred Men, chiefly detachments from the British—German and new Corps. I hear of no intire Corps but the Queens Rangers. Arnold commands. We have various reports, thro’ the New York papers and our own, of an...
4582From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The situation of affairs to the Southward makes it a serious question whether any further succours ought to go from this Army. There are many obstacles to the measure, perhaps insurmountable ones, but in considering it, it is essential to ascertain how far it may be practicable to transport the Troops. They must of necessity go a great part of the way by land. I am therefore to request you...
4583From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Although I am convinced, from your late frequent representations and my own knowledge, of the distress in which your department is involved for want of money, and consequently of your inability to make almost any new provision of the many articles necessary for the operations of this Campaign, yet there are some matters which may be put in a state of readiness, through the means of the...
4584From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having already fully explained to you the plan of the Western expedition against the Indians of the Six Nations, and the preparations necessary in your department—I am now to inform you that Major General Sullivan is appointed to the command of this expedition, and to desire that you will comply with his immediate requisitions for every thing which falls within the province of your department...
4585From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letters of y⟨e⟩sterday two Deserters have got in from the Enemy (at Dobbs’s Ferry) who relate m⟨a⟩ny circumstances in proof of the Enemys Intention of crossing into the Jerseys at or near Dobbs’s Ferry under cover of a Cannonade from their Shipping. These Deserters say that Boats were to have been brought up (from New York they add, but possibly they may be brought from the Sound by...
4586From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 27th reached me this day at Noon at Sufferans. From a consideration of all circumstances I am led to decide upon the position back of Mr Kembles, and more especially, as I think there will be an immediate necessity of sending a further reinforcement to South Carolina—I mean, besides the North Carolinians. This, with the diminution of force which will be occasioned by the...
4587George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 19, 1779 . Advises Greene to use whatever method is necessary to obtain wagoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4588From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
There is no disposition that can be made of the Army at this time under our prest uncertainties that may not be subjected to material change (as you will be convinced by recurring to the conversation I held with you on Wednesday last) —It is as I observed to you on that occasion, a matter of great question with me, whether West point will not become the head quarters of the Army when we go...
4589From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
By dispatches recd the last evening from the Count de Rochambeau I am informed that the French Fleet and Army consisting of eight ships of the Line two Frigates and two Bombs and upwards of five thousand Men have arrived at Newport —This makes them rather inferior to the combined naval force of Arbuthnot, and Greaves; but as a second division of ships and land Forces (a circumstance you will...
4590From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The good People of the State of Pennsylvania living in the vicinity of Philadelphia & near the Delaware River having sufferd much by the Enemy carrying off their property without allowing them any Compensation, thereby distressing the Inhabitants—supplying their own Army & enabling them to protract the cruel & unjust war that they are now waging against these States—And whereas by recent...
4591From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more & more probable, that the Enemy are preparing to evacuate it—Whether they intend to leave the Continent, or only go to some other part of it must be uncertain. There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York. In any case it is absolutely necessary, we should be ready, for an instant movement of the...
4592From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
By advices received from General St Clair who is on the lines, it appears that the enemy have augmented their force considerably on Staten Island, and at Pawlus Hook. From this circumstance, and their impressing sleds (as it is said on Bergen neck) it would seem as if they had some offensive operation in view. I have therefore to request that you will use your best endeavours for the purpose...
4593From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 17th of March inclosing the copy of one of the 16th to the President of Congress—The motives which induced you to hazard a battle appear to me to have been substantial—I am happy to find by your subsequent letter to Congress, that the retreat of Cornwallis in circumstances of distress corresponded with your expectations. I still however regard your affairs as...
4594George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 22, 1778 . States that provisions for the French fleet have not arrived. Asks Greene to see “that every possible expedient may be embraced to promote” the forwarding of supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, Bibliothèque Municipale, Lille, France.
4595From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 22 of April also Your two favors of the 19th of May, with the Returns of the Army under your Command, have been duly received; but having been in momently expectation that intelligence would arrive from Europe, or some other event turn up, which might disclose the intentions of the Enemy, & give a clue for the final determination of the Operations of the Campaign , I have...
4596George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 20, 1779 . Instructs Greene to assist the clothier in forwarding clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4597From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 16 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of 6th instant by Colo. Morris informed you that our Trenches would be opened that Night—they were so—without discovery or Losses at the Distance of about 600 yds—from that time to the 9th—we were employed in compleatg our first Parallel & constructing Batteries—on the 9th & 10th—Our Fire from Cannons & Mortars commenced very Briskly & had a very good Effect upon the Enemys...
4598Instructions to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The necessity of having the Congress well inform’d of many matters essential to the well being of this Army, and the Impracticability of doing this fully by Letter, have induced me to request you (who intimately know our Circumstances) to repair immediately to Philadelphia for this purpose. at the same time to know how we are to be supplied with Arms and many other Articles of wch we are...
4599From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the general order of this day you take the command of the troops left at this post and the vicinity, consisting of Maxwells and Starke’s brigades, Lees corps and the militia—The objects of your command are as far as possible to cover the country and the public stores—the dispositions for this purpose are left entirely to your discretion, with this recommendation only that you use every...
4600From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Appearances & facts must speak for themselves—to these I appeal —I have been at my present quarters since the first day of Decr & have not a Kitchen to cook a dinner in, altho’ the Logs have been put together some considerable time by my own Guard—nor is there a place at this moment in which a servant can lodge, with the smallest degree of comfort. Eighteen belonging to my family, & all Mrs...
4601From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to Yours of this Evening—The Whole of the Cloathing & Arms are to be sent to Fish Kill Town in the first instance, unless orders should be given to the contrary, and though it is a matter of great importance and infinitely desireable to save expence by bringing them by a Water transportation part of the way; yet the present state of navigation will not permit it or justify me in...
4602From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
200,000 Bushels of Grain and as much Hay as can be drawn in from both sides of Delaware, to be lodged on the banks of Delaware from Trenton upwards. 200,000 Bushels of Grain and as much Hay as can be procured, at different posts on Schuylkill. 200,000 Bushels of Grain and as much Hay as can be procured within 40 Miles of the Camp, to be fixed at different posts from the Head of Elk to Camp....
4603From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 27 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago, by the post, on wch of late there seems to be no dependance, I wrote you a few lines expressive of an earnest wish that you could make it convenient to be at the Genl Meeting of the Society of Cincinnati, before you took your departure for South Carolina. I did not then, nor can I now, assign all my reasons for it; but to me it should seem indispensable, that the Meeting in May...
4604George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] May 25, 1779 . Instructs Greene to have tents in readiness to deliver to troops and to make sure that stores are not within reach of the enemy in Virginia. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4605From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 24 Oct. 1776. Greene’s letter to GW of this date is docketed: “Genl Greene 24th Octr 1776. Ansd same day.”
4606From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 June 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 25 June 1780. In his first letter to GW of that date , Greene wrote: “I have this moment receivd your Excellencys letter of this day.”
4607From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday afternoon I re⟨ce⟩ived your favor of the 12th & 13th Inst. by Mr Hulet the Pilot, who did not arrive in Camp till then. I am much obliged by your particular relation of matters, and request that you will continue it from time to time whenever oppertunity will permit. There was one circumstance in your relation, of which I was exceedingly sorry to hear. You will readily know which...
4608From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 3d I give it clearly as my opinion, that no change has happened in our affairs, which will justify the least relaxation in our military preparations and consequently that the provisions you have been, and are, making, in your department, ought to be continued in their fullest vigor and extent. Whether any, or what change may happen, in the local situation of the...
4609From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
As there is a charge brought against Col. Hooper and a trial must be the result there would be an impropriety in giving him a discharge, unless he consents to the process taking its course as if he were still in the department under this condition you are left to act as you think proper. I am Yrs &c. Df , in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For the charges...
4610From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby empowered to impress in the states of Penssylvania and New Jersey, such a number of teams as the exigency of the service requires, for the purpose of transporting provisions and military stores from Easton Sussex &c., for which this shall be your warrant. Given at Robinsons Highlands July 30th 1780 Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . On 3...
4611George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1780 . Instructs Greene to “take the command of the troops left at this post and the vicinity,” to cover the country and public stores, and to secure information concerning enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4612George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Authorises a “military impress” for procuring forage. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. A notation on the draft reads “Intended to have been written.”
4613From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have determined upon a plan of operations for the reduction of the City and Garrison of New York; which is to be carried on in conjunction with the french forces dayly expected from France. The number of Troops to be employed upon this occassion may be about forty thousand men. You are hereby directed therefore to make every necessary arrangement & provision in Your Department for carrying...
4614From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
How happy am I my dear Sir, in at length having it in my power to congratulate you upon a victory as splendid as I hope it will prove important. Fortune must have been coy indeed had she not yielded at last to so persevering a pursuer as you have been—I hope now she is yours, she will change her appellation of fickle to that of constant. I can say with sincerity that I feel the highest degree...
4615From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 17 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive a few days ago, your private Letter , by the same conveyance which brought your public Dispatches of the 26th & 29th of August—I seized the first safe conveyance to forward the family Letters to the care of Governor Greene. In answer to your request, that I would give you my sentiments on the future Plans of the Enemy, I need scarcely premise, that in the...
4616From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of Yesterday Afternoon from Burlington. As you have crossed the River, an attack upon the Enemy’s detachment if it can be made with success, would be a most desirable object. But I must leave the propriety of it entirely to your own judgment. I have heard nothing more of Glovers Brigade than that they were advancing down the Road from Morris Town; I sent an Express to meet...
4617From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
As you are retiring from the Office of Quarter Master General, and have requested my sense of your conduct & Services while you acted in it, I shall give it to you with the greatest chearfulness & pleasure. You conducted the various & important duties of it with capacity & deligence—entirely to my satisfaction—and as far as I had an oppertunity of knowing—with the strictest integrity. When you...
4618From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterday and am extremely concerned to find that you meet with such difficulties in quartering the Officers whose rank & situation require they should be lodged in the houses in the vicinity of the Army. I regret that the Inhabitants should be unwilling to give shelter to men who have made and are still making every sacrafice in the service of their Country, and...
4619From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the general idea I have been able to acquire of the Country by Maps, as well as from the description you give of it, & its resources, Your Position at the Cheraws, on the East Side of the Pedee seems to have been very judiciously chosen. The Motives for Detaching Brigadier Genl Morgan, And the objects given him in charge, appear also to be supported upon just Military Principles. It will...
4620From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
By a letter received yesterday afternoon from His Excellency, the President of Congress, of the 6th Instt, inclosing the copy of a resolution of the preceeding day, I find it has been their pleasure, to direct me to order a Court of enquiry to be held on the conduct of Major General Gates, as Commander of the Southern Army; And also to direct me to appoint an Officer to command it in his room,...
4621George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 24, 1779. Authorizes Greene to impress teams when necessary. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4622From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterday and have given instructions to the Quarter Master to supply your demand of Waggons, by sending forward as many as can be spared from the Camp and pressed in the neighborhood—however I would not have your exertions abated, by a Reliance on Success in this quarter. As it is impossible to secure the Hay on the Jersey Shore, for our own use it is certainly...
4623From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the Removal of the Troops under Genl Smallwoods Command will leave our Stores at the head of Elk exposed, and their only protection will be such as they may derive from the Militia of the Country You are without loss of time to have every thing of value in your magazines thereabouts, transported to the most convenient place for the purposes of the army. I am &c. As Genl Smallwood with his...
4624George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . Asks that Colonel John Mitchell be allowed to come to Camp to testify in Major General Benedict Arnold’s behalf. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4625From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have successively received your favours of the 30th of October, & the 2d and 21st of November. I thank you for your Congratulations on an event which is certainly most important, considered in a public View, and which adds to my personal satisfaction, by finding that it, in some degree, relieves you from that load of difficulty and distress with which you had so long been contending—The...
4626George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 18, 1780 . Discusses Greene’s new command in the South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4627From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 16th. The exorbitancy of the price of forage to the Eastward exceeds what I had any conception of, and should the seat of War be transferred to that quarter, the prices, high as they are, would no doubt rise with the demand—Mr Pettit and Colo. Biddle, alarmed at the prices of that Article in this quarter, and finding the people every day more unwilling to...
4628From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
As you appear to be of opinion in your letter of this date that the loss of the cattle and perhaps the failure of the attempt, would be the consequence, should the team with the clothing set out for Albany under the present circumstances of the weather—I think it had better be deferred at least till the prospect of travelling is better—I wish it had been in our power to have taken advantage of...
4629George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] March 26, 1780 . Asks if large body of troops can be transported to the South. Instructs Greene to report on “our prospects for moving the army this campaign.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4630From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Whereas it is found impracticable by the ordinary mode of procuring teams to furnish a sufficient number to prosecute the important defences of this post with so much vigor and effect as the exigency of the public service demands, and there is a constant necessity to have recourse to the expedient of impressing them through the Country; You are hereby authorised from time to time, by yourself...