31From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 28 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to observe in your Letter of the 6th Augst a Complaint, that you have heard nothing from me since the 1st June—many Letters have been written to you since that Time—some of very particular Importance—This failure gives me Reason to fear some foul Play on the Route. The last I wrote to you was from Philadelphia, of the 4th of this instant Month—informg that the Plan of our...
32From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 4 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Two Days ago, I received your Favors of the 6th & 7th of August by Colo. Morris: As he does not return imediately, & as I have a favorable Opportunity of writing by a Gentleman, who is recomended by Mr Bee, I will give you a Sketch of our Proceedings, Circumstances & Prospects, without entering into a Detail of Affairs, which however, I will not fail to communicate, as soon as Matters have...
33From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
This letter will, probably, be delivered to you by Mr Fitzhugh—third son to Colo. Fitzhugh of Maryland—who is desirous of obtaining an appointment in Baylors Dragoons. Mr Fitzhugh is a stranger to me, but is spoken of as a promising young man, just from his Studies—Such characters is an acquisition to any Corps—I shall be obliged to you for introducing him to my namesake as a fit person to...
34From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
With peculiar Satisfaction I do myself the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your several Favors of the 10th 14th & 16th of May last—with that of the 22nd of June—and to assure you at the same Time, that it is with the warmest pleasure I express my full Approbation of the various Movements and Operations which your Military Conduct hath lately exhibited; while I confess to you that I am...
35From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 1 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 22nd and 27th of April enclosing Copies of your Letters to Congress. The difficulties which you daily encounter and surmount with your small force, add not a little to your reputation, and I am pretty well assured that should you be obliged finally to withdraw from South and even from North Carolina, it will not be attributed to either your want of abilities...
36George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 22, 1781 . Approves of Greene’s tactics against Cornwallis. Reports that Pennsylvania line will be delayed. Hopes that Greene will be able to employ Major William Macpherson. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of the 19th I have received your letter of the 29th of March, with the Copy of one to Congress of the 30th. The sequel of Cornwallis’s late movements do as much honor to you as discredit to him. He is so far baffled—’Tis deplorable that the composition of your force did not enable you to make it more. The project you had adopted of endeavouring to transfer the War has many...
38George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 19, 1781 . Is pleased with Greene’s successful attack on Cornwallis. States that the southern situation is still critical and that a new British expedition is preparing for either Delaware, Virginia, or North Carolina. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
39From 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...
40From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 18th Ulto came safe to hand—although the honors of the field did not fall to your lot, I am convinced you deserved them. The chances of War are various—and the best concerted measures, and the most flattering prospects may, & often do deceive us, especially while we are in the power of Militia. The motives which induced you to seek an Action with Lord Cornwallis are...
41From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I returned the last Evening from Newport to which place I had been upon a visit to the Count de Rochambeau. I have, since my last of the 28th of Feby, received yours of the 9th 15th and 28th of the same month—the last releived me from much anxiety by informing me that you had saved all your Baggage—Artillery and Stores notwithstanding the hot pursuit of the Enemy and that you in turn were...
42George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 27, 1781 . Congratulates Greene on Brigadier General Daniel Morgan’s victory. Reaffirms confidence in Greene’s abilities. States that Pennsylvania line has been ordered South. Describes Virginia expedition. Reports supposed victory of Comte d’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
43From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of the 2d instant I have duly received your several letters public and private of the 11th 13th 24th and 28th of January. The President of Congress, and Baron De Steuben have just transmitted me copies of your letters to them of subsequent date. I wish I had it in my power to congratulate you on the brilliant and important success of General Morgan, without the alloy, which...
44From 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...
45From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9-11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your Letters of the 7th and 8th of December, together with the Returns of the Army under Your command. It is impossible for any one to sympathize more feelingly with you, in the sufferings and distresses of the Troops than I do: and nothing could aggravate my unhappiness so much as the want of ability to remedy or even alleviate the calamities they suffer, and in...
46From 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...
47From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing to communicate, but that the detachment, which I mentioned in mine of the 13th, on board about twenty transports fell down to the Hook on the 19th and it is supposed went to sea the same day. The numbers in this detachment are variously reported—The Grenadiers and Light Infantry were once under orders, but they were countermanded and other Corps substituted. I have little doubt...
48From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 13th & 19th of last month from Mount Vernon and Richmond. I wish your Business had permitted you to have staid longer at the former. It is happy for you, that you went to the Southward prepared to meet difficulties, which I fear will increase as you go forward. I know of nothing which can releive us in respect to Cloathing but the arrival of the quantity long...
49From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 13 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
It gives me much pleasure to hear, that my letters of introduction were serviceable to you —I am perswaded there is not wanting a disposition in Congress, or the individual States to the Southward to afford you every support the unhappy state of our finance (which seems to be the source from whence flows all our difficulties) will admit; but if any thing in my power can give a spring to their...
50From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of the 31st of October, & am pleased to find your appointment so agreeable to the veiws and wishes of Congress. So fully sensible have I long been of the distressed situation not only of the Army in this quarter, but also at the southward, and of all our great departments, from the embarrassed state of our finances , that it has been not only a constant subject of...
51George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Orders Greene to assume the command of the southern army until an inquiry has been made into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct in the southern campaign. Orders Greene to appoint the court of inquiry. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
52From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased by their Resolution of the 5th instant, to authorise me to appoint an Officer to the command of the southern Army in the room of Major Genl Gates ’till an enquiry can be had into his conduct as therein directed, I have thought proper to choose you for this purpose. You will therefore proceed without delay to the southern Army, now in North Carolina, and take the...
53George 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.
54From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 16th was delivered me an hour since—I am aware, that the command you are entering upon will be attended with peculiar difficulties and embarrassments; but the confidence I have in your abilities, which determined me to choose you for it, assures me you will do every thing the means in your power will permit to surmount them and stop the progress of the evils which have...
55From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene or Commanding Officer at West Point, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is represented to be indispensably necessary in the course of Smiths trial, that Col. Lamb, Col. Livingston, & Mr Kearse the Qr Master should attend the Court Martial as Witnesses—I have to request that you will Notify them, their presence will be necessary on thursday Next, and give them directions to attend accordingly if possible. I am Sir with great esteem Your Most Obedt Hble Servt LS...
56From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of yesterday, accompanied by a letter from His Excellency Governor Clinton, who gives me an account of the incursion upon the Frontiers. I am happy that you detached Gansevoorts Regiment immediately—You will be pleased to order either Weisenfelds or Willets, as you may judge proper, to follow, and to take orders from the Governor or the commanding Officer. This is all the...
57From 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,...
58From 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...
59From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will take the command of the two divisions consisting of the Jersey and York Brigades, and Starkes and late Poors Brigades with which you will march by the directest route to West Point—The Troops will go all the way by Land, sending their baggage and Artillery by Water from Kings ferry for the security of which you will take effectual precautions. I wish the Troops to arrive at their...
60From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have concluded to send Major André of the British Army and Mr Joshua Smith who has had a great hand in carrying on the business between him & Arnold to Camp tomorrow. They will be under an escort of Horse and I wish You to have Separate Houses in Camp ready for their reception, in which they may be kept perfectly secure and also strong Trusty Guards trebly officered & that a part may be...
61From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I request that You will put the Division on the left in motion as soon as possible, with orders to proceed to Kings ferry where or before they will be met by further Orders. The Division will come on light, leaving their heavy baggage to follow. You will also hold All the Troops in readiness to move on the shortest notice. Transactions of a most interesting nature & such as will astonish You...
62George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] September 18, 1780 . Reports arrival of Admiral Rodney. Directs Greene to move the Army to vicinity of Tappan and to send a Continental regiment to West Point. Df , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
63From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received New York papers confirm⟨ing⟩ the arrival of Rodney with 10 sail of the line. Major Jammison says 8 and adds that Clinton has ordered the whole flying army to New York and that 70 transpor⟨ts⟩ were ready to receive them —West Point I fou⟨nd⟩ is very weak. I would have you move the army to the vicinity of Tappan ⟨in order to⟩ be nearer all the points that interest us—The garrison...
64George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 16, 1780 . Is setting out for Hartford. States that Greene is to be in command of the Army. Sends instructions concerning post at Dobbs Ferry. Reports that Admiral Rodney is “at the Hook and that the Enemy are making an embarkation for Rhode Island.” States that if this information is true, Greene is to make preparations for attacking New York. Df , in...
65From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Tomorrow I set out for Hartford, on an interview with The French General and Admiral. In my absence the command of the army devolves upon you. I have so intire confidence in your prudence and abilities, that I leave the conduct of it to your discretion, with only one observation, that with our present prospects, it is not our business to seek an action or accept it but on advantageous terms....
66From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
You are appointed to the command of the Light Infantry and four brigades from your own Wing to be employed upon a forage dow⟨n⟩ to Bergen and from thence up to the English neighbourhood. You will make the necessary disposition for your own security and the Waggons employed upon the occasion. Such are the necessities of the Army and such the situation of the Inhabitants being all within the...
67From 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...
68George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Orangetown, New York ] August 12, 1780 . Instructs Greene to retain the teams mentioned in Greene’s letter. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
69From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I shall adopt the order you recommend. Tomorrow if we are all ready to ma[r]ch we will begin to cross the River for Dobbs’s ferry. You will therefore discontinue your preparations for the object that brought us here as it has ceased, further than as they may promote the views of the campaign. Endeavour to have every thing in your department ready to day to move the Troops. I am &c. Df , in...
70George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinson’s, Highlands [ New York ] July 30, 1780 . Empowers Greene to impress in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as many teams as are necessary. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
71From 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...
72George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 26, 1780 . Transmits plan for conducting the quartermaster’s department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
73From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the inclosed plan for conducting the Quarter Master General’s department of the 15th instant, which I transmit for your government. With the greatest esteem I am Sir Your most Obedt servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; copy, DNA:PCC , item 11; copy, DNA:PCC , item 39; copy, DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA : RG 93, manuscript file no. 25382; Varick...
74From 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...
75From 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...
76From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The moment for commencing our operations is so near that no time is to be lost in bringing forward to the North-River, a proper proportion of intrenching tools for an operation against New York with all the tents which can be procured. To you it would be wholly unnecessary to recommend expedition. I am Dr Sir &. P.S. have you intrenching tools in this quarter, or how soon could they be had in...
77George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 14, 1780 . Directs Greene to send George Olney to New London to receive clothing, arms, and ammunition expected from France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
78From 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...
79From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to send Mr Olney to New London to receive the arms Cloaths and ammunition which is expected there by the French fleet. They will probably be convoyed by a frigate, or two—to the Captain of which Mr Olney will apply with the Inclosed Letter. He will take measures to have them fowarded to the army with all possible expedition, by applying to the Magistrates to impress waggons...
80From 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.”