11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To 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.”
16To 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...
17To 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 .
18To 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...
19To 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 .
20To 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...
21To 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 .
22To 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...
23To 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...
24To 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.”...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 28 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col Hands reports that the Enemy continues as they were. they fird several Guns last Night different from any custom that has prevaild amongst them since the Arrival of the fleet, A considerable noise and movement of the Boats was heard, after the Signal Guns; and the hurry and confusion they seemd to be in after the firing discoverd they were Alarm’d, Perhaps they have heard of the fire...
28To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 28 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hands morning Report contained nothing material. Lt Colo. Chambers reports this moment that he saw at Ten this morning ten Sail of Vessels standing in for the Hook, but at too great a distance to discover what they were. Mrs Grant applies again for Permision to go on board the fleet. Should be glad to know your Excellencys Pleasure in the matter. she pleads great distress. but it can...
29To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 29 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand Reports Nine Ships, four Briggs & two Sloops at the Hook that came in last Evening. Two Briggs came up to the Narrows and one went down. I am with all due respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW .
30To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 30 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hands Reports two Ships that came in late last Evening at the Hook. nothing material has occurd in this Camp since yesterday. I have the honnor to be your Excellencys most Obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Greene apparently changed the day of the month in the dateline from “31” to “30” by writing a zero over the “1.” Samuel Blachley Webb docketed the letter “Genl Greens Report Long-Island....
31To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand Reports thirty Sail of Ships standing in for the Hook. Perhaps this may be part of the foreign Troops. I detacht for the Galleys between forty & fifty men yesterday. Two Companies that have been with Col. Foremans Regiment are gone from this post to Join their Regiment under General Heard. The Troops in general are exceeding Sickly, great numbers taken down every day. If the state...
32To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The fleet reported coming in this morning consists of about forty Sail, Tenders and all, they are now off new Uttrich Shore—pilots have gone down to bring them up—The dispute subsisting between an Officer in Col. Littles Regt & Col. Varnums I hope is in a fair way to be Accomodateed. In to days Orders a Regt of General Wadsworths Brigade is orderd on this Island. if they can have Tents it will...
33To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 2 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand reports nothing worthy your Excellencys notice this morning. I was at the Narrows last Evening and find the fleet that came in yesterday consisted of 36 Ships 4 Briggs & five Sloops—One Ship and a Sloop still at the Hook. I could not learn with any degree of certainty who they are. But I believe from their Uniforms they must be the Guards & Artillery. If your Excellency has leisure,...
34To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Hand Reports 21 Sail seen off last Evening, Eight arrivd at the Hook this morning and thirteen coming in. The Enemies Guard Boats pattroled much higher up the Bay than usual last Night. I apprehend a couple of Guard Boats are necessary to Pattrole from Red to Yellow Hook across the Bay leading to Rappelyeas Mills, providing there are Boats to spare. Inclosd is a return of the Officers of...
35To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is a list of the principal Tories in the different Towns, given by one Mr Skinner a Young Gentleman bred to the practice of the Law, and perfectly acquainted with all most all the political Charactors in the Province —Your Excellency will please to examin it, and if it meets your Approbation, signify the time youl have the execution take place, by give [giving] your orders on the back...
36To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Varnum Reports from Red Hook about sun set and after as many as One hundred Boats were seen coming from Statten Island to the Ships full of Men. Three Ships went towards the Narrows previous to which about thirty Boats with Soldiers went on board them. From the best Observations made by Capt. Foster and others there is a general Imbarcation. I have inclosd a Report from the Officer of one...
37To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 9 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Hand Reports the three Ships mentioned in my last Evenings Report gone down through the Narrows, are at Anchor in and a little below the Narrows—I was at Red Hook this morning about three OClock, but nothing further had been discovered neither has there since, that has come to my knowledge. General Herd gives furloughs to the Troops of Col. Foremans Regiment. I conceive it to be...
38To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 10 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand reports three Ships at the Hook. A large Schooner saild from the watering place late yesterday in the Afternoon. she seems to direct her course towards Amboy this morning. From the fireing heard at Sea last Evening tis supposd the remainder of the Hessian fleet is at hand. Every thing at the watering place remains quiet. Nothing remarkable has happened in this Camp since Yesterdays...
39To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 10 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Hand reports a large body of Regulars are drawn up at the ferry on Statten Island; and boats ready to Imbark. I am Sir Your Excellency’s Obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Although Samuel Blachley Webb endorsed this document: “General Greens Report Long-Island 10 July 1776,” he evidently erred in regard to the month. The tenth day of July 1776 was a Wednesday, while 10 Aug. 1776 was a Saturday.
40To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 11 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
There is no proper Establishment for the Supplying the Regimental Hospital with proper Utensils for the Sick. They suffer therefore for want of proper Accomodation. There is repeated complaints upon this head. The Regimental Hospitals are and ever will be renderd useless nay grieveous unless there is some proper fund to provide the necessary Conveniencies. The General Hospital cannot receive...
41To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand reports this morning a twenty Gun Ship that came in last Evening fird as She past through the Narrows—and was Answerd by the Admiral—Four Ships went through the Narrows Yesterday—they are at Anchor along New Uttrect Shore. Twenty five Sail of ships are seen at a great distance at Sea coming in. If your Excellency think Col. Varnum deserveing promotion and another Brigadier is to be...
42To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
It having appeared in Orders that Colo: Hitchcocks’s Regiment is to take Possession of the Post opposite to Fort Washington I beg leave to acquaint you that their peculiar Attachment to the old regiments that are here, their thorough Knowledge of the Ground, their Discipline and the good Order in which they are respecting Arms makes me desirous of their remaining here, if it can possibly be...
43To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have thought proper to communicate to you certain Intelligence which I have recieved from my Brother respecting Captain Grimes, whose Conduct (if I have been rightly informed) does not entitle him to that Place in your Esteem which he now holds, nor to that Confidence which you have thought proper to put in him. His leaving the Gally at Rode Island in the Time of the Attack, to take Convoy...
44To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 19 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 19 Aug. 1776. In a letter to Hancock of 20 Aug. , GW says that he received “a Letter from Genl Greene Yesterday Evening.”
45To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The critical situation in which the Army are in, will I hope sufficiently Apologize for my troubleing your Excellency with this Letter. The Sentiments are dictated I am sure by an honest mind, A mind who feels deeply Interested in the Salvation of his Country; and for the honnor and Reputation of the General under whom he serves. The Object under consideration, is whether a General and speedy...
46To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are landed at Powleys Hook, they came up this afternoon and began a Cannonade on the Battery; and after Cannonadeing for half an hour or a little more they landed a party from the Ships. General Mercer had orderd off, from the Hook all the Troops except a small Guard who had Orders to Evacuate the place from the first approach of the Enimy. General Mercer mentions no Troops but those...
47To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am inform’d a large body of the Enemies Troop have landed at Froggs point. If so I suppose the Troops here will be wanted there. I have three Brigades in readiness to reinforce you; General Clintons Brigade will march first. General Nixons next and then the Troops under the command of General Roberdeau. I dont Apprehend any danger from this quarter at present[.] if the force on your side are...
48To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have a Copy of the Letter in answer to mine, to Congress, relative to Cartridges; As soon as the Cartridges comes up they shall be forwarded—Colonel Biddle has wrote to Amboy for Ninety thousand that are at that Post. We have collected all the Waggons in our power and sent over—Our people have had extream hard duty, the common Guards, common fatigue, and the extraordinary Guards,...
49To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Major Howel you will receive 119000 Musket Cartridges. Part arrived today and part last Night. as soon as the remainder comes up from Amboy & Philadelphia they shall be sent forward. I have been to view the roads again; and fixt upon Aquacanack, Springfield Bownsbrook [Bound Brook], Prince Town & Trenttown to establish the Magezines at. Trent Town and Equacanack, to be the principal ones,...
50To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Lasher burnt the Barracks yesterday morning three oClock. he left all the Cannon in the Fort. I went out to examin the ground and found between two and three hundred Stand of small Arms (that were out of repair) about two miles beyound Kings Bridge, a great number of Spears, Shot Shells & so, too numerous to mention. I directed all the Waggons on the other side to be employd in geting...
51To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an Estimate made of the Provisions and Provinder, necessary to be laid in, at the different Posts, between this and Philadelphia, to form a communication; and for the support of the Troops, passing and repassing from the different States. Your Excellency will please to examine it, and signafy your Pleasure. Shoud the Estimate be larger than is necessary for the Consumption of the...
52Enclosure: Estimate of Provisions and Table of Distances for New Jersey Magazines, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
An Estimate of the Magazines to be laid in at the following Posts for the Subsistance of the Troops and for the Horses in Waggons and Artillery. bbl Flour Beef & Pork Tons of Hay Bushl Grain 2000 Men at Fort Lee for Five Months 3100 3100 300 10000 At Hackinsack for the Use of the Hospital allowing fresh Provisions to supply the rest 1000 300 150
53To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy have possession of Fort Independance on the Heights above Kings Bridge, they made their appearance the night before last. We had got every thing of Value away, The Bridges are cut down and I gave Colonel Magaw Orders to stop the Road between the Mountains. I should be glad to know your Excellency’s mind about holding all the ground from Kings Bridge to the lower lines—If we attempt...
54To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Harrison wrote me you were in great want [of] flour —tis attended with very great difficulty to bring it up from Fort Lee by land[.] Waggons cannot be got to transport a sufficient supp⟨ly⟩ for your Army—At Dobb’s ferry there is Eight or nine hundred Barrels brought from the other side. I have directed Col. Tupper to load a number of the Petty Augres and flat bottom Boats and send them up...
55To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By an Express from Major Clarke stationed at Dobbs ferry I find the Enemy are encampt right opposite, to the number of between three and five thousand—and the Major adds from their disposition and search after Boats they design to cross the River—A frigate and two Transports or Provision Ships past the Cheveau de frize Night before last—they were prodigiously shatterd from the fire of our...
56To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 8 November 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 8 Nov. 1776. Greene wrote in his letter to GW of 9 Nov. : “By the letter that will Accompany this, and was to have gone last Night by Major Mifflin Your Excellency will see what measures I took before your favor [of 8 Nov.] came to hand.”
57To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency letters of the 8 this moment came to hand—I shall forwa⟨r⟩d the letter to General Stevens by Express —The Stores at Dobbs ferry I had just given orders to the Quarter Master to prepare Waggons to remove them—I think the Enemy will meet with some difficulty in crossing the River at Dobbs ferry however tis not safe to trust too much to the expected difficulties they may meet...
58To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 10 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor by Col. Harrison of the 8th came to hand last Evening—I am takeing every measure in my power to oppose the Enemies landing, if they attempt crossing the River into the Jerseys—I have about 500 men posted at the different passes in the Mountains—fortifying—About five hundred more are marching from Amboy directly for Dobbs ferry —General Mercer is with me now—I shall send...
59To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11–12 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Justice Mercereau of Statten Island I am informed that 10,000 Troops embarked on board of a number of Transports day before yesterday—Lord Dunmore was to command and that they were bound for South Caroline—A large number of Transports were getting ready to sail for England for Stores—Mercereau says that he saw a man from York yesterday that informed him he had been employ’d in constructing...
60To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you have a letter from Col. Magaw —the contents will require your Excellencys Attention[.] I have directed Col. Magaw to defend the place until he hears from me[.] I have order’d General Hands Brigade to hasten on—I shall go to the Island soon. I am dear Sir your Excell. Obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Although this letter is not dated, it is docketed in GW’s writing: “Majr General...