91To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday that I was afraid we had lost one of our small parties, but they came in a few minutes after I sent the Letter off—Has there been any great desertions from Camp, or any report of prisoners made on the other side of the Schuylkill—I am perswaded, there was some of our prisoners paraded for some purpose—If there has been no report of any being lately taken they...
92To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Wayne wrote me last Evening that all his troops had crost over the River Delaware into the Jerseys—He intends to collect all the Stock and burn all the Hay along the River that will be within the reach of the Enemy—If he executes the business effectually the only chance the Enemy will have of forageing will be between Schuylkill and the Delaware—I am told there is considerable Hay upon...
93To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellencys Letter containing a list of the Counties in Virgina where Waggons might be got and the properest persons to employ to make the purchases. We shall send one Mr Johnston Smith—I shall be much oblige to your Excellency for a Letter to the Inhabitants of Virgina by Mr Smith requesting their aid in forwarding the business of the departmt. I shall also be oblige to your...
94To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The only hope that the Enemy can ever have of subjugating this Country is by possessing themselves of our Capital Cities , distressing our trade—destroying our Stores, and debauching one part of the Comunity to lend their Aid to subjugate the other. These appear to be the great out lines of their plan, upon which they have hitherto regulated all their Operations; and they have never varied...
95To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From the Situation in which I found the Quarter Master General’s Department on my entering upon the Office, which is not unknown to your Excellency, it appeared to be absolutely necessary to make very extensive & speedy Preparations for the ensuing Campaign, especially in Horses, Teams, Tents, and other Articles of high Price. In Consequence of this apparent Necessity, I have given extensive...
96To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
In order to answer your Excellencys six queries and be clearly understood—I shall first state a query & then give it an answer—And so on in order untill the whole is answered. Query the first Whether any enterprize ought to be undertaken against Phila. Answer—I am clearly of Opinion that there ought not. The Enemy can recall any part of their force from the other side of Delaware, so easily &...
97To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The delicate situation I am in prevents my speaking in councels of war with that openness I should if I was to take a part in the command. I must confess the opinion I subscribed to if it is to be considerd in confind sense does not perfectly coincide with my Sentiments I am not for hazzarding a general action unnecessarily but I am clearly of opinion for makeing a serious impression with the...
98To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 11–14 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I would propose writing to the french Admiral that there are two objects one of the two may be improvd as a blockade or an investiture as circumstances and the practibillity of entering the Harbour of New york should be found. The french fleet to take their station at Sandy Hook and block up the Harbour. This Army to take a position near the White Plains to cut off the Land communication and...
99To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Varnum is at this place and has very lately returnd from Rhode Island, he says that there are 1500 State troops including the Artillery Regiment. There is the Continental Battallion commanded by Col. Greene about 130 strong. Besides these 2500 Militia are orderd from the Massachusets, Conecticut, & New Hampshire States, part of which are already arrivd; and the others dayly coming in....
100To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has made me very unhappy. I can submit very patiently to deserved censure; but it wounds my feelings exceedingly to meet with a rebuke, for doing what I conceivd to be a proper part of my duty; and in the order of things. When I left your Excellency at Haverstraw you desird me to go forward and reconnoiter the Country, and fix upon some proper position to draw the troops...