Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01198 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) Place Written: Santee, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 September 1781 Pagination: 4 p. + docket Order a Copy
Writes from Camp High Hills that he hopes Knox is with General George Washington in Virginia, where "the prospect is so bright and the glory so great." Wished the Continental Army had attacked New York, which was planned before the decision to concentrate forces at Yorktown. Anticipates that Washington will force British General Cornwallis to surrender, ("pile his arms"). Talks in general about the difficulties of his Southern campaign. Inquires about family and friends.
[Draft]
My dear friend
Where you are I know not, but if you are where I wish you, it is with the General in Virginia; the prospect is so bright and the glory so great that I want you to be there to share in them. I was in hopes you would have operated seriously against New York which would have been still more important; but as your operations are directed another way I take it for granted means were wanting to play the great game; however to take a General who has been the terrour of the South and oblige his Army to pile their arms, will be a rich feast even for the eyes of a prince [illegible.] We have been beating the bush and the General has come to catch the bird. Never was there a more inviting object to glory. The General is a most fortunate Man and may success and laurels attend him. [2] We have fought frequently and bled freely, and little glory comes to our shore. Our force has been so small that nothing capital could be effected, and our operations have been conducted under every disadvantage that could embarrass either a General or an Army. We have done all we could, and if the public and our friend are not satisfied we cannot help it. We have been in such a situation that I fancy few would have thought of operating effectively; but I thought it the safest way; and even our own officers who were [3] at first alarmed at our plan of operations are pleased at the dangers through which they have been led.
I long to see you and spend an evenings conversation together. Where is Mrs Knox and how is Lucy and my young Godson Sir Harry? I beg you will present my kind compliments and best wishes to Mrs Knox. How is my old friend Col Jackson is he as fat as ever, and can he still eat down a plate of fish that he cant see over? God bless his fat soul with good health and good spirits to the end of the war, that we may all have a happy meeting in the North. Have you heard from your brother Bill lately? Please to give my compliments to him, and tell him we are catching at smoky glory, while he is wisely treasuring up solid Coin.
[4] Yours aff
NGreene
Camp high hills Santee
Sept 29th 1781.
[docket]
from General Greene
29 Septr 1781.
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