Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02863

Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786)

Place Written: Camp at Kaykeyotte

Type: Autograph letter signed

Date: 14 July 1778

Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 34.5 x 21 cm.

Summary of Content: Written as Quartermaster General, mentions the Battle of Monmouth and that he is crossing the Hudson (North) River. Adds that the French fleet is off Sandy Hook. Ridicules the ”farcical” Parliamentary propositions for reconciliation with the United States.

People: Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786., Webb, Joseph, 1734-1778., Webb, Joseph, 1734-1778.

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Full Transcript: Camp at Kaykeyotte July 14 1778, Sir, on the receipt of this you will cease making Portmanteaus or Valeesses. We think we have a sufficiency for the demand of this Campaign., I receivd a Letter from you sometime past but whether it was answerd I cannot recollect, , and I am separated from my papers on the march [inserted: which prevents my reducing of it to a certainty]. You will please to forwarding an account of your disbursements; and let the Portmanteaus &c. be sent to Mr. Nehemiah Hubbard DQMG at Hartford, The particulars of the Battle of Monmouth and the Enemys march through the Geneys, you see in the Papers, We are now crossing the North River, the left Wing of the Army crosses today at Kings ferry, the right to morrow & the second line next day., There is a French fleet consisting of 12 Sail of the Line & 4 frigates, off Sandy Hook- Mischief thou art or fool now let it work. A French frigate of 36 Guns sunk an English Sloop of 20 Guns near the Capes of Delaware a few days since. Great Britain & France will soon be by the Ear. Things are ripening fast in Europe for a [2] general war. British pride stands upon a slippery foundation and bids fair to meet with a very great fall., The Parliamentiary Propositions for a reconciliation with the United States are truly farcical; and as such the Congress have treated them., My best respects to your and Mr. Deans family and all others of my acquaintance at Weatherfield., I am Sir your, humble Servant, NathGreene QMG, , Joseph Webb Esqr, [address leaf], Joseph Webb Esqr, Weathersfield, Conecticut, , [docket], Series 14th July 1778., General Green’s Letter to, Ja:Webb-

Keywords/Subjects: Battle of Monmouth, Revolutionary War, Revolutionary War general, Battle, Military History, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Government & Civics, Peace, France, Continental Army, Navy

Sub Era: The War for Independence

Background: After winning the esteem of General Washington for his services in battles in the vicinity of New York City, Greene was made a Major General and was assigned to the command of the Revolutionary Troops in New Jersey. Joseph Webb was initiated a Free Mason in the Lodge of St. Andrew and will always be connected to the Boston Tea Party. He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, was its second sergeant in 1765 and in 1773 was elected Ensign of that corps.

LOC Search Terms: United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--New York., United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--French participation., United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Naval operations--French., New York (State)--History--Revolution, 1775-1783., Hudson River (N.Y. and N.J.)--History--Revolution, 1775-1783.