Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00488

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

Place Written: Fort Lee, New Jersey

Type: Autograph letter signed

Date: 17 November 1776

Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 32.5 x 19.6 cm.

Summary of Content: Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have ”lost” between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer, Mercer and Greene, had been discussing abandoning the Fort when the British troops arrived and attacked. Describes the British attack on the fort, and the American retreat. Thinks the British may have taken a number of casualties, but bemoans the loss of the fort as a ”terrible event its consequences are justly to be dreaded,” and asks Knox for support as a friend.

People: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806., Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786., Palmer, Joseph, 1716-1788., Mercer, Hugh, ca. 1725-1777.

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Full Transcript: Fort Lee Nov. 1776 1776., Dear Sir, Your favor of the 14th reacht me in a melancholy temper - The misfortune of losing fort Washington with between two & three thousand men will reach you before this if it has not already - His Excellency General Washington has been with me for several days - the Evacuation or reinforcement of [struck: forcement of] Fort Washington was under consideration - but finally nothing concluded on day before Yesterday about one oClock, Howes Adjutant General made a demand of the surrender of the Garrison in the Generals name - but was answered by the commanding Officer that he should defend it to the last extremity - Yesterday morning General Washington, General Putnam, [inserted: General Mercer] and myself went to the Island to determine what was best to be done - but Just at the instant we stept on board the Boat the Enemy made [2] there appearance on the Hill where the Monday action was - and began a severe Cannonade with several field pieces - our Guards soon fled, the Enemy advanced up to the second lines; this was done while we were crossing the River and getting upon the Hill. The Enemy made several marches to the right and to the left I suppose to reconnoiter the fortification and lines. , There we all stood in a very awkward situation, as the disposition was made and the Enemy Advancing we durst not attempt to make any new disposition - indeed we saw nothing amiss. We all urged his Excellency to come off - I offerd to stay General Putnam did the same and so did General Mercer, but his Excellency thought it best for us all to come off together - which we did about half an hour before the Enemy surrounded the fort The Enemy came up Harlam River and landed a Party at Head Quarters which was upon the back of our People in the lines, a disorderly retreat soon took place without [3] much fireing the People retreated into the fort. On the [inserted: north] side of the fort there was a very heavy fire for a long while - and as they had the advantage of the ground - I apprehended the Enemies loss must be great - After the Troops retreated in the fort very few Guns was fired the Enemy Approached within small arm fire of the lines and sent a flagg and the Garrison capitulated in an hour - I was afraid of the fort the Redout you and I advisd too was not done, or little or nothing done to it - had that been compleat I think the Garrison might have defended themselves a long while - or been brought off - I feel mad, [vent], sick and sorry, never did I need the consoling voice of a friend more than now - happy should I be to see you - This is a most terrible Event its consequences are justly to be dreaded - Pray what is said upon the Occasion - A line from you will be very acceptable - I am dear Sir your Obedient Servt, N Greene, No particulars of the Action as yet has come to my knowledge, [address leaf], To, Collo Henry Knox, White Plains, [note below address leaf], I have not lines to give you description of the battle

Keywords/Subjects: Fortification, Revolutionary War, Revolutionary War general, Military History, Children & family, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Fortification

Sub Era: The War for Independence

LOC Search Terms: Fort Washington (New York, N.Y.)--Capture, 1776., United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783., New York (N.Y.)--History--Revolution, 1775-1783, New York (State)--History--Revolution, 1775-1783., United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--American forces., United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--British forces. , United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Casualties.