Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Morgan, Daniel (1736-1802) to Nathanael Greene

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06685 Author/Creator: Morgan, Daniel (1736-1802) Place Written: Saratoga, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 April 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 33.7 x 20.8 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Brigadier General Morgan after resigning on 10 February 1781 to Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. References Greene's letter of 26 March 1781. Writes a flattering letter expressing his pride and pleasure in knowing and working with Greene. Congratulates Greene on "repelling the enemy when the whole country stood trembling" at Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina. He commends Greene for his "Gallantry and good conduct" while the now sick Morgan served with him. Says he is directed by the Virginia Assembly to send their thanks for men who fought with him at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. Asks Greene to put it in the orders. Mentions that "The pain in my hip has left me but I believe the same kind of pain has taken me in the head which makes me as blind as a bat two or three times a day but the cold bath seems to help me." Address leaf is free franked by Morgan.

…I have been particularly happy in my connections in the Army - and Am happy to tell you, Sir, that you are among the Number I esteem. Your good conduct as an officer, and a gentleman while I had the pleasure of serving with you created that esteem and your gallantry & good conduct since…has confirmed it,…is doubt you will have the thanks of your country, for in my opinion you have done wonders, in repelling the enemy when the whole country stood trembling…Your determination to give the enemy battle was…well timed…such conduct and bravery will seldom fail.[2] is that grand stimulus that pushes men on to great actions.
Sent the standard on to congress, and Informed the president by your order, I expect by this time you have come up with my Lord cornwallis, and am in hopes with an army sufficient to cope with him, but much fear it, as I know what militia can do - but I think cornwallis's army must be dispirited from the manner they were handled the last engagement - God send you success - I am directed by our assembly to send their thanks to the officers & men that fought with me on the 17th Jany

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