Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to Clement Biddle
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00954 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) Place Written: Tappan, New York Type: Letter signed Date: 11 August 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 34 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Sends Biddle a copy of the resolution appointing Timothy Pickering Quarter Master General of the Continental Army (not included), which occurred after Greene was forced out of the position into retirement. Discusses his resignation and his worries about the consequences of the change for the current military campaign. Asks Biddle for an account of debts from his department. Written at Camp Tappan.
Camp Tappan, 11th. Augt. 1780
(Circular)
Sir
Inclosed I send you a copy of a Resolution of Congress-appointing Timothy Pickering Esqr. Quarter Master General for the american army. The Resolution is founded on a letter of Resignation of mine, which I was compelled to make, from the fullest persuasion, that it was impossible for me to introduce the new System at this critical part of the Campaign, without defeating the measures necessary to carry into execution the plan of operations in contemplation by the Commander in chief.
I was so anxious to prevent the disagreeable consequences that great and sudden changes would produce in the business of the Department at so interesting a season, that I offered my services without fee or reward (paying only my expences) during the Campaign, provided the business was left upon a footing to enable me to answer the demands of the service.-But Congress were so anxious to introduce their new plan, that nothing would divert them from their designs; and conceiving it utterly impossible to supply the army, and take up the business upon the footing they have placed it; and foreseeing I must be answerable for the consequences, if I attempted it, and failed; [2] justice to myself as well as to the public, reduced me to the necessity of refusing to get under the new Systim. What a more able hand may effect I cannot pretend to say-sure I am, it was impossible for me to carry it into execution without injury to the operations of the Campaign. I wish the success of their measures may answer their expectations.
I inclose you also a copy of a Resolution upon the responsibility of the officers of the Department; which made me still more unwilling to run any great hazard in new appointments, as I had determined not to continue any longer in the Department than this Campaign; and not knowing where to get anew set of Agents, if those in office should refuse to act, which would be left to their option, if the appointments were to be made anew.
As your appointments expire immediately with mine, I am to request you will close your accounts as soon as possible, and take an account of every species of public property, belonging to the Department in your district, and make me a return of the same as soon as may be. And I shall also be glad to have an account of the amount of the Debts due from the department, as soon as you can collect it. I wish you to transmit one to me and one to Mr. Pettit.
I have to return you my sincere [3] thanks for the support you have given me, and the generous exertions you have made from time to time, to answer the demands of the service. Notwithstanding you cannot act Officially any longer, I hope you will continue to give every aid in your power to my successor 'till he shall have made his arrangements upon the new plan; that the business of the Department may be kept in motion, and the operations of the Campaign go on.
I am with great esteem & regard
Your most obedient
humble Servant.
NathGreene
MGenl
Col: Clemt. Biddle
C.G.T.
[docket]
11th. August 1780 Genl
Greenes (Circular)
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