Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to Henry Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03251 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) Place Written: Mulberry Grove, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1786 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 32.1 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
General Nathanael Greene writes, "I thank you for the public attention you are paying to my public Trophies; but I have been so embarrassed and perplexed in my private affairs for a long time past which originated in the progress of the War that I have but little spirit or pleasures on such subjects. My family is in distress and I am overwhelmed with difficulties and God knows when or where they will end. I work hard and live poor but I fear all this will not extricate me." Describes some business losses he has suffered, including poor harvest due to wet weather. Mrs. Greene is about to "lay in" to have a baby, and their other children have survived a smallpox inoculation. Comments on "stupid" trade regulations within the United States that he fears will serve as an excuse for Britain to attack them again, and is happy to note that they still have France's protection. Asks Knox to find out how he might get allowance for his back rations from 1777 and how other officers settled their affairs. Mrs. Greene sends her love to Knox and his wife. Next to the docket is a note in Knox's hand which reads: "This is the last letter I ever received from my truly beloved friend Genl Greene."
[draft]
Mulberry Grove March 12th 1786
Dear Sir
I got your letter of October some little time past. It was a long time on the way. I thank you for the polite attention you are paying to my public Trophies; but I have been so embarrassed and perplexed in my private affairs for a long time past which originated in the progress of the War that I have but little spirit or pleasures on such subjects . My family is in distress and I am overwhelmed with difficulties and God knows when or where they will end. I work hard and live poor but I fear all this will not extricate me. I have met with some heavy losses this winter, I had fifty barrels of Rice burnt up and forty five sunk in Savannah Docks sent to market for sale. Those losses add to my distresses greatly. My Crops failed owing to the wet season last year, and this deduction out of the little I made leave but a small support for my family: - Mrs Greene is just ready to lay in. And the Children have just got out of the small pox by innoculation [sic]. They all had it very light. Mrs Greene joins me in affectionate [2] compliments to you and Mrs Knox. She is transformed from the gay Lady to the sober house wife.
This state has complied with all the Requisitions of Congress in the last Assembly except on the regulation of trade which I am confident will pass the next meeting. The stupid policy which has prevaild in America since the peace I am of opinion makes Great Britain regret the close of the War. And I am not a little apprehensive she wants but a pretense to renew it. It is happy for us that we have France for our guarantor or I fear we should make but a poor figure upon a second tryal.
I never got any allowance for my back Rations from the year 1777. Be good enough to inform me how the Genl Officers settled their Accounts and whether any of them got any thing. And if they did whether I can and through what channel. And please to give me your Opinion upon sending George to the Marquis de la Fayette agreeable to his request. Let your answer be as candid as I trust your friendship is sincere.
Yours Aff Nath Greene
[address leaf]
The Honb Maj Genr. Knox
Secretary of the War department
New York
[docket]
From Genl Greene 12 March
1784
This is the last letter
I ever received from my
truly beloved friend
Genl Greene
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.