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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.

Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to Joseph Webb

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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. Order a Copy

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.

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.

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-

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Webb, Joseph, 1734-1778
Webb, Joseph, 1734-1778

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