Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to Clement Biddle
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04305 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 January 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 33.8 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major General Greene with his men in winter quarters at Morristown to Biddle as Deputy Quartermaster General of the militia of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Claims nothing has changed recently. Says it appears General Howe is collecting his forces in New Jersey. Says he seems to be operating on the defensive, but with reinforcements he might move to the offensive. Mentions that recruiting is slow and that the army is suffering as a result. Says he heard that 1000 militia under Lord Sterling have gone home dissatisfied. Wants a complete report on the incident. Says he heard firing in the direction of Kingsbridge and suspects it was General William Heath's attack. Wants the horse that is at Biddle's father's house to be ridden up to him as soon as possible. Would like Biddle to get the saddle he requested. Hopes Pennsylvania can make a decision on its form of government and says "our Situation requires every aid and assistance that the Government with al their coercive powers can give." Document is repaired with tape where it was folded and a silkscreen backing is on the last page.
Later in the war Biddle served as commissary general of forage under Nathanael Greene in the Carolina campaign, and quartermaster general of the Pennsylvania militia.
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