Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to Catherine Greene

West Point Sept 4th 1779
Have you or have you not been to the Eastward, I think you must be from home somewhere, or else I should have the pleasure of a line from you. The last letter you wrote me, you drew a most melancholy picture of your situation. I cannot think you would leave me under these disagreeable impressions for near a month, if it was in your power to relieve my anxiety, which you may well suppose is very great. -
I am very impatient to hear from you, and beg you to write by the first, and every opportunity. The state of suspence I am in, is very painful. I am in doubt whether you are gone abroad or are very safe at home. If you love me, if you regard my peace [2] and happiness, let me hear from you by every conveyance. -
Did you receive the pupil of pleasure; and have you read it. If you have what think you of the character of Mrs Homespun. How could she bear to embrace her husband after the criminal intercourse with the more than diabolical Mr Sedley. Crimes of such a nature, never go unpunished, both met with the reward due to their wickedness. O' virtue how charming and innocence how engaging. It is these my sweet, my dear Angel, which binds you to my soul: - Without these [struck: with] all the personal graces you possess [struck: with] all the General sweetness [inserted: with] which you are so happily adorned - all that benevolence of temper and gentleness of manners, which are your [3] peculiar ornaments would cease to please nay become disgusting. But these embellishments decorated, with virtue and innocence, constitute female perfection; and pour into an enamoured soul, constant streams of celestial pleasure. My beloved this is the source of my happiness. To contemplate the perfection of my sweet Girl and possess her charms, are joys unknown to none, but such who feel the Same delicate passion, and warmth of affection that I do. Think my kind charmer how a bosom beeming with unabating love, must suffer - torturd with doubtful suspence as to the fate of the object of its wishes - Let me hear from you Let me hear from you, dear, dear sweet creature. You know how much I study to render you happy - Let love and gratitude [4] inspire you with the same generous attention. Yes my dear this is all I wish, this is all I ask to be belovd and remembered by the kind partner of all my wishes. -
Col Wible and Col Chester from Weathersfield arrivd here last Night, I receivd them with double pleasure, because they came from towards your residence. Had they brought me a letter they would have been still more welcome.
I long much to here how the Children are. I am very anxious for the fate of little George. I dont like the sore you mention in his breast. I am afraid of such eruptions[.] However he has youth and a good constitution on his side.
Col Cox who you know is a Doctor says if you are not with you [inserted: must] drink mineral [5] waters. There is a most excellent spring at Prices on the road between Judge Arnolds and Paul Greens; and he advises whether you are or are not with - for you to bath in salt water, He thinks it will confirm your health and give you more spirits and activity. The Col dont apprehend the same disagreeable consequences form the obstructions you mention as I had been led to fear. He thinks all thinks may be put to rights again in the course of a few weeks with a proper use of Mineral waters[.]
Has barron Stuben been to see you, or has no body been to wait upon him, at Providence. I would have wished, to have had, every mark of politeness and attention paid him during his stay at Providence. - [6] I have heard nothing from Mr Lotts family since I wrote you before, but I expect a letter every hour, which when it arrives you shall hear from me, I know you would be glad to hear from them. Their hospitallity and politeness to you, must leave a grateful remembrance. I wish your health would permit you to write them, it would not fail to be agreeable. -
I am gold Col Livingston has made a great deal of money, in driving a trade net altogether allowable. He has boasted of his good fortune himself, and set some envious tongues in motion. I wish he was a little more prudent in his matters; as it must pain the family to find his vanity frustrating their prospects, as well as injuring their reputations. It is an old observation what is bred in the [7] bone, can never be got out through the skin. - Strong Lables, and a natural propensity, to the marvelous, over come every providential consideration. This is the Cols misfortune, as his friends say. However it is said he has certainly made upwards of [inserted: £] 20,000 pounds this Summer - this is a pretty affair for a young family. -
Mr Olney is wife [illegible], he mourns a days and pines a Nights. Poor fellow he wont live above a month or two unless he can see his little Girl. He is a worthy character; and I wish it was in my power, to do better things for him than is now in my way. -
I forgot whether I mentiond Major Forsyths return to camp. He was in the action at Powleys Hook, and obtained [8] great credit. He has got an appointment in the Commisaries, line and returns to Virginia in a few days. His Lady is with[.]
Major Burnet is at Newark and has been there for some time past. He is an an [sic] ill state of health, but I am in hopes is on the recovery. Major Claiborne is as industrious as usual, and as formal as ever.
Col Cox and all the family desire their compliments. Please to make [illegible] to Mother Greene, Aunt Bekky, Sister Peggy, and all the family. -
I am with affectionate
regards yours NG
[docket:]
Genl Greene 1779
Septr. 4th 1779