Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to James Mitchell Varnum
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06320 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) Place Written: Camp at the Crossroads Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 August 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 32 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major General Greene to Brigadier General Varnum.
Greene was with Washington's's army and Varnum was in Peekskill to defend against a link-up between Burgoyne's offensive and any possible expedition from New York City. References Varnum's letter of 8 July 1777. Mentions that he is confused by the strategic moves of the British toward Philadelphia saying "this Manoeuvre of General Howes is so strange and unaccountable that it exceeds all conjecture. General Burgoyne's rapid marches into the country is a strong proof to me that he expects to be supported from some other quarter." Is glad to hear the Highlands are so well defended, but fears the obstructions in the River - probably the chain in the Hudson River - will not be sufficient. Says Varnum's report on General Philip Schuyler is just and that his talents will be useless if he has lost the confidence of his army. Says Gates has been put in command and "I hope he will succeed better." Claims that "Philadelphia is the American Diana she must be preserved at all events." Says the American strategic plan was to cover the Hudson River to Philadelphia, but that there has been such a cry for the defense of Philadelphia that General Washington has been forced to do things contrary to his judgment. The letter appears to have been trimmed at the edges. Free frank is signature under address.
Camp at the Crossroads August 14- 1777
Sir
Yours of the 8th of this instant I have receivd - you are much mistakeen respecting the destination of Sir William being known, before yours reach't me- I am totally ignorant yes this Manocuure of General Howes is so strange and unaccountable that it exceeds all conjecture
General Burgonye's rapid marches into the country is a strong proof to me that he expects to be supported from some other quarter. This leads me to conclude that General Howes designs are ultimately against New England. notwithstanding his excentricly movements. I am glad to hear you are so well prepard to defend the [struck: highlands] Hylands. Hear the obstructions in the River will scarcely sufficient to check the Enemies progress with their ships [strikeout] [2]
O Your observations are very just respecting General Schuyler if he has lost the confidence of the people his talents will be useless. The Congress were made sensible of that and have appointed Major General Gates to the command. I hope he will succeed better- I think it an object of the first importance to give a check to Burgoyne and the very plan which you mention has often been proposd both with respect to Burgoyne & New York. Philadelphia is the American Diana he must be preserved at all events. There is great attention paid to this City- it is true it is one of the first upon the continent but in my opinion is an object of far less importance than the North river- Our position in the Jerseys was calculated to cover the North River & Philadelphia and afford protection to the State of New Jers[inserted: y] but the cry was to great for the salvation of Philadelphia- that the General was prevailed into leave Coryells ferry [3] contrary to his Judgement and march down to the City and I expect to have out labour for our pains- We are now within about twenty miles of the City waiting to get better information. there has been several expresses from [Scnepax] in an inlet about halfway between the Capes of Delaware and Chesapeake Bay, who confidently assert the fleet have been seen off there for several days- but I cannot credit it.
I shall mention to the General the Rhode Island troops are without commissions and als the detachment that is detaind at Rhode Island. contrary to your Orders. -
I am Sir your most
obedient & very
humble Servt
N Greene
[docket]
Gen.l Greens Letter
Dated 14.th Augst 1777
Genl Washington for
ced into the Write-
ment to cure Phi
lade [espionage] inst
his Judgment
Philadia the Ame
Rican Diana & ca
Burgoynes Movements
Schuyler superceded
[address leaf]
To
General Varnum
Peeks Kill
[free frank]
N Greene
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