Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to Joseph Webb
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06403 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) Place Written: Tappan, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 August 1780 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 34 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses his resignation, French forces, and American troops. Says there have been "marches and counter marches, evolutions and revolutions of different kinds," since Webb left. Reports on British movements, which seem to be "without meaning or intention." Prepares for the arrival of French troops and Comte de Rochambeau, but is not optimistic. Says his own forces are weak. "Happy as a prince" now that he has resigned as Quarter Master General. Felt Congress, which he calls "a strange set of men," was making unreasonable demands of his office, and resigned without asking their permission, which had never been done before. Almost lost his command, but now has a new one. Hopes his successor will fare well. Discusses a dispute regarding rank among the Pennsylvania forces.
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.
"…Since you left Morris we have had marches and counter marches, evolutions and revolutions of different kinds. The Enemy came out to Springfield and made many demonstrations of penetrating the Country; but all at once relinquished their project, and took themselves away. Since which Sir Harry [General Henry Clinton] has been driving about from place to place, with [struck: out] meaning or intention; if one is to judge from the hasty manner in which he takes up a measure, and the precipitancy with which he drops it…" Greene also alludes, somewhat pessimistically, to the arrival of an allied French army under the command of the Comte de Rochainbeau: "…We have been exerting our selves to be in readiness for a cooperation with the French forces; but I am afraid little will be done, unless a strong reinforcement arrives from France; and we are better provided than we have a prospect of at present…
[2] "…happy as a prince having got free from the QMGenerals department. Congress attempted to oblige me to take up a system of theirs which appears to me impossible to be carried into execution. I refused to act under it; and sent in my resignation, and did not ask them to accept it; but told them they should accept it. It was a bold push; but it answered my purposes. They were very angry ... and to punnish me for the presumption, it was motioned repeatedly in the House to suspend my command [3] but the fears of some and the prudence of others prevented it taking place…"
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