Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) to George Weedon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06496 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786) Place Written: South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 December 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 31.5 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department to Brigadier General Weedon. A friendly, and at times humorous, letter addressed to Weedon as "My good old friend." Also has a note from Greene's wife Catherine after his signature. She signs the note "Caty Greene." References Weedon's letter of 6 November 1782. Says Major Ichabod Burnet, an aide-de-camp to Greene, is going to Philadelphia "with an account of the long expected evacuation of Charleston." In reference to the religion of New England says "To speak in the language of Connecticut now rejoice and be exceeding glad." With tongue in cheek says he is sorry he won't be able to attack the gun battery at Fredericksburg because Congress has "anchored me here for the Winter at least." Says Mrs. Greene is desirous of seeing him. Says it is uncertain where they will winter this season. Says he if it is Charleston "a couple of guinea extraordinary will be wanting for shoes." Tempts him to come to Charleston, asking him if a room 80 feet by 40 feet would be enough for musical performances. Catharine says she would have written separately, but a pain in her head kept her. Asks to be remembered to friends and family. Says "I like this country but wish the autumn again to the country of rosy cheeks and to throw off the yellow mask for every body wears one here." Reminds him he owes her a dance. Place written is "Headquarters" - but the exact location in South Carolina could not be discovered.
Catharine Greene had joined General Greene in South Carolina in March 1782. On 14 December, the British evacuated Charleston, their last remaining post in the Southern Department. This represented the culmination of Greene's campaign in the South. The city celebrated on 2 January 1783 with a victory ball presided over by Catharine.
Head quarters
December 25th 1782
My good old friend
I have just got your letter of the 6th of November. Major Burnet is now selling off for Philadelphia with an account of the long expected evacuation of Charlestown. To speak in the language of Connecticut now rejoice and be exceeding glad. Happy deliverance for an oppressed people and pleasing repose for [illegible] Army. I am sorry I am not likely to have the happiness of commencing an attack upon the new gun battery of Fredericksburgh. Congress have anchored me here for the Winter at least. Mrs Greene is anxious to see you. [2] Thinly you, will want more than one season to recruit so as to hold out to compleat a dance if you have her for a partner. It is uncertain where we shall quarter this winter. If it should be near Charleston a couple of guineas extraordinary will be wanting for shoes. The people threaten to exceed Virginia but you know that is impossible. It is pretty certain we shall do our best. What think you of a room Eighty feet long and forty wide with an arched roof and gallery for the musick. Would not this tempt you to parade your Nose. I wish you and Mrs Weedon were with us as we cannot be with you [3] But you would be obliged to promise not to fail in the middle if a dance. ~
Mrs Greene joins me in affectionate compliments to you and Mrs Weedon. Major Burnet will give all the little anecdotes of the Campaign. Yours aff
NGreene
I intended doing my self the pleasure of writing to my good friends. but a pain in my head must excuse me. - Your letter to the Genl made me happy; but had it been addressed to me it would have made me more so because it would have pleasd and flattered one of my darling passions vanity - be pleasd sir to present me most affectionately to Mrs Weedon Genl Spotswods family - and all my friends at Fredericksburg - I like this country but wish to return again to the country of rosy cheeks and to throw off the yellow mask for Every body wears one here - you know I detest masks of any kind - remember I ingage you for a partner to dance with on my return - which must be next Spring - I am Sir with Every mark of Esteem your affectionate friend and Sevt
Caty Greene
[docket]
1782
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