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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to Nathanael Greene

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07675 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 2 January 1781 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.8 x 21 cm. Order a Copy

Informs Greene of the size of a British expeditionary force of 1600 men under the command of traitor Benedict Arnold. Also mentions conflicting reports of the battle at Blackstock Plantation in South Carolina between Continental General Thomas Sumter and British Colonel Banastre Tarleton, 20 November 1780. He states, "The printers on both sides make it a victory." Wishes him a happy New Year. Postscript in Washington's hand comments that he heard word that Mrs. Greene and the children were well.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Head Quarters New Windsor 2d. Jany. 1781.

Dear Sir
Since my last, I have gained information, thro' the Channel upon which I most depend, that the embarkation which sailed from New York the 20. of last month, consisted of about sixteen hundred Men, chiefly detachments from the British - German and new Corps. I hear of no intire Corps but the Queens Rangers. Arnold commands.
We have various reports, thro' the New York papers and our own, of an affair between General Sumpter and Tarleton. The printers on both sides make it a victory.
I wish you merry and happy New Years and am with very great Regard
Dear Sir
Yr. most obt. Servt.
Go: Washington
P.S.
Within these few days I have heard (by Mr. Otis of Boston) that Mrs. Greene & your childn. were well. - this Gentln. Saw her in his way hither - & to Phila. -

Majr. Genl. Greene.
[docket]
[illegible] Genl Washington
Jan: 2d. 1781
Rec'd Feb: 9th.

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Tarleton, Banastre, 1754-1833
Sumter, Thomas, 1734-1832

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