American military officer (1742–1786) who fought at Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. Entering the war as a militia private, he rose to the rank of major general and came to be recognized as one of Washington’s most capable officers. Assigned to command Continental forces in South Carolina in October 1780, Greene fought a series of battles that forced the depleted British to withdraw into their fortifications at Yorktown. After the war, he retired to an estate near Savannah. War-date ALS signed “N. Greene QMG” [Quartermaster General], one page both sides, 8 x 13.5, November 16, 1778. Greene writes from Camp Fredericksburg to Col. Charles Pettit. In part (his spellings and grammar retained): “We are preparing with all imaginable diligence to move the Army into Winter quarter [sic]. Our stores are on their way for Middle Brook. I have seen Col. Wadsworth and had a long conversation with him upon the subject of forage and the late Resolution of Congress prohibiting the use of wheet. The Col. says he is perfectly dispos’d to concur with every measure that shall appear to be calculated to promote the joint interest of the Commissary and Forage department. He has no wish to engross grain or flour to form magazines that cannot be removed to the Army for want of forage. But he thinks such is the scarcity of wheet that every measure should be taken to forage the Army without the use of it. I enquired after the subject of dispute between him and Mr. Wade. He says Mr. Wade wrote something to some person in Philadelphia reflecting upon the conduct of the Commissary department that was not true.... Col. Wadsworth says Mr. Calhoun is one of the best deputies he ever saw. He does his business very silently and expeditiously. I wish the affair of Mr. Boty[?] may not take place without first consulting him upon the subject. I am out of money and oblig’d to stop payment. You know I cannot bear dun[n]ing and therefore must beg you to forward me a supply. From several circumstances I foresee it will be necessary for us to see each other very soon. When I arrive at Middle Brook I will advertize for you to meet me at Trenton. Col. Cox [an aide] has already agreed to be there....” A touch of very subtle, mostly marginal toning and soiling (light foxing to bottom margins), intersecting folds, and faint show-through of ink, otherwise fine, bright, clean condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
