Nathanael Greene on the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, 1781
Detail from a letter from Nathanael Greene (Morristown National Historical Park)
Nathanael Greene enlisted in the Continental Army as a private and quickly rose through the ranks to eventually become George Washington’s most trusted general officer. This document reflects on the outcome of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina. The battle on March 15 brought mixed results. It lasted only ninety minutes and the outnumbered British forced the Americans to “strategically” retreat. The British, however, lost over 27 percent of their force during the engagement.
Letter from Nathanael Greene to George Washington, March 18, 1781
Camp Near the Iron works
To Miles from Guliford Court hous
March 18th 1781
Sir My letter to Congress a copy of which I inclose your Excellency will inform you of an unsuccessful action with Lord Cornwallis on the 15th. Our prospects were flattering; and had the North Carolinia Militia seconded the endeavors of their officers, victory was certain. But they left the most advantageous position I ever saw without scarcely firing a gun. None fird more than twice and very few more than once, and near one half not at all. The Virginia Militia behaved with great gallantry, and the success of the day seemed to be doubtful for a long time. The action was long and severe. In my former letters I inclosed your Excellency the probable strength of the british Army since which they have been constantly declining. Our force as you will see by the returns were respectable, and the probability of not being able to keep it long in the field, and the difficulty of subsisting Men in this exhausted Country, together with the great advantages which would result from the action, if we were victorious, and the little injury if we were otherwise, determin’d me to bring on an action as soon as possible. When both parties are agreed in a matter, all obstacles are soon removed. I thought the determination warranted by the soundest principles of good policy, and I hope event will prove it so, tho we were unfortunate. I regret nothing so much as the loss of my Artillery, tho it was of little use to us, nor can it be in this great wilderness. However as the enemy have it we must also. Lord Cornwallis will not give up this Country without being soundly beaten. I wish our force was more competent to the business. But I am in hopes by little and little to reduce him in time. His troops are good, well found and fight with great obstinacy. I am very happy to hear the Marquis de la Fyette is coming to Virginia, tho I am afraid from a hint in one of Baron Stubens letters, he will think himself injurd in being superceded in the command. Could the Marquis join us at this moment, we should have a glorious campaign. It would put Lord Cornwallis and his whole army into our hands. I am also happy to hear that the Pennsylvania line are coming to the Southward. The mutiny in that line was a very extraordinary one. It is reported here, to have proceeded from the great cruelty of the officers. A member of Congress writes this; but I believe it to be so far from the truth, that I am perswaded it originated rather through indulgence than from any other cause. Virginia has given me every support I could wish or expect since Lord Cornwallis has been in North Carolinia, and nothing has contributed more to this than the prejudices of the people in favor of your Excellency, which has been extended to me from the friendship you have been pleasd to honor me with. The service here is extreme severe, and the Officers and Soldiers bears it with a degree of patience, that does them the highest honor. I have never taken off my cloaths since I left the Pedee. I was taken with a fainting last night, owing I imagine to excessive fatigue, and constant watching. I am better to day, but far from being well. I have little prospect of acquiring much reputation, while I labour under so many disadvantages. I hope my friends will make such allowances, and as for vulgar opinion I regard it not. Time nor health will not permit me to write your Excellency upon many matters which are upon my Mind. I beg my best respects to Mrs Washington. With esteem & regard I am your Excel most Obedt humble Sr N Greene Document Source: Library of Congress
Letter from Nathanael Greene to George Washington, March 18, 1781
Camp Near the Iron works
To Miles from Guliford Court hous
March 18th 1781
Sir
My letter to Congress a copy of which I inclose your Excellency will inform you of an unsuccessful action with Lord Cornwallis on the 15th. Our prospects were flattering; and had the North Carolinia Militia seconded the endeavors of their officers, victory was certain. But they left the most advantageous position I ever saw without scarcely firing a gun. None fird more than twice and very few more than once, and near one half not at all. The Virginia Militia behaved with great gallantry, and the success of the day seemed to be doubtful for a long time. The action was long and severe.
In my former letters I inclosed your Excellency the probable strength of the british Army since which they have been constantly declining. Our force as you will see by the returns were respectable, and the probability of not being able to keep it long in the field, and the difficulty of subsisting Men in this exhausted Country, together with the great advantages which would result from the action, if we were victorious, and the little injury if we were otherwise, determin’d me to bring on an action as soon as possible . . . Lord Cornwallis will not give up this Country without being soundly beaten . . .
I am very happy to hear the Marquis de la Fyette is coming to Virginia, tho I am afraid from a hint in one of Baron Stubens letters, he will think himself injurd in being superceded in the command. Could the Marquis join us at this moment, we should have a glorious campaign. It would put Lord Cornwallis and his whole army into our hands.
I beg my best respects to Mrs Washington.
With esteem & regard I am your Excel
most Obedt humble Sr
N Greene
Document Source: Library of Congress
endeavors: accomplishments
gallantry: courage
subsisting: keeping alive
superceded: replaced
Background
Nathanael Greene enlisted in the Continental Army as a private and quickly rose through the ranks to eventually become George Washington’s most trusted general officer. This document reflects on the outcome of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina. The battle on March 15 brought mixed results. It lasted only ninety minutes and the outnumbered British forced the Americans to “strategically” retreat. The British, however, lost over 27 percent of their force during the engagement.
Transcript
Letter from Nathanael Greene to George Washington, March 18, 1781
Camp Near the Iron works
To Miles from Guliford Court hous
March 18th 1781
Sir My letter to Congress a copy of which I inclose your Excellency will inform you of an unsuccessful action with Lord Cornwallis on the 15th. Our prospects were flattering; and had the North Carolinia Militia seconded the endeavors of their officers, victory was certain. But they left the most advantageous position I ever saw without scarcely firing a gun. None fird more than twice and very few more than once, and near one half not at all. The Virginia Militia behaved with great gallantry, and the success of the day seemed to be doubtful for a long time. The action was long and severe. In my former letters I inclosed your Excellency the probable strength of the british Army since which they have been constantly declining. Our force as you will see by the returns were respectable, and the probability of not being able to keep it long in the field, and the difficulty of subsisting Men in this exhausted Country, together with the great advantages which would result from the action, if we were victorious, and the little injury if we were otherwise, determin’d me to bring on an action as soon as possible. When both parties are agreed in a matter, all obstacles are soon removed. I thought the determination warranted by the soundest principles of good policy, and I hope event will prove it so, tho we were unfortunate. I regret nothing so much as the loss of my Artillery, tho it was of little use to us, nor can it be in this great wilderness. However as the enemy have it we must also. Lord Cornwallis will not give up this Country without being soundly beaten. I wish our force was more competent to the business. But I am in hopes by little and little to reduce him in time. His troops are good, well found and fight with great obstinacy. I am very happy to hear the Marquis de la Fyette is coming to Virginia, tho I am afraid from a hint in one of Baron Stubens letters, he will think himself injurd in being superceded in the command. Could the Marquis join us at this moment, we should have a glorious campaign. It would put Lord Cornwallis and his whole army into our hands. I am also happy to hear that the Pennsylvania line are coming to the Southward. The mutiny in that line was a very extraordinary one. It is reported here, to have proceeded from the great cruelty of the officers. A member of Congress writes this; but I believe it to be so far from the truth, that I am perswaded it originated rather through indulgence than from any other cause. Virginia has given me every support I could wish or expect since Lord Cornwallis has been in North Carolinia, and nothing has contributed more to this than the prejudices of the people in favor of your Excellency, which has been extended to me from the friendship you have been pleasd to honor me with. The service here is extreme severe, and the Officers and Soldiers bears it with a degree of patience, that does them the highest honor. I have never taken off my cloaths since I left the Pedee. I was taken with a fainting last night, owing I imagine to excessive fatigue, and constant watching. I am better to day, but far from being well. I have little prospect of acquiring much reputation, while I labour under so many disadvantages. I hope my friends will make such allowances, and as for vulgar opinion I regard it not. Time nor health will not permit me to write your Excellency upon many matters which are upon my Mind. I beg my best respects to Mrs Washington. With esteem & regard I am your Excel most Obedt humble Sr N Greene Document Source: Library of Congress
Excerpt
Letter from Nathanael Greene to George Washington, March 18, 1781
Camp Near the Iron works
To Miles from Guliford Court hous
March 18th 1781
Sir
My letter to Congress a copy of which I inclose your Excellency will inform you of an unsuccessful action with Lord Cornwallis on the 15th. Our prospects were flattering; and had the North Carolinia Militia seconded the endeavors of their officers, victory was certain. But they left the most advantageous position I ever saw without scarcely firing a gun. None fird more than twice and very few more than once, and near one half not at all. The Virginia Militia behaved with great gallantry, and the success of the day seemed to be doubtful for a long time. The action was long and severe.
In my former letters I inclosed your Excellency the probable strength of the british Army since which they have been constantly declining. Our force as you will see by the returns were respectable, and the probability of not being able to keep it long in the field, and the difficulty of subsisting Men in this exhausted Country, together with the great advantages which would result from the action, if we were victorious, and the little injury if we were otherwise, determin’d me to bring on an action as soon as possible . . . Lord Cornwallis will not give up this Country without being soundly beaten . . .
I am very happy to hear the Marquis de la Fyette is coming to Virginia, tho I am afraid from a hint in one of Baron Stubens letters, he will think himself injurd in being superceded in the command. Could the Marquis join us at this moment, we should have a glorious campaign. It would put Lord Cornwallis and his whole army into our hands.
I beg my best respects to Mrs Washington.
With esteem & regard I am your Excel
most Obedt humble Sr
N Greene
Document Source: Library of Congress
endeavors: accomplishments
gallantry: courage
subsisting: keeping alive
superceded: replaced
