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Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01388 Author/Creator: Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786 Place Written: Headquarters Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 April 1782 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 31 cm, Width: 18.5 cm Order a Copy

Written by Major General Greene to Major General Knox. References two letters from Knox. Congratulates him on the birth of his son. Asks how his godson is. In reference to the godchild says, "Such a set of responsers I believe never happened before. A quaker and Roman Catholick for the same Child. Which will you chuse[?]" Asks questions about the other Knox children. Says Mrs. Greene has arrived and given him an update on the social life in Philadelphia. Had not seen his wife in 2 years. Says, "She is kinder to me than I am just to her." Says the military situation is gloomy with the enemy daily threatening them and his numbers dwindling. Wishes he knew the enemy plans, so he could prepare. Thinks he will have to go on the offensive soon. Laments how much South Carolina has suffered in the war. Mentions he heard Congress "wounded his feelings" -- a reference to Congress's not promoting Knox to Major General (although Knox had been given the rank in March 1782). Says "General Washington I am told has been wondrous gay this winter; and that no Roman in the greatest splendor of that republic was ever equally adored." Written from "Head Quarters," probably outside Charleston, South Carolina.

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