Nathaniel Greene to Geo. Washington



Gen. N. Greene to Gen. Geo. Washington – January 24, 1781
Papers of the Continental Congress M247 roll 175 vol. 1 pg. 537
National Archives & Records Administration
Transcribed by Billy Markland



Copy

Camp on the Pedee South Carolina
Jan. 24th 1781



Sir

In my dispatches of the 29th ultimo I did myself the honor to acquaint your Excellency with the disposition I had made to counteract the movements of the Enemy, and to protect the Country from their depredations.

Lord Cornwallis continued at Waynisburg, making every preparation, and completely equiping [sic] his troops for the most active operations, untill the 9th Instant, when having been joined by the troops under the command of Genl. Leslie, he put his army in motion and advanced as far as the Cross Roads on the West Side of the Catawba River, and about forty miles from Camden.

The position which Brigadier Genl. Morgan occupied, was well chosen for harassing the left flank and checking the progress of the Enemy on the route they had taken for the execution of their plan of operations. This I suppose induced his Lordship on the 11th to detach Lt. Colonel Tarlton to dislodge him, and to disperse the few militia who were collecting.

I have the satisfaction to transmit [to] your Excellency the copy of a letter which I this moment received from Brigadier Genl. Morgan announcing the total defeat of Lt. Colonel Tarlton's detachment. The victory was compleat and the action glorious. The briliancy [sic] and success with which it was fought, does the highest honor to the American Arms and adds splendor to the character of the General and his officers. I must beg leave to recommend them to your Excellency's notice, and doubt not but from your representations, Congress will receive pleasure from testifying their approbation of their conduct.

Colonel Pickins [sic] was left on the ground to relieve the wounded and to cover that part of the country.

I am unhappy that the distressed situation of this Army will not admit of our improving the advantage we have gained. But I hope it has given the Enemy a check that will prevent their advancing for some days. Our supplies of provisions are growing more precarious and the other stores which I can only look for from Philadelphia do not arrive in such quantities as to replace those which are daily destroyed in service.

I have appointed Major [Flynn?] [as?] Comdt. Genl. of prisoners for the Southern Department, and ordered him to send all the prisoners of War to Virginia. The militia under Genl. [St…?] will take charge of them as their time of service has already expired.

I have [unreadable-ink smeared] Major Genl. the Baron de Steuben to transmit to Congress and your Excellency regular reports of the operations in Virginia.

I do myself the honor to enclose a copy of my letter to Congress respecting the action of the 17th Inst.

I am with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and respect,

Your Excellency's most obdt. huml. Serv.

N. Greene