"The further we move our main force to the westward, and still be within supporting distance of this garrison, the better, both for the preservation of the provision and forage of this State, as well as to les sen the general expense of transportation. And the greater stock of provision and forage we can leave in this State, and upon the communications, the less difficulty we shall find in giving support to this place, should the enemy approach it. I should re commend, therefore, to quarter the army as far wesir ward as Morristown or Baskingridge. The country is strong, secure from a surprise, happily situated to receive supplies of provisions and forage, and not very inconvenient for giving protection and cover to the inhabitants. It is true, it is considerably removed from this place. But were we to take a position at Suffern's or Pompton, the consumption of forage would be so great that it would destroy the possibility of keeping up a communication with the Western States, however pressing the necessity, before the grass sea son. Suppose the enemy should move up, early in the spring, and lay siege to West Point, and the supplies of this State prove unequal to our support, should we not be obliged to abandon it to its fate?"
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Imported from EN Wikiquote
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Nathanael_Greene
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Nathanael Greene
Nathanael Greene (7 August 1742 – 19 June 1786) was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, known for his successful command in the Southern Campaign, where he forced British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis to abandon the Carolinas and head for Virginia. When the war began, Greene was a militia private, the lowest rank possible; he emerged from the war with a reputation as George Washington's most gifted and dependable officer.
126 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Nathanael Greene →
Related Quotes
"I believe it has been a received opinion, that I was so very fond of the emoluments of the Quarter master's office, t…"
"I am more acquainted with Mr. Pettit's mode of doing business than I am with Mr. Cox's; but I think the public under …"
"I wish to know whether I must increase the number of pack-horses. Orders have been given for one thousand; but Genera…"
"I intended to have set out for camp to-morrow, but I believe I shall not be ready until Monday in the forenoon. I hav…"
"There is a great difference between being raised to an office and descending to one; which is my case. There is also …"
"Before I came into the department, your Excellency was obliged often to stand Quarter-master. However capable the pri…"
"There are complaints and murmurings in Congress against the people of this State, and the people of the State complai…"
"I have wrote circular letters to all the deputies in my department on the east side of the Susquehanna, to enlist as …"
"I wrote your Excellency before, that the Minister of France sets out for camp on Tuesday next. Don Juan will accompan…"
"Your Excellency's favor of the 24th I had the honor of receiving last evening. I dined yesterday with the Minister of…"