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Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “N. Greene,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 13, October 14, 1780. Handwritten letter to Col. Morgan Lewis, sent from West Point. In part: "It is not my opinion that you can retain any of the public stores belonging to the quarter master's department upon any pretense whatever; and as your character and conduct have hitherto been unexceptionable, I wish you to avoid giving the least pretense to anyone to tax you with an impropriety.
To attempt to discriminate between the stores that may or may not be wanted will only bring on this question. We cannot know what operations are in contemplation and therefore cannot tell what stores will be wanted. If the stores are not necessary for the department at all, how come they to be provided. Upon the whole I am of opinion it will be more for your interests to deliver up all the stores than to attempt to retain any part.
The resolution of Congress for discharging the debts of the department for supplies agreeable to the specie value at the time and place when the debts arose, comprehends all debts due, let them have originated for supplies, services, or incidental expenses; and that there will be some medium depreciation table formed for the government of the agents on the settlement of these accounts. I wish you to write Mr. Pettit and desire him to forward you your accounts and vouchers as they are lodged with him at Philadelphia.
Arnold's late treasonable conduct has thrown us all into confusion and kept us marching here and there continually." In fine condition, with complete professional silking to both sides.
In 1780, Nathanael Greene was serving as Quartermaster General of the Continental Army, playing a key role in sustaining American forces during the Revolutionary War. That September, Greene was at West Point, the critical American fort on the Hudson River, just as one of the most infamous plots of the war was unfolding. Benedict Arnold, recently appointed commander of West Point, had secretly agreed to surrender the fort to the British in exchange for money and a commission. The plot was discovered when British Major John André, acting as Arnold’s contact, was captured behind American lines with incriminating documents hidden in his boot.
Although Greene was not directly involved in exposing the conspiracy, he was among the senior officers who were shaken by Arnold’s betrayal. After Arnold's defection, Greene briefly served as the commandant of West Point and presided over the trial of John André, followed by his execution on October 2, 1780. Greene, known for his steadfast loyalty and strategic brilliance, helped steady American leadership during this moment of crisis.
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