To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 15 April 1782

General St Clair being on the return to the northward affords me an opportunity to inform your Excellency of the safe arrival of Mrs Greene and to return you my sinsere and grateful acknowledgements for your kindness to her. She spent some time at Mount Vernon and was most agreeably entertained. Her journey was disagreeable and beset with many difficulties; but the politeness and hospitality of the people smoothed the ruged path and rendered the passage tolerable. I was happy to hear by Mrs Greene of the health of Mrs Washington. I was apprehensive the loss of her son would have affected it. Mrs Greene likes the Country much better than she expected and was our military situation but tolerable my heart would be much at ease; but alas that is not the case! General St Clair will inform you of our very critical and disagreeable situation. I have never been under greater apprehensions than at present. The temper of our army is by no means agreeable, & the enemy are much superior in force; and the Militia of the Country totally deranged. In this situation I think we have every thing to apprehend, especially as the enemy are arming with great industry a large body of Negroes, not less than 700 are said to be armed and in Uniform at this time. I urged the State to adopt the same measure; but could not prevail I feel for the Country; for I believe Saxony last was not plundered and ravaged with more severity than this. Virginia is doing nothing, North Carolina less; and the efforts of this State and Georgia will be very very feeble. Pennsylvania and Maryland are our only hope, and they are too remote to give seasonable support. You may rest assured I [will] do every thing I can; but if the enemy act vigirously our prospects are truly alarming. However fortune or accident may dispose of me I confide in your friendship to do me the justice my ententions may entitle me to.

Mrs Greene begs her kind complements to you and Mrs Washington with a return of many thanks for your politeness to her. I Beg my complements also to Mrs Washington and to all the Gentlemen of your family. With esteem and affection I am your Excellencys Most [obdt] humble Ser.