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Nathanael Greene Autograph Letter Signed...
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Description
Nathanael Greene Sends Reinforcements to Fort Mifflin During the Philadelphia Campaign: "Baffle all the attempts of the enemy to dislodge you."
Nathanael Greene Autograph Letter Signed ("N
Greene"). One page on bifolium, 7 1/2 x 12 inches; "Camp at
Metuchen," New Jersey; October 18, 1777. Docketed on the
verso.A wartime letter from General Nathanael Greene to Colonel Christopher Greene, concerning the reinforcement and defense of Fort Mifflin on the Delaware River during the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. Written from camp at Metuchen, the letter accompanied a detachment of troops sent to strengthen the American position. In full:
"Dear Sir
This will be handed you by Lt Col Greene who commands a detachment from my division sent down as reinforcement for the ports on the Delaware they are exceeding good troops and are to be depended on as much as any troops in the Army-I am in hopes with this additional strength you will be able to baffle all the attempts of the enemy to dislodge you-the Barron Arandt Col of the German Battallion [sic] an officer of experience and ability is coming down to take the command at Ford Mifflin agreeable to the determination of the council in the first instance-he is thought to be an officer of great spirit-Remember me to all friends
Your affectionate
N Greene."
Fort Mifflin, together with nearby Fort Mercer, formed part of a defensive system intended to block British naval access to the city by controlling the river channel. As long as these forts remained in American hands, British forces occupying Philadelphia could not be easily supplied by sea. Greene's dispatch emphasizes both the quality of the reinforcements and his expectation that they would help "baffle all the attempts of the enemy to dislodge you." He also notes the arrival of Colonel Samuel Arndt (here "Barron Arandt"), an experienced officer of the German Battalion, who had been selected to assume command of Fort Mifflin in accordance with prior decisions of the council of war.
Within weeks, the British would mount a sustained and coordinated assault on the Delaware defenses. Beginning in late October and continuing into November, Fort Mifflin endured heavy bombardment from both land and naval forces. Despite determined resistance, the fort was ultimately evacuated on November 15, 1777, after extensive damage and casualties. Its fall opened the Delaware River to British shipping and secured supply lines to Philadelphia.
Condition: Very good with expected folds. Toning present throughout, darker on the verso. Minor loss to the first page, not affecting the text; some edgewear, largely confined to the upper right corner. Pencil notation on the bottom left corner of the first page.
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2026
19th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
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