Nathanael Greene's Sympathy For The Patriot

Nathanael Greene was born in 1742 and grew up as a Quaker before taking on responsibilities for the family foundry in 1770. He gained an interest in politics and had a noticeable sympathy for the Patriot cause. Around 1774, Greene played a role in the formation of a militia known as the Kentish Guards. The unit was chartered and Greene was eager to enroll and was later accepted. This was the beginning of Greene’s military affairs, and he later served on a militia committee of the General Assembly. Greene started out as a private in the Revolutionary War in May of 1775 at the siege of Boston. In response to the siege, the Rhode Island Army of Observation was formed. Greene’s tactical knowledge and ability did not go unnoticed as he was promoted from private to major general. By June, Greene was made brigadier in the Continental Army and was given command of Boston by George Washington. Greene’s success did not stop there, two months later he was appointed a major general in the Confederate Army and was placed in charge of its troops stationed in Long Island. Unfortunately, Greene grew very ill and did not participate in the Battle of Long Island, although he resumed his duties shortly after the battle took place. As major general, Greene thought the correct move for the Continental Army was
Congress decided to have Washington choose who he wanted to command the troops in the south, and he appointed Greene. Greene took on the role, and decided to split the forces. The Battle of Kings Mountain took place on October 7, 1780 and was a complete victory for the Southern Army. Every single British soldier was either killed or captured. Greene decided to make a strategical retreat to a courthouse in North Carolina. Greene was able to stay ahead of Cornwallis’ troops. He and his men reached safety in Irvine’s Ferry, Virginia and Cornwallis was unable to