“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Proverbs 27:5

I am glad to hear General Greene is Quartermaster-General; it is very interesting to have there an honest man and a friend of yours,” the Marquis de Lafayette wrote to General Washington. Lafayette had no idea just how anguished Greene was over a rebuke he had recently received from Washington.

Because of the overwhelming demands of being quartermaster, Greene had reported the findings of a land survey in writing, not in person. Washington’s rebuke of Greene’s choice, however, forced Greene to explain his actions. Greene’s response showed his clear conscience while also revealing his respect for his commander- in-chief.

“Your Excellency well knows how I came into this department. It was by your special request, and you must be sensible there is no other man upon earth would have brought me into the business but you,” Greene wrote in his July 21, 1778, letter to Washington.

Greene explained why he accepted the quartermaster job. “The distress the department was in . . . and the difficulty of engaging a person capable of conducting the business, together with the hopes of meeting your approbation, and having your full aid and assistance, reconciled me to the undertaking.” Greene also reminded Washington of the department’s progress. The time to prepare for the summer campaign seemed shorter than a day.

Yet Greene had found enough supplies for the army’s journey from Valley Forge to New York, which resulted in the Battle of Monmouth. “And reflect with what ease and facility you began your march from Valley Forge . . . you will do me the justice to say I have not been negligent or inattentive to my duty,” Greene requested firmly. This quartermaster then reaffirmed his commitments.

“I have, in every respect, since I had my appointment, strove to accommodate the business of the department to the plan of your Excellency’s operations. And I can say, with great truth, that ever since I had the honor to serve under you, I have been more attentive to the public interest, and more engaged in the support of your Excellency’s character, than ever I was to my own ease, interest, or reputation,” he explained confidently.

Greene’s devotion to a job he didn’t want proved his loyalty. He had learned the art and science of management from his father’s Quaker work ethic and his family’s iron foundry. History reflected fondly on quartermaster Greene and this episode. “The system with which Greene performed all his duties was soon apparent; the army was regularly furnished with provisions and ammunition, so that it could be ready to march at a few minutes’ notice,” historian William Jackman wrote.

His response to George Washington’s rebuke for not reporting his river survey in person reinforced his loyalty. Nathanael Greene’s open rebuttal revealed his love for a cause and his respect for his commander.

Best selling author and columnist Jane Hampton Cook, http://www.janecook.com/, is known for making history both memorable and relevant to today’s news, political events, and issues of faith. A former webmaster for President George W. Bush (1999-03), Jane is the author of Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War, a 365-day devotional chronicling the story of the nation’s founding from the viewpoints of 20 key players.

Publisher: Living Ink Books
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©Jane Hampton Cook, used with permission.