"  I  flatter  myself  when  your  Excellency  takes  a  view
of  the  state  things  were  in  when  I  first  engaged,  and  con-
siders the  short  time  we  had  to  make  the  preparations  for
the    opening  campaign,  and   reflects  with  what  ease  and


1778.]  LIFE   OF   NATHAN AEL    GREENE.  97

facility  you  began  your  march  from  Valley  Forge  and  con-
tinued it  all  through  the  country,  notwithstanding  we  went
great  part  of  the  way  entirely  out  of  the  line  of  prepara-
tion, you  will  do  me  the  justice  to  say  I  have  not  been
negligent  or  inattentive  to  my  duty.
"  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  in-
terest, and  more  engaged  in  the  support  of  your  Excel-
lency's character  than  ever  I  was  to  my  own  ease,  interest,
or  reputation.
"  I  have  never  solicited  you  for  a  furlough  to  go  home
to  indulge  in  pleasure  or  to  improve  my  interest,  which,  by
the  by,  I  have  neglected  going  on  four  years.  I  have
never  confined  myself  to  my  particular  line  of  duty  only.
Neither  have  I  ever  spared  myself  either  by  night  or  day
where  it  has  been  necessary  to  promote  the  public  service
under  your  direction.  I  have  never  been  troublesome  to
your  Excellency  to  publish  anything  to  my  advantage,
although  I  think  myself  as  justly  entitled  as  some  others
who  have  been  much  more  fortunate,  particularly  in  the
action  of  the  Brandywine.
