New York Nathanael Greene

on august 9, 1776, promoted 1 of 4 new major generals , put in command of continental army troops on long island; chose place fortifications, , supervised construction of redoubts , entrenchments (the site of current day fort greene park) east of brooklyn heights. severe illness prevented him taking part in battle of long island. greene rhode island freemason , bore masonic jewel, gift of masonic brother marquis de lafayette, on person throughout whole of revolution.

greene prominent among advised retreat new york city. advocated burning of city british might not use it. justified asserting majority of property owned loyalists. while washington agreed this, proposal rejected congress. placed in command of fort constitution (later renamed fort lee) on new jersey side of hudson river. on october 25, 1776, succeeded general israel putnam in command of fort washington, across river fort constitution. received orders washington defend fort washington last extremity, , on october 11, 1776, congress passed resolution same effect; later washington wrote him use own discretion. greene ordered colonel magaw, in immediate command, defend place until should hear him again, , reinforced meet general howe s attack. nevertheless, blame losses of forts washington , constitution put upon greene, apparently without losing confidence of washington, himself assumed responsibility.

at battle of trenton, greene commanded 1 of 2 american columns. after victory there, urged washington push on princeton, overruled council of war.