Nathanael Greene is considered to be one of the Continental Generals who served throughout the entire American Independence War. His first experience in the militia company was with the Kentish Guards and was later commissioned as the youngest brigadier general in the Continental Army on June 22, 1775.
Greene was tasked to take over Long Island on April 1776 when the Continental Army moved to secure New York and was then promoted to the rank of Major General. Greene was able to make himself known during the Northern Campaign, specifically during the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth. He also served as commander of the Southern Department from 1780-1783 and was victorious in initiating a war of attrition against the Crown forces.
Aside from these, Greene likewise headed the Southern army at Guilford Courthouse, Hobkirk’s Hill, Ninety-Six and Eutaw Springs. In less than two years, Greene was able to capture all of the British posts which was taking 3500 prisoners, and also succeeded in dividing the British army into two. His role in the re-establishment of civil government in the South was also very crucial.
After the victory in the war and the colonial independence, the authorities of South Carolina and Georgia provided Green with a large amount of land and money. Nevertheless, he had to sell his estate in South Carolina in order to pay off the debts for the rations for the army. In 1785, Greene settled in Georgia, having previously twice refused the post of Minister of War. He died on June 19, 1786 as a result of sunstroke.
