676 HISTORY OF THE .COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. * 



forth's house. Here, Col. Christopher Greene was posted with the 

 Rhode Island regiment, in advance of the Continental army, in 1781, 

 and near the French force under Count Rochambeau. The following 

 communication appears to have been addressed to Col. Greene, by John 

 Dexter, of the orderly office, upon the reorganization of his force : — 



Orderly Office, Iotowa, Nov. 19th, 1780. 

 My dear Sir : — 



I have been a considerable time expecting your arrival at camp, or at least a 

 deputy or delegate from our regiment, in order toa settlement of the officers who 

 continue in service from our State on the new arrangement. There are many 

 circumstances which must inevitably attend it, that may possibly and probably 

 not be considered without the most particular attention and deliberation. But 

 the most material, which I recollect at this time, is this — "The filling up all the 

 vacancies in the regiment which happened previous to the passing the late reso- 

 lution, for the re-arraugement of the army as far as the officers in it will extend." 

 This I have made particular enquiry respecting at head-quarters. They say it is 

 not only right, but tolerated, and is to be pursued in all the different lines of the 

 army. 



In this promotion I conceive my brother will be intcrerested, and I would wish 

 to see the arrangement before it is delivered at head-quarters. 



It has also been determined at head-quarters that the Captain Lieutenants must 

 continue on the new arrangements as Lieutenants only, but are to be the eldest 

 Lieutenants in the regiment. 



Why I mention this circumstance is this: that on filling the vacancies in our 

 regiment my brother will be entitled to the Captain Lieutenancy as will Jeraul- 

 din Angells. 



There are particular reasons, besides the justice of it, why I wish the vacancies 

 should be filled. These, however, I should wish not to communicate— only by 

 word of mouth. 



You must all along observe that I have addressed you as the Colonel of the one 

 regiment to be raised by the State of Rhode Island, as I cannot entertain a thought 

 of your wishing to retire. 



I should have seen you at Rhode Island before this time if the state of my 

 finances, would have admitted, but all the cry in camp is want of money, no 

 mone)*, no money since the first of the year. 



You ma}-, if you please, show my brother this letter with my love to him — I 

 wish to see him. I would write him if I had time. 



I am in the greatest hurry, but nevertheless do not forget that I am, with the 

 greatest respect, Your most obedient servant, 



(Signed) Jno. Dexter. 



Eight days after the date of the above letter, the following order was 

 addressed to Col. Greene by General Washington : — 



Sir.: — 



It is probable you will receive the Count de Rochambeau's order to inarch 

 with your regiment to West Point. Should this be the case you will only come 



