Greene Nathaniel

Greene, Nathaniel (1742-1786), American general, was born in Rhode Island. He was almost entirely self-educated. Although brought up as a Quaker, he enlisted in 1774, and in 1775 was made commander of the Rhode Island contingent to the revolutionary army. He distinguished himself at the battle of Brandywine, and in 1780 was placed in command of the army of the south. He was at first unsuccessful in his operations against Cornwallis, who defeated him at Guildford Court House, and forced him to retire into South Carolina. From this base Greene opened up a new attack, reconquered Georgia and the greater part of South Carolina, and by his victory at Eutaw Springs practically decided the contest in the south. He was granted an estate in Georgia, where he died in 1786.