portsmouthhistorynotes

Major General Nathanael Greene – 1742-1786

Greene was born into a Quaker family in the Coventry area of Rhode Island. He worked as the resident manager of the Coventry Iron Works, working at the forge making large ship anchors and chains until he enlisted in the army. Although of Quaker background, Greene was active early in the colonial fight against British revenue policies in the early 1770s. He was self educated and valued books and learning – especially about military topics. He helped establish the Kentish Guards, a state militia unit, but a limp prevented him from joining it. Rhode Island established an army after the April 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord. Greene was tapped to command it. Later that year Greene became a general in the new Continental Army. Greene served under George Washington in the Boston campaign, the New York and New Jersey campaign, and the Philadelphia campaign. He was appointed quartermaster general of the Continental Army in 1778, but he reserved the right to command troops in the field. Before the Battle of Rhode Island, Greene was placed in charge of the right flank of the army. He had the reputation of being one of Washington’s most talented Generals.

Brigadier General John Glover 1732-1797

John Glover was born in Salem, Massachusetts, but he grew up in Marblehead. He began as a fisherman and merchant and ultimately owned his own ship. As tensions increased between the colonists and British Crown, Glover became active in the rebel cause. He joined the local militia and became commander in 1775. He participated in the siege of Boston. General Washington hired Glover’s ship to raid British shipping and it (the Hannah) became one of the first ships of the Continental Navy. The Marblehead militia became a Continental Regiment known as “the amphibious regiment.” Glover’s Regiment (the 14th Regiment) would have nearly 500 men – seamen, mariners and fishermen who had nautical skills. The 14th regiment was also integrated unit, with Native American, African American, Spanish, and Jewish volunteers all working together.