Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, September 10, 2025
A letter to George Washington, telephone expansion, pony riding, a community center and more
Sunday, September 10, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, Brigadier General Nathanael Greene wrote the following letter to George Washington. The original spellings and punctuation have been preserved.
“8 oClock Prospect Hill Sept. 10. 1775
“This moment reported me from the Whitehouse Guard that a deserter had made his escape into Bunker Hill—Two Centries fird at him but he made his escape I believe unhurt—As it is uncertain who it is or what he is I have thought proper to alter the Parole & Countersign for these Guards which if your Excellency Approves youl please to signify it at the return of the Sergeant—If this deserter has carried in the Countersign they may easily convey it over to Roxbury—it would [be] a pretty Advantage for a partisan frolick. The Rifflers seems very sulky and I am informd threatens to rescue their mates to night, but little is to be feard from them as the Regiment are all ready at a moments warning to turn out—and the Guards very Strong[.]1 I am with due defference your Excellencys most Obedient humble servant