At Valley Forge, Nathanael Greene gave up active duty in the field, much to his sorrow and regret, and became Quartermaster-General. He gave up his ambitions, in order to help Washington relieve the sufferings of the troops. As Quartermaster-General, he was soon able to supply them with some blankets, clothes, and food, all of which Congress had failed to deliver. Later Greene’s reward of faithful service came. Washington appointed him Commander of the Army in the South. It was a post of great danger; but he conducted his military operations with such courage and sagacity that they led on to completed victory for the American arms at Yorktown. This is what John Fiske says of Nathanael Greene:-- “The intellectual qualities which he showed in his southern campaign were those which have characterized some of the foremost strategists of modern times.... Nor was Greene less notable for the sweetness and purity of his character, than for the scope of his intelligence. From lowly beginnings he had come to be ... the most admired and respected citizen of Rhode Island.” LIGHT HORSE HARRY _The American Congress to Henry Lee, Colonel of Cavalry_:-- “_Notwithstanding rivers and intrenchments, he with a small band ered the foe by warlike skill and prowess, and firmly bound by his humanity, those who had been conquered by his arms._” _In memory of the conflict at Paulus’s Hook, nineteenth of August, 1779_ I The most dashing and romantic young soldier of the Continental Army, was Light Horse Harry. His real name was Henry Lee. He was a small, alert, young man, mischievous sometimes, but always brave. He was a cavalry-leader. He commanded the famous Legion of Light Horse, which took part in so many heroic battles. He was one of Washington’s most trusted generals. His charm and dauntlessness delighted Washington, who showed warm interest in his promotion; perhaps this was because Light Horse Harry’s mother had been Washington’s young sweetheart in his schoolboy days. “My lowland beauty,” he had called her. But she had married a Lee, and not Washington. Light Horse Harry had many adventures as romantic and daring as himself. II Light Horse Harry was a favourite at Mount Vernon. He did not stand in any reverential awe of the great Washington. One day, as they sat at table, Washington mentioned that he wanted a pair of carriage horses, and asked the young man if he knew where they might be bought. “I have a fine pair, General,” replied he, “but you cannot get them.” “Why not?” “Because you will never pay more than half price for anything; and I must have full price for my horses.” This bantering reply set Mrs. Washington laughing; and her parrot, perched beside her, joined in the laugh. Washington took this familiar assault upon his dignity with great good humour. “Ah, Lee, you are a funny fellow!” said he, “See, that bird is laughing at you!” III