The commander-in-chief was requested by Congress to look out for an officer suitably calculated to fill a post of so much importance. Washington well knew that if Greene could be convinced that he could render his country more essential service in the department of quartermaster than in the field, he would accept of the appointment. “There is not,” he observed, “an officer in the army, nor a man in America, more sincerely attached to the interests of his country than General Greene; and could he best promote their interests, in the character of a _corporal_, he would readily exchange the epaulet for the knot.” When the appointment was offered Greene, he at first declined it, but on a second conference with the commander-in-chief, he accepted, on condition that he should forfeit nothing of his right to command in time of action. He entered on the duties of his office on the 22d March, 1776. Very shortly after receiving his new appointment, he took a high and distinguished part in the battle of Monmouth, and followed in a very brilliant expedition against the enemy in Rhode Island, under the command of General Sullivan. At the battle of Monmouth, General Washington, disgusted with the behaviour of General Lee, deposed him in the field of battle, and appointed Greene to his command, which greatly contributed to retrieve the errors of his predecessor, and to the events of the day. General Greene had now been more than three years from home, and during this period the direction of his affairs had been intrusted to others, over which he had neither time nor means of control. His short visit to his home at Coventry was hailed by his neighbors with affectionate demonstrations of joy. Even the Society of Friends, who had reluctantly excluded him from their communion, expressed their sincere satisfaction at the high position he had attained in the confidence of his country. One of the Society of Friends was asked by a young officer, in jest, how he, who was an advocate for peace, could keep company with General Greene, whose profession was war. “Friend,” said the Quaker, “’Tis true, I do not approve of this many-colored apparel, but whatever may be the color of his garments, Nathaniel Greene still retains the sound head and virtuous heart, which have gained him the love and esteem of our Society.” About this time, General Greene was called to perform one of the most trying and painful duties of his life. The melancholy affair of Major Andre. Washington having summoned a court of fourteen general officers, appointed General Greene to preside. When summoned before this military tribunal, the unfortunate officer disclosed without interrogatory, what bore heaviest on his own life, but studiously concealed whatever might affect the safety of others.