Christopher Greene
Christopher Greene was born in Warwick, Rhode Island in 1737. He received a good English education, and became familiar with mathematics, but was partial to military tactics and became a member of the "Kentish Guards" at an early age and was made their Lieutenant. In May of 1775, he was commissioned a Major in the brigade under his kinsman General Nathaniel Greene. At the attack on Quebec he commanded a company in the division of General Montgomery and headed the party that entered the town and was taken prisoner. Soon after he was exchanged he was put in command of the regiment previously commanded by General Varnum. In 1777, General George Washington placed Fort Mercer in his charge with only 500 men. It was located at Red Bank on the Delaware River. This site was attacked soon after the battle of Brandywine by Colonel Donop on the Jersey side with 1,200 men. The enemy were repulsed with great slaughter. Colonel Donop, Lieut. Colonel Mingerode and several other officers were killed and 400 of their soldiers killed and wounded. At the same time the British fleet and a battery on the Pennsylvania side opened a heavy fire on the contiguous Fort Mifflin, then called Mud Fort, and succeeded in having their favorite ship Augusta, of 64 guns, blown up with a part of her crew and the armed ship Merlin burned. Colonel Greene received the thanks of Congress and was voted a splendid sword which was presented to his son Job in 1786. In 1781, Colonel Greene was posted in advance of the Army near Croton river above New York and had quartered his men in several farm houses.On the night of May 13th, Greene was suddenly attacked by a superior force of refugees alias Tories. They broke into the room of the Colonel who despatched a number of them with his sword but was eventually overpowered and cut up in the most horrid manner. Major Flagg was also murdered with every soldier they could find. No officer fell during the Revolution more deeply lamented and no one of his grade better deserved the gratitude and esteem of his country.