Dr. Green remained with the troops which occupied Mount Independence
until they left the position in December, when he returned to Albany,
and there left the army and returned to Dover, New-Hampshire. All
through the following summer, he was afflicted with fever and ague, but
in October, 1777, accepted an appointment as surgeon of the continental
ship-of-war Ranger, then fitting out in Portsmouth, N.H., under the
command of Capt. John Paul Jones, and nearly ready for sea. They
sailed, as his diary shows, on the 1st of November, 1777, for France.
The following letter, written to his friend Mr. Cooper, describes the
passage out.
_On Board the Ranger, Peanbeauf Road_,
Dec. 4, 1777.
"SIR:
By a Gentleman who is writing I have an opportunity just to present
my respects to yourself and lady, and to inform you of my safe
arrival at Peanbeauf 27 miles below Nantz on the 2d of December
current, after a passage of 32 days. Our people all in good health
and high spirits. We had as good weather as we could wish 'till
within a week of our arrival. In the Bay of Biscay we had a very
heavy Gale of Wind, but it continued but about 48 hours. Saw but
one ship of war, and she was in the chops of the English Channel,
with a Fleet under convoy. ---- ---- I have the happiness to inform
you of the Capture of two Brigs, on the 25th and 27th of November,
both from Malaga laden with wine and fruit, which on my own and
friends account could wish with all my heart were in Portsmouth,
New-Hampshire. They were ordered to some part of France, but have
not yet heard of their arrival. There is nothing new here. The
French say but little about a war, being very intent on getting
money. Here are a number of vessels fitting out for America in the
trading way. The news of Gen. Burgoine affair got here just before
us, and before this time is in all parts of Europe.
I don't expect we shall go from this Place these six weeks, as
there is a great deal wanting to be done to the ship before she
will go to sea again. It seems probable to me that she will be
ordered directly back to America, as soon as may be. In the
meantime I am,
With the greatest sincerity & respect,
Your humble servant,