Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786), American revolutionary soldier. He was born in Warwick, Rhode Island. In 1775 he was appointed brigadier general of the Rhode Island forces sent to join the Continental army besieging the British in Boston. Later, Greene was made a major general and was assigned to the command of the revolutionary troops in New Jersey. In 1778 he was appointed quartermaster general of the revolutionary army. In 1780 he sat as president of the military court that tried British major John André, the accomplice of American traitor Benedict Arnold. Greene was then given command of the southern revolutionary army; he was ultimately successful in forcing the enemy to retreat to three coastal bases, where they were later trapped.