What should a general do to obtain provisions for his troops?

Намагаюся уявити на місці Гріна якогось товстопузого вкраїнського генерала:

'[1782] while the American forces in the south were in this desperate condition, the British troops undertook no new expedition, except for the purpose of procuring provisions.

Under the impression, indeed, that with their diminished forces it would have been folly to have renewed the strife, or even to have maintained their position, they determined to leave Charlestown.

Accordingly, having agreed to leave it uninjured, on condition of their retreat being unmolested, they evacuated that town on the 14th of December; the American army entering it as the British rear-guard departed from it.

On their departure solemn thanks were offered to the Almighty in the different places of worship, by the citizens and soldiers, and the whole city presented a scene of joy and festivity; but even after this period Greene [Nathanael, the Amerian Revolutionary War general] experienced much difficulty in obtaining provision for his troops; and it was only by his becoming responsible as an endorser of the contractor’s bills, that the evil was removed. By this measure the troops were fed; but it was the cause of much subsequent embarrassment, not only to Greene himself while living, but to his family after his death.'

(From The History of England, Vol. III, Ch. XIII, by Edward Henry Nolan, Edward Farr.)

endorser -- n., a person who transfers his ownership interest in something by signing a check

embarrassment -- n., financial difficulty