To George Washington from Captain Bartholomew von Heer, 16 December 1780
From Captain Bartholomew von Heer
New Palz [N.Y.] Decbr 16th 1780.
Sir
Agreably to his Excellency’s Orders I have made a Return of my Troop concerning Men & Horses, Cloathing & Accoutrements drawn Since the 1th Septbr 1779 to the 15th of Decbr 1780,1 Likewise inclosed the Return of Officers & Men concerning the Depreciation which Return has been demanded by the Adjutt Grl to be Sent to Board of War.2
I have the Honour to acquaint Your Excellency, That in my last being at Newwindsor have represented the present situation of my Troop being in quartered in this Neighboorhood, where I find the greatest Difficulty of being Supplied with forage, If the whole Troop Shou’d remain here.
Coll Tillman mentioned, That I wou’d receive an Answer at next saturday instant of His Excellency’s Resolve & Destination.3
The Difficulty of getting Reparations done for Saddles & Accoutrements, which is very much wanting, & impossible to have it done here, likewise other Reparations to the Troop compels me to beg Your Excellency’s Leave of Absence If the Troop Shou’d not be removed.
As all the Clothing Articles are under the Hand of The Taylors in Pensilvania, obliges me to overlook the same & hurry on, That the Cloathing & necessary Articles, Which the Men are in want of, get Supplied with, & likewise to Settle my Accompts & prepair the necessary Articles wanting for the Troop; likewise take off such Horses unfit for present Use.4 I am waiting with the greatest Regard upon Your Excellencys Answer having the Honour to be Your Excellency’s Most humble & Obediant servant
Barthw von Heer Capt. of Light Dragoons
LS, DLC:GW. “⅌ Dragoon” is written on the cover.
1. The enclosed return has not been identified, but see GW to Heer, 10 Dec., found at Board of War to GW, 23 Nov., n.1.
2. The enclosed return has not been identified, but see General Orders, 6 November.
3. Heer spoke with GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman. The next Saturday was 23 Dec. (see also n.4 below).