From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters [White Plains] 28 August 1778
Dear sir
I had the pleasure of your several favors of the 12th & 13th Instant.1
The packet for the president of Congress, was sent forward by express.
I inclose you a letter from General Patterson respecting silk for a set of colors: You will be pleased to give directions to the clothier to have it transmitted to camp.2 I am Sir your most Obt and very hble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in James McHenry’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Only one letter from Heath to GW of 12 Aug. and no letters of 13 Aug. have been found. GW probably intended to acknowledge Heath’s letter of 14 August.
2. GW apparently enclosed a letter from Col. Thomas Marshall to Heath of 27 Aug., which read in part: “I am directed by Brigadier Patterson, who hath Genl Washingtons desire for me to write you to have the Brigade Furnish’d with a Flight of Colours; Vizt One flagg or Standard For each Battallion as the Monuvres practised in the Army is Intirely different from what hath been practiced, in America before And the Use of Colours of more real Service then ever by the Different Moovements from large plattoons into solid Column; And then to display the Column from any part of it; as the officer shall direct—The colours are of excellent use in these Monuvres Division Colours are intirely Useless—If your Honr will direct Colo. Chase to precure them, I will desire my Sister, or Capt. Wallcutts Wife to find Silk that will Answer” (MHi: Heath Papers).