1To John Adams from William Heath, 22 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Being informed that you begin your Journey for Philadelphia this week, I would beg to recommend to your Consideration the Services of Colonel Jeduthan Baldwin, who Joyned the Army the Beginning of the last Campaign, and has Continued ever Since in the army as an Engineer on the works. He has received for the months of June and July from the Assembly of our Colony Colonels Pay. But as the...
2To John Adams from William Heath, 10 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
After public Bodies and more elivated Citizens be pleased to accept the Congratulations of an old Republican on your advancement to the Presidental chair of the United States of America. In a Letter which you did me the honor to write me, Dated at Philadelphia April 15th 1776.—You were pleased to observe, “Altho I never had the pleasure and the honour of so intimate an Acquaintance with you as...
3To John Adams from William Heath, 28 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your highly esteemed favor of the 14th. current, and to ask your pardon for not doing it sooner, which has been prevented by particular engagements, In my attempts to arouse the military genius of my fellow Countrymen, your declarations of approbation and coincidence of sentiment, are no Small encouragment and Support. I do not recollect, to have seen the...
4To John Adams from William Heath, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Honor of the Receipt of yours of the 5th. Instant, and shall think myself fortunate if by writeing or Otherwise, I can in the least Contribute to the Good of my Country, or Advantage of my Native Colony. It is not Surpriseing that Jealousies do Subsist, and that Misrepresentations have been made, respecting our Colony by some , But Such will be despised, by the Wise...
5To John Adams from William Heath, 14 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The French Frigate Nimphe Commanded by the Chevalier Senneville returning directly to France I cannot omit so favorable an oppertunity of testifying my esteem in wishing that you may have had a safe and agreeable passage from America to France, and of congratulating you on the present agreeable and promissing aspect of our public Affairs. Previous to the arrival of Mr. Dean with the public...
6To John Adams from William Heath, 18 May 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of Your highly esteemed letter, which you did me the honour to write me, under the date of the 11th. of May current. Having written many speculations (between the begining of the year 1770, and the present time,) under the signature of a military Countryman, I was fully aware, that my stile, Signature, and motto, would discover the writer, but it is from your...
7To John Adams from William Heath, 20 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I must ask your Pardon for having repeatedly received your favors Since I have been in the Army, without returning you an Acknowledgement of them. From the opinion which I have long had of your abilities and Patriotism, I have wished for an Intimate Acquaintance with you, And Shall ever Consider it as a great Honor to Correspond with you. In your last to me of the 15th. of April you were...
8Report Relative to Assuming Civil Government, 10 December 1774 (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 73–74. This, the second report on this date of the Committee on the State of the Province, was framed in the form of three resolutions: that the adjournment on 29 October had...
9From John Adams to the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Towns and Districts of Massachusetts Bay, 10 December … (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 69–72. Prepared by a committee appointed 12 October, originally composed of fifteen members: John Hancock, Joseph Hawley, Joseph Warren, Samuel Dexter, Artemas Ward, James...
10To Thomas Jefferson from William Heath, 18 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
While I have been enjoying, with grateful satisfaction, your Judicious administration of the Government of the United States.—and its daily increasing estimation with the real friends of our Country in this quarter,—I have carefully avoided giving you interruption in your important duties by any epistles or applications of mine, and I pray you to excuse my doing of it at this time,—Colonel Lee...
11To Thomas Jefferson from William Heath, 19 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hon Mr. Seaver, representative to Congress from this district, setting out for the seat of Government tomorrow morning, I cannot omit so favorable an opportunity to do myself the honor of addressing a few lines to you, dictated by the purest friendship, and profound respect,—hoping that you continue to enjoy confirmed health of body, for a sound mind; in a sound body, are fortunate indeed,...
12To Thomas Jefferson from William Heath, 25 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Although I have not the honour of an intimate acquaintance with you,—I am too well acquainted with your true character, and ardent love for the best interests of our Common Country, and of mankind, not to felicitate my fellow Citizens on your elevation, or refrain from expressing to you, those feelings of satisfaction, and that confidence which is inspired in my breast on the present occasion,...
13To Thomas Jefferson from William Heath, 27 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Deeply impressed with a sense of the invalueable rights of equal liberty, as the unalienable gift of Heaven to man,—I early enrolled myself their votary, and as far as was in my power commenced their defender,—When the invaded rights of the American colonists beat loud to arms, I was among the first to obey the call, and sacrificed nearly eight years of the prime of my life in the field, and...
14To James Madison from William Heath, 13 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Although I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, duty and affection prompt me to address you, in sincere Congratulation, on the triumph of principal, in the recent Election of President, and Vice President, of the United States. Having been Contemporary, with Hancock, the Adams’s, Warrens and others, in the Councils of this now State, in those “times which tried mens souls,”...
15From William Heath to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 1 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this date, Enclosed you will find Coppy of the System for the Issue of Provisions—as new modified by agrement. I have Issued no order on the Head of the New System during the Absence of the Commander in Chief—not knowing what order he might think proper to Issue on the occasion, but being informed by a Letter from Lt Colonel Cobb, while his Excellency was absent that...
16To George Washington from William Heath, 6 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of a General Court Martial on Lieut. Sampson, and Amos Bennett a Soldier, they were handed me yesterday. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency Most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
17To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 10th. In my last I mention’d to your Excellency having sent to Portsmouth, to forward 3,000 Arms to Springfield —Major Barber the Commissary of Artillery Stores, whom I sent for the purpose informs me that upon his Arrival there—the Honble Mr Langdon, the Continental Agent informed him that Three Thousand Arms had been just sent on to Connecticut, but...
18To George Washington from William Heath, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented by colonel Putnam of the 5th Massachusetts regiment, who will solicit your permission to be absent from the army for a short time. He was some time since appointed one of the arbitrators to ascertain the quantity of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign, which has detained him, and will again require his attention on the 20th of May...
19To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received the enclosed Letters from Colo. Sheldon and Major Talmage, by which your Excellency will preceive that a Skirmish happened with the Enemy on the morning of the 2nd Instant, with Some loss on both Sides. permit me in behalf of Major Talmage to request Some releif of Clothing from the Public Store if your Excellency should think it proper. I have the honor to be with...
20To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At the pressing request of Brigadier General Hamilton, I have given permission to Captain Masters of the 24th Regiment, British, attended by Captain Bliss to proceed to your Excellency to receive your further orders, with respect to a packet with which he is intrusted, addressed to General Sir Henry Clinton. As Major General Phillips intends writing to your Excellency, prehaps respecting his...
21To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
From the appearances of Several fires the last night there is reason to apprehend that the Enemy have destroyed the Works & evacuated Verplanks point. I have Sent out Several parties to make discoveries & to harrass them if possible. In obedience to your Excellencys orders the Brigades will move into the Highlands. Permit me to Suggest on Account of the great Scarcity of Forage in the...
22To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here the last Night & this morning had the honor of congratulating Monsr le Compte de rochambeau, and monsieur le chevalier de Terney on their Safe arrival in this harbour. The Fleet consists of Seven sail of the line—the duke de Burgogne of 80 Guns. le Neptune and le Conquerant of 74—le Jazon L’Eville—L’Ardent and Le Provence of 64—le Fantasque Hospital Ship of 64—mounts 40 Guns—two...
23To George Washington from William Heath, 21 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received an act of Congress of the 7th inst. of which the enclosed is coppy. as I apprehend it will be impossible to form any tollerable judgement of the quantity of forrage, without ascertaining the number of horses & cattle belonging to the allied army which were supplied with forrage in West Chester County; permit me to request your order to the Quartermasters of the allied...
24To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this day received ⅌ Mr Fessenden the honor of yours of the 5th 10th & 12th Instant, most heartily thank your Excellency for the Intelligence communicated therein, and shall strictly attend to the directions given. We have just received the inclosed Intelligence of the success of our Troops under General Starks near Bennington, upon which I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency. We...
25To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just had the Honor to receive your’s of this day’s Date, & shall continue in the most perfect readiness, the Detachment designed for your Aid if Occasion should require it—I will further confer with the Brigadier Generals & Engineers, on the Probability of the Fire Rafts answering the Purpose of a floating Bridge, It is my own, as well as Genl Clinton’s Opinion that they will, and it...
26To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 24th June and 3rd July Came to hand by this Days Post. where they have been so long detained I cannot Conceive, as they Contain Several Peices of Intelligence of the then motions of the Enemy—had they Come to hand in the Usual Time would have gratifyed the Publick exceedingly; be pleased Sir to accept my warmest acknowledgements of Gratitude and Thanks for the Honor Done me in...
27To George Washington from William Heath, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 5th and 6th to which I shall duly attend. I hoped I should not have been compelled again to represent our situation on account of provisions; but supplies of meat have not arrived. All the Irish beef in the store has been gone for some days—We are at last forced in upon the reserves—that in fort Clinton has been taken all out this day—The pork which was ordered...
28To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a return of Cloathing absolutely wanted for the recruits of the New Jersey line, many of whom are almost naked. I should have given an order on the Clothier for the delivery of the Cloathing without troubling your Excellency again on the subject, but find the Coats in the Store at Newborough are not of the Uniform established for the Jersey-line, and not knowing but there may be...
29To George Washington from William Heath, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
A general court-martial has been sitting since monday on the trial of two serjeants and a soldier of the Connecticut line—they have not yet closed the trial. I am informed they find it difficult to get the evidence necessary to convict them, except the soldier—the moment I receive the proceedings they shall be forwarded to Your Excellency. There is a great jealousy among the officers that...
30To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received pr Col. Johonnot the honor of your’s of the 29th ultimo—and observe your Excellency’s pressing & positive Orders for hastening the Troops—This I have been doing with unremitted Assiduity—and the moment a Detachment is equipped I order them to march—There are now on the march to Peeks-kill, a Detachment of Col. Greaton’s Regt upwards of One Hundred fine Fellows well armed...
31To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to enclose a Letter from Lt Colo. Badlam and another from Capt. Stillwell which were received the last Evening. I received a hint of the escape of the Culprits the Day before yesterday about noon from Colo. Hay, on which I gave immediate orders to all the Officers of Guards and Patroles to keep a good look out on all the roads and if Possible to take them up, but the nature...
32To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the Death of Colo. Russell of the 8th Connecticut Regt who died a few Days Since The Command of that Regt falls to Lieut. Colo. Sherman of the 2nd Regt The Eldest Lieut. Colonel in the Connecticut Line, It is requested that Lieut. Colonel Sherman be directed to take the Command of the 8th Regt and Lieut. Colonel Hait now of the 8th Regt the Command of the 2nd Regt. Enclosed is a...
33To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ulo and by the same Express a Letter from Governor Trumbull, representing that the Forrage on the road commonly traveled to Fish kill was nearly exhausted, and that the Troops of the Convention could not be well supplied unless they took the rout of Waterbury and Danbury, or through the County of Berkshire into the State of New York....
34To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
yesterday noon I received the Honor of yours of the 18th Instant and about an hour after that, of the 20th. The Letters addressed to his Excellency Count D. Estaing I immediately forwarded to him as I alwaies keep an Express Boat ready for that purpose —The General Opinion here Seems to be that the Enemy are going to the West Indies—but the Possibility and Some degree of Probability that their...
35To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday and without loss of time forwarded the Letters to Genl Wolcott and Colo. Moylan Several Measures are adopted for the obtaining intelligence hope Some of them will Succeed. I send one Prisoner of war and three Deserters, one from the legion, one from the Queens rangers and the other from the 71st Regt the latter from Verplanks Point this morning each of the...
36To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of intelligence received yesterday morning from the westward that the Fleet of Transports which were lately in the Sound, and supposed to be coming this way, had sail’d towards newyork, General Count de Rochambeau express’d his pleasure that the militia which had arrived and were on their march for his support, (except those detached for three months) should return home. I...
37To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779. GW wrote Heath on this day: “Your favor of this morning inclosing a letter from Captain Hopkins I have just received.”
38To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Upon the receipt of yours on Yesterday I immediately sent an Express to West-Chester, with the Letter directed to Col. Williams, & a Line from myself for his immediate march to Mount Washington—The Express informs that Col. Williams with his Regiment was not arriv’d, but hourly expected—The Major of the Regiment is at West-Chester, and will as soon as the Regiment reaches that place deliver...
39To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the inclosed letter, and state of provisions at Fort Schuyler, from Colo Malcom. It seems no time is to be lost in forwarding provisions. As Colonel Blane is probably by this time at Head Quarters, I beg leave to submit to your Excellency, his being directed to order, the number of Cattle mentioned by Colonel Malcom, to Albany as soon as possible. By late accounts from the...
40To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the Honor of yours of the 8th Instant. In my last I wrote your Excellency that Cloathing was now preparing with the utmost dispatch for the Troops of this State, and that I was in hopes there would be no more complaints on that Head. Your Excellency in your last, on mentioning that the Troops have been illy supplied is pleased to observe that “This however has not...
41To George Washington from William Heath, 29 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
A Cartel has inst. arrived at Boston from Quebec and has brought a number of American prisoners, there are among them several Officers and about twenty soldiers inlisted to serve during the war, I have directed Lieut. Colonel Popkin to forward the latter on to the Army to recieve your Excellencys further orders, they principally belong to Connecticut and New York, they are in extreme want of a...
42To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 15th: have given orders to have the returns made as soon as possible, and have enjoined on Lt Colo. Brooks not to loose a moment in having them accomplished. Major General Howe arrived here a few days since: I intended to have set out immediately for new England, but, the mild weather sitting in which has rendered the roads almost impassible, I am yet...
43To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter Just received from Colo. Harrison, I am Informed that it is your Excellency’s Pleasure, That Such of the militia belonging to General Saltonstalls Brigade as have not been ordered to move Forward, should now march and take Post opposite to Head Quarters on the Morrisania Side of Harlem River & c. I beg leave Just to represent to your Excellency, That this Brigade Consists of nine...
44To George Washington from William Heath, 4 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
It has been my determination and endeavour to have presented your Excellency this Evening a List of the Officers of the Massachusetts Line, and a Sketch of arrangment agreable to what I hinted to your Excellency when I had the honor last to see you, but I find it impossible to have it compleated in Season to be delivered this evening, I therefore request your indulgence to defer it Untill...
45To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 6th —have ordered Major Throop with his Detachment to join their respective Corps; have also desired Major Bauman to give notice to General Knox previous to his trying the proposed experiments in Gunnery. Capt. Welles was some time since directed by your Excellency to take the command of the guard Boats with a company of light Infantry from the...
46To George Washington from William Heath, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are two letters which I have received from captain Banister, who has for some time been at Springfield receiving recruits. My receipt of the first of the letters, I took the liberty to mention to your Excellency when I had the honor of seeing you here; The other came to hand this morning. As your Excellency’s letter to major-general Lincoln while he was at Boston, which I had the...
47To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this Evening honored with yours of the 31st ultimo. I came here the last Evening in order to arrange and make a distribution of the militia who are coming in from all quarters. It has been agreed that about three thousand Militia shall act upon the Island—(about 1500 near quaker Hill.) If Sir Henry Clinton should land South of the Town the militia will Support Genl Rochambeau. If he lands...
48To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 31 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
on Yesterday I arrived in this City with the Brigade, and flatter my Self that Considering the Badness of the Roads Stormy weather &c. your Excellency will not think that I have been either Negligent or dilitory on the march. General Schuyler Still remains at Albany and the Command of the army at present devolves on me, I have this day ordered a Return of the army, But have it not in my Power...
49To George Washington from William Heath, 1 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Little of consequence has transpired since your departure. Some parties of the enemy have come out towards the plains, and some few shot have been exchanged between patroling parties. Yesterday we made a grand forage down to the Plains—the troops are not expected back till this afternoon, therefore have it not in my power to report whether they met with opposition or not. The militia are...
50To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon a Committee from the Board of War of this State presented me the inclosed Resolve of the General Assembly & Estimate of Stores and provisions necessary for the secret Expedition to St Johns River, an Expedition some time since recommended by the Honble Congress, of which I doubt not your Excellency has been fully acquainted. The Committee desired that I would furnish them...