601To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The day before yesterday captain Walker, one of your excellency’s aides-de camp, called here and gave me several papers respecting the issues of provisions under contract, and expressed your desire to have the sentiments of some officers on them. I yesterday convened the officers commanding brigades; colonel Stewart, who is one of the company of contractors, met with them—the papers left by...
602To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the enclosed from the 3d Massachusetts brigade and 10th regiment, who were unanimous in the request, and happy in the opportunity to express their sentiments. I am sorry to inform your excellency, that a distressing want of provisions has again taken place—Some of the troops have been two days without meat and without liquor—They have had bread, and that is all. Many...
603To George Washington from William Heath, 14 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Majors Gibbs and Rice, it is said, were admitted into the Massachusetts line by the consent of the field officers, upon certain conditions. A dispute has arisen respecting their right to rank and command. Several of the aggrieved have requested that the field officers of the line may hear and determine the dispute. It appears necessary that it should be done. I wish to know if your excellency...
604To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed your excellency will find two late New York papers and a letter from captain Pray, just come to hand. I also forward two deserters. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Inclosed are two York papers of the 12 & 14th Instant, The day before yesterday the Enemy carried down thirty Waggons loads of...
605To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I took the liberty once and again the last year to represent to your excellency, that the officers of the Massachusetts line thought themselves neglected in one of the brigades of the line of that state remaining so long without a brigadier, which not only deprived the officer of promotion whose right it is by the resolutions of the honorable the Congress, in that case passed and published;...
606To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to hand this morning. Captain Pray has been repeatedly importuning for an express horse to convey up dispatches he receives—At some times he cannot spare a boat, and it often happens that the wind is fresh down the river, which prevents a boat getting up. To send by land is nearly thirty miles, which is rather too far for a footman, at least to make a practice of it. I beg...
607To George Washington from William Heath, 16 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of a General Court Martial on Capt. Williams Brigade Major of the 2nd—Massachusetts Brigade. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
608To George Washington from William Heath, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d ultimo I took the liberty to address your excellency on some matters respecting the ascertaining the quantity of forage expended by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign, and enclosed a copy of a letter from general Beville to colonel Pickering on the subject. The 20. instant is the time the arbitrators are to meet, unless your excellency should think proper to...
609To George Washington from William Heath, 18 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was sent me this morning—I have requested the Quarter Master to furnish Captn Smith with a horse to pursue the two Sergeants. I am sorry to find, as your Excellency will observe by the last return, the increase of desertions. There is most certainly a great uneasiness in the Army, on account of the long arrears of pay—the uneasiness is increased by the late frequent scantiness of...
610To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Williams Brigade Major of the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, has been tried at a General Court Martial for not furnishing a detail laid on the Brigade by the D.A.G., has been acquitted by the Court and the Judgment approved by your Excellency, this has been done in consequence of Colonel Putnam Commandant of the Brigade forbiding Capt. Williams furnishing the detail, Colonel Putnam...
611To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was sent me this morning. I beg leave to lay them before your Excellency and to request your indulgence in behalf of the Petitioner, & that a furlough may be granted him. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. I am peinfully sensibel of the ma n ifest impropriety of a Soldiers applying for leave of...
612To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 17th. I apprehend it will be necessary to lay General Bevilles letter before the Arbitrators as a check upon the representations which will be made by the State Agent of the great number of horses kept, and forrage consumed by the French Army. Your Excellencys observations shall be subjoined. Enclosed is a letter from Major Gibbs and a New York...
613To George Washington from William Heath, 21 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was handed to me this afternoon. If Your Excellency has no objection, I request your permission to convene the Officers of the Massachusetts Line for the purpose therein mentioned. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. The Officers of the several Regiments in the Massachusetts Line have agreed to...
614To George Washington from William Heath, 22 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colonel Badlam arrived the last evening from Boston. He is in a very bad state of health. He asserts that he has exerted every endeavour to serve his Country in the execution of the trust of Muster Master while in that Office, altho some improper men may have escaped his vigilance—I wish to know your pleasure whether his conduct is to be made the subject of a Court of Enquiry, or of a tryal...
615To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your several letters of the 22d and a letter address’d to General Sir Guy Carlton. Your pleasure signifyed in the letters shall be duly observed—the letter to Sir Guy Carleton forwarded to the enemies out post. It has been enjoyned on the Troops at the late musters and Inspections to be constantly supplied with fifty rounds of cartridges pr man; these cannot be always...
616To George Washington from William Heath, 26 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of 24 t h on your leaving Newburgh, & of the same date from Poughkeepsie. An Officer will be appointed to attend the meeting of the Referees. Nothing material has transpired below—The Enemy have encamped their Troops on York Island—There have been various reports of a fleets being seen on the Coast—I rather think it nothing more than our own Merchantmen from the...
617To George Washington from William Heath, 26 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since writing in the morning Colonel Greaton has Sent up Six Prisoners of war taken by a party of Colo. Daytons Regt at or near Staten Island Some days Since, I enclose two News papers Just come to Hand the latest I have received. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most Obed. Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
618To George Washington from William Heath, 28 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Capt. Pray came to hand yesterday. The one from Colonel Greaton, covering one from Major Gotchkins this morning at 2 oClock; if the latter account be true, an evacuation of New York may follow, as the Enemy may be collecting their Force to some other point. I shall order the Army to be in readiness to move on the shortest notice, and endeavour to act as occasion may require...
619To George Washington from William Heath, 5 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a New York paper of the 2—the latest I have received. Major Knap, who now commands on the lines, writes me that the enemy have sent up a number of field-pieces to the north end of York island—and that the 17 light dragoons continue towards Kingsbridge—that some are of opinion the enemy intend an excursion to some part of the lines. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect,...
620To 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.
621To George Washington from William Heath, 8 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 7th—Colonel Nicola has been appointed by the officers of the army to attend the referees to support the charges exhibited against the contractors. I have given him notice of the intended meeting of the referees on wednesday next, and desired him to conduct accordingly. I some time since wrote mr Marbois respecting the two French deserters who were sent on from...
622To George Washington from William Heath, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
There is at present a deficiency of cartridge-boxes, and many of the recruits who have drawn arms are destitute of boxes. The 3. Massachusetts brigade have no conductor of military stores, or forage master—and wish to have them appointed, as they daily experience the want of them. Enclosed is the report of the field officers of the Massachusetts line on the conditions which majors Rice and...
623To George Washington from William Heath, 28 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 11th and have endeavoured to discharge the trust reposed in me. Enclosed your excellency will find the proceedings of a general court-martial on lieutenant-colonel Badlam of the 8. Massachusetts regiment, and lieutenant Lamont of the invalid regiment. Many other sentences I have passed upon; these extending to dismission from the service, I have thought it my...
624To George Washington from William Heath, 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with Your Excellencys letter of this date, covering two to general Sir Guy Carleton, they are forwarded by Express to Dobbs ferry, to be sent to the enemies out Post. I shall hold myself in readiness to execute Your Excellencys commands as express’d in Your letter. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
625From 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...
626To George Washington from William Heath, 1 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 31st ultimo—am happy in your excellency’s approbation on any parts of my conduct. In answer to the questions your excellency was pleased to propose to the general officers when last at your quarters, I beg leave to reply for myself. That although the principles of humanity dictate that every measure compatible with the public safety and interest, without...
627To George Washington from William Heath, 2 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Goodale of the 5th Massachusetts regiment with Your Excellency’s approbation, will go to Massachusetts to apprehend some of the many Deserters from the line of that State—Capt. Goodale goes on the principle of having his expences borne as specifyed in Your letter to me of the 31st Ulto—He will endeavour to obtain a descriptive list of such as have deserted this summer—and will take such...
628To George Washington from William Heath, 3 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from general Sir Guy Carleton, came to hand last evening—I forward it by express. If it should contain any thing which will affect the mission with which your excellency has been pleased to honor me, I wish your further directions by the return of the express; as I intend going down the river early to morrow morning, unless something takes place which requires an alteration....
629To George Washington from William Heath, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 3d which puts a stop to my going down the river conformably to your excellency’s former instructions. The enclosed came to hand this morning. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington.
630To George Washington from William Heath, 5 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Colonel Jackson, with the new york paper this moment came to hand. I have written to Colonel Jackson to allow the paroled Prisoners to land & make themselves as comfortable as they can untill Your pleasure is known respecting them, which I request as soon as may be convenient. The letters addressed to General Sir Guy Carleton & Capt. Ludlow are received, & will be forwarded...
631To George Washington from William Heath, 6 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major Keith has been relieved from the lines, and is ordered in arrest on the enclosed charges, which are submitted to your excellency. He will soon be brought to trial unless you think proper to order otherwise. A considerable number of soldiers in every regiment I am informed, are destitute of cartridge boxes, which will render them in a great measure unfit for real service, should the...
632To George Washington from William Heath, 8 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I wish to know whether it be your excellency’s pleasure that the absence of major John Porter of the Massachusetts line should be taken cognizance of by a general court-martial. He stands eldest major in the line—the dismission of lieutenant-colonel Badlam opens a vacancy for a lieutenant-colonel—Major Maxwell is second major in the line, and is very anxious to know how the promotion is to be...
633To George Washington from William Heath, 9 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 7th—Major Keith has requested that his trial may not commence until general Paterson returns, which will probably be eight or ten days. I believe captain Dorrence will decline superintending the general hospital. I have desired general Huntington to ascertain the matter fully. I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most...
634To George Washington from William Heath, 10 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honoured with yours of the 8th. A general court-martial shall take cognizance of major Porter’s absence as soon as it can be effected. I wish to know how your excellency would have the charge or charges expressed. I have sent parties this day to repair the roads towards Pecks-kill. It is said there is great uneasiness in New York and at Morrissania among the refugees, on...
635To George Washington from William Heath, 11 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was handed to me the last evening. From the circumstances which are related, I am led to request your excellency’s indulgence to Barnam, and that he may have it as soon as you may think it convenient. I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. Enclosed is a representation of John Barnam (a soldier...
636To George Washington from William Heath, 12 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from captain Pray came to hand the last evening. George Losier, whom he mentions to have taken, being an inhabitant and not taken in arms, I have written to captain Pray to deliver him to the civil authority. Colonel Jackson returned from the command at Dobbs’ ferry yesterday—He has some late New York papers, which he will present at head-quarters. All the late accounts from New...
637To George Washington from William Heath, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the advanced season of the year, I beg leave to submit to your excellency’s consideration whether it is not time to take some measures for procuring a supply of fuel for the garrison of West-point the approaching winter. Any mode which your excellency may think proper to direct, shall be carried into execution. I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most...
638To George Washington from William Heath, 19 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with Yours of yesterday, in obedience to which a company of light infantry march’d to Peeks Kill early this morning with two days provision; as the weather has been bad probably it has prevented Your Excellency’s going to Peeks Kill this day—The company which marched this day will be out of provisions tomorrow evening—I shall order another company tomorrow with...
639To George Washington from William Heath, 19 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Letter from Mr Sedgwick was handed to me this Day by the bearer Mr Williams, Mr Sedgwick is a member of the General Assembly in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and I believe concerned in the Contract for supplying the moving Army—Mr Williams Seems to be very deficient in not, having obtained permission from Governor Hancock, I can only refer him to your Excellency, and beg...
640To George Washington from William Heath, 22 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from major Ashley, I received at two o’clock this morning. I have written to the major to detain the flag until he receives your excellency’s directions for further proceedure. I enclose two New York papers—one of the 19th the other of the 20th instant. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington.
641To George Washington from William Heath, 23 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Five companies of light-infantry have been assigned at a time to do duty on the lines—the corps of light-infantry now consists of five battalions—If your excellency should approve of the duty on the lines being done in future by four companies at a time, three above Croton and one with captain Hunt’s company of levies at Bedford, it will render the mode of doing duty easy, each battalion doing...
642To George Washington from William Heath, 23 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured with yours of the 22nd last evening—wrote major Ashley to order mr Darking to return immediately within the enemy’s lines, and have written brigadier-general Birch on the subject, conformably to your excellency’s directions. The letter from governor Livingston to general sir Guy Carleton has been forwarded to Dobbs’s ferry. The enclosed from captain Pray was received this...
643To George Washington from William Heath, 25 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The 1st Connecticutt regiment is just relieved and on its return from Dobbs ferry, they reach’d Verplanks point last night or this morning. The Commanding Officer has sent up to me to know whether the regiment shall halt and remain at the point or come up and join their Brigade—The regiment have their Tents with them, and if the Army is to march in a few days, the regiment will have a needless...
644To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 25th. Altho’ my conduct and Command may not have been without many errors and imperfections, a consciousness of the rectitude of my intentions, have rendered me very indifferant to any charges which have been devising against me. I feel most Sensibly your Excellency’s attention and kindness, in the Offer of leave to visit my Family, however Strong my...
645To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed memorandum was sent me the last evening by colonel Webb, and is submitted for such directions as your excellency may think proper to give in any of the particulars mentioned. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Some of the Companies have only a partial supply of Ammunition. A deficiency of...
646To George Washington from William Heath, 27 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed your excellency will find a report made this morning by brigadier-general Huntington of a soldier belonging to the Connecticut line in crossing a corn-field being fired upon and wounded by an inhabitant in the day time, and how far measures have been taken to obtain justice. The soldier had one of his legs broken—it is yet uncertain whether an amputation must take place or not. I have...
647To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Enclosed came to hand a few minutes Since from Colonel Olney, having several Letters in my hand I broke the Seal of one of them, before I found my mistake that it was not addressd to me, I beg your Excellency’s Pardon for this inadvertence and assure myself your goodness will excuse it. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
648To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Some officers in the 3d Massachusetts brigade wish to send to Philadelphia for the money due them on mr Peirce’s notes—A surgeon of one of the regiments who has a horse, will go immediately if your excellency will grant permission. As the officers are in great want of their money, I beg leave to request your permission for the surgeon to go, which will take but a few days—a mate is with the...
649To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In the present stage of the war the officers of the Massachusetts line have thought it an object highly interesting to them to know whether their state will conform to an ordinance of congress of October 1780, granting half pay for life to the officers who should continue in service to the end of the war—or if this mode should not be agreeable to the genius and inclination of the people, to...
650To George Washington from William Heath, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
A few minutes since Lieut. Bull of Colonel Canfields Corps came to my Quarters having in Custody a Mr Peter Corne, and three others, who came to Stamford in a Flag granted by General Birch, which is enclosed—I have detained Mr Corne and the others here untill your pleasure is signified. He is the Gentleman who formerly owned the House at Peekskill in which Judge Lawrence now lives—Inclosed is...