61From George Washington to William Heath, 24 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of Yesterdays date are come to Hand. I approve your proposition of four light Infantry Companies instead of five, doing the Duty of the Lines in future—and you will give your Orders accordingly as soon as you please. With much Regard I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
62From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
As the Enemy must pass this place before they can attempt the Posts above, and as your Troops there, are new augmented, I would have you pick out a body of about Eight hundred or a thousand light active men, and good Marksmen (Including the light Infantry and Riflemen) ready to move this way upon the appearance of the Shipping coming up, or upon the commencement of the Canonade of any of our...
63From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored upon my arrival here, with your several Letters of the 28th and 29th Ulto also the 1st and 3d Instant. I am informed that the salted Beef which was expected from the Eastward, has come forward; and am to request that 100 Barrels of it, may be immediately embarked and sent to Albany, while the River remains open, for the use of the Garrison of Fort Schuyler: the remainder...
64From George Washington to William Heath, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of this day. No means in our power, to have the supplies you mention instantly brought forward, shall be left unessayed: the most pointed Orders have already been given to the proper Officers—repeated applications have been made to the Civil Authority for impress Warrants—and finally we have been forced to have recourse to a military impress, to obtain the teams...
65From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colo. Varick and Major Franks late of General Arnolds family having requested of me a Court of inquiry to ascertain the part they acted relative to the transactions of General Arnold; you will be pleased to appoint a Court of Inquiry, to examine into the conduct of the Gentlemen in their connection with the late Major General Arnold, during his command at West-point, and relative to the...
66From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that in the night of the 18th Major Lee with a detachment of 400 men surprised the enemy’s garrison at Powles-hook (which you know is within cannon shot of the batteries at New York)—& brought off the garrison consisting of about 150 Men. Such repeated instances of disgrace to the British arms will undoubtedly, make them feel sore, & seek opportunities to...
67From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 31st ulto and 2d and 3d instants. As I do not think myself at liberty to grant Genl Hamiltons request without the concurrence of Congress I have transmitted the Copy of his letter to them and have desired their immediate answer, that if they do not chuse to comply, the Flag Vessel may not be unnecessarily detained. I have sent Officers to meet the troops at Enfeild and...
68George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] July 27, 1777. Disapproves of requisition of arms for proposed St. Johns expedition. Approves of Heath’s methods of dealing with deserters. Requests Heath not to send French volunteers to Headquarters, as their pretensions to office are “embarrassing.” Reports that British fleet’s destination is probably Philadelphia. Orders Continental troops sent to the Northern...
69Instructions and Orders for Brigadier General William Heath, 19 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
As you are Forthwith to take upon You the Command of the Brigade, now upon their March to Norwich in Connecticutt, consisting of the 5th, 16th, 19th, 24th & 25th Regiments, you will without Delay proceed to Norwich where you will confer with the persons appointed to provide Vessells for the Transportation of The Troops to New York; Dispatch, & Secrecy are necessary in Embarquing, & Sailing...
70From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I did not expect that the Postscript to my letter of the 14th (written in much haste) requesting only a Suspencion of your order of the 13th untill the hurry of the business I was then engaged in should be a little over , would have drawn from you such a letter as yours of the 16th, which did not come to my hands till the evening of the 18th. I neither questioned your right to issue orders for...
71From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 7th and 10th instants. I am pleased to find from the Copy of the letter from Bordeaux that matters wore so good a face in France, it is more than probable that they will push an advantagious Trade with us before a formal declaration of War, indeed if they were to strike a Blow before the declaration, they would only repay England, for playing a Game of the same kind in...
72From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favors of the 10th & 11th Instant. I had always considered you as having the command of the Troops at Fish Kill. and am fully of your opinion that an investigation into the issues of Provision at that place, and the Landing is absolutely necessary—You will be pleased therefore to take such Measures as you think proper to detect the abuses in this or any other article...
73From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captain Hopkins of Colonel Moylans Light Dragoons goes to Boston to procure Cloathing & accoutrements for the Regiment against the ensuing Campaign. As the prices of many articles have risen from there being too great a number of Bidders, I have directed the Captain, if there are any Persons Purchasing for the Continent not to interfere with them, but, to apply to them for such articles as he...
74From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have lately recd a letter from the secretary of the Board of War in which he complains that you have drawn Arms for the full Complement of Henly’s, Lee’s and Jackson’s Regiments when there is scarce any chance of their being compleated, I therefore desire if the matter is so, that you may return all the supernumerary Arms into the Magazine at Springfield or Brookfield. As you will...
75From George Washington to William Heath, 28 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have no objection to Austin’s having permission to go to Morris Town, if nothing unfavorable has been discovered of him, while employed as you Mention. I am Dear Sir With great esteem Your Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
76From George Washington to William Heath, 22 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the Order of this day you will see the Army is to go into Tents as soon as conveniently may be—The ground of Encampment for the different Corps ought to be as contiguous to their present Cantonments as the Nature of the ground will admit. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
77George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 25, 1779 . Acknowledges receipt of information concerning enemy. Instructs Heath to keep troops in readiness to act. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
78From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of informing you Yesterday of our Success at Trenton, I have received Advice that Count Donnop with the remainder of the Enemy’s Army, immediately upon the News, decamped, and was on his Retreat towards South Amboy. On hearing this Genl Ewing and Colo. Cadwallader passed the River with the Troops under their command, and Genl Mifflin will follow this day with a...
79From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Some days ago, General McDougall informed me, that a Majr Hayes (I think that was the name)—or Hughes, had suggested to him, that the Inhabitants of Westchester County could, without inconvenience to themselves, spare at least Ten thousand Bushels of Indian Corn and Five hundred Tons of Hay; and that a number of Pettiaugua’s sent to the nearest good Landings to the Foragers (but not too low...
80From George Washington to William Heath, 4 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 20th Inst. with the several inclosures has been duly receivd. I cannot but hope your decision respecting the soldiers under sentence for desertion will be attended with beneficial consequences. It is a fortunate circumstance that the Troops will be recoverd from the small Pox at so early a period as will afford time for establishing discipline and making preparations for the...
81From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is my intention that General Nixon shall form a junction with General Howe at Pines’ bridge Croton River. This you will communicate to him, and send to Genl Howe to know, when he espects to be there; and let General Nixon begin his march so as to arrive there nearly at the same time with him. You will give General Nixon your instructions accordingly, and advise him to be cautious in his...
82From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will receive with this a Copy of my Letter to you of the 19th Inst. Two reasons have led me to send it, the one lest the Original may have miscarried, the other to explain it fully if you have already recd it—I do not mean to tie up your hands from effecting, or even attempting any thing that may prove honourable to yourself, or usefull to the Cause. Altho’ the original design of your...
83From George Washington to William Heath, 30 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of yesterday, with their inclosures, were duly delivered to me. I do not think any considerable alteration, need be made, respecting the out Posts, I approve your holding the Troops you mention, in readiness to support them; but it would not be eligable, to advance any more Artillery at present—The Detachments on the Lines, ought to be extremely vigilant. I have written to Mr...
84George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 16, 1779. Orders Heath to Peekskill to take command. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
85From George Washington to William Heath, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Altho I must confess that it appears to me rather surprizing to have a request for so many Gentlemen, and of such Rank, to be absent from their Commands, at this Time of the Campaign, on Business to their State—Yet as it is the particular Desire of the Officers of the Line, I give my permission as requested, for all the Gentlemen except Major General Knox; who cannot by any means be spared...
86From George Washington to William Heath, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to proceed immediately to the several Eastern States, with the dispatches, addressed to the Governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts Bay and the President of New Hampshire, on the subject of supplies for the Army. The present critical and alarming situation of our Troops and Garrisons for the want of provision, is (from the nature of your command) so perfectly...
87From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Under the particular circumstances mentioned in your Letter of the 7th Inst., I shall not hesitate to grant a discharge to Capt. Smart, upon the conditions therein proposed —Altho I would not have it by any Means, considered as a precedent to deviate from the fixed rule of discharges. The answer given to Sergt Larvey’s Petition in Novr last, was, that a transferrence could not be made from One...
88From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you the 13th directing you to order eight of the Regiments of your State to march with the greatest expedition to peekskill. I then gave you my reasons for this alteration of my former orders. Altho’ I called upon you, in the most pressing manner, to hurry the Troops on, I cannot help again repeating my distress for the want of Men; the general Backwardness of the recruiting...
89From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the long preparations at New York and the strong appearances of a large Detachment’s being made from thence—it seems certain from very recent advices, that no Troops have sailed as yet, and that the Enemy hold themselves in collected force. What their designs really are I have not been able to learn, altho I have taken all the pains in my power to effect it. The Southern States...
90From George Washington to William Heath, 17 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed state of Queries I transmit for your consideration, and beg to have your observations thereon as soon as may be convenient; an early period will be most agreeable, as it is impossible for me to say how soon I may be obliged to make use of them—You will be pleased to communicate the same to Major Genl Howe, & Brigadier Genl Patterson, that I may also be favored with their opinions...
91From George Washington to William Heath, 20 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the Resolution of Congress of 13th June the Corps of Invalids is ordered to compose a Part of the Garrison of West Point and I have now given Direction for the whole of it to repair thither accordingly. The Order for the three Companies at Boston, I have tho’t proper to enclose to you, that you may facilitate & hasten their Movement, & see that all of the Men who are capable of marching are...
92From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the Receipt of your letter of yesterday, I had obtained a list of the Feild Officers from the Adjutant General, that I might name those for the present detachment. It is inclosed, and I am very sorry to find the number of them so small—from your command, five will be wanting. I would have eight Companies from the oldest Regiments of the Massachusetts line form one Battalion—The two...
93From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this Letter can reach you, the Brigade under Colo. Chester’s Command no doubt has reached you, but unless more assistance of Waggons and Teams are sent I cannot undertake to say when you will get a further reinforcement—let me entreat therefore that Genl Clinton and yourself will exert yourselves in getting, by Impressment, or otherwise, a parcel of Teams to come to our Assistance. The...
94From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your several favors of the 12th & 13th Instant. 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. I am Sir your most Obt and very hble Servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, MHi :...
95From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your very agreeable favor of the 4th Instant, with your acceptable present, came to hand last night. I shall direct a guard to releive Captn Hutchens at Reading, and give every necessary instruction for the safe conduct of his charge. I do not wonder at Gen. Masseys answer to your letter, it is in a stile of ignorant insult that has often, of late, characterised the writings of British...
96From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter just received from the State of Massachusets (Copy of which you have inclosed) I find that they had ordered 6000 Militia to be raised, and appointed the place of rendezvous at Danbury in Connecticut, where they are to meet Genl Lincoln who is to take the Command. You will perceive from the Tenor of the Letter, that the Appearance of the Men of War and Transports off the Coast of N....
97From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of yesterday, I have been favd with yours of the 27th ulto I am happy to hear that the Fire, in the Garrison, has been suppressed with so little damage. The Officers, who lost their Cloathing, may have the liberty of drawing what Articles they may find suitable in the public store, at the prices fixed by Congress, which are, one half more than such Articles sold for in the year...
98From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 20th and 30th ulto. The Ammunition—The Cannon belonging to the Continent, and the other Stores had been ordered to Springfeild, and part had been removed, at very considerable expence, on account of transportation. On the prospect of a safe navigation of the Sound, I directed Major Perkins to withhold the removal of the remainder, but to deposit them in...
99From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have, within these few days, received an application from the honorable Messrs Sever and Cushing, for arms and blankets, for the use of the Massachusetts regiments, destined for Ticonderoga. Surely those troops are not, at this day, to begin their march, for that post! And sorry I am to observe, that nothing now will content that government, but the new arms lately arrived there, which will...
100From George Washington to William Heath, 22 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your private letter of the 19th, I have to observe that it was not my intention by the Order of the 4th of April, to call in question, or to deprive you, of any part of the Command which was confirmed in the subsequent one of the 9th Instt. The Order of the 9th (last mentioned) did not proceed from any doubt in my mind of the meaning of the first, but because different...
101From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
In a letter of the 18th I hinted to you that the detachment which was then forming might be five or six Weeks absent from this post —possibly it may be longer, and advance us into a season when the enemy, if they are in force and circumstances at New York, may endeavour to avail themselves of our weakness. To provide against this, I have as you are already informed, wrote pressingly for the...
102From George Washington to William Heath, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I send you inclosed a Copy of a Letter which I yesterday received from the Minister of War. You will be pleased upon its Receipt to convene the principal Officers of the several Regiments, & collect their Opinion how far it will be agreeable to the Army that the Commutation mentioned should take place, I wish to make the Contracts as acceptable & easy to both parties as Circumstances will...
103From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of this date inclosing a representation of the Subs of the 3d Connecticut Regt against Mr Pomeroys holding his Commission subsequent to his appointment of Auditor for settling the deficiencies of Cloathing for 1777. General Parsons represented the same matter to me the 1st Augt last to which I gave the following answer. “If Mr Pomeroy has accepted the appointment...
104From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am always willing to encourage a spirit of enterprize when any thing can be effected without a probability of much loss or danger. If any Officer is willing to undertake the matter you mention, I have no objection. Much will depend upon the fidelity of the party, for if one deserts he endangers and perhaps defeats the whole. The intelligence given by the Horseman comports with that of the...
105From George Washington to William Heath, 7 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday has been duly received—I think it proper that the trial of Major Keith should commence as soon as possible—The affair of the Cartridge Boxes, together with the appointment of a Conductor to the 3d Masstts Brigade, have been referred to Genll Knox. If Capt. Dorence is unfit for the Duty of the Field, it would be best for him to relieve Capt. Benton at the Hospitals, as I...
106From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Lincoln & Lieut. Eldred Prisoners lately exchanged, having applied for an extension of their furloughs beyond the first of April—I shall have no objections to any reasonable indulgences in such extraordinary Cases. but cannot undertake to act upon particular applications, as this might counteract the general Arrangements made by the Commanding Officers of Regts—who ought to be consulted,...
107From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
By my former directions, the fifteen Regiments, belonging to your State, were all ordered to march to Ticonderoga, as soon as they were raised armed and equipped. But upon a reconsideration of the matter, founded upon several peices of Intelligence, there is a probability that the Enemy will draw part of their force from Canada by water as soon as the St Lawrence is navigable, in order to...
108From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have lately reciev’d information (on which I can in some measure rely) that it is impracticable for carriages to pass from Harlem point or any of the landing places contiguous to it, towards King’s bridge any other way than along the public roads; I should therefore concieve it would be highly expedient to throw every impediment and obstruction in the ways leading from the above mentioned...
109From George Washington to William Heath, 21 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your several Letters of the 18th 19th 20th Inst. and of this date—I approve of your relieving Major Maxwell for the purpose you mention. I fear you have not received my Letter of the 16th respecting the Contract, as I do not find it acknowledged in any of Yours, I wish to be informed, and am, Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
110From George Washington to William Heath, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of this Day, accompanied with one from Colo. Canfield at Stamford, informg—the Detention of Mr Corne & others as Prisoners. I am pleased with the Conduct of Colo. Canfield & his Attention to his Duty—& as it seems there is no other Way to reduce Genl Birch to an Observance of the Convention respectg the Place where Flags are to be received, than by the Detention of...