501To George Washington from William Heath, 30 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 16th and since with the glorious news of the completion of your wishes in the capture of Earl Cornwallis and his army; on which I pray your Excellency to accept my most sincere and hearty congratulations. I have been carefully watching the enemy in this quarter, determined to give them a blow where ever it appeard practicable. But although their force has...
502To George Washington from William Heath, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed papers contain my latest advices from the northward. The intelligence from that quarter has been very complicate and very uncertain. As major-general lord Stirling is now on the spot, I hope the accounts in future will be more accurate. Although there are no official or particular accounts from colonel Willet, yet from his situation when the last accounts were received from his...
503To George Washington from William Heath, 8 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
By a very intelligent Man who left New York the night before last at nine oClock and arrived here the last evening, I learn, that the British fleet returned to Sandy Hook the beginning of last week—that upon their arrival, transports were sent down, and the troops taken on board them from the men of war—that both the men of war and transports remain at the Hook—The reason given why the latter...
504To George Washington from William Heath, 9 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
since I had the honor of addressing your Excellency, this morning I have received the enclosed papers from Major General Lord Stirling by which, your Excellency will perceive, that the enemy have been compleatly disappointed in their designs on the northern frontiers of this State, and defeated with considerable loss. The Address, gallantry, and persevering activity exhibited by Colonel...
505To George Washington from William Heath, 12 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 27th and 29th ultimo. If a greater number of beef–cattle should come on than necessary for the present subsistence of the troops, they shall be slaughtered and salted at some convenient place near the river. I had ordered on the salted provisions from Connecticut except those which had been shipped previous to the receipt of your Excellency’s letter. I...
506To George Washington from William Heath, 17 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the morning of the 13th instant lieutenant Deforest of the Connecticut line, who had been detached by major-general Parsons, with twenty-five regular troops and captain Lockwood of the militia with fifteen volunteers, including lieutenants Hull and Mead of the Connecticut state troops, formed a design of boarding a sloop of ten carriage guns then at anchor in East Chester bay, and having...
507To George Washington from William Heath, 3 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 15th instant. In mine of the 17th I mentioned that the board of war had desired me not to issue the clothing until your Excellency’s directions were given. I have not heard a word from them on the subject since. The troops are in a most distressed situation. I have directed each regiment to prepare a work-shop for its taylors, and the materials are now...
508To George Washington from William Heath, 4 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is copy of a resolution of Congress directing me to furnish an escort for the mail between Morristown and Fishkill; in consequence of which three or four dragoons have since been assigned to that duty: their horses are now worn down with fatigue—the leaves are off the trees, which will deprive the lurking mail-stealers of cover—and troops are on the communication. If your Excellency...
509To George Washington from William Heath, 4 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letters from general Bailey and Mr Adams, were handed me a few days since by captain Edgar, the person refered to in those letters. Captain Edgar’s want of money has induced him not to think of proceeding farther southward. He is for the present gone to Albany, where he has several friends. He informs me, that there is undoubtedly a plan of union maturing between the british...
510To George Washington from William Heath, 12 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 28th ultimo. I have desired general Stark to make a disposition of the two New Hampshire regiments to the different posts at the northward and on the Mohawk river, and to see that each is seasonably and properly supplied with provisions. I ordered a quantity some time since to Albany for the purpose. I am happy to hear your Excellency has been conversing...
511To George Washington from William Heath, 18 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 8th the day before yesterday. I have directed returns to be made conformably, immediately. Those from the regiments here shall be forwarded without delay—those from the two New Hampshire regiments at the northward, and colonel Sheldon’s dragoons cannot be obtained until some time hence. I was at loss whether your Excellency had called upon the New Jersey and New...
512To George Washington from William Heath, 22 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was lately informed, that a part of colonel Willett’s regiment had been inlisted by the state of New York for the term of three years upon the footing of a state regiment; upon which I wrote governor Clinton for information. I take the liberty to inclose his answer, and request your Excellency’s opinion and direction, apprehending you have some knowledge of the intentions of the state and of...
513To George Washington from William Heath, 26 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 15th and shall act conformably. I shall aid colonel Pickering in any measure he may think necessary for the further security of the boats. Repeated and pointed orders have been given for their preservation, and directions sent to have them carefully laid up, before I left Peeks-kill. On the night of the 23d instant captain Williams of the New York levies...
514To George Washington from William Heath, 30 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
With mine of the 22d I had the honor to forward the returns of the regiments in quarters here as called for in yours of the 8th. I have since received returns from the New Jersey regiments and invalids. Those from the New Hampshire line, New York line, and Sheldon’s regiment are not yet come to hand—as soon as I receive them they shall be forwarded. Some time the last winter your Excellency...
515To George Washington from William Heath, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 24th ultimo yesterday.—Have this day called for the returns of those who have not had the small pox, and directed that preparations be made for putting them under inoculation as soon as possible. I do not know whether the clothing for the Rhode-island regiment is gone on or not. The Subaltern and party shall be instructed conformably to your directions. The...
516To George Washington from William Heath, 3 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I will thank you for a copy of the instructions given to major-general McDougdale when you assigned him to the command of Westpoint, if any of a particular nature were given—and for information, of any powers more than usual in similar cases have been delegated to him. I am sorry to trouble your Excellency with this request, but am constrained to do it, and beg your answer as may be...
517To George Washington from William Heath, 8 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 31st ulto, to which strict attention shall be paid. The letter from the orderly-office with the form of a return, did not come to hand until yesterday. No time shall be lost in collecting the returns conformably thereto. The small pox spreads and is mortal. I have directed the inoculation of such as have not had the distemper, to take place...
518To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The regimental tailors are now busily employed in making up the clothing, but their numbers are by no means sufficient—Few, if any have yet arrived from the country. The clothier has resolved to offer more encouragement. The inoculation of the troops will deter those who have not had the small-pox, from coming to work in the respective quarters of the regiments. To remedy this, I intend, if...
519To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment informed by colonel Hughes, that all the medicine, except seven barrels of sulphur and five cask of other medicine, are gone on for Philadelphia, so that any fresh order for retaining any more of it here, can now answer no purpose. Such as are wanted must be brought back from Philadelphia. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient...
520To George Washington from William Heath, 14 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the returns of the Massachusetts and Connecticut regiments lately called for, except Sheldon’s legionary corps and the 3d regiment of artillery; there has not been time to expect the former— the latter has been delayed by the river being impassable a day or two past. As soon as they come to hand, they shall be forwarded with those of the New Hampshire line, which...
521To George Washington from William Heath, 18 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are several charges against major-general McDougall, on which I have this day ordered him in arrest. I have taken this step with reluctance and pain—but matters have become so circumstanced, that nothing short of it could prevent scenes of confusion. I request your Excellency will be pleased to order a general court-martial as soon as you may think proper. On the 4th instant thirty...
522To George Washington from William Heath, 18 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was not honored with yours of the 3d and 8th instant until yesterday. Their contents shall be duly observed. But I scarcely know what to do with respect to sending the 10th Massachusetts regiment to Albany. The troops are now under inoculation, and as yet unclad. There are upwards of one hundred men in the regiment who are to have the small-pox. The moment the men are clothed, such as have...
523To George Washington from William Heath, 19 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed information I had yesterday from Isaac Colton, the person mentioned therein. He says, such was the conversation in September and October last at Mr Motts tavern where he quartered, and which was a principal rendezvous of the Pennsylvania refugees. Whether those miscreants have given over their plan or not, I cannot say—but have thought it my duty to communicate it to your...
524To George Washington from William Heath, 26 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was some days since honored with yours of the 12th instant, covering one from doctor Bond to doctor Ledyard respecting the medicine, which was immediately forwarded to him. The greater part of the medicine, as I observed in a former letter, had gone on to Philadelphia. The return of colonel Sheldons legionary corps came to hand this day—I forward it without delay, as it will, with those...
525To George Washington from William Heath, 28 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be forwarded by Lieut. Stratton who has business at Philadelphia. He formerly belonging to the Massachusetts Regiment Commanded by Colonel Sargent was taken Prisoner in 1776, and Exchanged the last winter, after he was exchanged he applied to Governor Hancock for admission into the Massachusetts Line agreable to the resolution of Congress of the 24th of Novr 1778—Governor Hancock...
526To George Washington from William Heath, 8 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the morning of the 4th I was honored with yours of the 29th and 31st ultimo, with several packets for the eastward; the latter were forwarded the next morning by a trusty officer, instructed conformably to your directions. The returns of the New Hampshire regiments were not come to hand, although I had written three or four times in the most pressing manner for them. It seems the first...
527To George Washington from William Heath, 13 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
A day or two since I was informed that a large number of arms, (said) seven or eight thousand stand, were brought from the eastward and lodged in stores on the bank of the river at Claverack, and there left without guard or direction that I can hear of. General Schuyler passing that way, apprehending they were in some danger, from the character of the people in the vicinity on the other side...
528To George Washington from William Heath, 20 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed your Excellency will find copy of return of the two New Hampshire regiments, some time since called for. The original was forwarded to major general Lincoln, agreeable to your directions in a former letter. Abel Whitcomb, a soldier in the Massachusetts line, was executed here the last week, for repeated desertions, changing his name & inlisting again. Two others who were sentenced to...
529To George Washington from William Heath, 21 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major Villefranche of the engineers has this morning intimated to me, that he thinks he has been forgotten in promotion, and fears the reason has been, absence from the active and glorious seige of York and capture of earl Cornwallis. He has requested me to represent to your Excellency how he has been employed here the last campaign. His faithful services, unremitting zeal and exertions for...
530To George Washington from William Heath, 23 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
The time of service, for which the levies under the command of general Waterbury are engaged, expires the last of this month; and although the legislature of the state of Connecticut have ordered another detachment of militia to do duty on the lines at Stamford, I am apprehensive a very good work, and convenient huts for the accomodation of troops, which have been erected at that place, may be...
531To George Washington from William Heath, 27 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 19th instant. I did not receive a letter from the superintendant of finance by the last post, respecting the price charged for the ration issued to the officers. The inclosed observations were handed to me a day or two since by lord Stirling, from which your Excellency will see a state of the matter and the uneasiness which consequently exists among the...
532To George Washington from William Heath, 28 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency, that on the night of the 26th instant, Mr Dyckman one of the guides on our lines with thirteen volunteer horse, made an excursion to Morrissania to the cantonments of colonel Delancy’s corps, took and brought off five soldiers prisoners, and five horses. On their return they were pursued by a party of the enemy’s horse, who coming rather too near,...
533To George Washington from William Heath, 5 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
A person from Morrissania acquainted me yesterday morning, that he was informed by an officer, about ten or twelve days since, that a council of war was then sitting—that the question under consideration was, whether to evacuate New York or Charlestown. Captain Pray, who is continued in the guard-boats, to observe the motions of the enemy and collect intelligence, has just written me, that he...
534To George Washington from William Heath, 6 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor, on the 28th ultimo, to acquaint your Excellency of the success of a small party of volunteer horse in making prisoners six of colonel Delancy’s men on the 26th. Apprehending from the disposition of the enemy, discovered at that time, that they might be drawn into ambuscade, it was determined to make the attempt. Major Woodbridge who commands on the lines, having settled a plan...
535To George Washington from William Heath, 13 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the last post I was honored with yours of the 28th ultimo, and two of the 4th instant. The mode proposed for supplying the officers with clothing, is to some of them agreeable, to others disagreeable—on which side the majority lays, I am at loss to determine. Necessity will probably oblige many to accept the offer. They have for a long time been expecting some relief of money—they are as...
536To George Washington from William Heath, 20 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have obtained from colonel Varick copy of a paper respecting challenges of members of courts-martial, but it is not conclusive—and colonel Varick informs me, that after searching and researching, he cannot yet find any other. By the paper he has sent me, it appears a council of general officers were convened at Middle Brook the first of June 1779, when your Excellency was present and stated...
537To George Washington from William Heath, 28 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with yours of the 26th instant, and have given orders for a guard to be detached and put in motion with all possible despatch, agreeable to your directions—hope they will arrive in season. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellencys Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington.
538To 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...
539To George Washington from William Heath, 3 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed your Excellency will find a New York paper of the 27th ultimo, which came to hand this morning—is the latest I have received. The escort to the mail on the return from Morristown on Sunday afternoon, was attacked by Moody and his gang a few miles beyond Suffrans—One of the escort was killed but the mail was saved. I have just received a letter from colonel Tupper, dated at Albany the...
540To George Washington from William Heath, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a New York paper of the 1st instant, the latest which has come to hand, and a letter I have just received from colonel Tupper. Twenty-seven recruits arrived yesterday from Massachusetts. By letters and other information the recruiting service is successful at the eastward. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of...
541To George Washington from William Heath, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In December last I received orders from the honorable the secretary at war to direct the commissaries and all others at West-point and its vicinity who had public provisions in their hands on the first day of January to deliver them to one of the mr Sands, &c. Orders were given conformably. There were at that time fifteen or sixteen hundred barrels of salted provisions in the magazine at...
542To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose the two latest New York papers that have come to my hand. Two deserters from the enemy who came in this morning, inform me it was reported five or six days since, that there was a hot press for seamen in New York—that it was said a detachment from the grenadiers and other corps were to embark; but the embarkation had not taken place, nor was the destination known....
543To George Washington from William Heath, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from captain Pray came to hand a few minutes since with the two New-York papers. The serjeant who was the bearer of the letter acquaints me that after he left captain Pray he was informed that a party of refugees landed early this morning at Haverstraw and took several militia men, and then reimbarked. Probably this manoeuvre is a feint to cover a design somewhere else on the...
544To George Washington from William Heath, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from captain Pray I received the last evening. It contains the manoeuvres of the enemy when up the river on the 10th. Inclosed is also a letter from mr Marshall magazine-keeper to the contractors, respecting the damaged provisions. I wrote the mr Sands, some days since the state of the provisions; I have not had a written answer—but am informed verbally that they would have a...
545To George Washington from William Heath, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 13th of March I took the liberty to mention to your Excellency my wishes, as well as the necessity of my making a short visit to the eastward, before the campaign opened. Several family matters have since that time conspired to encrease my desire as well as the necessity of making the journey, if it can be granted. It is disagreeable to me to ask the indulgence at this season; but as...
546To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 13th with copy of a letter from the honorable the secretary at war. I have called a meeting of the officers commanding brigades and regiments, for the purpose mentioned in your Excellency’s letter. I am sorry the letter from the secretary at war is not more particular—or that mr Phelps or some other person for him, have not mentioned what fish...
547To George Washington from William Heath, 15 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
There are reports from below that a general embargo was laid the last week on all shipping at New York—that several merchants who had shipped their effects for England were obliged to land them again, and are murmuring much—that the hands employed on private buildings in the city are stopped working—that general Kniphausen is to embark soon for Europe—that Arnold’s corps is ordered down to...
548To 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...
549To George Washington from William Heath, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The field officers of regiments have been convened agreeable to your Excellency’s directions of the 13th instant—An officer was present from every regiment at this post except the 1st and 8th Massachusetts and invalid regiments. Their opinion on the question proposed to them is contained in the inclosed report, copy of which I shall transmit to Mr Phelps by to morrow’s post. All the officers...
550To George Washington from William Heath, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Some of the Regiments have not a Sufficiency of metal to make Buttons for the Soldiers Cloathing Lt Colo. Hull informs me that Mr Ruddock Commissary Military Stores at Fishkill has some Pewter or Blo ck Tin in Store if your Excellency thinks proper to give an order for the delivery of what may be wanting, Colonel Hull mentions Fifteen or Twenty lb. for the Regt which he recommends—I have the...