551To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The stores are now fitted for the safe depositing the powder, a part of which has for some time been in places by no means secure at Fish-kill. Colonel Crane has examined the bomb-proofs at Westpoint and the other stores which have been fitted—He informs me four or five hundred barrels can be deposited at Westpoint—the places dry and good, from this time to the next winter—in which season only...
552To George Washington from William Heath, 18 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 16th covering copy of a letter from major-general McDougall. Lest your Excellency might think I have been unreasonable, I beg leave to observe— necessity and duty compelled me to arrest major-general McDougall, and to exhibit charges against him—these I endeavoured to make as specific as is usually practised in our army—When he demanded the charges being made...
553To George Washington from William Heath, 18 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Just come to hand with the person who was Sent up a few Days Since a Deserter from the Enemy on their late excursion to Haverstraw. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Sert MHi : Heath Papers.
554To George Washington from William Heath, 19 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 17th covering several queries, &c.—copy of the queries I have given to major-general Howe and brigadier-general Paterson; should have done the same to baron de Steuben, but he left West-point yesterday afternoon. If your Excellency should not communicate the queries to him before his return I will do it afterwards. I will also state to, and obtain the...
555To George Washington from William Heath, 19 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from major Oliver, came to hand the last evening. Inclosed is also a note which I received yesterday from major Maxwell. What encouragement the man wishes or expects, or how far advantage may be derived from him, I cannot say, further than that major Maxwell informed me, before the late attack upon the mail, that he had received information that persons were employed to do it, and...
556To George Washington from William Heath, 20 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a report of the committee appointed a few days since to survey the provisions which were represented to be bad, when the whole was overhauled. It appears by the report, that a part of that which was represented to be bad, is good; but it is in a state which will soon grow worse if it is not issued. That which is condemned will also grow worse the longer it remains—some of it is...
557To George Washington from William Heath, 21 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward one John Jacob Chieser, a deserter from the British—says he was six years a serjeant-major in the royal American or 60th British regiment—was barrack-master and fort-major at Pensecola—has been quartermaster to Arnold’s corps—was promised but has never received a commission. He may be honest—he may not. He says prince William Henry, general Knyphausen and general Birch are to embark...
558To George Washington from William Heath, 22 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 21st. I have been also honored with yours of the 16th respecting the contract, and one of the 18th respecting the recruits raising in Massachusetts—I shall write lieutenant colonel Badlam by the next post on the subject of the latter. I am not yet able to answer the former so fully as may be necessary, and shall enquire of the commanding...
559To George Washington from John Paterson, 22 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency having been pleased in your letter to major-general Heath of the 17th instant to request our opinion at what places it may be best to establish magazines of provisions for the moving army—and also what should be deemed the dependencies of West-point—We beg leave to give our opinion as follows; viz. Considering the contingencies of the campaign, magazines may be eligible at...
560To George Washington from William Heath, 25 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward two sailors who lately made their escape from the British man of war, Adamant—and inclose a New York paper of the 19th the latest I have received. When I was honored by your Excellency the winter before last with a command similar to that you have been pleased now to assign me, your pleasure was signified that I should approve or disapprove the sentences of courts-martial, except...
561To George Washington from William Heath, 26 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your orders of the 22d I wrote the Contractors on the subject of the salted and damaged provisions, and yesterday received an answer from them, which I take the liberty to enclose. I wish to know your pleasure whether Messrs Sands shall take such of the provisions as are not fit to issue, and credit the united States what they may be thought worth; or dispose of them and...
562To George Washington from William Heath, 27 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed intelligence came to hand the last evening. By the vigilance of our troops on the lines the practice of driving cattle to the enemy I believe has been for some time almost entirely broken up—But by the enclosed letter from major Oliver of the 22. instant it seems the trade is reviving in another channel. I have always instructed the officers on the lines to pay no regard to the...
563To George Washington from William Heath, 27 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed has been handed me this morning by Lt Colonel Hull, which I beg leave to submit to your Excellency. It is with much reluctance Colonel Hull thinks of being absent at this time, but assures me necessity compels him to request it. How the orderly duty will be done when Colonel Hull goes away I cannot say; it may be attended with some difficulty unless the Adjutant General sends one...
564To George Washington from William Heath, 29 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 28th—Shall take measures with messeurs Sands to close the matter of the damaged provisions, and write lieutenant-colonel Badlam respecting ensign Robinson. Enclosed your Excellency will find a letter from major Maxwell of the 25th and the latest papers I have received. Major Maxwell arrived here the last evening—he has been relieved by major...
565To George Washington from William Heath, 29 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed are just come to hand from captain Pray. The intelligence which he gives corresponds with that given by major Maxwell—and the boats collecting at Cuyler’s-hook seem to indicate an intention of their designs on both sides of our advanced parties. I have written to captain Pray to move all his spare boats up to King’s ferry—indeed to make that his principal rendezvous, keeping only...
566To George Washington from William Heath, 1 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are some proceedings of general Court Martial. I have passed upon all of them but the one on Ensign Corey, which is submited to your Excellency. Enclosed is also a request from Captain Sumner for leave of absence; he applied for leave of absence in the month of Feby, but being a material evidence in the tryal of Major General McDougall, he would not be indulged. I am therefore...
567To George Washington from William Heath, 2 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your letter of the 16. ultimo I called upon each brigade of the army to appoint a field officer to collect and state the several matters of complaint and grievances of the army respecting the issues of provisions under the contract, in order to their being laid before your Excellency, and appointed major-general lord Stirling to preside. I have this day received from the...
568To George Washington from William Heath, 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The last evening a Sergeant arrived here with twenty two Recruits for the Rhode Island regiment which by his orders he is directed to join, by a route therein pointed out as far as Peeks Kill, where he is directed to report to the commanding Officer, from whom he, the Sergeant, is to receive further orders, for which he applies—I do not know your Excellencys intention, whether the Recruits are...
569To George Washington from William Heath, 6 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the several questions stated by his excellency the commander in chief to the general officers April 15th major-general Heath begs leave to answer for himself, as follows. To question 1st "Supposing the enemy’s force at New York to be as above—that they retain possession of the harbor—and that they have a naval superiority upon this coast." Answer . There can be no probability of...
570To George Washington from William Heath, 7 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from captain Pray dated yesterday (the 6th instant) in which he observes— "Upon the arrival of the last packet from England, which was last tuesday, the troops which were embarked were immediately ordered to disembark—and a packet immediately sent to Charlestown. "I believe we may depend on it, that the refugees are not permitted to come out under arms for...
571To George Washington from William Heath, 7 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are two newspapers which came to hand the last evening—they are the latest I have received. The day before yesterday about eighty recruits arrived from Massachusetts, in general very indifferent—a number of them negroes, some old men and boys—among them are also two french men who confess they were marines on board, and deserted from a french frigate in Boston harbour—How colonel...
572To George Washington from William Heath, 8 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Eli Parker of the Massachusetts line, who has been doing duty as a third officer of a company in the 7th regiment, is to be transfered to the 6th regiment, where a vacancy is open for him, to which he is entitled, and where he will do duty as second officer in the company. Shall the transference take place accordingly? I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your...
573To George Washington from William Heath, 8 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward One Robert Dean, a Deserter from Robinsons Corps who came here this morning—he appears to have a good knowledge of the Enemies Lines on this Side the City of New York on which he has worked, but Seems to know little more. Major Woodbridge writes me that he is informed Deans "character has not been equal to his present pretentions," but nothing more respecting him. I have the honor to...
574To George Washington from William Heath, 9 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed your Excellency will find a receipt of the delivery of the letter you were pleased a few days since to direct to me to forward to the enemies lines—and two newspapers brought up by the Officer who went with the flag—They are not of so late a date as some I have before sent, but as they contain some debates in the british house of commons probably not inserted in the other papers sent,...
575To George Washington from William Heath, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from colonel Humphrys, in which he observes that your Excellency wishes to be informed whether brigadier-general Glover is absent at this time by my permission, and if not, whether I know the reasons of his absence. To which I beg leave to reply, that general Glover is not now absent with any permission of mine, nor do I know the reasons of his absence. The 10th...
576To 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...
577To George Washington from William Heath, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 8th. As your Excellency by your letters of January last committed the case and direction of the recruiting service in the eastern states to general Lincoln, Huntington, colonel Olney, &c. I have never had any official knowledge of the regulations which have been established, or what methods have been pursued, nor have I ever written to the...
578To George Washington from William Heath, 11 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 10th covering letters to colonel Canfield and major Woodbridge—these I forwarded immediately by express,Major Woodbridge was relieved yesterday by major Clift: I therefore directed the letterto the latter, with directions for a most pointed observance of its injunctions. I think this regulation of the flags will have very salutary effects....
579To George Washington from William Heath, 11 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed proceedings of a general court-martial were handed to me this evening, and are submitted to your excellency’s determination. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington.
580To George Washington from William Heath, 13 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received from Colonel Trumbull, your warrant for the execution of Lud Gaylord a Soldier belonging to the Connecticutt line . this day I have ordered his execution at Westpoint, between the hours of 12 at noon & one oClock P.M. The Troops at Westpoint, & Detachments from the Connecticutt line & 3d Massachusetts Brigade to attend the execution. I forward two hessian Deserters...
581To George Washington from William Heath, 14 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening honored with yours of the 13th to which I shall pay strict attention. Enclosed your Excellency will find the Warrant for the execution of Gaylord, with the return of the Officer thereon—and two New York papers which came to hand the last evening——It appears by one of the papers that two british regiments have embarked at Charlestown for Jamaica. I have the honor to be With...
582To George Washington from William Heath, 16 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Being informed that it was probable major Pettengill had not fully completed his books at Boston, I have written to him to relieve lieutenant-colonel Badlam. If major Pettengill should have begun his journey, I have written to lieutenant-colonel Badlam to continue to receive the recruits until he hears from me; in such case I shall send a field officer from the army to relieve him....
583To George Washington from William Heath, 17 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is this moment handed to me. In justice to colonel Swift I beg leave to observe that he has been the whole winter with the troops, and has had many embarrassments and difficulties to encounter. He has repeatedly mentioned to me the necessity of his visiting his family before the campaign opened. I assured him he should, but being appointed a member of the general court-martial for...
584To George Washington from William Heath, 18 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of the 16th. I will convene the brigadiers and officers commanding brigades for the purposes directed by the general order of the 16th and take the other steps mentioned therein and in your letter. I forward two deserters from the guard-ship in the river. I have not been able to obtain any newspapers since those I sent last, but expect some soon. From...
585To George Washington from William Heath, 19 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Greaton this moment informs me that he has received powers from mr Brooks, assistant-clothier-general, to procure hats for the 3d Massachusetts regiment from Boston. (the 3d regiment is one which has not drawn hats.) Lieutenant colonel Hull is now at Boston, and will attend to the business, if notice and assistance is immediately sent him. Colonel Greaton therefore wishes to send a...
586To George Washington from William Heath, 21 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The night before last sixty or seventy recruits arrived from Massachusetts; among them ten or a dozen lads by no means fit for soldiers at present, and two deserters from the enemy—One of the deserters went from here to the eastward but about two months since. The small lads and the two deserters have not been distributed to the regiments, but remain at West point Colonel Stewart has looked at...
587To George Washington from William Heath, 21 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from captain Pray, and the two newspapers, came to hand the last evening—If any further intelligence is obtained, it shall be forwarded immediately. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Since Mr Shaylor wrote Your Honor in the morning, we have from very good authority that there is an...
588To George Washington from William Heath, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward One Henry Miers a German who came here this morning Sais he was Docters mate to the Prince Hereditarys Regiment of German Troops. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obedt Sert MHi : Heath Papers.
589To George Washington from William Heath, 23 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to a resolution of Congress sent me the last fall, and which I communicated to your Excellency, I have been endeavouring to obtain the documents necessary to ascertain the quantity of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign. I wrote once and again to colonel Pickering, quartermaster-general of the American army, for a return of the number of...
590To George Washington from William Heath, 24 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The troops have not been able to draw any meat for this day or two past, there being neither fresh or salted provisions at the post to issue. This is a disagreeable consideration in itself; but the present want of the troops is not all. In case of any emergency, the posts and troops will be in the most critical situation. I have repeatedly represented to mr Sands the necessity of having...
591To George Washington from William Heath, 25 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed packet from Sir Guy Carlton came to hand the last evening. I also take the liberty to enclose a letter from captain Pray and some papers sent up by him. The British officers, their servants and baggage are now waiting at Dobbs ferry. Conceiving the granting of flags to be the sole right of the commander in chief, I dare not give one until your pleasure is known, which I request by...
592To George Washington from William Heath, 27 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 26th. Your Excellency’s directions respecting flags shall be strictly observed. Major Campbell, assistant deputy-quartermaster, has applied to me this morning to know whether the contractors are to have the possession and use of the public issuing store, slaughter-house, and bake-house at the Continental village, with the scales, weights,...
593To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with yours of the 28th. I have written to captain Pray to observe a conduct conformably to your Excellency’s instructions in all cases respecting flags and persons going to, or coming from the enemy’s lines, without the least deviation. I have not been able to obtain any intelligence or papers since those I sent last—have been expecting some for several days—am as...
594To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Captain Pray has just written me that he lately sent a serjeant and two men as a patrole down below the block-house at Dobbs’ ferry as far as the ship, to observe if there was not a communication kept up with the main. The ship’s boat with the lieutenant on board came over to the Jersey shore after two deserters who had crossed—the serjeant and two men fired on the boat and drove her off—it is...
595To George Washington from William Heath, 31 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward a German Docter, Surgeons mate, to the Regt Young Losbergh who lately deserted the Regiment, and came here the last evening. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
596To George Washington from William Heath, 1 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I have received from captain Pray this morning, dated yesterday, he observes— "The enemy have sold off three hundred waggon horses—The pioneers are ordered from Kingsbridge, and to join their respective regiments."He also mentions that it is reported, about forty sail of shipping have sailed from New York within these three or four days. The 2d Massachusetts brigade in...
597To George Washington from William Heath, 2 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward one Thomas Gardner, who was taken up by an officer near Bedford, with the enclosed paper. He belongs to Cornwall in Connecticut. The other has been a deserter from the enemy—since taken a prisoner, as he says, made his escape from the enemy, and came off Long-island about three weeks ago. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC :...
598To George Washington from William Heath, 3 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed newspaper, letters, &c. I have received from Captain Pray, this morning. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
599To George Washington from William Heath, 3 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The officers represent, that the men are very deficient in shirts—that a great proportion of the troops have not more than one apiece that is good, consequently cannot appear clean—nor will their linen wear so long as it would do had they a change. There is a great want of oil for the arms—none can be obtained at present. In time past the feet of the cattle which were slaughtered were boiled,...
600To George Washington from William Heath, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 2d, which shall be duly observed. The enclosed paper addressed to mr Skinner, and pass from mr Adams to mr Gardner, were sent up by captain Pray the last evening. I do not conceive myself authorized to let mr Gardner pass within the enemy’s lines on those papers, and submit them to your excellency. Other papers brought on by prisoners, being properly...