601To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ultimo per Capt. Gooch; shall communicate your advice to Brigr Genl Learned immediately. Colo. Lee has been anxiously waiting an answer to his request for leave to resign his Commission, and was much disappointed on finding that your Excellency had not mentioned it in your last, He has beg’d of me again to renew his request for leave to resign,...
602To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this evening Honored with yours of the 15th Instant handed to me by the Honble Mr Bowdoin, no endeavours shall be wanting to obtain the intelligence required, a Flag is now in the Harbour from Hallifax, a Gentleman who came in the Flag and is to return, has business to transact with Mr Bowdoin, I have requested mr Bowdoin to ask Several questions respecting the works, Garrison Ships &c....
603To George Washington from William Heath, 7 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
We have had no arrivals since my last except the Cato at Marblehead whose passage was nearly as long as the Fortune which arrived at Boston, consequently has brought no late news. The Inhabitants of the Eastern parts of this State, are much alarmed at the growing Power and force of the enemy at Ponobscot, and the preparations which are said to be makeing at that place, The Garrison was...
604To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed, I received from General Parsons yesterday afternoon; its complexion is very favorable. The order for drawing & coocking four days provission here yesterday, turned the whole conversation of the Troops on the subject of the Detachment, & conjecture of its design. such as have been reported to me, I shall relate to Your Excellency. A woman in Colonel Greatons Regiment, was sent...
605To George Washington from William Heath, 5 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you the proceedings of a general court-martial on several soldiers who lately deserted from the light-infantry, and some others. The reason of my troubling your Excellency with them, is my present indisposition, which forbids my passing on them. I am now feeling those consequences which I have had for some time but too much reason to expect. The unreasonably long...
606To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment my Express going off I recd the Honor of yours of the 13th Inst. to which I shall pay strict attention. I shall be hapy in every matter of great importance to have a signification of your Excellency’s pleasure, and shall be very cautious how I act without your advice or direction, am most fully sentiment with your Excellency respecting the Troops of the Convention as expressed in...
607To George Washington from William Heath, 26 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
As justice is undoubtedly a duty we owe to ourselves as well as our country, and to which I think the officers at present serving in the army have a call to pay some attention, I am induced to trouble your Excellency with this, and assure myself your just way of thinking will give it that consideration which it deserves. My journey from Rhode Island to this place the last October, was attended...
608To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this date encloseing one to Major General Howe which shall be forwarded immediately —I am just informed by the Officer of the Village Pickett that an Officer who was sent down early this morning to re[c]oinoitre Ver Planks Point reported that he saw a large Transport laying off against the Point very full of men—Perhaps it may be the relief for the Garrison at the...
609To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The receipt of the enclosed papers, which this moment came to hand, compels me again to take up my pen, and trouble your Excellency on a subject, on which the very existance of these Posts depend. I therefore trust you will excuse the repetition. I submit to your Excellency what expectations are to be formed, from the spirit & complexion of the papers. If the Q.M. General wants any number of...
610To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a Letter from General Putnam, in which he observes that he has just received an Express from your Excellency purporting that an Attack on the Army more immediately under your own Command was shortly expected, and requesting that Reinforcements may be forwarded as fast as possible, I shall exert my utmost endeavors to push on all such Troops as are ready. Colo....
611To 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...
612To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 21 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment Informed by the Revd Mr Foster, Chaplin to Colo. Scammons Regt That One Mr Page an Episcopalian Minister, is takeing plans of all our works—That he was yesterday viewing the works at Roxbury in order to Correct his plans, That he Acquainted the Revd Mr Belknap who is now in Cambridge, that he was going for England, and by those plans would Strive to Convinc my Lord Dartmouth,...
613To 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...
614To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have recd the Honor of yours of the 16th Ulto and 2d Instant. I wrote your Excellency in a former Letter that Mr Langdon had consented to deliver the Cannon, Ordnance & Military Stores lately arrived at Portsmouth to Mr Barber, which he has since done. They are now forwarding with all possible despatch. Inclosed is the Return of what has been sent on in the course of the last week, Ten...
615To 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...
616To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Enclosing—Col. Remsen’s Regiment are here, they say their Time of Engagement is up this Day many of them are desirous, to go over and if possible save their Families & Effects, Should be glad to know your Excellency’s Pleasure in this respect—They say they mean to return, I cannot answer for them—I suppose the like Applications will be made by many of Col. Smith’s Men—I beg an immediate...
617To George Washington from William Heath, 23 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I arrived yesterday at Crompond, where I intended to remain for some days to take the advantage of the forages in the vicinity of Pines bridge. I had but just encamped, when a demand for fifty teams came from the Quartermaster general—This obliged me to remove nearer the river with a view to cover Westpoint and avail myself of the water-transportation for forage and provisions. On the moment...
618To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Capt. John Hughs & Lt Joseph Lewis of Colo. Hazens Regiment, who had leave to go to Head Quarters are wanted at the Court Martial now sitting here; I request they may be ordered to return as soon as may be. It is possible that one or both of them will apply to your Excellency for leave to resign—Colonel Hazen this moment informs me that they are both indebted to the regiment. I have the honor...
619To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday the last evening. shall implicitly obey the Injunctions The Board of General Officers being to Sit at my Quarters this Day to Compleat the arrangment of the Massachusetts line and to dine with me forbids me the honor of dining with your Excellency. I herewith Send the three wounded Dragoons taken by Capt. Hopkins, John Ambler was Born in England, Ezborn...
620To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send your Excellency the report of the Court Martial, which I laid before you the Last Evening, with the addition of another report Given in this morning, I have Passed upon all the Sentences in the first report Except that of McCormick and on all in the Second Report, Except the Lieutenants, I Should be Happy to Know your Excellency’s Opinion, not only with respect to the Present,...
621To George Washington from William Heath, 12 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this day been honored with yours of the 7th. Permit me to felicitate your Excellency on the promising prospects of success which seem to be almost within your grasp May heaven crown your most sanguine expectations. One hundred beef cattle went from hence this day for the army under your immediate command—They will be followed by a like number weekly. Attention shall be paid to the small...
622To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon I received the enclosed from Colonel Hull—The News papers are sent up by the Bearer. It gives me pain so frequently to represent to your Excellency our wants, but necessity compels me. No beef Cattle have arrived since I had the honor last to write you on that head, nor do I hear of any comeing—The beef salted in bulk is all gone—Yesterday the Commissary began to issue the...
623To 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,...
624To George Washington from William Heath, 30 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Captain Selden, who commands at Stoney-point, came to hand the last evening. Just before the receipt of it, Mr Pine, one of our guides came to my quarters with a Mr Swain of Morrisania. Swain left that place on monday last, about ten o’clock A.M.—he informs me that all intercourse between New York and Morrisania is stopped—no refugee allowed to go in or come out—or any flag...
625To 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...
626To George Washington from William Heath, 29 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of your Excellencys Commission and Instructions to us, we proceeded to Tappan on the 25th instant; where we were met by Lieut. General Campbell and the Honorable Mr Elliot, Commissioners on the part of General Sir Guy Carleton. The next Morning we interchanged Copies of our respective powers, and adjourned to the followg Day. On perusal of the powers vested in the Commissioners of...
627To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by Monr D’Avaux, late a Major in the French Cavalry, as he informs. He came to this place in the Freedom a Brig. of War, Capt. Clouston of this State, He has come to serve in our Army, and has desired a line from me to your Excellency. By Express yesterday from our Army at the Nor[t]hward, we are informed, that a considerable number of Officers and...
628To 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...
629To 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...
630To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Sargent has just return’d from Dobbs’s Ferry—he informs that the Enemy’s Ships, took Two of our Gallies on Yesterday near that place which were run on shore—our men got out the small Arms & Baggage—That the Enemy sent Four Boats from their Ships, three to the Gallies & one on Shore, the men in the latter landed & broke open a Store, & plunder’d many Articles, & Stove the Remainder, & set...
631To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by Capt. Chaffney of Colonel Armands Corps who escorts major Bearmore and the other prisoners taken by Colonel Armand on the Night of the 7th Instant. Bearmore undoubtedly will make his Escape if possible. A Mr Ogilvie is among the prisoners. I am informed that he was taken prisoner Some time in the Year 1777 and admitted on parole by Genl Parsons within...
632To 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...
633To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
On the 12th Instant I reached Tapan, and Yesterday made a Forced march to this Place, with so much Secrecy and Dispatch that the Inhabitants had no Knowledge of my Coming, The Enemy had left the Town Some Days Since Except five whom we took, Two of them sick, we have taken about 50 of the Disaffected, and about 50 or 60 Muskets the greater part of which had been taken from the Whigs as is...
634To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Putnam returned yesterday afternoon from reconnoitreing the Enemy at Verplanks and Stony Point. He approached near those Posts and has made the best observations the Situation of the Ground would admit of. I do myself the honor to enclose a draught which he has given me. I also send a Frenchman who deserted from the British legion. The Parties from Huntingtons Brigade Patrole Some...
635To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Council of war of this State met here on yesterday. Learning that they had Some new intentions with respect to Colo. Green’s Regt I omitted forwarding mine of the 23d which will be delivered with this. In the letter from Governor Greene your Excellency will find a resolve of the Council of war of this date recommending that I should order Colo. Green’s regiment to march to the Grand Army...
636To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have Just received Intelligence that on the 4th Instant about Sun sit Seventy Sail of ships of war and Transport with Troops on Board Sailed with a fair Wind Down the Sound towards New England, Probably to Rhode Island. I have Sent an Express to Governor Trumbull, and to Massachusetts Bay, and have Desired Governor Trumbull to Send an Express to Rhode Island, I have at this Post, Three...
637To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Enclosing my other Letter I am informed that several Houses are left with large Quantities of valuable Furniture (in particular at Delancy’s) which are in danger it is said of being plundered, there were also on that Farm about Ten Horses, more than half of which are already taken away—Such practices surely ought to be restrained—Wou’d it not be much better for the Quarter Master...
638To George Washington from William Heath, 20 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
This being the day appointed by your Excellency’s orders, for the execution of Robert Maples, alias John Walker, and Nathan Gale, directions were given for the necessary preparations to be made—and the troops have been paraded. Mr Hutton the Provost-marshal, who had received your Excellency’s warrants for the execution of the culprits, has attended—but has refused to perform the execution...
639To George Washington from William Heath, 1 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the last southern mail I was honord with yours of the 17th ultimo. I have desired Lt Colonel Popkin to furnish me with a return of the number of soldiers who came in the Cartel from Canada and were ordered on to the army a list of their names if he has one, and the name of the Serjeant who marched the party. was in hopes to have had them in Season to forward with this, but they are not come...
640To 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...
641To George Washington from William Heath, 27 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the New York paper of the 22d which I have requested the President of Congress to forward to your Excellency, after his perusal, you will find Mr Rivington’s account of the naval engagement off the Chesepeak the 5th instant; but I think Mr Rivington must confess more. My last accounts from New York are of the 23d instant. The british fleet were then at the Hook taking every measure to...
642To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here the day before Yesterday after a tedious Journey through excessive bad roads. I find there is a great number of discharged Soldiers in this State, who have been at home for Some time that are inclined to inlist again, but as many of them came home almost naked and remain so still, a principal inducement to their Inlisting is the expectation of being immediately cloathed, this is...
643To 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.
644To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
The last Evening I was honored with yours of the 21st 21st and 22d Instant to which I shall duly attend. The minister of France passed by the Peeks Kill road Yesterday before I was honored with your letter or heard of his approach. The Enemy did not come out as was expected, and Colo. Hazen has returned. I shall appoint a Court of Enquiry for Lieut. Colonel Varick &c. and facilitate Mr...
645To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just informed by express from Fish kill that Count Chatelieux arrived there from the Eastward Yesterday afternoon. He will be here this day and I apprehend will proceed to Head quarters this afternoon or tomorrow. Every thing respecting the grand Forage has gone on very well hitherto. The Troops are now crossing the Ferry. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s...
646To 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...
647To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of your’s of the 19th Instant. In my last I informed your Excellency of our Arrival in the Neighbourhood of Fort Independence, and of our taking a number of Arms —In stead of 15 at one place, we took upwards of 40, & about as many Blankets. I also mention’d in my last our Intention of Attacking the Hessians at the Bridge, the next day—Every praparation was made & the...
648To 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...
649To George Washington from William Heath, 3 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to the General orders of the first Instant attended by the Field officers of the Day and Quarter Master General (the Adjutant General being Absent) yesterday the approaches leading to this Encampment and the extent of the creeks, and find that the Isthumus between the heads of the creeks is nearly three Quarters of a mile wide through which there is an avenue easy of access to...
650To 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...