1Report Relative to Assuming Civil Government, 10 December 1774 (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 73–74. This, the second report on this date of the Committee on the State of the Province, was framed in the form of three resolutions: that the adjournment on 29 October had...
2From John Adams to the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Towns and Districts of Massachusetts Bay, 10 December … (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 69–72. Prepared by a committee appointed 12 October, originally composed of fifteen members: John Hancock, Joseph Hawley, Joseph Warren, Samuel Dexter, Artemas Ward, James...
3To George Washington from William Heath, 2 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
At a board of general Officers of the american Army held at camp near Dobbs’ ferry August the 2. 1781 by order of his Excellency the Commander in chief to consider three plans for the succession of the Medical department and report thereon. Present Major General Heath Brigadier General Knox Major General Lord Stirling Brigadier General Glover Major General Lincoln Brigadier General Paterson...
4To George Washington from Brigadier Generals William Heath, Joseph Spencer, Nathanael Greene, and Lord Stirling, 27 June … (Washington Papers)
In Considering the Several Matters which your Excellency has been pleased to referr to us; we do with regard to Long Island and Staten Island think it absolutely Necessary for the Safety & defence of this Colony that all the Stock of Cattle and Sheep (Except such as may be requisite for the present Subsistance of the Inhabitants) be removed to a distance from the Sea Coast and that this be...
5To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I request to be informed whether it be your pleasure, and expectation, Since you have established your Quarters at New Windsor, that I exercise Command at, and pay attention to affairs at Fishkill, The Daily Issue of 300 rations of Provisions at the Landing; and 1,022, in the Town, in the whole as many within one ration as are Issued to the whole Connecticut Line, when there are but few Troops...
6To George Washington from William Heath, 6 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of a General Court Martial on Lieut. Sampson, and Amos Bennett a Soldier, they were handed me yesterday. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency Most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
7To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 10th. In my last I mention’d to your Excellency having sent to Portsmouth, to forward 3,000 Arms to Springfield —Major Barber the Commissary of Artillery Stores, whom I sent for the purpose informs me that upon his Arrival there—the Honble Mr Langdon, the Continental Agent informed him that Three Thousand Arms had been just sent on to Connecticut, but...
8To 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...
9To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received the enclosed Letters from Colo. Sheldon and Major Talmage, by which your Excellency will preceive that a Skirmish happened with the Enemy on the morning of the 2nd Instant, with Some loss on both Sides. permit me in behalf of Major Talmage to request Some releif of Clothing from the Public Store if your Excellency should think it proper. I have the honor to be with...
10To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At the pressing request of Brigadier General Hamilton, I have given permission to Captain Masters of the 24th Regiment, British, attended by Captain Bliss to proceed to your Excellency to receive your further orders, with respect to a packet with which he is intrusted, addressed to General Sir Henry Clinton. As Major General Phillips intends writing to your Excellency, prehaps respecting his...
11To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
From the appearances of Several fires the last night there is reason to apprehend that the Enemy have destroyed the Works & evacuated Verplanks point. I have Sent out Several parties to make discoveries & to harrass them if possible. In obedience to your Excellencys orders the Brigades will move into the Highlands. Permit me to Suggest on Account of the great Scarcity of Forage in the...
12To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here the last Night & this morning had the honor of congratulating Monsr le Compte de rochambeau, and monsieur le chevalier de Terney on their Safe arrival in this harbour. The Fleet consists of Seven sail of the line—the duke de Burgogne of 80 Guns. le Neptune and le Conquerant of 74—le Jazon L’Eville—L’Ardent and Le Provence of 64—le Fantasque Hospital Ship of 64—mounts 40 Guns—two...
13To George Washington from William Heath, 21 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received an act of Congress of the 7th inst. of which the enclosed is coppy. as I apprehend it will be impossible to form any tollerable judgement of the quantity of forrage, without ascertaining the number of horses & cattle belonging to the allied army which were supplied with forrage in West Chester County; permit me to request your order to the Quartermasters of the allied...
14To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this day received ⅌ Mr Fessenden the honor of yours of the 5th 10th & 12th Instant, most heartily thank your Excellency for the Intelligence communicated therein, and shall strictly attend to the directions given. We have just received the inclosed Intelligence of the success of our Troops under General Starks near Bennington, upon which I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency. We...
15To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just had the Honor to receive your’s of this day’s Date, & shall continue in the most perfect readiness, the Detachment designed for your Aid if Occasion should require it—I will further confer with the Brigadier Generals & Engineers, on the Probability of the Fire Rafts answering the Purpose of a floating Bridge, It is my own, as well as Genl Clinton’s Opinion that they will, and it...
16To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 24th June and 3rd July Came to hand by this Days Post. where they have been so long detained I cannot Conceive, as they Contain Several Peices of Intelligence of the then motions of the Enemy—had they Come to hand in the Usual Time would have gratifyed the Publick exceedingly; be pleased Sir to accept my warmest acknowledgements of Gratitude and Thanks for the Honor Done me in...
17To George Washington from William Heath, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 5th and 6th to which I shall duly attend. I hoped I should not have been compelled again to represent our situation on account of provisions; but supplies of meat have not arrived. All the Irish beef in the store has been gone for some days—We are at last forced in upon the reserves—that in fort Clinton has been taken all out this day—The pork which was ordered...
18To 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...
19To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received pr Col. Johonnot the honor of your’s of the 29th ultimo—and observe your Excellency’s pressing & positive Orders for hastening the Troops—This I have been doing with unremitted Assiduity—and the moment a Detachment is equipped I order them to march—There are now on the march to Peeks-kill, a Detachment of Col. Greaton’s Regt upwards of One Hundred fine Fellows well armed...
20To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to enclose a Letter from Lt Colo. Badlam and another from Capt. Stillwell which were received the last Evening. I received a hint of the escape of the Culprits the Day before yesterday about noon from Colo. Hay, on which I gave immediate orders to all the Officers of Guards and Patroles to keep a good look out on all the roads and if Possible to take them up, but the nature...
21To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the Death of Colo. Russell of the 8th Connecticut Regt who died a few Days Since The Command of that Regt falls to Lieut. Colo. Sherman of the 2nd Regt The Eldest Lieut. Colonel in the Connecticut Line, It is requested that Lieut. Colonel Sherman be directed to take the Command of the 8th Regt and Lieut. Colonel Hait now of the 8th Regt the Command of the 2nd Regt. Enclosed is a...
22To George Washington from William Heath, 28 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of yesterday. Am happy to hear that the prospect of a supply of provisions is so favorable. The fatigue-men, and if possible, six carpenters shall be sent the day after to morrow, to work on the logs above Newburgh. I some days since reduced the troops on the lines from two to one hundred rank and file; and in consequence of your pleasure, signified in yours of the 23d,...
23To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ulo and by the same Express a Letter from Governor Trumbull, representing that the Forrage on the road commonly traveled to Fish kill was nearly exhausted, and that the Troops of the Convention could not be well supplied unless they took the rout of Waterbury and Danbury, or through the County of Berkshire into the State of New York....
24To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
yesterday noon I received the Honor of yours of the 18th Instant and about an hour after that, of the 20th. The Letters addressed to his Excellency Count D. Estaing I immediately forwarded to him as I alwaies keep an Express Boat ready for that purpose —The General Opinion here Seems to be that the Enemy are going to the West Indies—but the Possibility and Some degree of Probability that their...
25To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday and without loss of time forwarded the Letters to Genl Wolcott and Colo. Moylan Several Measures are adopted for the obtaining intelligence hope Some of them will Succeed. I send one Prisoner of war and three Deserters, one from the legion, one from the Queens rangers and the other from the 71st Regt the latter from Verplanks Point this morning each of the...
26To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of intelligence received yesterday morning from the westward that the Fleet of Transports which were lately in the Sound, and supposed to be coming this way, had sail’d towards newyork, General Count de Rochambeau express’d his pleasure that the militia which had arrived and were on their march for his support, (except those detached for three months) should return home. I...
27To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779. GW wrote Heath on this day: “Your favor of this morning inclosing a letter from Captain Hopkins I have just received.”
28To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Upon the receipt of yours on Yesterday I immediately sent an Express to West-Chester, with the Letter directed to Col. Williams, & a Line from myself for his immediate march to Mount Washington—The Express informs that Col. Williams with his Regiment was not arriv’d, but hourly expected—The Major of the Regiment is at West-Chester, and will as soon as the Regiment reaches that place deliver...
29To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the Honor of yours of the 8th Instant. In my last I wrote your Excellency that Cloathing was now preparing with the utmost dispatch for the Troops of this State, and that I was in hopes there would be no more complaints on that Head. Your Excellency in your last, on mentioning that the Troops have been illy supplied is pleased to observe that “This however has not...
30To George Washington from William Heath, 29 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
A Cartel has inst. arrived at Boston from Quebec and has brought a number of American prisoners, there are among them several Officers and about twenty soldiers inlisted to serve during the war, I have directed Lieut. Colonel Popkin to forward the latter on to the Army to recieve your Excellencys further orders, they principally belong to Connecticut and New York, they are in extreme want of a...
31To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 15th: have given orders to have the returns made as soon as possible, and have enjoined on Lt Colo. Brooks not to loose a moment in having them accomplished. Major General Howe arrived here a few days since: I intended to have set out immediately for new England, but, the mild weather sitting in which has rendered the roads almost impassible, I am yet...
32To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter Just received from Colo. Harrison, I am Informed that it is your Excellency’s Pleasure, That Such of the militia belonging to General Saltonstalls Brigade as have not been ordered to move Forward, should now march and take Post opposite to Head Quarters on the Morrisania Side of Harlem River & c. I beg leave Just to represent to your Excellency, That this Brigade Consists of nine...
33To George Washington from William Heath, 4 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
It has been my determination and endeavour to have presented your Excellency this Evening a List of the Officers of the Massachusetts Line, and a Sketch of arrangment agreable to what I hinted to your Excellency when I had the honor last to see you, but I find it impossible to have it compleated in Season to be delivered this evening, I therefore request your indulgence to defer it Untill...
34To 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...
35To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this Evening honored with yours of the 31st ultimo. I came here the last Evening in order to arrange and make a distribution of the militia who are coming in from all quarters. It has been agreed that about three thousand Militia shall act upon the Island—(about 1500 near quaker Hill.) If Sir Henry Clinton should land South of the Town the militia will Support Genl Rochambeau. If he lands...
36To George Washington from William Heath, 31 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Conformable to the signification of your pleasure in yours of the 29th June last, I take the liberty to enclose an amount of such of my extra expences at Rhode Island, as were paid by me, and request your order thereon for the ballance. The General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island politely passed a resolve directing their purchasing commissary to furnish the commissary of Issues with such...
37To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 31 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
on Yesterday I arrived in this City with the Brigade, and flatter my Self that Considering the Badness of the Roads Stormy weather &c. your Excellency will not think that I have been either Negligent or dilitory on the march. General Schuyler Still remains at Albany and the Command of the army at present devolves on me, I have this day ordered a Return of the army, But have it not in my Power...
38To George Washington from William Heath, 1 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Little of consequence has transpired since your departure. Some parties of the enemy have come out towards the plains, and some few shot have been exchanged between patroling parties. Yesterday we made a grand forage down to the Plains—the troops are not expected back till this afternoon, therefore have it not in my power to report whether they met with opposition or not. The militia are...
39To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon a Committee from the Board of War of this State presented me the inclosed Resolve of the General Assembly & Estimate of Stores and provisions necessary for the secret Expedition to St Johns River, an Expedition some time since recommended by the Honble Congress, of which I doubt not your Excellency has been fully acquainted. The Committee desired that I would furnish them...
40To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Adjutant General informed me this morning that your Excellency was desireous to know which of the Criminals vizt Johnson and Case of the Connecticut Line who are under Sentence is most worthy of Death, and that I would make enquiry and Send my opinion. Having attended to the matter I find that, Johnson belongs to Greenwich is a Single man 34 years old has nither Brother or Sister, but...
41To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the honor of the receipt of yours of the 22d Ulto and 5th Instant. In consequence of the former I directed Major Barber to purchase up what Lead he could find in this Town or its Vicinity. He soon informed me that he had purchased Ten Tons, Six of which were forwarded, some days since, to Springfield. the remainder will follow immediately. Mr Jervis, Agent to the...
42To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is just Come to hand from Capt. Hopkins an Intelligent and good officer. Should not the guard Boats be Very Vigilant? The Brass 12 pounders are brought to Nelson’s point. Shall they be kept here to be used as occasion may require, or be sent elsewhere? I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Excellencys Obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. The enclosure...
43To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have in the provost here a soldier belonging to Lt Colo. Pawlings Corps of New York Levies, Confined for repeated desertions & other enormities. Lt Colo. Pawling desires he may be tried by Court Martial and asserts that he is subject to be tried and punished in the same manner Continental Soldiers are. As the Levies are at Some times sent into the Field under particular conditions of trial...
44To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 9 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Visited the Guards on Yesterday before noon, found them in Good Order, Ordered Grand Rounds at Eleven, Visiting Rounds at half Past Three and Patroles between each Relief, Grand Rounds Report that they found the Guards Vigilant, and Sentinels Alert. Capt. of the White House Guard Reports That the Enemy worked all night, That at 4 oClock this morning the Bells rang in Boston, and a number of...
45To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
a Large Fleet of men of war are now almost up to our Light House and are beyond a doubt an Enemy the alarm is Given, and the militia assembling, There are no Continental Troops here except about 40 Invalids—our Militia are as good as any but your Excy is sensible they are not like Regular Troops about Twenty Ships are in Sight & Some of them very large. I am Dear Genl in haste your obt Servt...
46To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose a Letter which I have Just received from Brigadier General Nixon, representing the Situation of Colonel Nixon, who was Some time Since ordered to Springfield, to receive and forward the recruits from the Eastward, I also enclose the reports made by the party of observation at verplankes Point yesterday and to Day —I do not know from whom Genl Nixon obtained his...
47To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by the Marquis Devienne lately from France. He has come to serve in our Army, and requested a line to you. We have a report this day that a number of the Enemy from Rhode Island, yesterday morning surprised a party of our men who were posted at Warren Neck and made prisoners of nearly the whole, burnt the meeting house & destroyed a large number of Boats...
48To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of receiving the inclosed Letter this morning from Major General Howe I have detached from the Connecticut Line Lt Colo. Gray Major Cleft and four Companies of 41 rank & File each, properly officered; to march with all possible Expedition to Stanford to be ready should an attempt on the Enemy be thought adviseable, would request the return of Genl Howes Letter when your...
49To George Washington from William Heath, 13 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to present your Excellency the arrangements of the four reformed Massachusetts regiments, and the New Hampshire corps. Some few of the Massachusetts officers have been arranged on the principles of seniority—I wish the arrangement may be left so far open that in case any of the senior officers should prevail on the juniors to exchange with them, it may be done. This I...
50To Thomas Jefferson from William Heath, 18 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
While I have been enjoying, with grateful satisfaction, your Judicious administration of the Government of the United States.—and its daily increasing estimation with the real friends of our Country in this quarter,—I have carefully avoided giving you interruption in your important duties by any epistles or applications of mine, and I pray you to excuse my doing of it at this time,—Colonel Lee...