651To 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...
652To 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...
653To 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.
654To 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...
655To 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...
656To 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...
657To 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...
658To 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...
659To 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...
660To 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...
661To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy’s Fleet which visited and destroyed a considerable part of Bedford on the 5th & 6th Instant are now between Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth, (Cape Cod) —it is this Day reported that their number is increased to Seventy Sail, and that they have made a demand on the Inhabitants of the Island for 300 Head of Cattle & 10000 Sheep. I think the Enemy are meditating mischief this way, indeed...
662To 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...
663To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
The day before yesterday I received a letter from Peter Colt Esqr. A.C.G. of Purchases of which the enclosd is a copy The provissions in our Magazines are by no means very considerable; but finding Mr Colt so pressing, and not knowing but the most fatal consequences might take place if salted provisions were not sent on, I immediately gave orders for Six Hundred Barrels of pork and four...
664To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 25th. Altho’ my conduct and Command may not have been without many errors and imperfections, a consciousness of the rectitude of my intentions, have rendered me very indifferant to any charges which have been devising against me. I feel most Sensibly your Excellency’s attention and kindness, in the Offer of leave to visit my Family, however Strong my...
665To 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...
666To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Deane Brother to the Hon. Silas Deane Esqr. being on his way to Congress Charged with Dispatches of the most Happy & Interesting nature to the United States of america and being anxious to proceed Immediately I have not Time to write Save to Congratulate your Excellency on the Court of France having acknowledged the Independence of these United States and having entered into Two Treaties...
667To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have received the Honor of yours of the 16th & 18th Instant. I have the Pleasure to acquaint your Excellency that on the 19th Instant a Detachment of our Troops Consisting Partly of Continental Troops and Partly of the Militia of Orange and Ulster Counties, having marched Down to the English Neighbourhood in the night Deceived the Sentinel and Surprised the Out Guard of Colonel Buskirks...
668To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed proceedings of the Brigade Court martial appointed by Colo. Commandant Greene, came to hand since writing my other letter of this date. I forward one Charles Simpson, a Groom to Colo. Gunning, of the 82 British Regt who has, (as he saies) deserted from his Colonel with a Saddle Horse, he can relate many particulars respecting the Situation of the Enemy, mentions that the...
669To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a Letter Genl Huntington has requested me to forward. I had ordered the Two Connecticut Brigades to Cross the River and encamp near Stony Point agreable to your Instruction of the 16th The First Brigade was to pass this Day the Second to morrow. Genl Parsons Just now informs me that He received Instructions from your Excellency the last Evening to move over the Waggons and Heavy...
670To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 23d Ulto and most heartily congratulate your Excellency on the fair prospect of your soon driving the Enemy from the Jersies, and hope your next will communicate such Intelligence, I think General Howes late advancing his Army in order to facilitate & secure the safe removal of his Baggage and Stores from Brunswick may be considered as one of his best...
671To George Washington from William Heath, 3 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to report to your excellency the returns of the regiments of infantry in the Massachusetts line of the army, which have been made conformably to the general order of yesterday. The 8. regiment is doing duty on the lines—notice has been given to the regiment, but return is not yet received. The regiments of the line are so nearly equal, that it is almost certain the 8....
672To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Glover and Colo. Pickering being waiting to proceed on their Journey to the Army, I have only time to acknowledge the honor of yours of the 23d Ulto, and beg leave to inform your Excellency, that notwithstanding the Distresses of the Soldiery sent from this State to Peekskill for want of Cloathing, and an Officer from each Regiment Stationed there having come here to procure it. It...
673To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Nothing of consequence has transpired Since I had the honor last to write you, The British Fleet continue off the harbour Some times at anchor, at other times cruizing. Yesterday afternoon I counted twelve Sail principally large Ships at anchor, and four Sail of Frigates and Sloops of war cruizing, the former to the east of Block Island, the latter between that place and point Judith, their...
674To George Washington from William Heath, 20 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received intelligence that the fleet which have for some time been in the harbor of New York with a body of troops embarked, fell down to the Hook last Saturday. It is said, all the heavy cannon on the grand battery were taken on board—The troops have their baggage with them. I cannot yet ascertain all the corps, their numbers or destination. The New York paper of the 15....
675To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed Intelligence received from Genl Huntington the last night about Ten oClock —and request your Excellencys direction respectg the arms brought out by Deserters. I take the Liberty to enclose Several Papers received from Colo. Allen the Day before I left Boston. I shall endeavour to have the Troops in this Quarter in readiness for any emergency. have...
676To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of yesterday Colonel Hazens Regiment passes Kings Ferry this forenoon, and as I am informed the Virginia Division was to march this morning Colo. Hazen will meet with no Detention—but proceed immediately towards Morris town I have given him the Instructions you were pleased to direct. Genl Poors Brigade Crossed the Ferry yesterday afternoon & Encamped on this...
677To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to hand the last night—it is without date, but I apprehend was written yesterday morning. I expect Major Maxwell up to day. Many of the arms and accoutrements turned into the store by the discharged soldiers want repair, especially the latter. I am inform’d it has been the practice to send them to Albany; but this is attended with much trouble, and considerable expence. Would...
678To George Washington from William Heath, 1 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 31st ultimo—am happy in your excellency’s approbation on any parts of my conduct. In answer to the questions your excellency was pleased to propose to the general officers when last at your quarters, I beg leave to reply for myself. That although the principles of humanity dictate that every measure compatible with the public safety and interest, without...
679To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the honor of the receipt of yours of the 5th & 12th Ulto. Genl Burgoyne was not gone when I was honored with your last enclosing one to him. He has expressed the greatest pleasure & satisfaction on receiving your letter. I do myself the honor to enclose one from him. Yesterday about 11 o’Clock he set out for Rhode Island, He expresses the strongest wishes for an...
680To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of yours of the 30th Ultimo and 8th Instant. We have this moment receivd the agreable news of General Burgoynes Surrendering himself and Army Prisoners on the 17th Instant to General Gates, on this Happy Event I beg leave most Heartily to Congratulate your Excellency, I find by the Articles of Capitulation that Burgoynes army is to be Sent to...
681To 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...
682To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to present your Excellency five Deserters from the Brittish army one Rifle Serjt Two Hussars, one from the 71st Regt & one from Robinsons Corps. the Latter whose name is Pollard belonged to the 8th Connecticut Regt is brother to Major Pollard who had the Command of a Company of artificers in the american army. he is an intelligable Lad. I have the honor to be With the...
683To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure to Inform you, that we have taken out of the wreck of the Tender lately burnt up the north River, The following Cannon Vizt One Six Pounder, Two Three Do One Two Do and Ten Swivels, One Cabooses and Apron, Two Cutlasses, Two Gun Barrels, One Crow bar and 4 Gapp[l]in[g]s and Chains, Lieut. Landon of Colo. Nicolls Regiment with Two of the Company to Which he belongs went off...
684To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 29 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Pursuance of General Orders, I Visited the Guards on Yesterday, beginning at Cambridge Main Guard, from thence to the Store Magazine Main Guard at Winter Hill, Plowd Hill, White House, Main Guard on prospect Hill, Cobble Hill, Leichmears point, & Bridge, & North Redoubt found the Guards in good Order Save at Leichmears point Bridge, where the proper Guard had not been mounted, and One...
685To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Conformable to the signification of your pleasure in your’s of the 29th June last, I take the liberty to enclose an account 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...
686To 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...
687To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 3d—have ordered a Detachment to proceed up the river, in pursuit of Flour immediately agreeable to your directions. I cannot but lament, that we have new experiments to make almost daily. I think some of the strong Pettiaugurs at Fish Kill Landing, or one or two of the Sloops, might perform this service, with as much safety as the Batteaux, as the Season now is,...
688To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The last night between eleven and twelve oClock a fire broke out at west point in the Building occupied by Colonel Marshall, and Mr Whiting the D. Q. Mr of the Garrison. The Fire began in the inside, and (as is Supposed), in the wooden mantle piece of the Chimney, had got to such a head that the first discovery was the whole bursting out in flames. Several Persons who were asleep in the House,...
689To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I some days since signifyed to Colonel Hazen, your opinion respecting the Arrest of Major Reid —I this morning received his answer, Coppy of which I take the liberty to enclose. We are now turning our attention to the salting a quantity of the Beef in bulk at this Post—Colonel Hay has also proposed its being done in hutts, at the Connecticutt & New Hampshire Quarters. The obstacles are the...
690To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with the receipt of yours of the 22d Ultimo. I never received any List of the Officers names under the Convention of Saratoga on their arrival at Cambridge, as taken at the Convention, but do myself the honor to enclose Copy of their Names and ranks as Subscribed to a parole Soon after their arrival at Cambridge. I take the Liberty to enclose Extract of a Letter lately...
691To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier Generals Nixon & Glover have repeatedly represented the destitute Condition of the men belonging to their respective Brigades for Shoes, nearly one half of each Brigade being bare footed. The weather is now become So Cold that it will be almost impossible for them to do duty in Such Condition, and a greater discouragement to the reinlistment of the Troops cannot at this time happen....
692To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored by the receipt of yours of the 29th December & 9th Instant. Every assistance in my power shall be afforded to Major Blackden, and I am happy to find that he will obtain most of the Articles which are necessary without much difficulty or delay. General Steuben having grown impatient to proceed to the Army, had set out before the arrival of your Excellency’s Letter which...
693To George Washington from William Heath, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
A number of very respectable merchants in the town of Boston have lately been imposed upon and defrauded of property to a very large amount, by two persons whose names are William Campbell, and William Huntington, who after geting the property into their hands have abscounded, and as is Supposed gone to New York, such practices being detested by all civilized nations, and persons whose breasts...
694To 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...
695To George Washington from William Heath, 13 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
It appearing by letters which have passed between lieutenant colonel Ezra Newhall of the 4. Massachusetts regiment and captain Bowman of the 5., regiment that the latter consents that the arrest which has been served on the former in consequence of charges exhibited by him, should be withdrawn—In consequence whereof we beg leave to submit to your excellency the withdrawing the arrest...
696To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning I was informed by a Credible Coaster from Martha’s Vineyard that the British Fleet were the day before in the Vineyard Sound and to the Westward of the Island, to the number of twenty Sail & upwards. their object probably is to plunder the Stock &c. I think it is not unlikely that the Small embarkation of Troops lately mentioned to be taking place at New York are on this...