To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 November 1779
From Major General William Heath
Camp Pecks kill [N.Y.] Novr 4. 1779
Dear General
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.1 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. If your Excellency has any means of relief that can be afforded I would earnestly request it for these men.
Colonel Hazen desires to be informed if it be eligible and allowable for him to reinlist into the Regiment under his Command to Serve during the War, Soldiers belonging to the Regiments of any State engaged for a Shorter term.2 I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt
W. Heath
LS, DLC:GW; ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers. GW replied to Heath on 6 November.
1. Brig. Gen. John Glover wrote John Hancock from Peekskill on 25 Nov.: “The whole of the army has gone into winter cantonments except General Nixon’s and my brigades, who are now in the field (eight hundred of my men without shoes or stockings) enjoying the sweets of a winter campaign, while the worthy and virtuous citizens of America are enduring the hardships, toils, and fatigues incidental to parlours, with good fires and sleeping on beds of down” ( 92).
2. Col. Moses Hazen commanded the 2d Canadian Regiment.