211To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Upon being Informed yesterday in the afternoon that a party of the Enemy had Landed at Dobbs’s Ferry, and had Posted Sentries in the Road, I Ordered Colo. Sargent with 500 men and 40 of the Light Horse to march and Dislodge them, at Two oClock this morning he Sent an Express Informing me, that he had reach’d The Ferry, & that there was no Enemy Landed, at that Time, and that the Ships were...
212To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 9th instant. I hope your Excellency’s representation to the honorable the Congress of the necessity of this post being supplied with Flour before the roads are rendered impassable will have the desired effect. The commissary has just informed me that there is not a barrel of Flour in the Store; but the Troops are served for two days, in which time I hope...
213To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Colonel Armand is here with a number of recruiting Officers of his Corps. He has for some time been expecting orders from Congress to inlist such of the foreign Troops as appear disposed to enter our service, and is continually harrassing me to Cloath such as he has already inlisted—I wish to do every thing in my power to promote the public service, but at present am at a loss in this...
214To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor last to write your Excellency I have been closely employed in forming the Militia who have been comeing to our Aid into Brigades and makeing other necessary arrangments. Two thousand men have been & still are advanced near this Town about 1500 at Butts hill and the remainder at Howlands and Bristol Ferry perhaps a greater spirit never was discovered than has been on the...
215To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have had no certain intelligence of the Fleet since I wrote your Excellency on Yesterday Many doubt whether any considerable number of large Ships were seen at all, and suppose it was only a number of Cruizers with their prizes. We have a number of Boats in the Bay, and persons by Land, upon the whole I beleive the Report has but little foundation, and was chiefly Imaginary, I thought it my...
216To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with yours of 1st 2’d & 5th Instant. I am happy to hear that Some relief of Flour may be expected from Easton and Sussex County. We are impatiently looking out for it’s arrival. The patience, temper and spirit of the Troops under their distresses, are scarcely conceivable. I believe there is not such an other body of men in the World. I shall make particular enquiry...
217To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I had first the honor of Seeing your Excellency at New Windsor after I left Boston I took the Liberty to mention the case of Capt. Cartwright One of my aids De Campe, your Excellency was pleased to Observe that you had not the resolves of Congress then at Hand —Capt. Cartwright has frequently Since that Time mentioned his Situation, and Since the orders for my removing further from you,...
218To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning been honored with your several favors of yesterday, to which I shall duly attend. Am happy to hear that a supply of Provisions is coming on; some have already arrived. Colo. Vose informs me the new Road is now passable for Sleighs if there is a sufficiency of Snow. I have given an order for the serjeant of Captain Machin’s company to take four inlisted men to New Windsor:...
219To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Day before yesterday a Flag from the Enemy, brought to Colo. Armand Four Guineas for Major Bearmore Four Spanish milled Dollars, for Mr Oglivie, and Several articles of Clothing for both, The Clothing is not Specified except what is mentioned in Mr Oglivies Letter, The whole is forwarded by the Bearer Serjt Thomas Boyden, who escortes The five Prisoners mentioned in my Letter of yesterday....
220To George Washington from William Heath, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In December last I received orders from the honorable the secretary at war to direct the commissaries and all others at West-point and its vicinity who had public provisions in their hands on the first day of January to deliver them to one of the mr Sands, &c. Orders were given conformably. There were at that time fifteen or sixteen hundred barrels of salted provisions in the magazine at...
221To George Washington from William Heath, 28 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Capt. Pray came to hand yesterday. The one from Colonel Greaton, covering one from Major Gotchkins this morning at 2 oClock; if the latter account be true, an evacuation of New York may follow, as the Enemy may be collecting their Force to some other point. I shall order the Army to be in readiness to move on the shortest notice, and endeavour to act as occasion may require...
222To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured by colonel Humphrys with a signification of your Excellency’s pleasure that I should be at head-quarters to morrow morning ten o’clock with the other general officers—I had made arrangements to commence my journey eastward to morrow morning, and intended to have paid my respects at head-quarters this evening or in the morning, had I not received the note from colonel...
223To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received Information that a Large Body of the Enemy appeared Opposite to Hunts Point Just before Sun Sit and Pitched their Tents on an Hill to the number of 100 or more[.] it is also Said that numbers of men have been Put on Board the Ships, this Day, I have Ordered the Regiments to lie on their Arms &c. I have the Honor to be &c. with great respect your Excellencys most...
224To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered a Detachment to consist of two Battalions of 250 rank & file each, properly Officered from the Massachusetts Line. One Battalion of 250 rank & file from the Connecticutt Line—One Battalion of 100 rank & file from the New Hampshire Line—and one Battallion of 200 rank & file, half from Colonel Hazens regiment, & the other half from the Detachment on the Lines, in the whole five...
225To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 12th—am happy to hear your Excellency has thought fit to take the several measures mentioned in your letter, to bring forward the provisions—It is an object about which I am at present most concerned—as it is certainly the most threatning circumstance we have to encounter. If relief is seasonably and effectually afforded, I think we have little...
226To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Nearly our whole time for several weeks has been taken up in forwarding provisions, Stores &c. to Rhode Island, and in order to accelerate the operations of the Expedition we have sent to that place all the provisions that could possibly be spared from the Magazines, in particular Flour, of which upwards of 1000 Barrels have been forwarded. The unexpected destination of the Count D’Estaing’s...
227To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was this moment given me by Judge Lawrence. I apprehend it is beyond a doubt that I am the fourth person. The gun boat is stationed at Fort-Montgomery, with as positive instructions of vigilance as can be given—and I have directed the greatest vigilance in guards and sentinels here—have ordered patroles from all the guards, &c. Your Excellency can form the best judgment, whether...
228To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days Since honored with a Letter dated Head quarters Ramapaugh 29th June 1780 which from it’s Contents I apprehend to be from your Excellency although the Letter is Without Signature. I thank your Excellency for the assurances of Support in the Expences of my command here, and Shall pay due attention to your instructions respecting Colo. Green’s Regiment and the recruits. Every...
229To George Washington from William Heath, 13 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
A day or two since I was informed that a large number of arms, (said) seven or eight thousand stand, were brought from the eastward and lodged in stores on the bank of the river at Claverack, and there left without guard or direction that I can hear of. General Schuyler passing that way, apprehending they were in some danger, from the character of the people in the vicinity on the other side...
230To George Washington from William Heath, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since yesterday morning I have obtained a New York paper of the 4. inst. which I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency. Yesterday we began laying the chain across the river—it was fastened on one side but night came on before we could secure the other end—It will be effected to day if the wind is not too fresh. The small pox patients are in a pretty good way, but want exceedingly some...
231To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The last Evening I arrived at this Place, and Tomorrow morning shall Set out for Boston, The Spread of the Small Pox at and near Stanford in the State of Connecticut, is alarming I am Informed that Some of the Inhabitants are Secretly Inoculating their Families, I yesterday wrote to Governor Trumbull on the Subject—Some of our Prisoners have been Sent out of New York Undoubtedly Infected with...
232To 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...
233To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Burgoyne recd the information of the Resolve of Congress of the 1st Decemr (restricting the embarkation of his Troops to the port stipulated by the Convention of Saratoga and no other) with no small disopointment. I had before given him my opinion that an alteration would never be allowed; but he flattered himself otherwise. He is now anxiously waiting an answer to his Letter some time...
234To 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...
235To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed memorandum was sent me the last evening by colonel Webb, and is submitted for such directions as your excellency may think proper to give in any of the particulars mentioned. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Some of the Companies have only a partial supply of Ammunition. A deficiency of...
236To George Washington from William Heath, 3 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from general Sir Guy Carleton, came to hand last evening—I forward it by express. If it should contain any thing which will affect the mission with which your excellency has been pleased to honor me, I wish your further directions by the return of the express; as I intend going down the river early to morrow morning, unless something takes place which requires an alteration....
237To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the honor of yours of the 19th Instant, and shall pay strict attention to its Injunctions. I have this Day received a Letter from Major General Putnam of the 25th Inst. purporting that a Letter was lately intercepted going from General Howe to Genl Burgoyne intimating that he (How) shoud soon be at B—n to cooperate with Burgoyne; and that by another Express the General had...
238To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the inclosed from Capt. Pray, by which it seems the fleet has returned from the southward, but whether with or without troops, does not yet appear. There certainly are several movements which require critical observations. Simpson the deserter (or whatever he may be) who I sent up this afternoon, says a large number of four and two horse waggons had been brought from Long...
239To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Last night the Fire Ships & Row Gallies made an attempt, Upon the Enemys ships, which lay at Anchor up the River, The Fire ships were well Conducted, the Armed Schooner was Grappled and Burnt, The Phenix was Grappled for a Bought Ten minutes, But got herself Clear, The Lady Washington Galley and Independence, were Conducted with Great Judgment and Bravery, I wish I could Say that the Other...
240To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this date. Your Excellency may rest assured that the water shall be well guarded by night—I will take the earliest opportunity to obey your orders respecting Judge Lawrence and Mr Beakman. I am not a little apprehensive that we shall very soon want provisions—The unhappy misapprehensions of the Deputy Quarter master at Hartford, will, I fear, create so much delay in...
241To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of your favor of yesterday I was in Hopes this morning to have Given you Some fresh Intilligence, but have not yet Receiv⟨ed⟩ it but Still Expect it, as we have undoubtedly a Spy on the Island, Every necessary and Proper preparation having been made for that Purpose the Last night, and it is rather too Early in the morning as yet to receive our...
242To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received the honor of yours of the 13th Instant. From my first being informed of Mr Fletcher’s appointment I have afforded him every assistance which he has asked for without the least delay, and have constantly enjoined upon him to acquaint me of any, the least, embarrassment which may fall in his way, which, if in my power, shall be immediately removed. Mr Fletcher has already...
243To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Intelligence this moment Came to hand shall run down to Genl Huntingtons Brigade shall take Genl Parsons with me any Signification of your pleasure shall be immediately executed. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency most obedient Servt ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. This draft is docketed inadvertently as being to Brig. Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons. The...
244To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment informed that a Ship is arrived at portsmouth with a valuable Cargo of Ordnance & ordnance Stores for the use of the United States. as soon as we are fully ascertained of it measures shall be taken to secure, and forward them to the Arsenals. A large Quantity of Lead is on the Road, which with upwards of one Hundred Thousand Musket Cartridges, will be forwarded from...
245To 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...
246To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two favors of yesterday, General Parsons went down towards the Sound the last night in order to obtain the best Intelligence from Long Island—Confer with Genls Howe Glover &c. and to direct the proposed attempt on Lloyds Neck if it should from Circumstances appear advisible, I shall from Time to Time acquaint your Excellency on that Head as Intelligence may be...
247To George Washington from William Heath, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing Your Excellency yesterday by Mr Flint, who was on his way to the army—This will probably reach you sooner. The southern postrider was undoubtedly taken on monday last near Pumpton, and the mail carried off—this probably will furnish Mr Rivington with materials for some weeks to come. On the 4th at 12 o’clock a fleet of about 26 sail, some of them large vessels...
248To George Washington from William Heath, 6 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major Keith has been relieved from the lines, and is ordered in arrest on the enclosed charges, which are submitted to your excellency. He will soon be brought to trial unless you think proper to order otherwise. A considerable number of soldiers in every regiment I am informed, are destitute of cartridge boxes, which will render them in a great measure unfit for real service, should the...
249To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Parsons informs me that a number of recruits for the Connecticut Regts are rendezvousing at Fairfield and requests that Colo. Durkee may go down to muster them and a Subaltern from each Brigade to receive them and march them up. his desire for Colo. Durkees being appointed to this Business is the assurance that the recruits will be critically examined and Such as are unfit for the...
250To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 28 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 28 Oct. 1779 . GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison wrote Heath on this date, 7:00 P.M. : “His Excellency has received Your favor of this date and thanks You for the Intelligence. Whether the fleet seen in the Sound standing to the Westward, has the Rhode Island Garrison on board or not, remains to be determined; the General as yet has received...
251To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
A few days Since, and during the absence of General Comte de Rochambeau at Hartford I received very particular intelligence from Major Talmadge that Adml Rodney arrived at Sandy hook on the 13th Instant With ten Sail of the Line and two frigates—that on the 15th Admiral Rodney detached Commodore Drake with four Sail of the Line to reinforce Admiral Arbuthnot (these four Ships formed a junction...
252To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 29th ultimo. the severity of the Storm has been such that Smith has not been able to cross the River. When he comes he shall be proceeded with agreable to your directions. The Letter to Governor Clinton &c. Shall be forwarded with dispatch. I had the honor of addressing your Excellency on the 26th Ultimo respecting the several culprits who are under sentence...
253To George Washington from William Heath, 18 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Capt. Banister, I received by the last weeks post, in consequence whereof I have written to Capt. Day, to releive Capt. Banister on the first of January, and have informed him that I should represent the matter to your Excellency for such further orders as you may think proper. I beg leave to submit it accordingly. We have no news of consequence in this Quarter,—The...
254To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The last Evening I was honor’d with the Receipt of yours of the 26th Ulto; am preparing to leave this Place with all possible Dispatch, which will be in the Course of a few days, & hope soon to have the Honor of paying my respects to your Excellency in Person. I have the Honor to be wth the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. GW had...
255To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Appearance of the Enemy on Long Island the last Evening, near Newtown, Induced Genl Mifflin to leave Col. Hand’s Battalion at Harlem, & proceed with the other Battalions over Kingsbridge, & take Post on the Heights on the East side of Harlem River, towards Morrisania—Consequently Mount Washington has only Col. Hutchinson’s Regiment, & a Detachment of 300 Men for it’s Defence—It is the...
256To George Washington from William Heath, 24 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 6th inclosing a letter to general Enos and other papers, to which attention shall be paid. The british fleet consisting of 25 sail of the line, two or three of 50, two or three of 40 guns, about 12 frigates, and three or four fireships, with general Clinton, and, as is variously reported, from 4000 to 6000 chosen troops on board, sailed from Sandy-hook the...
257To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 29th Ulto inclosing a Resolve of the Honorable Congress of the 22d. Major General Gates arrived here yesterday and has taken the Command this Day. The Summerset Man of War is on shore on Cape Cod, and is taken possession of by our people. It is said Seventeen Sail of British Men of War of the Line had actually entered our Bay when the late severe Storm...
258To George Washington from William Heath, 2 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
After receiving the congratulations of Public Bodies, and public Officers, permit an individual from the private walks of life to approa[c]h your Excellency, and from an heart warmed with esteem affection, and gratitude present his sincere congratulations on your advancment to the first seat of Government in the United States of America, no one more highly participates of the mark of the...
259To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward a Letter from Genl Glover, and take The Liberty to enclose one I have received from Genl Wolcott, I also Send two deserters who came in this morning One from the Queens Rangers the other from the Irish Volluntiers, They mention the arrival of Lord Cornwallis, without Troops. By a Letter from Colo. Armand to Major Genl Howe it appears that the Adjutant of the...
260To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with yours of the 15. have ordered all the light companies to be immediately augmented to fifty rank & file with the addition of one serjeant to each company and the companies to be fully officered, to march to Peeks-kill the morning after to morrow (viz. the 18.) with three days provision, and in other respects conformable to your directions; but I have given no orders for...