151To George Washington from William Heath, 28 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency, that on the night of the 26th instant, Mr Dyckman one of the guides on our lines with thirteen volunteer horse, made an excursion to Morrissania to the cantonments of colonel Delancy’s corps, took and brought off five soldiers prisoners, and five horses. On their return they were pursued by a party of the enemy’s horse, who coming rather too near,...
152To George Washington from William Heath, 27 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 19th instant. I did not receive a letter from the superintendant of finance by the last post, respecting the price charged for the ration issued to the officers. The inclosed observations were handed to me a day or two since by lord Stirling, from which your Excellency will see a state of the matter and the uneasiness which consequently exists among the...
153To George Washington from William Heath, 23 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
The time of service, for which the levies under the command of general Waterbury are engaged, expires the last of this month; and although the legislature of the state of Connecticut have ordered another detachment of militia to do duty on the lines at Stamford, I am apprehensive a very good work, and convenient huts for the accomodation of troops, which have been erected at that place, may be...
154To George Washington from William Heath, 21 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major Villefranche of the engineers has this morning intimated to me, that he thinks he has been forgotten in promotion, and fears the reason has been, absence from the active and glorious seige of York and capture of earl Cornwallis. He has requested me to represent to your Excellency how he has been employed here the last campaign. His faithful services, unremitting zeal and exertions for...
155To George Washington from William Heath, 20 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed your Excellency will find copy of return of the two New Hampshire regiments, some time since called for. The original was forwarded to major general Lincoln, agreeable to your directions in a former letter. Abel Whitcomb, a soldier in the Massachusetts line, was executed here the last week, for repeated desertions, changing his name & inlisting again. Two others who were sentenced to...
156To 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...
157To 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...
158To George Washington from William Heath, 28 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be forwarded by Lieut. Stratton who has business at Philadelphia. He formerly belonging to the Massachusetts Regiment Commanded by Colonel Sargent was taken Prisoner in 1776, and Exchanged the last winter, after he was exchanged he applied to Governor Hancock for admission into the Massachusetts Line agreable to the resolution of Congress of the 24th of Novr 1778—Governor Hancock...
159To George Washington from William Heath, 26 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was some days since honored with yours of the 12th instant, covering one from doctor Bond to doctor Ledyard respecting the medicine, which was immediately forwarded to him. The greater part of the medicine, as I observed in a former letter, had gone on to Philadelphia. The return of colonel Sheldons legionary corps came to hand this day—I forward it without delay, as it will, with those...
160To George Washington from William Heath, 19 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed information I had yesterday from Isaac Colton, the person mentioned therein. He says, such was the conversation in September and October last at Mr Motts tavern where he quartered, and which was a principal rendezvous of the Pennsylvania refugees. Whether those miscreants have given over their plan or not, I cannot say—but have thought it my duty to communicate it to your...
161To George Washington from William Heath, 18 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are several charges against major-general McDougall, on which I have this day ordered him in arrest. I have taken this step with reluctance and pain—but matters have become so circumstanced, that nothing short of it could prevent scenes of confusion. I request your Excellency will be pleased to order a general court-martial as soon as you may think proper. On the 4th instant thirty...
162To George Washington from William Heath, 18 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was not honored with yours of the 3d and 8th instant until yesterday. Their contents shall be duly observed. But I scarcely know what to do with respect to sending the 10th Massachusetts regiment to Albany. The troops are now under inoculation, and as yet unclad. There are upwards of one hundred men in the regiment who are to have the small-pox. The moment the men are clothed, such as have...
163To George Washington from William Heath, 14 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the returns of the Massachusetts and Connecticut regiments lately called for, except Sheldon’s legionary corps and the 3d regiment of artillery; there has not been time to expect the former— the latter has been delayed by the river being impassable a day or two past. As soon as they come to hand, they shall be forwarded with those of the New Hampshire line, which...
164To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The regimental tailors are now busily employed in making up the clothing, but their numbers are by no means sufficient—Few, if any have yet arrived from the country. The clothier has resolved to offer more encouragement. The inoculation of the troops will deter those who have not had the small-pox, from coming to work in the respective quarters of the regiments. To remedy this, I intend, if...
165To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment informed by colonel Hughes, that all the medicine, except seven barrels of sulphur and five cask of other medicine, are gone on for Philadelphia, so that any fresh order for retaining any more of it here, can now answer no purpose. Such as are wanted must be brought back from Philadelphia. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient...
166To George Washington from William Heath, 8 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 31st ulto, to which strict attention shall be paid. The letter from the orderly-office with the form of a return, did not come to hand until yesterday. No time shall be lost in collecting the returns conformably thereto. The small pox spreads and is mortal. I have directed the inoculation of such as have not had the distemper, to take place...
167To George Washington from William Heath, 3 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I will thank you for a copy of the instructions given to major-general McDougdale when you assigned him to the command of Westpoint, if any of a particular nature were given—and for information, of any powers more than usual in similar cases have been delegated to him. I am sorry to trouble your Excellency with this request, but am constrained to do it, and beg your answer as may be...
168To George Washington from William Heath, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 24th ultimo yesterday.—Have this day called for the returns of those who have not had the small pox, and directed that preparations be made for putting them under inoculation as soon as possible. I do not know whether the clothing for the Rhode-island regiment is gone on or not. The Subaltern and party shall be instructed conformably to your directions. The...
169To 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...
170To George Washington from William Heath, 26 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 15th and shall act conformably. I shall aid colonel Pickering in any measure he may think necessary for the further security of the boats. Repeated and pointed orders have been given for their preservation, and directions sent to have them carefully laid up, before I left Peeks-kill. On the night of the 23d instant captain Williams of the New York levies...
171To George Washington from William Heath, 22 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was lately informed, that a part of colonel Willett’s regiment had been inlisted by the state of New York for the term of three years upon the footing of a state regiment; upon which I wrote governor Clinton for information. I take the liberty to inclose his answer, and request your Excellency’s opinion and direction, apprehending you have some knowledge of the intentions of the state and of...
172To George Washington from William Heath, 18 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 8th the day before yesterday. I have directed returns to be made conformably, immediately. Those from the regiments here shall be forwarded without delay—those from the two New Hampshire regiments at the northward, and colonel Sheldon’s dragoons cannot be obtained until some time hence. I was at loss whether your Excellency had called upon the New Jersey and New...
173To George Washington from William Heath, 12 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 28th ultimo. I have desired general Stark to make a disposition of the two New Hampshire regiments to the different posts at the northward and on the Mohawk river, and to see that each is seasonably and properly supplied with provisions. I ordered a quantity some time since to Albany for the purpose. I am happy to hear your Excellency has been conversing...
174To George Washington from William Heath, 4 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is copy of a resolution of Congress directing me to furnish an escort for the mail between Morristown and Fishkill; in consequence of which three or four dragoons have since been assigned to that duty: their horses are now worn down with fatigue—the leaves are off the trees, which will deprive the lurking mail-stealers of cover—and troops are on the communication. If your Excellency...
175To George Washington from William Heath, 4 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letters from general Bailey and Mr Adams, were handed me a few days since by captain Edgar, the person refered to in those letters. Captain Edgar’s want of money has induced him not to think of proceeding farther southward. He is for the present gone to Albany, where he has several friends. He informs me, that there is undoubtedly a plan of union maturing between the british...
176To George Washington from William Heath, 3 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 15th instant. In mine of the 17th I mentioned that the board of war had desired me not to issue the clothing until your Excellency’s directions were given. I have not heard a word from them on the subject since. The troops are in a most distressed situation. I have directed each regiment to prepare a work-shop for its taylors, and the materials are now...
177To George Washington from William Heath, 17 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the morning of the 13th instant lieutenant Deforest of the Connecticut line, who had been detached by major-general Parsons, with twenty-five regular troops and captain Lockwood of the militia with fifteen volunteers, including lieutenants Hull and Mead of the Connecticut state troops, formed a design of boarding a sloop of ten carriage guns then at anchor in East Chester bay, and having...
178To 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...
179To 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...
180To George Washington from William Heath, 8 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
By a very intelligent Man who left New York the night before last at nine oClock and arrived here the last evening, I learn, that the British fleet returned to Sandy Hook the beginning of last week—that upon their arrival, transports were sent down, and the troops taken on board them from the men of war—that both the men of war and transports remain at the Hook—The reason given why the latter...
181To 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...
182To George Washington from William Heath, 30 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 16th and since with the glorious news of the completion of your wishes in the capture of Earl Cornwallis and his army; on which I pray your Excellency to accept my most sincere and hearty congratulations. I have been carefully watching the enemy in this quarter, determined to give them a blow where ever it appeard practicable. But although their force has...
183To 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...
184To George Washington from William Heath, 16 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of the 1st instant. I am happy to hear your prospect continued favorable. I have just received intelligence from New York of the 13th instant, which I think may be depended on, as follows. "As to the fleet now fit for service in New York, you may depend on their being 23 sail of the line, and the Prince William and Torbay from Jamaica, the one a 64 and...
185To George Washington from William Heath, 11 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
All accounts from New York agree that the enemy are at work day and night in refitting their men of war and preparing fire-ships, ten or twelve of which, it is said, will be completed by the 14th—I hope the account which I sent of this the 7th & which was the first knowledge I obtained of it, reached your Excellency. The fire-ships are taken from the transports and Goodriche’s fleet—they are...
186To George Washington from William Heath, 5 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 23d and 24th ultimo, and beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the prospect of success (which with the blessing of heaven) seems almost ensured to you. I have the copy of instructions from the general Assembly of the state of Georgia, the resolution of Congress, and your Excellency’s instructions respecting Major–general Howe’s conduct while...
187To George Washington from William Heath, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a New York paper of the 22d instant, which announces the arrival of Admiral Digby. Mr Rivington does not mention the number of ships which have arrived—but through the same channel that I obtained the paper, I learn he arrived with three sail of the line and no others—that they have sent to Hallifax for two sail more of the line. I have requested the President of...
188To 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...
189To George Washington from William Heath, 25 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Apprehending it to be my duty to inform your Excellency of every movement of the enemy or interesting event in my department, I shall be as attentive to communicate as vigilant to collect intelligence. The last I have received, part of which is from confidential agents, is that the british fleet returned to the Hook the 20th, several of the ships in a shattered condition. It is said, five...
190To 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...
191To 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....
192To George Washington from William Heath, 16 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
By this same conveyance Your Excellency will receive a letter from Governor Trumbull giving an account of the wanton conduct of the Enemy in their late attack on New London. The Enemy for some days have had a number of Troops embarked at New York. They had not sailed on Wednesday evening. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of...
193To 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...
194To George Washington from William Heath, 9 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 4th to which I shall pay attention, as it respects placing persons at ferries to intercept deserters and forwarding cattle. I mentioned in mine of the 7. that a fleet of 26 sail passed Stanford to the eastward on the 4th. I have received no official account since—But a paper handed from the militia of one town to another, reached me yesterday,...
195To 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...
196To George Washington from William Heath, 5 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not been honored with a line from you since that of the 29. ulto from Trenton—The post rider with the southern mail, I am apprehensive has been stopped and robbed of the mail in his way from Philadelphia. I am this moment informed that yesterday at 12 o’clock a fleet of about 26 sail, some of them large vessels, passed by Stanford to the eastward—But whether they were merchant men—a...
197To George Washington from William Heath, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening honored with yours of the 29. ulto. The dispatches for the eastern states will be forwarded this day. A gentleman who returned with a flag from the enemy’s guard ships this morning, informs me that the british officers told him a fleet of upwards of twenty sail of men of war had arrived at New York—Another officer said seventeen sail. I am this moment informed by another...
198To 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...
199To George Washington from William Heath, 25 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
A few days before your departure from the camp near Dobb’s ferry, the report of a board of general officers respecting the rank of subaltern officers in some of the New England lines was presented to your Excellency. It is a matter in which the officers of those lines are interested and are enquiring what is to be done—Permit me to request to be informed whether the opinion of the board meets...
200To George Washington from William Heath, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with another of your Letters of this date, have ordered one Travelling Forge from each Division of this army, (Three in the Whole) with the Horses, drivers, and one workman to each Forge, to be immediately detached and sent to Kings ferry, there to take the orders of the Adjutant General. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencies most Obedient Servant DNA...