51To George Washington from William Heath, 9 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 7th—Major Keith has requested that his trial may not commence until general Paterson returns, which will probably be eight or ten days. I believe captain Dorrence will decline superintending the general hospital. I have desired general Huntington to ascertain the matter fully. I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most...
52To George Washington from William Heath, 8 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I wish to know whether it be your excellency’s pleasure that the absence of major John Porter of the Massachusetts line should be taken cognizance of by a general court-martial. He stands eldest major in the line—the dismission of lieutenant-colonel Badlam opens a vacancy for a lieutenant-colonel—Major Maxwell is second major in the line, and is very anxious to know how the promotion is to be...
53To 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...
54To George Washington from William Heath, 5 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Colonel Jackson, with the new york paper this moment came to hand. I have written to Colonel Jackson to allow the paroled Prisoners to land & make themselves as comfortable as they can untill Your pleasure is known respecting them, which I request as soon as may be convenient. The letters addressed to General Sir Guy Carleton & Capt. Ludlow are received, & will be forwarded...
55To George Washington from William Heath, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 3d which puts a stop to my going down the river conformably to your excellency’s former instructions. The enclosed came to hand this morning. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington.
56To 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....
57To George Washington from William Heath, 2 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Goodale of the 5th Massachusetts regiment with Your Excellency’s approbation, will go to Massachusetts to apprehend some of the many Deserters from the line of that State—Capt. Goodale goes on the principle of having his expences borne as specifyed in Your letter to me of the 31st Ulto—He will endeavour to obtain a descriptive list of such as have deserted this summer—and will take such...
58To 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...
59To George Washington from William Heath, 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with Your Excellencys letter of this date, covering two to general Sir Guy Carleton, they are forwarded by Express to Dobbs ferry, to be sent to the enemies out Post. I shall hold myself in readiness to execute Your Excellencys commands as express’d in Your letter. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
60To George Washington from William Heath, 28 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 11th and have endeavoured to discharge the trust reposed in me. Enclosed your excellency will find the proceedings of a general court-martial on lieutenant-colonel Badlam of the 8. Massachusetts regiment, and lieutenant Lamont of the invalid regiment. Many other sentences I have passed upon; these extending to dismission from the service, I have thought it my...
61To George Washington from William Heath, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
There is at present a deficiency of cartridge-boxes, and many of the recruits who have drawn arms are destitute of boxes. The 3. Massachusetts brigade have no conductor of military stores, or forage master—and wish to have them appointed, as they daily experience the want of them. Enclosed is the report of the field officers of the Massachusetts line on the conditions which majors Rice and...
62To George Washington from William Heath, 8 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 7th—Colonel Nicola has been appointed by the officers of the army to attend the referees to support the charges exhibited against the contractors. I have given him notice of the intended meeting of the referees on wednesday next, and desired him to conduct accordingly. I some time since wrote mr Marbois respecting the two French deserters who were sent on from...
63To 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.
64To George Washington from William Heath, 5 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a New York paper of the 2—the latest I have received. Major Knap, who now commands on the lines, writes me that the enemy have sent up a number of field-pieces to the north end of York island—and that the 17 light dragoons continue towards Kingsbridge—that some are of opinion the enemy intend an excursion to some part of the lines. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect,...
65To 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...
66To George Washington from William Heath, 26 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of 24 t h on your leaving Newburgh, & of the same date from Poughkeepsie. An Officer will be appointed to attend the meeting of the Referees. Nothing material has transpired below—The Enemy have encamped their Troops on York Island—There have been various reports of a fleets being seen on the Coast—I rather think it nothing more than our own Merchantmen from the...
67To George Washington from William Heath, 26 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since writing in the morning Colonel Greaton has Sent up Six Prisoners of war taken by a party of Colo. Daytons Regt at or near Staten Island Some days Since, I enclose two News papers Just come to Hand the latest I have received. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most Obed. Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
68To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your several letters of the 22d and a letter address’d to General Sir Guy Carlton. Your pleasure signifyed in the letters shall be duly observed—the letter to Sir Guy Carleton forwarded to the enemies out post. It has been enjoyned on the Troops at the late musters and Inspections to be constantly supplied with fifty rounds of cartridges pr man; these cannot be always...
69To George Washington from William Heath, 22 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colonel Badlam arrived the last evening from Boston. He is in a very bad state of health. He asserts that he has exerted every endeavour to serve his Country in the execution of the trust of Muster Master while in that Office, altho some improper men may have escaped his vigilance—I wish to know your pleasure whether his conduct is to be made the subject of a Court of Enquiry, or of a tryal...
70To George Washington from William Heath, 21 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was handed to me this afternoon. If Your Excellency has no objection, I request your permission to convene the Officers of the Massachusetts Line for the purpose therein mentioned. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. The Officers of the several Regiments in the Massachusetts Line have agreed to...
71To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Williams Brigade Major of the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, has been tried at a General Court Martial for not furnishing a detail laid on the Brigade by the D.A.G., has been acquitted by the Court and the Judgment approved by your Excellency, this has been done in consequence of Colonel Putnam Commandant of the Brigade forbiding Capt. Williams furnishing the detail, Colonel Putnam...
72To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was sent me this morning. I beg leave to lay them before your Excellency and to request your indulgence in behalf of the Petitioner, & that a furlough may be granted him. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. I am peinfully sensibel of the ma n ifest impropriety of a Soldiers applying for leave of...
73To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 17th. I apprehend it will be necessary to lay General Bevilles letter before the Arbitrators as a check upon the representations which will be made by the State Agent of the great number of horses kept, and forrage consumed by the French Army. Your Excellencys observations shall be subjoined. Enclosed is a letter from Major Gibbs and a New York...
74To George Washington from William Heath, 18 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was sent me this morning—I have requested the Quarter Master to furnish Captn Smith with a horse to pursue the two Sergeants. I am sorry to find, as your Excellency will observe by the last return, the increase of desertions. There is most certainly a great uneasiness in the Army, on account of the long arrears of pay—the uneasiness is increased by the late frequent scantiness of...
75To George Washington from William Heath, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d ultimo I took the liberty to address your excellency on some matters respecting the ascertaining the quantity of forage expended by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign, and enclosed a copy of a letter from general Beville to colonel Pickering on the subject. The 20. instant is the time the arbitrators are to meet, unless your excellency should think proper to...
76To 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.
77To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed your excellency will find two late New York papers and a letter from captain Pray, just come to hand. I also forward two deserters. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Inclosed are two York papers of the 12 & 14th Instant, The day before yesterday the Enemy carried down thirty Waggons loads of...
78To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I took the liberty once and again the last year to represent to your excellency, that the officers of the Massachusetts line thought themselves neglected in one of the brigades of the line of that state remaining so long without a brigadier, which not only deprived the officer of promotion whose right it is by the resolutions of the honorable the Congress, in that case passed and published;...
79To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to hand this morning. Captain Pray has been repeatedly importuning for an express horse to convey up dispatches he receives—At some times he cannot spare a boat, and it often happens that the wind is fresh down the river, which prevents a boat getting up. To send by land is nearly thirty miles, which is rather too far for a footman, at least to make a practice of it. I beg...
80To George Washington from William Heath, 14 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Majors Gibbs and Rice, it is said, were admitted into the Massachusetts line by the consent of the field officers, upon certain conditions. A dispute has arisen respecting their right to rank and command. Several of the aggrieved have requested that the field officers of the line may hear and determine the dispute. It appears necessary that it should be done. I wish to know if your excellency...
81To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The day before yesterday captain Walker, one of your excellency’s aides-de camp, called here and gave me several papers respecting the issues of provisions under contract, and expressed your desire to have the sentiments of some officers on them. I yesterday convened the officers commanding brigades; colonel Stewart, who is one of the company of contractors, met with them—the papers left by...
82To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the enclosed from the 3d Massachusetts brigade and 10th regiment, who were unanimous in the request, and happy in the opportunity to express their sentiments. I am sorry to inform your excellency, that a distressing want of provisions has again taken place—Some of the troops have been two days without meat and without liquor—They have had bread, and that is all. Many...
83To George Washington from William Heath, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 2d, which shall be duly observed. The enclosed paper addressed to mr Skinner, and pass from mr Adams to mr Gardner, were sent up by captain Pray the last evening. I do not conceive myself authorized to let mr Gardner pass within the enemy’s lines on those papers, and submit them to your excellency. Other papers brought on by prisoners, being properly...
84To George Washington from William Heath, 3 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed newspaper, letters, &c. I have received from Captain Pray, this morning. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
85To George Washington from William Heath, 3 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The officers represent, that the men are very deficient in shirts—that a great proportion of the troops have not more than one apiece that is good, consequently cannot appear clean—nor will their linen wear so long as it would do had they a change. There is a great want of oil for the arms—none can be obtained at present. In time past the feet of the cattle which were slaughtered were boiled,...
86To George Washington from William Heath, 2 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward one Thomas Gardner, who was taken up by an officer near Bedford, with the enclosed paper. He belongs to Cornwall in Connecticut. The other has been a deserter from the enemy—since taken a prisoner, as he says, made his escape from the enemy, and came off Long-island about three weeks ago. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC :...
87To George Washington from William Heath, 1 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I have received from captain Pray this morning, dated yesterday, he observes— "The enemy have sold off three hundred waggon horses—The pioneers are ordered from Kingsbridge, and to join their respective regiments."He also mentions that it is reported, about forty sail of shipping have sailed from New York within these three or four days. The 2d Massachusetts brigade in...
88To George Washington from William Heath, 31 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward a German Docter, Surgeons mate, to the Regt Young Losbergh who lately deserted the Regiment, and came here the last evening. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
89To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with yours of the 28th. I have written to captain Pray to observe a conduct conformably to your Excellency’s instructions in all cases respecting flags and persons going to, or coming from the enemy’s lines, without the least deviation. I have not been able to obtain any intelligence or papers since those I sent last—have been expecting some for several days—am as...
90To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Captain Pray has just written me that he lately sent a serjeant and two men as a patrole down below the block-house at Dobbs’ ferry as far as the ship, to observe if there was not a communication kept up with the main. The ship’s boat with the lieutenant on board came over to the Jersey shore after two deserters who had crossed—the serjeant and two men fired on the boat and drove her off—it is...
91To George Washington from William Heath, 27 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 26th. Your Excellency’s directions respecting flags shall be strictly observed. Major Campbell, assistant deputy-quartermaster, has applied to me this morning to know whether the contractors are to have the possession and use of the public issuing store, slaughter-house, and bake-house at the Continental village, with the scales, weights,...
92To 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...
93To George Washington from William Heath, 24 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The troops have not been able to draw any meat for this day or two past, there being neither fresh or salted provisions at the post to issue. This is a disagreeable consideration in itself; but the present want of the troops is not all. In case of any emergency, the posts and troops will be in the most critical situation. I have repeatedly represented to mr Sands the necessity of having...
94To George Washington from William Heath, 23 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to a resolution of Congress sent me the last fall, and which I communicated to your Excellency, I have been endeavouring to obtain the documents necessary to ascertain the quantity of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign. I wrote once and again to colonel Pickering, quartermaster-general of the American army, for a return of the number of...
95To George Washington from William Heath, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward One Henry Miers a German who came here this morning Sais he was Docters mate to the Prince Hereditarys Regiment of German Troops. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obedt Sert MHi : Heath Papers.
96To George Washington from William Heath, 21 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The night before last sixty or seventy recruits arrived from Massachusetts; among them ten or a dozen lads by no means fit for soldiers at present, and two deserters from the enemy—One of the deserters went from here to the eastward but about two months since. The small lads and the two deserters have not been distributed to the regiments, but remain at West point Colonel Stewart has looked at...
97To George Washington from William Heath, 21 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from captain Pray, and the two newspapers, came to hand the last evening—If any further intelligence is obtained, it shall be forwarded immediately. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Since Mr Shaylor wrote Your Honor in the morning, we have from very good authority that there is an...
98To George Washington from William Heath, 19 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Greaton this moment informs me that he has received powers from mr Brooks, assistant-clothier-general, to procure hats for the 3d Massachusetts regiment from Boston. (the 3d regiment is one which has not drawn hats.) Lieutenant colonel Hull is now at Boston, and will attend to the business, if notice and assistance is immediately sent him. Colonel Greaton therefore wishes to send a...
99To 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...
100To George Washington from William Heath, 17 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is this moment handed to me. In justice to colonel Swift I beg leave to observe that he has been the whole winter with the troops, and has had many embarrassments and difficulties to encounter. He has repeatedly mentioned to me the necessity of his visiting his family before the campaign opened. I assured him he should, but being appointed a member of the general court-martial for...