1George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1777. Orders Heath to relieve Major General Artemas Ward. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Heath, who was in command of the Hudson River posts, was appointed Artemas Ward’s successor as commander of the Eastern Department on Ward’s resignation.
2George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] July 27, 1777. Disapproves of requisition of arms for proposed St. Johns expedition. Approves of Heath’s methods of dealing with deserters. Requests Heath not to send French volunteers to Headquarters, as their pretensions to office are “embarrassing.” Reports that British fleet’s destination is probably Philadelphia. Orders Continental troops sent to the Northern...
3George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Orders Heath to send all Continental troops in Massachusetts to join the main Army. Relays information concerning engagement at Brandywine Creek. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
4George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Skippack [ Pennsylvania ] September 30, 1777. Approves of Heath’s action in supplying Continental frigates with needed ammunition and is pleased with the capture of prizes. Sends news of successes in North and of British occupation of Philadelphia. Repeats orders to forward three regiments from Massachusetts. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
5George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township [ Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Discusses distribution of newly arrived supplies. Sends news of General John Burgoyne’s defeat. Describes recent movements of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
6George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 14, 1778 . Instructs Heath to demand liberation of Daniel Hiester and the return of Hiester’s papers and effects. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
7George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 28, 1778 . Advises, for reasons of policy, that removal of French fleet from Rhode Island be attributed to damages caused by a storm. Asks Heath to use his influence to obtain assistance for fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 13, 1778 . Orders that clothing be forwarded from Boston to Springfield and Hartford. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
9George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 29, 1778 . Introduces Brigadier General Du Portail who is to examine the fortifications at Boston. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
10George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] October 29, 1778 . Has forwarded to Congress Heath’s requisition for flour. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 26, 1779 . Hopes that the “want of bread” has been “relieved.” Asks Heath to come to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 25, 1779 . Acknowledges receipt of information concerning enemy. Instructs Heath to keep troops in readiness to act. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Advises sending Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington’s brigade to Continental Village where forage is more plentiful. LS . in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
14George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Agrees with Heath’s proposals. Instructs Heath to make suggested moves. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
15George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 1, 1779 . Asks Heath to cooperate with Baron von Steuben. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
16George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 10, 1779 . Describes British raids on Connecticut. Asks Heath to march to scene of action with two Connecticut brigades. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 10, 1779 . States that the “light companies of the two brigades should be left behind for a few days.” LS , in writings of George Washington and H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
18George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] July 10, 1779 . Again requests Heath to form the light infantry. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
19George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 16, 1779. Orders Heath to Peekskill to take command. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
20George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Stony Point [ New York ] July 18, 1779 . Sends directions for arrangement of Heath’s troops in vicinity of West Point. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
21George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] July 30, 1779 . Sends instructions for a road fortification. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
22George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] September 6, 1779 . Asks Heath to appoint a board of officers to consider Captain Titus Watson’s complaint concerning rank. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] September 13, 1779 . Orders Heath to place Brigadier General John Nixon’s brigade under marching orders and to send a guard of men to take charge of the French Minister’s baggage. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
24George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 14, 1779. Orders Brigadier General John Nixon to Pines Bridge to meet Major General Robert Howe. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Liberty Pole [ New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . Directs Heath to dismiss the members of the militia if they are no longer of use to the French. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 18, 1780 . Acknowledges Heath’s assumption of the command at West Point. Approves of measures Heath has taken. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Directs Heath to appoint a court of inquiry to examine the conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick and Major David S. Franks. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 29, 1780 . Is sending Joshua Hett Smith to West Point to be confined until further orders. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Asks Heath to forward a letter to Colonel Elisha Sheldon ordering Sheldon into winter quarters. LS , in writings of George Washington and H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
30George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 5, 1781 . Discusses dispute between Heath and Colonel Moses Hazen. States that this dispute raises question whether the power of granting orders for provisions may not be in the hands of too many persons. Asks Heath to investigate. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Directs Heath to prepare the light companies for march to Morristown. Sends general instructions. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
32George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 23, 1781 . Sends instructions for improving defenses of West Point. LS , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
33Instructions and Orders for Brigadier General William Heath, 19 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
As you are Forthwith to take upon You the Command of the Brigade, now upon their March to Norwich in Connecticutt, consisting of the 5th, 16th, 19th, 24th & 25th Regiments, you will without Delay proceed to Norwich where you will confer with the persons appointed to provide Vessells for the Transportation of The Troops to New York; Dispatch, & Secrecy are necessary in Embarquing, & Sailing...
34From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 Aug. 1776. Heath’s letter to GW of this date is docketed in Joseph Reed’s writing: “Major Genl Heath Kingsbridge Aug. 17 1776 Answerd do.”
35From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of yesterday’s date—The ships of War & Tenders were fired at from the Batteries here as they passed, and I suppose received similar damages to what they met with from the Forts at Mount Washington & Burdit Ferry. I shall not be able to spare any Tents for Genl Clinton at present owing to the very small Stock on Hand, with regard to their Quarters being so scattered I can only...
36From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I transmit you Copy of a Letter which I have this Moment recd from Genl Livingston at Elizabeth Town. You will perceive by it that the Enemy are upon the point of striking the long expected Stroke, and as part of the Information seems to intimate that the Attack may be up the North River as well as at the lower posts, I have only to recommend to you to be as well prepared as possible...
37From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
As the Enemy must pass this place before they can attempt the Posts above, and as your Troops there, are new augmented, I would have you pick out a body of about Eight hundred or a thousand light active men, and good Marksmen (Including the light Infantry and Riflemen) ready to move this way upon the appearance of the Shipping coming up, or upon the commencement of the Canonade of any of our...
38From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Morning the Enemy landed at Gravesend Bay upon Long Island, from the best Information I can obtain, to the Number of about Eight Thousand. Colo. Hand retreated before them, burning as he came along, several parcels of Wheat, and such other Matters as he judged would fall into the Enemy’s Hands. Our first Accounts were, that they intended, by a forced March, to surprize Genl...
39From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your letters of the 23rd & 24th of this Inst.; with respect to the detachment I directed on the 23rd, I concieve it to be highly expedient that they be kept in the most perfect readiness to act as the circumstances of affairs may render necessary; the present appearance of things seems to indicate an intention in the enemy to make their capital impression on the side of...
40From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 30 August 1776 . “As Numbers of the Militia are going off without Licence, I desire you will stop all such at Kings bridge, as are not furnished with regular Discharges.” LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers. Heath wrote the captain of the main guard at King’s Bridge later on this date, instructing him “to Stop all Soldiers Coming from the City Except Such as have...
41From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have reciev’d your letter of this day, and concur with you in sentiment as to the probability of the Enemy’s endeavoring to land their forces at Hunts point, or some place not far distant from it; in order to prevent such an attempt from being carried into execution, I have sent up General Mifflin with the troops he brought from your quarters strengthened by a reinforcement; with this...
42From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of this date and Intend this Evening to go to Harlem and see whether the situation of Things will admit of the several Detachments and Dispositions you mention, so that every place necessary to be maintained should have measures taken for their defence. I should suppose that Hutchinsons Regiment & the 300 Men you say are at Mount Washington, will do to Garrison It for the...
43From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
As every thing, in a manner, depends upon obtaining Intelligence of the Enemys motions, I do most earnestly entreat you and Genl Clinton to exert yourselves to accomplish this most desireable end. leave no stone unturn’d, nor do not stick at expence to bring this to pass, as I never was more uneasy than on Acct of my want of knowledge on this Score. Keep besides this precaution, constant...
44From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The present posture of our Affairs, the Season of the year, and many other reason’s which might be urged, renders it indispensably necessary that some Systematic plan should be form’d, and, as far as possible pursued, by us—I therefore desire that immediately upon receipt of this Letter you will let Genls Mifflin & Clinton know that I desire to see them with you, at this place, (Head Quarters)...
45From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have lately reciev’d information (on which I can in some measure rely) that it is impracticable for carriages to pass from Harlem point or any of the landing places contiguous to it, towards King’s bridge any other way than along the public roads; I should therefore concieve it would be highly expedient to throw every impediment and obstruction in the ways leading from the above mentioned...
46From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this Letter can reach you, the Brigade under Colo. Chester’s Command no doubt has reached you, but unless more assistance of Waggons and Teams are sent I cannot undertake to say when you will get a further reinforcement—let me entreat therefore that Genl Clinton and yourself will exert yourselves in getting, by Impressment, or otherwise, a parcel of Teams to come to our Assistance. The...
47From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Some advices lately recieved from Powle’s hook, has made it necessary that Col. William’s regiment, should march to that post as a re-inforcement to Col. Durkie; it will be proper therefore they should be immedy put in motion towards Mount Washington, where they are to cross. Yr hhble Servt LS , in William Grayson’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers.
48From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have now your letter of Sept. 18th before me; and cannot say that I, by any means approve of your proposal of sending artillery to annoy the frigate, and the Enemy’s batteries on Montrasure’s Island; in my opinion, it would only endanger the loss of our cannon, & waste our ammunition, without answering any one good or salutory purpose. With respect to the sick, I am as much afflicted at...
49From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I should be glad if you would order Genl Saltenstall to draw as much Powder as will compleat his Militia to about fifteen or 18. Rounds a Man; as also Lead if they have it not, and Cartridge Paper that they may make their own Cartridges. At the sametime let him know, & desire him to Impress it strongly upon the Minds of his Men, that they must Acct for every Load which is not used in Action....
50From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of yesterday is before me with the list Inclosed; but this is doing the matter by halves only, and the delay must inevitably defeat the end; as it is impossible from the nature of things that the different Governments can withhold the nomination of Officers much longer—I therefore entreat you to delay not a moments time in summoning the Officers (under Sanction from me) to consider...