To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 July 1780
From Major General William Heath
Newport July 31. 1780. 6 o Clock P.M.
Dear General—
About noon his Excellency General Count de Rochambeau received your Letter announcing that Sir Henry Clinton might be expected this way.1 about the same time I received similar intelligence from General Howe, Governor Trumbull General Parsons &c.2 The militia were immediately remanded,3 and every preparation is making to give the Enemy a proper reception. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant.
W. Heath
LS, DLC:GW; ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers. GW replied to Heath on 8 August.
2. Maj. Gen. Robert Howe’s letter to Heath with this intelligence has not been identified, but see Howe to GW, 28 July. The letter from Connecticut governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., dated 29 July and enclosing a report of 28 July with this intelligence, is in MHi: Heath Papers. The letter from Brig. Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons to Heath has not been identified.
3. The draft of Heath’s circular to the colonels of the militia regiments recalling them to Newport, dated 31 July, is in MHi: Heath Papers.