121To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by Colonel Conway lately arrived from France & engaged by Mr Dean to enter the Service of the United States of America —He is accompanied by Two other Gentlemen viz. Capt. Balme and Monsr Danmours —The Three appear to be Officers of Abilities—They inform me that Mr Dean promised them that their Expences should be born to Philadelphia &c.—I must confess I scarcely...
122To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the 11th Instant we recd the disagreeable Intelligence that on the night of the Sixth our Army Evacuated the Works at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, and had retreated by Castle-town and Skeensborough towards Bennington. What the reasons for this Retreat were, we cannot as yet Learn, and all at present seem asstonished at it, as the Militia from all Quarters were marching to their aid....
123To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday the last evening, have ordered the Two Connecticut Brigades to move over the River with all Possible expedition and encamp agreable to your orders. I shall adopt a rule for furloughing the officers Conformable to your Excellencys Instructions. If I should get rid of my present disorder in a Short time I shall ask your Excellency permission to make a...
124To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith Send a deserter from the 71st Regt British, nothing material has transpired below. Some parties of Militia who are detached by the State of New York to do duty for Six months at present in the vicinity of Crompond &c. are applying for a Supply of ammunition, are they and others under like engagements to be furnished from the Continental Magazines or not. I have the honor to be with...
125To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed this moment came to hand, which I beg to submit to your Excellency —This will be forwarded at Gun fireing in the morning. I detain the Express, & wish your answer, if agreeable by the return of the Bearer, that Colonel Hull may have notice as early as possible. Colonel Thomas mentioned the matter in a letter to me yesterday, but as it did not come from Colonel Hull, I took no...
126To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 13 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 13 Dec. 1776. On 21 Dec. GW wrote to Heath : “I have been favoured with yours of the 13th Instt.”
127To George Washington from William Heath, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the advanced season of the year, I beg leave to submit to your excellency’s consideration whether it is not time to take some measures for procuring a supply of fuel for the garrison of West-point the approaching winter. Any mode which your excellency may think proper to direct, shall be carried into execution. I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most...
128To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 16th Instant to Major Genl Greene was handed to me. Colonel Vanschaick with his Regiment arrived here a few hours Since from Albany, which place he left yesterday. The Colonel informs me that the Enemy after taking and burning Fort George Fort Ann, and about thirty Houses and as many Barns had gone back, but it was apprehended by the Commanding officer at Fort Edward that after...
129To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This day I was honor’d with yours of the 24 Instant. shall observe it’s injunctions in transmitting immediate intelligence to your Excellency, and to Major General Gates, should the Enemy appear in this quarter, and shall endeavor to ascertain, should a Fleet appear in the Bay, whether they have Troops with them. The People here are quite Secure, and but very few will believe that it is in the...
130To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The weather having taken a more favorable turn for journeying, I purpose Setting out to morrow morning for New England. I was in hopes your Excellency would have found it convenient to decide on the situation of Cap. Cartwright before his return to the Eastward. For want of a determination, he was uneasy when he came out. he has since made a representation of the circumstances attending his...
131To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of yesterday morning and afternoon have ordered Huntingtons Brigade to the Gorge of the mountains north of the village to take Post in the most advantageous Ground and to exercise every precaution for the Security of their Camp and to prevent a Surprise, have ordered the shortest and best Communication, from that Post to Parsons Brigade to be Carefully...
132To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I find many of the Soldiers belonging to the Battalions, that suffered the Most, in the late Action on Long Island much Dispirited, & often uttering Expressions that they have lost their Officers, lost their Blankets, & have no money, & the like, I could wish that your Excellency would just think of the matter, & if the Paymaster has Money in the Treasury, that they may be paid—I am confident...
133To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this evening honored with yours of the 16th. I will direct that Major Reid be brought to tryal on thursday, and if the necessary Evidence for compleating the tryal cannot then be produced, and the Court should think proper to postpone the tryal; I will further direct that more rigid Confinement, than is common shall not be excercised. I shall observe your directions respecting Joshua...
134To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be Handed to you by the Count de Puluski General de Larme de la Republique de Poloigne, who has Come over to Serve in the great american Cause. Since my last we have Sent on near Three Hundred full Barrels of Powder, and a number of arms to Brookfield, A number of Shells 10 and 8 Inch with Some other Heavy articles are at Cambridge the Removal of which far by land will be very...
135To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 13th and 17th Instant and altho your Excellency did not think your self authorised to give direction in the Instances in which I requested it, I beg you will be pleased to accept my thanks for so fully Expressing Your Sentiments, on the case of Majors Hull and Cogswell I am writing the General Assembly of Massachusetts on the Subject, no endeavours of...
136To 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...
137To 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...
138To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honor’d with yours of the 15th Instant, and this day with that of the 5th. I some time since posted a guard from Colonel Greene’s Regiment over the military Stores at Providence which I think it will be necessary to continue until the Stores are removed. The Boats have been collected and repair’d they are now at the west end of the Island and at hand to convey troops either on...
139To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
At the request of Lt General Burgoyne I do myself the honor to transmit to your Excellency a packet which I have this day received from him. The Subject of his Letter will not be new, as you saw the grounds of it in the Letter from General Howe brought by Lieut: Vallancy. Genl Burgoyne is anxious to know your Excellency’s pleasure as soon as possible with respect to the Army, or himself & Suit...
140To George Washington from William Heath, 25 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been making enquiry where and with what convenience such of the troops as have not had the small pox, can be inoculated. I find that about 240 can be accommodated to take it at once at the New Hampshire huts, but the number who have not had it, is greater. If your Excellency thinks it most advisable, under our present situation, for a part only to have it at a time, the New Hampshire...
141To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Mr Reynolds of Murderers Creek, now here left Albany on Saturday last, about 4 oClock P.M. He Says the Enemy crossed Lake George last thursday, Supposed to be about 800. upon which the detachment stationed at Fort Edward abandoned that place and retreated to Saratoga, where Colonel Gansevoort’s regiment was. The Militia of Albany marched up on Saturday. they turned out with great Spirit....
142To 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...
143To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with yours of the 20th Instant. General Glover left this place three days Since on his way to the Highlands. I have ordered an express to follow him immediately with a letter—It is probable the express will not over take him until he arrives at the Highlands. I have given General Glover all the information your Letter to me would afford and have desired him to repair...
144To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just been favored With a Sight of your letters to General Rochambeau and Admiral de Ternay, mentioning the arrival of a fleet at Sandy hook—Supposed to be a squadron under the command of Admiral Rodney —a few minutes before I received the enclosed from Colonel Ledyard at New London. General Rochambeau and Admiral de Ternay went yesterday morning to Providence; Were not expected to...
145To 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...
146To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that one Richardson a Surgeons mate belonging to Colo. Greatons Regt was taken Prisoner at Verplanks Point when Fort De La Fayattee fell into the Hands of the Enemy, and that he is the only person of the faculty belonging to the american army that is now a prisoner—The officers of the Regt are very desireous if Possible to have him exchanged for one of the mates taken at Stony...
147To 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...
148To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with yours of the 31st Ulto, shall pay strict attention to its injunctions. The Express that carries this, sit out for Head Quarters some days since, was at the Village when the late severe snow storm came on. He afterwards made several efforts to get to Kings Ferry, but could not, & this evening returned, and takes another route. The snow is about four foot deep...
149To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself The honor to enclose your Excellency a line of Intelligence this moment come to hand with a Deserter from Robinsons Corps—perhaps a part of the Enemy are going to wards New York, I shall however be doubly on my Guard Untill I am assured of their departure, I had this morning ordered a Strong regiment to march on to Sugar Loaf Hill this Evening and to remain their Untill Seven...
150To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Carnes being now in waiting, I have Time only to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of yours of the 18th Instant and shall pay strict attention and obediance thereto, General Glover and Colo. Pickering set out this day or to morrow to join the Army And the French Officers on Monday, In my next I will transmit to your Excellency a Return of such Stores and Ordnance as are gone on to...
151To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing you on the 28th Instant, I have been endeavouring to obtain intelligence of the situation of the Enemy at Hallifax &c. I learn that their Naval force not long since consisted of One Ship of 74 Guns, one of 20, one Sloop of war, and two or three Privateers. General McLane a vigilant Officer commands the Land Forces, which are said to Consist of Six Regiments...
152To George Washington from William Heath, 22 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Incumbered with much baggage, I put it in motion the day before yesterday in the afternoon, towards Croton. To escape the flies, moved the army in the evening to the high lands south of Young’s, leaving strong pickets in our rear on all the roads. Yesterday morning, before I moved from Young’s, I left colonel Putnam with three hundred and twenty four rank and file (infantry), Sheldon’s...
153To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 14th inst., to which I shall pay due attention. With respect to that part of your Excellencys letter, which refers to Fish Kill; I scarsely know how to express myself. I am ever exceedingly cautious, not to invade the jurisdiction of others, neither do I choose to have my own infringed. I did not seek the Command at Fish Kill; but as Your Excellency was...
154To 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...
155To 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...
156To George Washington from William Heath, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 13th of March I took the liberty to mention to your Excellency my wishes, as well as the necessity of my making a short visit to the eastward, before the campaign opened. Several family matters have since that time conspired to encrease my desire as well as the necessity of making the journey, if it can be granted. It is disagreeable to me to ask the indulgence at this season; but as...
157To George Washington from William Heath, 29 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received the enclosed from Major Trescott, I think the information given Mr Cushing by the British Officer, if true, is a circumstance from which we may conclude, that the British have met with a handsome drubbing. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. I was mistaken, in my oppinion...
158To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 13th with copy of a letter from the honorable the secretary at war. I have called a meeting of the officers commanding brigades and regiments, for the purpose mentioned in your Excellency’s letter. I am sorry the letter from the secretary at war is not more particular—or that mr Phelps or some other person for him, have not mentioned what fish...
159To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Two Persons who Came from Long-Island this morning (who we have Employed for the purpose of Secret Intelligence) we are Informed That the Enemy are Encamped in three Divisions, One at Newtown which is Head Quarters, One at Flushing, and One at Jamaica The Hessians are at Newtown, That 1500 waggons are Employed in Bringing aCross the Boats &c. That an Attack will Soon be made Some where East...
160To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 27 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
There not being water in the River Sufficient to float the Transports over the Bar with the Troops on Board, to new London, I therefore marched, the Brigade Down by Land, and Ordered the Transports to fall Down, Three of the Transport got a Ground, and are not yet off; Heaven favours us this morning with a fine Wind I have Ordered, the Brigade to Embarque Immediately, and proceed for Newyork,...
161To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to congratulate Your Excellency on the success of the American Arms, in the enterprise against the Enemy at Morrissania, which is this moment announced to me, by the enclosed letter from Major General Parsons. The particulars have not yet come to hand, when they do I shall have the honor to forward them without delay. On account of the depth of the snow & fatigued state of the...
162To George Washington from William Heath, 2 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I find there is in every Regiment a Considerable number of women & Children, especially the former who draw Provisions——many of the Officers assert that there is a resolve of Congress or an order or Regulation of Your Excellencys which points out the number allowed to each Company or Regiment, If there is such resolve, or order, I will thank you for information of it if there is not I wish...
163To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am so unhappy as not to receive your Letter Untill this moment, having been all this forenoon with the Engineers viewing the Ground & laying out the works, But upon Sight of your Letter I have ordered the Detachment Here to Parade and march for Mount Washington as Soon as Possable, And the Detachment at that place which Consists of near Eight Hundred to march forward agreable to your...
164To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am under the necessity of troubling your Excellency with the enclosed papers which have been sent me by General Parsons—The one respecting Mr Adjutant Barker yesterday the other this morning —As the Connecticutt Line have been arranged by a Committee or Board of Officers and such arrangements sent to the Board of War or Congress I do not conceive it proper for me to take any other step than...
165To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
General parsons has represented to me that the Enemy have a small enclosed Work on Lloyds neck on Long Island in which about 25 Men mount every night who are furnished from a detachment of about 100 who are posted in that neighborhood. He thinks that with 150 men he can cross over in whale boats and surprize them with ease and is soliciting that he may make the attempt some night this week. I...
166To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Enclosed came to hand a few minutes Since from Colonel Olney, having several Letters in my hand I broke the Seal of one of them, before I found my mistake that it was not addressd to me, I beg your Excellency’s Pardon for this inadvertence and assure myself your goodness will excuse it. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
167To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this day forward from this place to the Treasury at York Town 127,334 ⅓ Dollars in Specie under the care of John Adams Esqr. who will have the honor to deliver this. The Money is loaded on three Waggons, the Boxes marked, Musket Cartridges, and covered with upward of 5000 Canteens for the purpose of deception. The Escort is commanded by Captain Hutchins of the State of New Hampshire; his...
168To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the master of a Small Vessell who left Martha’s Vineyard yesterday morning I learn that Admiral Arbuthnot is at that place with nine Sail of the line, eight other Ships of War of different rates and two tenders—that he has made a demand of 11000 lb. of Beef and Mutton to be delivered every other day at 5d. ⅌ lb. that the inhabitants had represented to him that they could not Comply With the...
169To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned from the Village, I found there John Conolly a Deserter from the Volluntiers of Ir[e]land (who is on his way hither) who deserted the day before yesterday and saies the army have been for Several Days under marching orders their route unknown reports that they are to Cross into the Jersies and take a Circutious march in the rear of our works. While I was at the...
170To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Nothing of any considerable consequence has happened Since I had the honor last to write you. The French troops are landed and encamped in a fine situation to the South East of the Town and extend nearly across the Island. The Troops make a good appearance. The Legion under the command of the Duke de Lauzun (the officer who took Senegal the last year) is as fine a Corps as ever I saw. it is...