201To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Post setting off rather sooner on Monday than common prevented mine of the 11th Instant being forwarded by him. An application from Governor Trumbull of Connecticutt to Mr Langdon, copy of which Mr Langdon has ⟨Sent m⟩e occasions my writing to your Excellency by Express. ⟨Governo⟩r Trumbull has represented to Mr Langdon that the State of Connecticutt seems now “to be the Object of the...
202To George Washington from William Heath, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a New York paper of the 1st instant, the latest which has come to hand, and a letter I have just received from colonel Tupper. Twenty-seven recruits arrived yesterday from Massachusetts. By letters and other information the recruiting service is successful at the eastward. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of...
203To George Washington from William Heath, 19 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with Yours of yesterday, in obedience to which a company of light infantry march’d to Peeks Kill early this morning with two days provision; as the weather has been bad probably it has prevented Your Excellency’s going to Peeks Kill this day—The company which marched this day will be out of provisions tomorrow evening—I shall order another company tomorrow with...
204To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
What Fatality Attends the Sinking of the Chevaux De Frise I cannot tell, I was Extremely Uneasy yesterday at the Delay, I went to the Place, Called Capt. Cooke on Shore, told him every moment was precious, and that if any Benifit was ever to be reaped from them it would Probably be Soon, He told me that they met with many & Great Dificulties, that the night before last one of the Vessells...
205To 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 :...
206To George Washington from William Heath, 30 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this date—shall communicate to the officers of the New York regiment the case your Excellency has been pleased to take for the relief of the regiment; which I hope will be effectual. I thank your Excellency for your opinion respecting my expences on my journey to this place the last fall. Am sorry that a remedy in the case of expences here does not rest with you: and...
207To George Washington from William Heath, 16 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
It has been agreed that Brigadiers General Paterson and Greaton shall continue with the Massachusetts Troops, in consequence of which Brigadier General Putnam is to retire, as soon as your Excellency determines which of the Regiments are to be Brigaded together the Brigadiers will take Command agreably to their Seniority and Majors of Brigade and Brigade Quarters, will be reported to your...
208To George Washington from William Heath, 15 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
There are reports from below that a general embargo was laid the last week on all shipping at New York—that several merchants who had shipped their effects for England were obliged to land them again, and are murmuring much—that the hands employed on private buildings in the city are stopped working—that general Kniphausen is to embark soon for Europe—that Arnold’s corps is ordered down to...
209To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor to address your Excellency under this days date, the British Fleet have appeared off this place to the number of Sixteen or eighteen Sail. A Gentleman has just arrived here from Salem, who brings an account of the arrival of the Continental Ship Alliance at Boston, and many other particulars of news. He has also brought a Boston News Paper of the 17th instant, which I...
210To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
If your Excellency should be fully Satisfied with the Intelligence Brought by the Two Lads who Swam from the LaBrune, with respect to the number of the Enemy on Montrasures Island, I think they may be taken, I Desired General Clinton to lay this matter before your Excellency this Day, But having thought more of it Since he left me, and apprehending that He may not return Untill late this...
211To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Upon being Informed yesterday in the afternoon that a party of the Enemy had Landed at Dobbs’s Ferry, and had Posted Sentries in the Road, I Ordered Colo. Sargent with 500 men and 40 of the Light Horse to march and Dislodge them, at Two oClock this morning he Sent an Express Informing me, that he had reach’d The Ferry, & that there was no Enemy Landed, at that Time, and that the Ships were...
212To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 9th instant. I hope your Excellency’s representation to the honorable the Congress of the necessity of this post being supplied with Flour before the roads are rendered impassable will have the desired effect. The commissary has just informed me that there is not a barrel of Flour in the Store; but the Troops are served for two days, in which time I hope...
213To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Colonel Armand is here with a number of recruiting Officers of his Corps. He has for some time been expecting orders from Congress to inlist such of the foreign Troops as appear disposed to enter our service, and is continually harrassing me to Cloath such as he has already inlisted—I wish to do every thing in my power to promote the public service, but at present am at a loss in this...
214To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor last to write your Excellency I have been closely employed in forming the Militia who have been comeing to our Aid into Brigades and makeing other necessary arrangments. Two thousand men have been & still are advanced near this Town about 1500 at Butts hill and the remainder at Howlands and Bristol Ferry perhaps a greater spirit never was discovered than has been on the...
215To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have had no certain intelligence of the Fleet since I wrote your Excellency on Yesterday Many doubt whether any considerable number of large Ships were seen at all, and suppose it was only a number of Cruizers with their prizes. We have a number of Boats in the Bay, and persons by Land, upon the whole I beleive the Report has but little foundation, and was chiefly Imaginary, I thought it my...
216To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with yours of 1st 2’d & 5th Instant. I am happy to hear that Some relief of Flour may be expected from Easton and Sussex County. We are impatiently looking out for it’s arrival. The patience, temper and spirit of the Troops under their distresses, are scarcely conceivable. I believe there is not such an other body of men in the World. I shall make particular enquiry...
217To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I had first the honor of Seeing your Excellency at New Windsor after I left Boston I took the Liberty to mention the case of Capt. Cartwright One of my aids De Campe, your Excellency was pleased to Observe that you had not the resolves of Congress then at Hand —Capt. Cartwright has frequently Since that Time mentioned his Situation, and Since the orders for my removing further from you,...
218To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning been honored with your several favors of yesterday, to which I shall duly attend. Am happy to hear that a supply of Provisions is coming on; some have already arrived. Colo. Vose informs me the new Road is now passable for Sleighs if there is a sufficiency of Snow. I have given an order for the serjeant of Captain Machin’s company to take four inlisted men to New Windsor:...
219To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Day before yesterday a Flag from the Enemy, brought to Colo. Armand Four Guineas for Major Bearmore Four Spanish milled Dollars, for Mr Oglivie, and Several articles of Clothing for both, The Clothing is not Specified except what is mentioned in Mr Oglivies Letter, The whole is forwarded by the Bearer Serjt Thomas Boyden, who escortes The five Prisoners mentioned in my Letter of yesterday....
220To George Washington from William Heath, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In December last I received orders from the honorable the secretary at war to direct the commissaries and all others at West-point and its vicinity who had public provisions in their hands on the first day of January to deliver them to one of the mr Sands, &c. Orders were given conformably. There were at that time fifteen or sixteen hundred barrels of salted provisions in the magazine at...
221To 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...
222To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured by colonel Humphrys with a signification of your Excellency’s pleasure that I should be at head-quarters to morrow morning ten o’clock with the other general officers—I had made arrangements to commence my journey eastward to morrow morning, and intended to have paid my respects at head-quarters this evening or in the morning, had I not received the note from colonel...
223To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received Information that a Large Body of the Enemy appeared Opposite to Hunts Point Just before Sun Sit and Pitched their Tents on an Hill to the number of 100 or more[.] it is also Said that numbers of men have been Put on Board the Ships, this Day, I have Ordered the Regiments to lie on their Arms &c. I have the Honor to be &c. with great respect your Excellencys most...
224To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered a Detachment to consist of two Battalions of 250 rank & file each, properly Officered from the Massachusetts Line. One Battalion of 250 rank & file from the Connecticutt Line—One Battalion of 100 rank & file from the New Hampshire Line—and one Battallion of 200 rank & file, half from Colonel Hazens regiment, & the other half from the Detachment on the Lines, in the whole five...
225To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 12th—am happy to hear your Excellency has thought fit to take the several measures mentioned in your letter, to bring forward the provisions—It is an object about which I am at present most concerned—as it is certainly the most threatning circumstance we have to encounter. If relief is seasonably and effectually afforded, I think we have little...
226To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Nearly our whole time for several weeks has been taken up in forwarding provisions, Stores &c. to Rhode Island, and in order to accelerate the operations of the Expedition we have sent to that place all the provisions that could possibly be spared from the Magazines, in particular Flour, of which upwards of 1000 Barrels have been forwarded. The unexpected destination of the Count D’Estaing’s...
227To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was this moment given me by Judge Lawrence. I apprehend it is beyond a doubt that I am the fourth person. The gun boat is stationed at Fort-Montgomery, with as positive instructions of vigilance as can be given—and I have directed the greatest vigilance in guards and sentinels here—have ordered patroles from all the guards, &c. Your Excellency can form the best judgment, whether...
228To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days Since honored with a Letter dated Head quarters Ramapaugh 29th June 1780 which from it’s Contents I apprehend to be from your Excellency although the Letter is Without Signature. I thank your Excellency for the assurances of Support in the Expences of my command here, and Shall pay due attention to your instructions respecting Colo. Green’s Regiment and the recruits. Every...
229To 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...
230To George Washington from William Heath, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since yesterday morning I have obtained a New York paper of the 4. inst. which I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency. Yesterday we began laying the chain across the river—it was fastened on one side but night came on before we could secure the other end—It will be effected to day if the wind is not too fresh. The small pox patients are in a pretty good way, but want exceedingly some...
231To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The last Evening I arrived at this Place, and Tomorrow morning shall Set out for Boston, The Spread of the Small Pox at and near Stanford in the State of Connecticut, is alarming I am Informed that Some of the Inhabitants are Secretly Inoculating their Families, I yesterday wrote to Governor Trumbull on the Subject—Some of our Prisoners have been Sent out of New York Undoubtedly Infected with...
232To George Washington from William Heath, 27 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed has been handed me this morning by Lt Colonel Hull, which I beg leave to submit to your Excellency. It is with much reluctance Colonel Hull thinks of being absent at this time, but assures me necessity compels him to request it. How the orderly duty will be done when Colonel Hull goes away I cannot say; it may be attended with some difficulty unless the Adjutant General sends one...
233To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Burgoyne recd the information of the Resolve of Congress of the 1st Decemr (restricting the embarkation of his Troops to the port stipulated by the Convention of Saratoga and no other) with no small disopointment. I had before given him my opinion that an alteration would never be allowed; but he flattered himself otherwise. He is now anxiously waiting an answer to his Letter some time...
234To 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...
235To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed memorandum was sent me the last evening by colonel Webb, and is submitted for such directions as your excellency may think proper to give in any of the particulars mentioned. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Some of the Companies have only a partial supply of Ammunition. A deficiency of...
236To 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....
237To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the honor of yours of the 19th Instant, and shall pay strict attention to its Injunctions. I have this Day received a Letter from Major General Putnam of the 25th Inst. purporting that a Letter was lately intercepted going from General Howe to Genl Burgoyne intimating that he (How) shoud soon be at B—n to cooperate with Burgoyne; and that by another Express the General had...
238To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the inclosed from Capt. Pray, by which it seems the fleet has returned from the southward, but whether with or without troops, does not yet appear. There certainly are several movements which require critical observations. Simpson the deserter (or whatever he may be) who I sent up this afternoon, says a large number of four and two horse waggons had been brought from Long...
239To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Last night the Fire Ships & Row Gallies made an attempt, Upon the Enemys ships, which lay at Anchor up the River, The Fire ships were well Conducted, the Armed Schooner was Grappled and Burnt, The Phenix was Grappled for a Bought Ten minutes, But got herself Clear, The Lady Washington Galley and Independence, were Conducted with Great Judgment and Bravery, I wish I could Say that the Other...
240To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this date. Your Excellency may rest assured that the water shall be well guarded by night—I will take the earliest opportunity to obey your orders respecting Judge Lawrence and Mr Beakman. I am not a little apprehensive that we shall very soon want provisions—The unhappy misapprehensions of the Deputy Quarter master at Hartford, will, I fear, create so much delay in...
241To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of your favor of yesterday I was in Hopes this morning to have Given you Some fresh Intilligence, but have not yet Receiv⟨ed⟩ it but Still Expect it, as we have undoubtedly a Spy on the Island, Every necessary and Proper preparation having been made for that Purpose the Last night, and it is rather too Early in the morning as yet to receive our...
242To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received the honor of yours of the 13th Instant. From my first being informed of Mr Fletcher’s appointment I have afforded him every assistance which he has asked for without the least delay, and have constantly enjoined upon him to acquaint me of any, the least, embarrassment which may fall in his way, which, if in my power, shall be immediately removed. Mr Fletcher has already...
243To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Intelligence this moment Came to hand shall run down to Genl Huntingtons Brigade shall take Genl Parsons with me any Signification of your pleasure shall be immediately executed. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency most obedient Servt ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. This draft is docketed inadvertently as being to Brig. Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons. The...
244To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment informed that a Ship is arrived at portsmouth with a valuable Cargo of Ordnance & ordnance Stores for the use of the United States. as soon as we are fully ascertained of it measures shall be taken to secure, and forward them to the Arsenals. A large Quantity of Lead is on the Road, which with upwards of one Hundred Thousand Musket Cartridges, will be forwarded from...
245To George Washington from William Heath, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from colonel Humphrys, in which he observes that your Excellency wishes to be informed whether brigadier-general Glover is absent at this time by my permission, and if not, whether I know the reasons of his absence. To which I beg leave to reply, that general Glover is not now absent with any permission of mine, nor do I know the reasons of his absence. The 10th...
246To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two favors of yesterday, General Parsons went down towards the Sound the last night in order to obtain the best Intelligence from Long Island—Confer with Genls Howe Glover &c. and to direct the proposed attempt on Lloyds Neck if it should from Circumstances appear advisible, I shall from Time to Time acquaint your Excellency on that Head as Intelligence may be...
247To 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...
248To 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...
249To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Parsons informs me that a number of recruits for the Connecticut Regts are rendezvousing at Fairfield and requests that Colo. Durkee may go down to muster them and a Subaltern from each Brigade to receive them and march them up. his desire for Colo. Durkees being appointed to this Business is the assurance that the recruits will be critically examined and Such as are unfit for the...
250To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 28 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 28 Oct. 1779 . GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison wrote Heath on this date, 7:00 P.M. : “His Excellency has received Your favor of this date and thanks You for the Intelligence. Whether the fleet seen in the Sound standing to the Westward, has the Rhode Island Garrison on board or not, remains to be determined; the General as yet has received...