181To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At the pressing request of Brigadier General Hamilton, I have given permission to Captain Masters of the 24th Regiment, British, attended by Captain Bliss to proceed to your Excellency to receive your further orders, with respect to a packet with which he is intrusted, addressed to General Sir Henry Clinton. As Major General Phillips intends writing to your Excellency, prehaps respecting his...
182To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am still makeing every preparation for the march of the Troops of the Convention, on wednesday next. As Sir Henry Clinton has not left New York as appears by your Letter of the 25th Just Come to hand, perhaps he may attempt a rescue at or near the Time that the Troops pass Hudsons river, or in the Jersies. I have endeavoured therefore to keep them in Ignorance what rout they are to take...
183To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I now do myself the honor to inclose copies of several Letters which have passed between Major General Phillips and me if your Excellency shoud think it worth your while to give them a perusal. The reasons of first restricting him to his House &c. are fully known. The expressions contained in some of his Letters since, in particular that of the first of October, were the reasons for my...
184To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Finding it impracticable for the Troops of the Convention to begin their march the Day after to morrow, as was intended, I am this moment obliged to defer it until Saturday morning when I hope every thing will be in readiness. Inclosed is a request made by Brigadier General Hamilton. I have consented to the Officers, Sick &c. mentioned in the Letter, remaining here until your Excellency’s...
185To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ulo and by the same Express a Letter from Governor Trumbull, representing that the Forrage on the road commonly traveled to Fish kill was nearly exhausted, and that the Troops of the Convention could not be well supplied unless they took the rout of Waterbury and Danbury, or through the County of Berkshire into the State of New York....
186To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 29th Ulto inclosing a Resolve of the Honorable Congress of the 22d. Major General Gates arrived here yesterday and has taken the Command this Day. The Summerset Man of War is on shore on Cape Cod, and is taken possession of by our people. It is said Seventeen Sail of British Men of War of the Line had actually entered our Bay when the late severe Storm...
187To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 8th I received the honor of yours of the 3d Instant and this evening of that of the 6th. Major General Gates having taken the Command here the Day before the receipt of the former & received instructions similar to those contained in your Excellency’s letter to me, mine were of course superseded. I had not the least doubt but that Major General Phillips was to march with the Convention...
188To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s instructions, some time since received, I had, previous to Major Genl Gates’s taking the Command of this District discharged the following Officers from the Army, viz., October 23d Capt. Gowen Brown & Captain John Langdon of Colo. Henry Jackson’s Regiment. Captain Lieut. John Cumston of Colonel John Crane’s Regiment of Artillery. October 27th Captain Nathl...
189To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by the Hon. Mr Holker agent to the Royal Marine and Consul of France, whose known worth is universally acknowledged. It is now more than three weeks Since I had the honor to receive yours of the 29th Octr—Incloseing the resolve of Congress of the 22nd of the Same month appointing Major General Gates to the Command of the Eastern District, which I acknowledged in mine...
190To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is now upwards of four months since I had the honor to receive yours of the 29th of Octr, inclosing a resolve of the Hon. Congress of the 22nd of the same month, directing that Major General Gates should forthwith repair to Boston to take Command of the Continental Forces that were or might be in the Eastern district. Your Excellency in that letter was pleased to observe, “I inclose you the...
191To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to do myself the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Letter which I have just received from Colo. Armand who has express’d a great inclination, if agreable to you, to have Major Daniel Lyman my eldest Aide de Camp advanced to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of his regiment, which is now vacant. I should with much reluctance part with Major Lyman from my family, but, if this...
192To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to Congratulate your Excellency on the Signal Success of the Continental Frigates Warren, Ranger and Queen of Fran[c]e in Captureing the British Ship Jason Capt. Potterfield of 20 Guns, Ship Maria of 16 Guns Brigts Patriot, Prince Fredrick, Batchelor and John schooners Hibernia and Chance Bound from New York to Georgia with large Quantities of Goods Stores Provisions &c. on Board...
193To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
It was not untill the last evening that I received the honor of yours of the 26th Ultimo, which has relieved me from no Small embarrassments arising from apprehensions, lest from my conduct, I had in some degree forfeited the friendship of one whose approbation to merit is my ambition. I shall be ready with the greatest cheerfullness to join the Army by the time mentioned in your Excellencys...
194To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with the receipt of yours of the 22d Ultimo. I never received any List of the Officers names under the Convention of Saratoga on their arrival at Cambridge, as taken at the Convention, but do myself the honor to enclose Copy of their Names and ranks as Subscribed to a parole Soon after their arrival at Cambridge. I take the Liberty to enclose Extract of a Letter lately...
195To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the month of September last Standing in need of an aid De Camp in conformity to the resolution of the Hon. Congress of the 27th May 1778 I appointed one from the line vizt Capt. Thomas Cartwright of Colo. Henry Jacksons Regt Since which in the new arrainging the officers of His Regiment Captain Cartwright was omitted, The Colonel apprehending as he has Since declared that Capt. Cartwright...
196To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was a Day or two since honour’d wth yours of the 15th enclosing one for the Honble Council of this State respecting the heavy Cannon, the latter I immediately forwarded to Council, & this Morning have recieved their Permission to remove the Cannon. I have directed the Dy Q. M. Genl to do it with all possible Dispatch. One of the Cannon is at Beverly which will cause some little Delay. They...
197To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The last Evening I was honor’d with the Receipt of yours of the 26th Ulto; am preparing to leave this Place with all possible Dispatch, which will be in the Course of a few days, & hope soon to have the Honor of paying my respects to your Excellency in Person. I have the Honor to be wth the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. GW had...
198To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed Intelligence received from Genl Huntington the last night about Ten oClock —and request your Excellencys direction respectg the arms brought out by Deserters. I take the Liberty to enclose Several Papers received from Colo. Allen the Day before I left Boston. I shall endeavour to have the Troops in this Quarter in readiness for any emergency. have...
199To 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...
200To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon being honored with your Command, on yesterday I immediately detached Lieut. Colo. Grosvenor with 200 Light Infantry to march to Robinsons Stores with proper Instructions conformable to your directions —I have received no reports of Consequence this morning should any be made worthy of notice they shall be transmitted. I think the forming the Light Infantry of this division into a Corps...
201To 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...
202To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed Intelligence this moment received from General Huntington I have written him to push his advance Parties nearer the Point if it can be done with Safety in order if Possible more fully to discover the movements of the Enemy. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. Heath...
203To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to Transmit Intelligence received about Ten oClock the last night from Brigr Genl Parsons. I have the honor to be very respectfully your Excellencys Most Obedient Servt W. Heath P.S. No report this morning. ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. The enclosure has not been identified.
204To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I Send up John Waters a Deserter from the 71st Regt who was this moment Sent to me, with his arms & accoutrements. waters informs me that the talk among the Troops was that the British army would move towards New London in order to draw our Troops from this Quarter, when they would return Suddenly and Seize the Fort—waters also reports that their Troops have had a Drubbing in Carolina. I have...
205To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to Send your Excellency one Sugden a Deserter from the 33rd British Regt who left verplanks Point the day before yesterday. Colo. Putnam has gone down this morning to reconnoitre the Enemys Posts as Soon as he returns which I do not expect will be before tomorrow, report shall be made to your Excellency. In conversation the last evening with Some of the Principle officers...
206To 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...
207To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I send herewith a Capt. Coles of the Militia lately taken from Long Island, by the letters I take the Liberty to enclose your Excellency will observe, that it is wished he may be exchanged for One of the Captains lately taken from us by the Enemy. I also send a deserter with his arms who left Verplanks Point on Tuesday. In a Letter which I received the last evening from Major Talmage he...
208To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Putnam returned yesterday afternoon from reconnoitreing the Enemy at Verplanks and Stony Point. He approached near those Posts and has made the best observations the Situation of the Ground would admit of. I do myself the honor to enclose a draught which he has given me. I also send a Frenchman who deserted from the British legion. The Parties from Huntingtons Brigade Patrole Some...
209To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received the enclosed Letters from Colo. Sheldon and Major Talmage, by which your Excellency will preceive that a Skirmish happened with the Enemy on the morning of the 2nd Instant, with Some loss on both Sides. permit me in behalf of Major Talmage to request Some releif of Clothing from the Public Store if your Excellency should think it proper. I have the honor to be with...
210To 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...
211To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith Send a prisoner of war taken on the 2nd Instant near North Castle. General Duportail has not yet been here to lay out the works, The fatigue men were held in readiness yesterday. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt P.S. 8 oClock A.M. Smith Gammon a deserter who has just come in attends the Prisoner of war. ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers....
212To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward, to be disposed of as your Excellency may direct, Fra[nci]s Wynn & Jeremiah Olnes prisoners of war taken at Pound ridge the 2d Instant & Sent here the last Evening. Also take the Liberty to enclose a Complaint made against Lt Colo. Loring with the opinion of a Court of enquiry thereon. beg to be informed whether it is your Excellencys pleasure to refer the...
213To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to enclose the Sentiments of the Officers of the three Brigades on this Side the river with respect to the regulateing the prices of the necessaries of Life in Camp as expressed by their Committee appointed by the respective Brigades—for that purpose. From my present particular Situation I wish to Obtain the earliest notice of the movements of the Enemy on the River both...
214To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with your two favors of yesterday. The Brigades will march this morning. I have directed the light Infantry to remain, agreable to your orders. I hope it will be your Excellencys pleasure to order these Troops Soon to join the Division, not only on Account of their being the flower of the Troops, but also for their present numbers; being a greater proportion than is...
215To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday repeating the order for the formation of the Light Infantry Companies did not reach me until I arrived here, with Parsons’s Brigade I have given Orders to have the Companies Compleated immediately, I shall prosecute my march with all Possible dispatch with the two Brigades when the weather permits at present it is very Stormy, The Artillery was ordered on with the...
216To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I send, to be disposed of as your Excellency may think proper, one John Hodge an Inhabitant of New york, who is Suspected of being a Spy. Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter just received from General Parsons, by which you will perceive that the Militia are destitute of Ammunition. If it be your pleasure that they be Supplied Let me request an order from your Excellency for a quantity to be...
217To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here with the Division, the last Night. I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter and extract of a Letter from General Parsons. I march immediately for Canaan, sending off the Tents & heavy baggage to Danbury. The Enemy are frequently Sending out light parties. If it might possibly be Consistent with your Excellencys intention, to order on the light Infantry belonging to this...
218To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning I sent off the heavy baggage of the Division and march’d from Ridgfield to this place. The Enemys Fleet got under Sail in the morning and Stood from the Long Island Side towards the Main, & continued tacking & turning one way and the other through the day. Several deserters who came off informed that General Clinton was with his whole Army, Pioneers & guides at Maroneck I was...
219To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Glover has this moment arrived at my quarters. His Brigade is at New haven. This morning I wrote him to come forward to this Neighborhood but the express missed him on the road. I find the people who live on the Sound desirous to have the Army near them, and those who live back equally anxious for protection. Governor Trumbull seems desirous that General Glover should return to...
220To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward the enclosed intelligence this moment come to hand. I believe our manœuvres here have induced Sir Henry Clinton to alter his. I have ordered one of the Regiments Sent to Stamford to join the Division immediately, have order’d a detachment to move towards North Castle to observe the motions of the Enemy in that quarter & have directed the militia at Crompond to...
221To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am Just honored with your two favors of yesterday which came to hand within an hour of each other as Soon as the advance Pickets can be Called in the Division will begin their March for Pecks kill. I most heartily Congratulate your Excellency on the Success of the American arms in the reduction of Stony Point—with so little loss, hope this is an Omen of future Success, I have Sent Expresses...
222To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday at half past 9 oClo: A.M. I recieved your orders to march for Pecks kill, at twelve the Division began their march, Marched 15 Miles & Halted. at three this Morning pursued the march reach’d Pecks kill at half past 3 P.M. On my arrival I found Genl Howe had sent off his Cannon & his Division was fileing off towards the Highlands the Enemy appear’d to be advancing in force near the...
223To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
From the appearances of Several fires the last night there is reason to apprehend that the Enemy have destroyed the Works & evacuated Verplanks point. I have Sent out Several parties to make discoveries & to harrass them if possible. In obedience to your Excellencys orders the Brigades will move into the Highlands. Permit me to Suggest on Account of the great Scarcity of Forage in the...
224To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honor’d with your favor of yesterday an hour or two Since on my way from Bald hill to this place. I had before order’d Parsons’s Brigade to encamp near Robinsons, Huntingtons near the place where Parsons’s encamp’d before they left this place, Patterson’s between that place and Danforths, Nixons at the Gorge of the Mountains. Glover is not yet arrived. May I be permitted to request that...
225To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is just Come to hand from Capt. Hopkins an Intelligent and good officer. Should not the guard Boats be Very Vigilant? The Brass 12 pounders are brought to Nelson’s point. Shall they be kept here to be used as occasion may require, or be sent elsewhere? I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Excellencys Obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. The enclosure...
226To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed intelligence was Sent me a few minutes Since by General Nixon. The Dragoon who brought it, informs me that he went on the ground where the Enemy encamped, that from the appearance of Bush hutts &. the Enemys force was considerable. Where their next manœuvre will be time must discover. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt ⟨I ha⟩ve...
227To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major General Howe is this moment return’d from the Village and informs me that just before he came away the officer of the Guard acquainted him that five Topsail Vessells had come up to Pecks kill & that he (the General) Saw one himself. the others were behind a Hill. General Nixon had gone out to reconnoitre them. A report has not yet transpired. I have order’d the Troops to lay on their...
228To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith send to be disposed of as your Excellency may direct, three Prisoners of War and two Deserters from the Brittish Army. It appears, notwithstanding the reports of Last Evening, that no ships, or Vessells except a Galley, were above Verplanks point the last night. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath...
229To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779. GW wrote Heath on this day: “Your favor of this morning inclosing a letter from Captain Hopkins I have just received.”
230To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday and without loss of time forwarded the Letters to Genl Wolcott and Colo. Moylan Several Measures are adopted for the obtaining intelligence hope Some of them will Succeed. I send one Prisoner of war and three Deserters, one from the legion, one from the Queens rangers and the other from the 71st Regt the latter from Verplanks Point this morning each of the...