151To 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...
152To 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...
153To 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...
154To 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...
155To 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...
156To 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...
157To 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...
158To 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...
159To 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...
160To 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...
161To 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,...
162To 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...
163To 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...
164To 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...
165To 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...
166To 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...
167To 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.
168To 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...
169To 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...
170To 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...
171To 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...
172To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We this moment have received the Intelligence contained in the inclosed —whether the Enemy will turn in here, or whether they are destined to Portsmouth, Falmouth (Casco Bay) or to Hallifax, or to the River St Lawrance, Time must discover. I have not time to add, but have The Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Hble Servt LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers; copy, DNA:PCC , item 169. The...
173To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I request to be informed whether it be your pleasure, and expectation, since you have established your Quarters at New Windsor, that I exercise Command at, and pay attention to affairs at Fishkill, The Daily Issue of 300 rations of Provisions at the Landing; and 1,022, in the Town, in the whole as many within One ration as are Issued to the whole Connecticut Line, (when there are but few...
174To George Washington from William Heath, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Assistant paymaster-general has informed me that 240000 dollars, new emission, is sent to the pay-office by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay the troops of their line. The Committee from the army now at Boston lately informed me by letter that they had agreed with the Common-wealth on a complete settlement for the last years pay—and that in case any money arrived at the pay-office,...
175To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I took the liberty once and again the last year to represent to your excellency, that the officers of the Massachusetts line thought themselves neglected in one of the brigades of the line of that state remaining so long without a brigadier, which not only deprived the officer of promotion whose right it is by the resolutions of the honorable the Congress, in that case passed and published;...
176To George Washington from William Heath, 25 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward two sailors who lately made their escape from the British man of war, Adamant—and inclose a New York paper of the 19th the latest I have received. When I was honored by your Excellency the winter before last with a command similar to that you have been pleased now to assign me, your pleasure was signified that I should approve or disapprove the sentences of courts-martial, except...
177To George Washington from William Heath, 26 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your orders of the 22d I wrote the Contractors on the subject of the salted and damaged provisions, and yesterday received an answer from them, which I take the liberty to enclose. I wish to know your pleasure whether Messrs Sands shall take such of the provisions as are not fit to issue, and credit the united States what they may be thought worth; or dispose of them and...
178To George Washington from William Heath, 17 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is this moment handed to me. In justice to colonel Swift I beg leave to observe that he has been the whole winter with the troops, and has had many embarrassments and difficulties to encounter. He has repeatedly mentioned to me the necessity of his visiting his family before the campaign opened. I assured him he should, but being appointed a member of the general court-martial for...
179To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
On fryday last a Vessel arrived at Piscataqua in forty Days from Nantz, in France, Dispatches were yesterday brought up to the Count de Estaing, the Master of the Vessel reports that on the 27th July last a Navel Engagement happened off Ushant between the Squadron of his most Christian Majesty Commanded by Monsieure de Chaffault and the British Fleet Commanded by Admiral Keppel which lasted...
180To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being Posted at Some Distance from The other General Officers of the State of Massachusetts Bay, I have found it very difficult to Obtain their Opinion of the Field Officers Proper to be Recommended, to that State, to Serve in the Army in future, General Nixon was at my Quarters on Yesterday, General Fellows was on Duty and Could not attend. I did with General Nixon arrainge The Officers for...
181To 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...
182To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 13th with one enclosed from the Marquis de la Fayette. I have desired the Officer commanding at Fish Kill, to give me notice, should the Officers mentioned, take that route, which I shall communicate; and the Officer at Kings ferry to have an Express ready, in case they pass there, to push forward & give notice of their approach to Head Quarters. If they pass at...
183To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The regimental tailors are now busily employed in making up the clothing, but their numbers are by no means sufficient—Few, if any have yet arrived from the country. The clothier has resolved to offer more encouragement. The inoculation of the troops will deter those who have not had the small-pox, from coming to work in the respective quarters of the regiments. To remedy this, I intend, if...
184To 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...
185To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
27 April 1778. Recommends Col. Henry Jackson to GW’s notice as “an Honest man a worthy Citizen and Good Officer.” States that he has “taken the Liberty to enclose under Cover addressed to your Excellency” a letter to the president of Congress and asks that it be “forwarded by the first Conveyance.” ADf , MHi : Heath Papers. Heath’s letter to Henry Laurens of 27 April requested congressional...
186To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 2d Instant—I address’d your Excellency on the 22d Ultimo, and requested Your direction in Several instances therein mentioned. in Yours of the 2d you are pleased to acknowlege the Receipt of mine of the 25th and 28th Ultimo, but make no mention of that of the 22d—which leaves me at uncertainty whether my letter reached you or not, or whether an answer is on...
187To 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....
188To George Washington from William Heath, 22 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with yours of the 5th instant. I presume before this time your near dearth of news has changed to a plentifull harvest of such as is highly important and interesting and that your Excellencys hopes that the present is the last winter you shall be kept from domestic Life, are established beyond a doubt. I need not hint to your Excellency how sanguine I was for several...
189To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 10th enclosing duplicate of yours of the 28th Ultimo. that letter came to hand by post but was a long time coming. I executed one of the Culprits who was under Sentence of death for desertion, and pardoned the other three. Colonel Green’s regiment will march on with their old arms; but the Colonel assures me many of them are very unfit for actual service. We...
190To George Washington from William Heath, 21 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The night before last sixty or seventy recruits arrived from Massachusetts; among them ten or a dozen lads by no means fit for soldiers at present, and two deserters from the enemy—One of the deserters went from here to the eastward but about two months since. The small lads and the two deserters have not been distributed to the regiments, but remain at West point Colonel Stewart has looked at...
191To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 27 Ulto. Extracts of the paragraph respecting the Expedition to the River St Johns I sent to the Assembly—finding your Excellency’s opinion, without [waiting] for further Directions from Congress they voted to lay the Expedition aside, and ordered the Troops to be disbanded. As the Resolve of Congress directed them to set the Expedition on foot and...
192To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by Capt. Mullen (accompanied by Monsr Du Bouchet Brother in law to Col. Conway) who came from France in the Ship Amphitrite—He appears to be a very good Officer, & I think would make a most excellent Major of Brigade, if your Excellency should think it proper. The Assembly of this State have Resolved to complete their 15 Battalions by Draught, which is to be made on...
193To George Washington from William Heath, 19 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed News paper came to hand the last evening, altho it is not of a very late date but the latest I have received. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
194To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer hereof Capt. Goodrich was Taken at Quebeck on the 31st of Decemr 1775 When General Montgomery made his Unfortunate attempt upon that City—Capt. Goodrich is a Brave and Good officer, He was not Exchanged Untill Since Christmass—And has as yet no Appointment in Our Army—His Zeal for the Publick Service is Such that upon Hearing the Army stood in need of a Reinforcment He Immediately...
195To George Washington from William Heath, 8 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward One Robert Dean, a Deserter from Robinsons Corps who came here this morning—he appears to have a good knowledge of the Enemies Lines on this Side the City of New York on which he has worked, but Seems to know little more. Major Woodbridge writes me that he is informed Deans "character has not been equal to his present pretentions," but nothing more respecting him. I have the honor to...
196To George Washington from William Heath, 22 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
To accommodate the officers of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, I have this day consented that Lieut. Joshua Danforth should be paymaster to the regiment in the room of Lieut. Storer and that Lieut. Ames take the place of Lieut. Crock of the Same Regiment, have mentioned it in my orders of this day, and hope your Excellencys approbation, I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your...
197To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 8th—The 100 barrells of salted beef, or as many Tierces as will be equal to that quantity, the beef being cheifly in the latter, shall be forwarded to Albany as soon as a vessell can be procured. The Invalids of the six months Levies have been discharged, & for some days past six men of those worst cloathed from each regiment This haveing taken off the principle...
198To George Washington from William Heath, 18 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Just come to hand with the person who was Sent up a few Days Since a Deserter from the Enemy on their late excursion to Haverstraw. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Sert MHi : Heath Papers.
199To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In the present stage of the war the officers of the Massachusetts line have thought it an object highly interesting to them to know whether their state will conform to an ordinance of congress of October 1780, granting half pay for life to the officers who should continue in service to the end of the war—or if this mode should not be agreeable to the genius and inclination of the people, to...
200To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Williams Brigade Major of the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, has been tried at a General Court Martial for not furnishing a detail laid on the Brigade by the D.A.G., has been acquitted by the Court and the Judgment approved by your Excellency, this has been done in consequence of Colonel Putnam Commandant of the Brigade forbiding Capt. Williams furnishing the detail, Colonel Putnam...