151To 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...
152To 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,...
153To 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...
154To 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...
155To 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...
156To 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...
157To 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...
158To 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...
159To 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...
160To 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...
161To 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,...
162To 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;...
163To 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...
164To 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...
165To 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...
166To 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...
167To 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...
168To 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...
169To 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...
170To 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...
171To 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....
172To 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...
173To 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...
174To 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...
175To 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...
176To 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...
177To 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...
178To George Washington from William Heath, 28 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to the general order of the 25th instant, the left wing of the army decamped the morning of the 26th and commenced their march for this place—the day proved very rainy—the troops halted in the vicinity of Nelson’s-point, & lay in the woods that night. The 27th began early to cross the ferry at West-point—The troops had all crossed by half past twelve—The march was continued over...
179To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am Just returned (much Fatigued) from East Chester Bay, where I have been with Genl Clinton and Colonel Chester to Reconnoitre the Ground. I have the Honor this moment to receive yours of this Day, and have Immediately ordered all the Teams here or that Can be Procured to be Sent to you —Would to God that the Business of a Certain Department, was Performed with alertness, I wish it may not...
180To George Washington from William Heath, 23 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence from the water guard, which I believe may be fully depended on, That the fleet of transports having the troops on board, sailed from New York on wednesday morning last, the 21st instant—the same number that had put to sea before, and returned, having been chased in by the French fleet—Sir Harry Clinton is gone in the fleet—report says, to the southward....
181To George Washington from William Heath, 10 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Capt. Cleaveland of the corps of sappers and miners, was put into my hand the last evening. My not having knowledge of your Excellency’s orders and intentions respecting the matter obliges me to lay it before you. Enclosed is a New York paper of the 3d the only one I have been able to obtain since the one of the 28th ulto. it came to hand this morning. Capt. Pray writes me...
182To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
It has for some time past been reported that numbers of women frequent going to and comeing from the Enemy at Ver Planks Point by which intelligence undoubtedly can be communicated to any part of the Country—I take the liberty to enclose a letter which I received from Genl Nixon the last evening and request your Excellencys direction in this and other like instances—The women are yet detaind...
183To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Mr Commissary Stevens, in which he expresses himself as follows: “Mr Forsyth’s clerk informs me that one hundred barrels of flour and twelve barrels of beef were left at Pecks kill, which were sent there for the detachment that marched last week, and that they were without guard. I wish, if you think proper, you would give directions for them to be...
184To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Hutts being divided and allotted to the four reformed Massachusetts Regiments I have directed the Troops to move into their Quarters tomorrow morning accordingly which compleats the reform of the Regt. The reform has broken up the Commandss of the Brigadiers and renders some orders from your Excellency respecting them necessary as soon as you may think it proper in the present state the...
185To George Washington from William Heath, 24 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The troops have not been able to draw any meat for this day or two past, there being neither fresh or salted provisions at the post to issue. This is a disagreeable consideration in itself; but the present want of the troops is not all. In case of any emergency, the posts and troops will be in the most critical situation. I have repeatedly represented to mr Sands the necessity of having...
186To George Washington from William Heath, 8 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I wish to know whether it be your excellency’s pleasure that the absence of major John Porter of the Massachusetts line should be taken cognizance of by a general court-martial. He stands eldest major in the line—the dismission of lieutenant-colonel Badlam opens a vacancy for a lieutenant-colonel—Major Maxwell is second major in the line, and is very anxious to know how the promotion is to be...
187To George Washington from William Heath, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 22nd ultimo, and 6th instant. I beleive your Excellency’s answer to the Senate and House of Representatives of this Commonwealth, respecting the eastern frontiers, was under present circumstances Satisfactory. I took the liberty in mine of the 22nd ultimo to mention that my private affairs would not well admit of my Joining the Army before the 15th of...
188To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 26th—have ordered the New Jersey Line to hold itself in readiness to move on the shortest notice—The New York Line to move over to the East side of Hudsons river, & hutt adjoining the New Hampshire Line, except the strongest regiment, which is to hutt near Robinsons Mills; for the purpose mentioned. Colonel Hazens Regiment is ordered to Fish Kill. In a former...
189To George Washington from William Heath, 11 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
All accounts from New York agree that the enemy are at work day and night in refitting their men of war and preparing fire-ships, ten or twelve of which, it is said, will be completed by the 14th—I hope the account which I sent of this the 7th & which was the first knowledge I obtained of it, reached your Excellency. The fire-ships are taken from the transports and Goodriche’s fleet—they are...
190To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 22–23 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
I this Evening Reached Norwich, having left Colo. Pattersons Division about Twenty miles Back on the Road. The men march with Surprising Agility Scarcely Complaining of being fatigued But the Road being Extreemly mirry and in Some places Almost Impassable Greatly Impedes the waggons which is an Obstruction to the whole; 23rd this morning Rode to the Landing, find the Shiping in a good way and...
191To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I most Heartily Congratulate your Excellency on the arrival of the French Storeship at Portsmouth Intelligence of which together with the Invoice of the Stores I suppose you Received Some Days Since ⅌ the Express, I hope this to be but the foretaste of a Plentifull Harvest from the Same Quarter, and Indeed this arrival is very Seasonable for without Some of the Arms, I Cannot at present See...
192To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 6 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Visited the Guards Yesterday Afternoon, found them in Good Order, But Some of them, deficient in their number, Occasioned by the Extraordinary Drafts from Some of the Brigades. I gave Orders for the Grand Rounds at Eleven—Visiting Rounds at Three, Patroles Between each Relief, The Guards in the out Posts were reinforced in the Evening, Officers of the Day Report that in the Night they found...
193To George Washington from William Heath, 9 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed your Excellency will find a receipt of the delivery of the letter you were pleased a few days since to direct to me to forward to the enemies lines—and two newspapers brought up by the Officer who went with the flag—They are not of so late a date as some I have before sent, but as they contain some debates in the british house of commons probably not inserted in the other papers sent,...
194To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday a Xebeck arrived in this port from Spain, and a Cutter from France, I have this day forwarded the Letters to Congress ⅌r Express. If we may give credit to common reports brought by these Vessels Chesepeck or Deleware will soon (if they are not already) be honored with a French Squardron, and the Letters in the Mail, addressed to the Count de Estaing Vice Admiral in the French Fleet,...
195To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 17th. I apprehend it will be necessary to lay General Bevilles letter before the Arbitrators as a check upon the representations which will be made by the State Agent of the great number of horses kept, and forrage consumed by the French Army. Your Excellencys observations shall be subjoined. Enclosed is a letter from Major Gibbs and a New York...
196To George Washington from William Heath, 26 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your’s of this date. I ordered the gun-boat fitted some ten or twelve days since and sent her to the water guard, with instructions to Capt. Pray to make use of her where she would be most serviceable for the protection of the guard boats—to keep a look-out, &c. I do not know particularly how she was employed or stationed the last year; if differently from what I have...
197To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
This morning at half past three oClock, I received the enclosed pr Express From Capt. Hopkins—it is probable further Intelligence will come to hand in the Coarse of the Day, if their should it shall be transmitted immediately. can Capt. Hopkins purchase the Horses he has taken for the Use of the Regt? I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obedient Servt ADfS ,...
198To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed I have Just received, the Gentlemen are here on furlough from Major General Sullivan, I mentioned to them that as the Regt was with General Sullivan, it would have been proper for them to have Applied to him, They acquaint me that they mention’d it to the General before they left providence and that He advised them to apply to your Excellency through me I fear the greater part of...
199To 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...
200To 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...