251To 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...
252To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your’s of yesterday. Am happy to hear that the prospect of a supply of provisions is so favorable. The fatigue-men, and if possible, six carpenters shall be sent the day after to morrow, to work on the logs above Newburgh. I some days since reduced the troops on the lines from two, to one hundred rank and file; and in consequence of your pleasure, signified in yours of the...
253To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to hand the last night—it is without date, but I apprehend was written yesterday morning. I expect Major Maxwell up to day. Many of the arms and accoutrements turned into the store by the discharged soldiers want repair, especially the latter. I am inform’d it has been the practice to send them to Albany; but this is attended with much trouble, and considerable expence. Would...
254To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with your’s of the 22d and 23d instant. Captain Smart, on the late reform was arranged in Colonel Greaton’s regiment. I have taken the liberty to dela the word Sprout’s , and insert Greatons , in the discharge. I gave Major General Parsons a copy of the paragraph in your Excellency’s letter of the 19th relative to sending back the insufficient recruits, and forwarding...
255To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Four Prisoners of war, belonging to Delancey’s corps, are just sent to this post; they were a patroling party, sent out by Delancy the day before yesterday, and were taken by a reconnoitring party of six men from Major Maxwell’s detachment—The four are all wounded, a fifth so badly, as obliged our party to leave him at Sing sing—two others of the party ran off. I have the honor to be, With the...
256To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of yesterday. The moment I saw the orders respecting Major Reid, he had notice of it and was ordered to join the light infantry, which he did. Inclosed is a promise of Colo. Sprout and Major Porter, that Capt. Map 6. The complex system of fortifications at West Point, the most important military post in North America, consisted of outlying redoubts and...
257To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from Major Maxwell came to hand last evening. Colo. Delancy, a day or two since sent up a Flag to Major Maxwell with a verbal proposal for the exchange of some of the prisoners taken at Morrissania: as it almost immediately preceded their excursion; it was probably designed to discover our situation. Inclosed is also a letter this day received from Major General Parsons. I have...
258To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The light-companies are completing with all possible dispatch; but it will be difficult to obtain the whole number of proper men in the present debilitated state of the regiments; however, the best will be carefully selected: After the light companies are gone we shall scarcely be able to relieve the guards, while so many men are on different commands as at present. The regiment to which Capt....
259To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with your’s of this date. The light-companies shall be immediately formed into battalions, and field officers appointed to them conformable to your directions. But a difficulty arrises with respect to Major Reid; the sentence of the court-martial, which is before your Excellency, has not yet been published, & Major Reid is under arrest. If your Excellency should think proper...
260To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with yours of the 15. have ordered all the light companies to be immediately augmented to fifty rank & file with the addition of one serjeant to each company and the companies to be fully officered, to march to Peeks-kill the morning after to morrow (viz. the 18.) with three days provision, and in other respects conformable to your directions; but I have given no orders for...
261To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 7th and have sent orders to Capt. Wellis to relieve the Garrison of the Block house at Dobbs ferry, agreeable to your directions. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant P.S. I am this moment honored with your’s of the 9th to which I shall strictly attend. LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. GW...
262To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 5. instant, respecting the staff Department. Am happy to find the measures I had adopted, have in so many instances received your approbation, as expressed in your sentiments—Am sorry, that in one instance, I should be so unfortunate as to be thought erroneous by your Excellency. And as it is not only a laudable wish, but an incumbent duty to vindicate...
263To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 6th —have ordered Major Throop with his Detachment to join their respective Corps; have also desired Major Bauman to give notice to General Knox previous to his trying the proposed experiments in Gunnery. Capt. Welles was some time since directed by your Excellency to take the command of the guard Boats with a company of light Infantry from the...
264To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was handed me by Lt Col. Com’dt Sprout. From what I can learn the case is briefly this: Capt. Smart was a Captain and Paymaster in the 13. Massachusetts regiment—was in a bad state of health, and desired on that account to quit the service. He is so good an Officer that the regiment were loth to lose him, and advised him to get leave to retire for the recovery of his health; which...
265To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I request to be informed if it is your Excellency’s pleasure that the detachment under the command of Major Throop should still be continued at Ringwood, or be called in. In yours of the 14. ulto you was pleased to consent to Major Bauman’s trying some experiments in Gunnery, but advised a delay at that time. Shall they be tried now, when the weather is suitable? Enclosed is a return of...
266To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with your’s of the 2d. Immediately upon receiving the signification of your pleasure, I called on the state Clothiers for a return of Blankets received by them since the last delivery; enclosed are those from Connecticut and New Hampshire. that from Massachusetts was made from Fish kill to the Clothier-general’s Office. I endeavoured to learn from Major General Howe the...
267To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major General Howe returned yesterday from the Jersies, I expected the Battalion Sent from the Lines Under the Command of Colo. Scammell would have returned with the other Troops, but the General informed me that he had n[e]ither Seen or heard from Colo. Scammell, Upon which I immediately Sent off an express to Colo. Scammell with orders for him to return with the Detachment up[on] the receipt...
268To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Some Days Since the enclosed was handed to me by Mr Perote I have endeavoured through the officers of the Brigade Cantoond near mr Perotes to find if any evidence could be obtained that would, lead to a detection of the Persons who killed his Cattle, but upon the Strictest e[n]quiry none can be found. Mr Perote, tells me all the Cattle he has lost except one, were killed before the Present...
269To 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:...
270To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor of presenting your Excellency the particulars of the Success of the late Enterprise against the Enemy at Morrissania. The address and gallantry of the Officers, the fortitude and patience of the Soldiery exhibited on the occasion, will, I hope, meet with your Excellency’s approbation. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient...
271To 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...
272To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The State of the river, and of the roads forbid me the honor of waiting on you at New windsor. ever Since I had the honor of Seeing your Excellency here I have been impatiently waiting to hear from the Troops below, but have not receivd a Syllable. A Brisk Firing was heard on Sunday morning, and again this morning, The roads are so exceedingly bad, that Intelligence can not be expected so...
273To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of the 19th inst. I am happy to hear Your Excellency is determined again to rouse the eastern States, & urge the necessity of their forwarding provissions; but I fear before any benifit can be derived from this, unless the Cattle are now on the road, our case will be deplorable if not desperate. The Q.M.G. must devise some means for getting down the...
274To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The foregoing was some Days Since, handed to me, I believe Capt. Tuckerman has been a dilligent and faithfull Officer, and apprehend all the Facts Stated by him are true, I therefore beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency notice. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most Obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Capt. Abraham Tuckerman’s letter to Heath, dated 11...
275To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon I received the enclosed from Colonel Hull—The News papers are sent up by the Bearer. It gives me pain so frequently to represent to your Excellency our wants, but necessity compels me. No beef Cattle have arrived since I had the honor last to write you on that head, nor do I hear of any comeing—The beef salted in bulk is all gone—Yesterday the Commissary began to issue the...
276To 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...
277To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Detachment ordered to be made & held in readiness to march, have been compleatly ready for this day or two, & from the general representation of the Officers a very good temper is every where predominant among the men—there is but little said by them, but the Officers are of opinion, that they will chearfully obey any orders that are given. I mentioned in mine of the 13th that six...
278To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have Just received a Letter from Lt Colonel Hull, dated at Crompond yesterday, with a Postscript of this Day one oClock P.M. in which he expresses himself as follows, “I have this moment received Intelligence from below, that Sir Henry Clinton has crossed to New Jersey with a Body of Troops.” how far this intelligence is to be depended on I cannot Say, I have written Colo. Hull if possible...
279To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed, I received from General Parsons yesterday afternoon; its complexion is very favorable. The order for drawing & coocking four days provission here yesterday, turned the whole conversation of the Troops on the subject of the Detachment, & conjecture of its design. such as have been reported to me, I shall relate to Your Excellency. A woman in Colonel Greatons Regiment, was sent...
280To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am Just honored with yours of this date, I apprehend that every necessary Step is takeing to have the detachment ready to march if it should be called for, but fear we shall be rather straitned in Obtaining the 1150 rank and file proposed. The Garrison will be extremely weak if that number marches, I leave Lt Colo. Hull with 100 men on the Lines, being apprehensive that a less number will...
281To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is paragraph of a letter from Mr Foot, receiver of Cattle at Fish Kill, to Mr Watrous Superintendant of Cattle at this place; the contents of which are very alarming. Instead of haveing large Quantities of beef salted in bulk at this place, the Connecticutt, & New-Hampshire Hutts, as was intended, or pretended; about 200 head of small Cattle only have been salted here, & none on...
282To 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...
283To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter I received yesterday from Lt Colonel Hull. I wrote him an answer that he was not to put himself, or the Regular Troops, under the Command of a Militia Officer —Whether upon the receipt of my letter, Colonel Thomas would conclude to act as a Voluntier, under Colonel Hull or not, I have not yet learnt. The heavy rain this day will probably suspend the Enterprise untill the...
284To 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...
285To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of yesterday, have instructed Lt Colonel Hull conformably & ordered 100 men from the New Hampshire Line to reinforce him. I have also ordered 100 men under the command of a Major, to march this morning towards Pompton, to cover the Public Stores at Ringwood. The Major is instructed on his arrival, at the most convenient & advantageous place for that purpose, to...
286To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of seeing your Excellency yesterday, I have assembled the Commanding Officers of regiments, and advised with them on the subject of the mutiny in the Pensylvania Line, and a proper communication of it to the Troops here. I also wrote General Parsons on the occassion. I am happy to find that nothing at present is to be apprehended from any of the Troops in this Quarter on...
287To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to enclose a Letter from Colo. Saml Drake and wish your Opinion and direction in this and on like Occasions I have written Colo. Drake that the applications for ammunition from the militia, are So frequent, and large that I cannot grant them, without your Excellencys opinion and direction and beg leave to Submit the matter accordingly. I have the honor to be with the...
288To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed this moment came to hand, which I beg to submit to your Excellency —This will be forwarded at Gun fireing in the morning. I detain the Express, & wish your answer, if agreeable by the return of the Bearer, that Colonel Hull may have notice as early as possible. Colonel Thomas mentioned the matter in a letter to me yesterday, but as it did not come from Colonel Hull, I took no...
289To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 3d—have ordered a Detachment to proceed up the river, in pursuit of Flour immediately agreeable to your directions. I cannot but lament, that we have new experiments to make almost daily. I think some of the strong Pettiaugurs at Fish Kill Landing, or one or two of the Sloops, might perform this service, with as much safety as the Batteaux, as the Season now is,...
290To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with Yours of yesterday. I had given orders, the day before to the Guards at the Ferry, at the water Battery, at Swims’s, & at Kings Ferry not to allow any Boats to pass up, or down the river between Tattoo & Revillee. I am happy to hear Colonel Humphries, the Officers, and men who were with him have safely returned. I have releived Lt Edes with a Lt White, the...
291To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of yesterday, the rank of the Massachusett’s regiments, I am inform’d has been altercated, and the mode of decission not fully determined—The Question has been whether the regiments shall retain their former rank, or be numbered anew, and take rank conformable to the rank of the Officers who are now to command them. The Ten Regiments are commanded by...
292To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Colonel Wesson & Capn Bonnell of Colonel Spencers regiment, were handed to me yesterday. I wish to know Your Excellencys opinion concerning them. Our situation grows every day more alarming with respect to provissions, especially Flour; we had not the last evening, one days allowance of the latter; at the Post. A small quantity it is said has arrived at Fish Kill Landing, but...
293To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The receipt of the enclosed papers, which this moment came to hand, compels me again to take up my pen, and trouble your Excellency on a subject, on which the very existance of these Posts depend. I therefore trust you will excuse the repetition. I submit to your Excellency what expectations are to be formed, from the spirit & complexion of the papers. If the Q.M. General wants any number of...
294To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 25th; have ordered two Detachments, each to consist of one Captain, two Subalterns, three Sergeants, Drum & Fife, & fifty rank & File to garrison Verplanks & Stony points; the former I have given to Capn Sumner of the Massachusetts Line; the latter to be a picked Captain from the Connecticutt Line, have given each very particular written Instructions —have...
295To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The exposed situation of many friendly Inhabitants in and about Bedford, to the excursions of the Enemy, whose fears are much raised since the capture of Colonel Welles, & part of his regiment, and some ravages in the neighbourhood of Bedford; at their earnest request I have thought it best to reinforce the Detachment on the Lines, which has consisted of 150 Rank & File, to 200 properly...
296To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 20th. A small supply of flour arrived yesterday. I will endeavour to enquire into the issues of provisions; but as the weekly returns are now sent to the Adjutant General, and the scarcity of paper forbidding duplicate Returns, I shall not have so good an opportunity of compareing the regimental & provision Returns, as probably the Adjutant General will...
297To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of yesterday, shall attend to its injunctions. Enclosed is Major Darbys opinion of the model of a flat bottom’d boat of the best construction for the convenience of men, and transportation of the boats on Carriages. Capt. Welles who has the charge of the Guards Boats informs me, that the number of boats is insufficient, and that additional ones of a...
298To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have sent a Detachment under the Command of a capable diligent Field Officer to dismount, launch and bring up the boats from Kings Ferry; which have lately been brought there on Carriages. I wish the Quarter Master General or one of his assistants, may point out the most proper place at murderers Creek for laying them up; that the Officer on his arrival, may meet his directions—It is not...
299To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this evening honored with yours of the 16th. I will direct that Major Reid be brought to tryal on thursday, and if the necessary Evidence for compleating the tryal cannot then be produced, and the Court should think proper to postpone the tryal; I will further direct that more rigid Confinement, than is common shall not be excercised. I shall observe your directions respecting Joshua...
300To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose a representation made to me, by Mr Frye Ensign and Paymaster to the 9th Massachusetts Regiment. He has been a faithfull & diligent Officer. I beg leave to submit his case to your Excellencys consideration. It will I believe be agreeable to him to join the Corps of Invalids at Boston, if you think proper —I am informed that there are one or two other Officers,...