121From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you this morning the inclosed Resolve of Congress came to my hands. As Sir Henry Clinton never complied with the request of granting passports for the transportation of Flour by Water it becomes necessary that the Convention troops should, without loss of time, be put in motion for Charlotteville in Virginia agreeable to the order of Congress. You will be pleased to signify...
122From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you yesterday inclosing the resolve of Congress for the removal of the Troops of the Convention to Virginia. I find, upon perusing the resolve more attentively, that Sir Henry Clinton by the resolve of the 11th of Septemr—recited in that of the 15th Inst.—had the choice of either granting passports to transport Flour by Water, or to supply the Troops himself by the 1st Inst. If...
123From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
If the fleet of Men of War and Transports, which have lately sailed, should appear off Boston, be pleased instantly to send an Express to meet Genl Gates with information of it, that he may hasten the march of the six Brigades under the command of himself and General Mcdougall. Be pleased also to advise me of it with the greatest dispatch, as I mean, should such an event take place, to set out...
124From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence from two different quarters that the Fleet, which sailed on the 19th and 20th instants from the Hook, contained only the Invalids of the Army bound for Europe—the Officers of the reduced Regiments, and the families of several public and private Gentlemen. perhaps all outward bound Vessels might have taken the benefit of Convoy, which may have swelled the fleet to...
125From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 21st Instant. I have not received General Du Portails plan of the works necessary for the defence of Boston and therefore, cannot determine the propriety of it. My wish is, that such works as are essential to its safety—and only such—may be erected. With respect to Captain McFall, as I know nothing of him—I can say nothing. He may be sincere in his...
126George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] October 29, 1778 . Has forwarded to Congress Heath’s requisition for flour. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
127From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last evening received your favor of the 25th copy of which I have transmitted to Congress to show them the state of your Magazines —The want of Flour every where opens really a distressing prospect—It is much to be feared we shall find the greatest possible difficulty in supplying the demands for that article through the Winter. I inclose you the copy of a Resolve of Congress of the 22d...
128From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your several Letters of the 23d—26th & 28th Ulto—the first and last of which came to hand last night and this morning. On the 29th, I wrote you of the difficulties that attend the procuring of flour. The Commissary I am persuaded, does not leave a step untried to obtain supplies; but it will be, at least, immensely difficult to do it. The loss of the Biscuit was an...
129From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 30th ulto by Captain Master, who waits in this Neighbourhood until he can hear from New York, having written to Sir Henry Clinton in order to effect his exchange. a Resolve of Congress lately passed put it out of my power to indulge his wish of going in himself. From part of Genl Phillips’s letter I am led to believe, that he had not received orders from you to prepare...
130From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 31st ulto and 2d and 3d instants. As I do not think myself at liberty to grant Genl Hamiltons request without the concurrence of Congress I have transmitted the Copy of his letter to them and have desired their immediate answer, that if they do not chuse to comply, the Flag Vessel may not be unnecessarily detained. I have sent Officers to meet the troops at Enfeild and...
131From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with Your Letter of the 11th Instant—and I am also to acknowledge the receipt of the one that came by Mr Holker. When I wrote you on the 29th of October and the 6th of November—Congress seemed to apprehend that an Attack might be made on Boston—and indeed it was the opinion of many. This consideration—as your services in such case might have been very essential there—and...
132From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had your favor duly handed me of the 25th Ultimo. Perfectly satisfied in your recommendation of Major Lyman, I should not hesitate on the propriety of serving him. But on considering the situation of those corps, attatched to no one State; with the inexpediency of augmenting the number of their officers, in the present circumstances of the army; and at a juncture, when we have been obliged...
133From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a letter to the honorable the council of Massachusetts, by which you will observe I am directed by Congress to appropriate the cannon lent this State, to the defence of the posts on Hudsons river. I have to request you to seal the letter, and deliver it to the council. And further, upon receiving the councils permission, that you will take the most effectual and immediate...
134George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 26, 1779 . Hopes that the “want of bread” has been “relieved.” Asks Heath to come to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
135From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 8th inst. with its inclosures—I have reason to hope that the extremity of distress to which the troops at the Eastward have been exposed for want of bread will be relieved and that the Commissary will have it in his power to prevent its happening again. The state of our money involves a variety of distracting difficulties which are rather to be lamented...
136George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 25, 1779 . Acknowledges receipt of information concerning enemy. Instructs Heath to keep troops in readiness to act. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
137From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors this morning—I have only to request you will take the best measures in your power to ascertain the enemy’s movements and designs, and have your troops in readiness to act as occasion may require but without interrupting the works. You will continue to advise me. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obet, servant P.S. I think it will be adviseable to detach a couple hundred men...
138George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Advises sending Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington’s brigade to Continental Village where forage is more plentiful. LS . in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
139George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Agrees with Heath’s proposals. Instructs Heath to make suggested moves. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
140From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consideration of the scarcity of forage, where you now are, and the plenty, which you mention to be at the Continental village, I think it will be best for one or both the Brigades, Parsons & Huntington’s to move to that place—Nixon’s will remain where it is. In this position it will be necessary to be very vigilant against a surprise, particularly from a sudden movement of the enemy by...
141From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you this morning by General Woodford—I am glad to find the ideas of your letter correspond with mine —You will act accordingly—It is the more necessary to proceed with caution as I have just received advice from General Gates, that a considerable detachment sailed from Rhode Island the 25th instant, steering a Western course —This seems to indicate some serious design this way. I am...
142George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 1, 1779 . Asks Heath to cooperate with Baron von Steuben. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
143From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major General Baron De Steuben will have the pleasure of delivering you this. He waits upon you to make some arrangements in your division relatively to his department, in which I am persuaded you will chearfully cooperate. His important services intitle him to our confidence & esteem. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers. The general orders...
144From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received Your favors of the 1st 2d & the present date. I do not yet know in what light Captain Cole will be considered, whether as a prisoner of War, or a Citizen. I have written to Major Talmadge to inform me of the circumstances of his capture. The Deserters to Bedford, I think, had better go to Connecticut. Directions will be given for purchasing their Arms—and as to the sum to...
145George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 10, 1779 . Describes British raids on Connecticut. Asks Heath to march to scene of action with two Connecticut brigades. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
146George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 10, 1779 . States that the “light companies of the two brigades should be left behind for a few days.” LS , in writings of George Washington and H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
147George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] July 10, 1779 . Again requests Heath to form the light infantry. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
148From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received repeated intelligence this morning that besides the detachment which went from New Haven, the enemy in considerable force was moving by land towards horse neck, with a good many pieces of Artillery and a large number of Waggons. My accounts are that the first mentioned detachment had left New Haven, gone to Fairfield burnt the Town reimbarked and were off Norwalk, where ’tis...
149From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of this day, I omitted mentioning to you, that it is my wish the light companies of the two brigades should be left behind for a few days and ’till further orders—This you will be pleased to have done that they may be properly arranged. I am Sir Your most Obedt serv. LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW signed the cover...
150From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday requested you to have the light infantry formed before you marched and leave them behind—I am anxious this should be done as speedily as possible. So soon as they are drawn out, You will be pleased to direct the Commanding officer to send to Head Quarters for orders. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt Since writing the above I have received yours of this date—I could wish the light...