From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 October 1779
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters [West Point] 24 October 1779
Dear Sir
For the Reasons assigned in yours of this date and to protect the communication by Kings ferry, I think the Connecticut Division may as well move down as low as the neighbourhood of Pecks Kill—leaving a sufficient party to continue the work at the two Redoubts1—I shall direct Colo. Gouvion to lay out two small Works at Verplanks and Stoney points.2 You will be pleased to order the one on Verplanks3 to be executed by the Men of your division4—The troops may move as soon as you have fixed on a proper place of encampment near Verplanks.5 I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. For Heath’s compliance with these orders, see his letter to GW of 26 October.
2. See GW to Gouvion, this date, and n.1 to that document.
3. GW wrote the previous three words above the line on the LS.
4. For GW’s decision to expand the responsibility of Heath’s command to include the works at Stony Point, N.Y., see his letter to Heath of 27 October.
5. GW wrote the previous two words above the line on the LS.