To George Washington from William Heath, 4 December 1781
Head quarters, Highlands December 4. 1781.
Dear General,
Inclosed is copy of a resolution of Congress directing me to furnish an escort for the mail between Morristown and Fishkill; in consequence of which three or four dragoons have since been assigned to that duty: their horses are now worn down with fatigue—the leaves are off the trees, which will deprive the lurking mail-stealers of cover—and troops are on the communication. If your Excellency should think the mail will pass safely without an escort in future, I request you will be pleased to obtain a suspension of the resolve. If it should be thought inexpedient to discontinue the escort, the quarter master—general must furnish a relief of horses. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant
W. Heath
P.S. On the morning of the 2d a skirmish happened near the lines between one of our scouts and a party of the enemy, in which the latter were repulsed with loss; but captain Sackett of the New York levies was unfortunately taken a few minutes before the skirmish happened. Inclosed in the account I have received.
W. Heath
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
Bedford Dec. 3. 1781.
"Sir,
Yesterday morning I being at Harrison’s purchase with captain Sackett with a party of 26 men on a Scout, captain Sackett went to a house about a quarter of a mile from the party and was cut off from us in a few minutes by the enemy, getting between him and me. The enemy immediately after making him prisoner advanced with their whole force, which was about forty-five horse, and attacked my party; but I repulsed them in about fifteen minutes, drove them from the field, killed one of their men, two horses and wounded eight of their men—Captain Kipp was shot in two places through his body and arm, and the inhabitants say he is mortally wounded. I had not one man killed or wounded. Colonel Holmes commanded the enemy’s party. I am, sir Your’s,
W. Mosher"