1To George Washington from William Heath, 24 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Proceedings of a Board of General Officers assembled at Head Quarters the 24 June 1783 Present Major General Heath, Brig. Genl Huntington Major Genl Howe, Brig. Genl Hart Major Genl Steuben, Brig. Genl Greaton A Letter from the Commander in Chief dated 23 June 1783 was laid before the Board together with the sundry Papers mentioned therein—and the same being considered, On the first Question,...
2To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured by colonel Humphrys with a signification of your Excellency’s pleasure that I should be at head-quarters to morrow morning ten o’clock with the other general officers—I had made arrangements to commence my journey eastward to morrow morning, and intended to have paid my respects at head-quarters this evening or in the morning, had I not received the note from colonel...
3To George Washington from William Heath, 22 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
To accommodate the officers of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, I have this day consented that Lieut. Joshua Danforth should be paymaster to the regiment in the room of Lieut. Storer and that Lieut. Ames take the place of Lieut. Crock of the Same Regiment, have mentioned it in my orders of this day, and hope your Excellencys approbation, I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your...
4To George Washington from William Heath, 21 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In the month of January 1782, while your Excellency was at Philadlephia and I in command on Hudson’s river, you were pleased to send to my care several circular letters addressed to the governors of the eastern states, calling upon the states to make exertions, as was therein mentioned, at the same time directing me to transmit with those letters the returns of the number of men each state had...
5To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In the month of Jany 1780 Capt. Sewall lost all his Baggage by fire at West point, upon his representation and request to your Excellency you were pleased to send me directions from Morristown to give him an order on the Clothing Store for a supply of such articles as he had lost or such of them as might be in Store which was done and Sundry articles received and Charged, Capt. Sewall is now...
6To George Washington from William Heath, 16 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
It has been agreed that Brigadiers General Paterson and Greaton shall continue with the Massachusetts Troops, in consequence of which Brigadier General Putnam is to retire, as soon as your Excellency determines which of the Regiments are to be Brigaded together the Brigadiers will take Command agreably to their Seniority and Majors of Brigade and Brigade Quarters, will be reported to your...
7To 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...
8To George Washington from William Heath, 13 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to present your Excellency the arrangements of the four reformed Massachusetts regiments, and the New Hampshire corps. Some few of the Massachusetts officers have been arranged on the principles of seniority—I wish the arrangement may be left so far open that in case any of the senior officers should prevail on the juniors to exchange with them, it may be done. This I...
9To George Washington from William Heath, 8 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am so engaged in getting off the furloughed men and in the new arrangment of the Massachusetts line as not to be able to pay my respects this day at head quarters—which I pray your excellency to excuse. The arrangement of the four Massachusetts regiments is not compleated—there are five or six captains wanting and more lieutenants returned to continue than will be necessary—Some rule must be...
10To George Washington from William Heath, 6 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your excellency’s answer to the address of the generals and officers commanding regiments and corps presented yesterday, which was communicated at levee to those present. All appeared to be deeply impressed, and fully satisfied with your answer; and were it possible for confidence in your excellency’s paternal goodness to be enlarged, your answer of this day must I...
11To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is difficult for us to express the regret we feel at being obliged again to solicit your excellency’s attention and patronage. Next to the anguish which the prospect of our own wretchedness excites in our breasts, is the pain which arises from a knowledge of your anxiety on account of those men who have been the sharers of your fortunes, and have had the honor of being your companions...
12To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed returns were received the last evening and this morning. I have the honor to be most respectfully your Excellencys most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
13To George Washington from William Heath, 3 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to report to your excellency the returns of the regiments of infantry in the Massachusetts line of the army, which have been made conformably to the general order of yesterday. The 8. regiment is doing duty on the lines—notice has been given to the regiment, but return is not yet received. The regiments of the line are so nearly equal, that it is almost certain the 8....
14To George Washington from William Heath, 1 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to lay before your Excellency several votes of a board of officers consisting of the generals and officers commanding regiments and corps in the cantonment of New Windsor, passed yesterday, and also a copy of the report of a committee appointed to confer with the contractors respecting the agreement made between the contractors and the army in January last, and certain abuses in the...
15To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
From the reports of the commanding officers of brigades, I am constrained to represent to your Excellency the general uneasiness and complaints of the army in the Cantonment in New Windsor on account of the late irregular issue and bad condition of the provisions with which the troops have been served—The complaints and uneasiness are growing to a height that calls for a speedy remedy. The...
16To George Washington from William Heath, 13 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
It appearing by letters which have passed between lieutenant colonel Ezra Newhall of the 4. Massachusetts regiment and captain Bowman of the 5., regiment that the latter consents that the arrest which has been served on the former in consequence of charges exhibited by him, should be withdrawn—In consequence whereof we beg leave to submit to your excellency the withdrawing the arrest...
17To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your excellency having been pleased to call for my sentiments on the subject of such military institutions as may be requisite for the interior defence of these states on a peace establishment, permit me to submit the following: As the future defence and peaceable enjoyment of those invaluable rights and liberties so dearly rescued from the jaws of tyrany, will under heaven, rest on the...
18To George Washington from William Heath, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
A number of very respectable merchants in the town of Boston have lately been imposed upon and defrauded of property to a very large amount, by two persons whose names are William Campbell, and William Huntington, who after geting the property into their hands have abscounded, and as is Supposed gone to New York, such practices being detested by all civilized nations, and persons whose breasts...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To George Washington from William Heath, 7 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
We have had no arrivals since my last except the Cato at Marblehead whose passage was nearly as long as the Fortune which arrived at Boston, consequently has brought no late news. The Inhabitants of the Eastern parts of this State, are much alarmed at the growing Power and force of the enemy at Ponobscot, and the preparations which are said to be makeing at that place, The Garrison was...
22To George Washington from William Heath, 25 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was the last week honored with yours of the 3rd instant, and this day with that of the 15th. I am glad to hear Congress have been pleased to promote Colonels Greaton, Dayton, and Putnam. Brigadier General Greaton arrived here this evening. Should the British Kings Speech, or any other European intelligence of consequence be received in this Quarter, your Excellency may depend on the earliest...
23To George Washington from William Heath, 1 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the last southern mail I was honord with yours of the 17th ultimo. I have desired Lt Colonel Popkin to furnish me with a return of the number of soldiers who came in the Cartel from Canada and were ordered on to the army a list of their names if he has one, and the name of the Serjeant who marched the party. was in hopes to have had them in Season to forward with this, but they are not come...
24To George Washington from William Heath, 25 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday between One and two oClock P.M. the French Fleet came to sail in Nantasket road, and stood out to Sea, the weather was fine, with a fresh breeze from the N.W.—this morning the wind was light at N.E.,—in the afternoon has veered more Easterly, there are some signs of a storm gathering,—it is to be hoped the Fleet will get out of the Bay, and clear of the Cape, before a storm comes on,...
25To George Washington from William Heath, 18 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Capt. Banister, I received by the last weeks post, in consequence whereof I have written to Capt. Day, to releive Capt. Banister on the first of January, and have informed him that I should represent the matter to your Excellency for such further orders as you may think proper. I beg leave to submit it accordingly. We have no news of consequence in this Quarter,—The...
26To George Washington from William Heath, 29 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
A Cartel has inst. arrived at Boston from Quebec and has brought a number of American prisoners, there are among them several Officers and about twenty soldiers inlisted to serve during the war, I have directed Lieut. Colonel Popkin to forward the latter on to the Army to recieve your Excellencys further orders, they principally belong to Connecticut and New York, they are in extreme want of a...
27To George Washington from William Heath, 5 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the after general order of the 30. ultimo, I took immediate measures for completing an arrangement of the Massachusetts line by this day; but the field-officers of the line having requested some longer time to give the officers an opportunity to agree and accomodate the arrangement among themselves, and your excellency having been pleased to wave the completion of the...
28To George Washington from William Heath, 4 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
It has been my determination and endeavour to have presented your Excellency this Evening a List of the Officers of the Massachusetts Line, and a Sketch of arrangment agreable to what I hinted to your Excellency when I had the honor last to see you, but I find it impossible to have it compleated in Season to be delivered this evening, I therefore request your indulgence to defer it Untill...
29To 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...
30To George Washington from William Heath, 29 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of your Excellencys Commission and Instructions to us, we proceeded to Tappan on the 25th instant; where we were met by Lieut. General Campbell and the Honorable Mr Elliot, Commissioners on the part of General Sir Guy Carleton. The next Morning we interchanged Copies of our respective powers, and adjourned to the followg Day. On perusal of the powers vested in the Commissioners of...
31To George Washington from William Heath, 27 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your commissioners arrived at the State the day before yesterday at two o’clock P.M. where they were met a few minutes after by lieutenants-general Campbell and the honorable mr Elliot, commissioners from his excellency general sir Guy Carleton. Yesterday the powers were shewn; those of the commissioners from sir Guy Carleton appearing to your commissioners to be inadequate to the purposes of...
32To George Washington from William Heath, 3 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to the General orders of the first Instant attended by the Field officers of the Day and Quarter Master General (the Adjutant General being Absent) yesterday the approaches leading to this Encampment and the extent of the creeks, and find that the Isthumus between the heads of the creeks is nearly three Quarters of a mile wide through which there is an avenue easy of access to...
33To George Washington from William Heath, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
A few minutes since Lieut. Bull of Colonel Canfields Corps came to my Quarters having in Custody a Mr Peter Corne, and three others, who came to Stamford in a Flag granted by General Birch, which is enclosed—I have detained Mr Corne and the others here untill your pleasure is signified. He is the Gentleman who formerly owned the House at Peekskill in which Judge Lawrence now lives—Inclosed is...
34To George Washington from William Heath, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was handed to me this morning—I am informed by an officer who is present, that such is the case with the boats assigned to other divisions, and that where the boats appear to be tight, while they lay empty in the water—as soon as a number of men get in them, and sink the seams below, which were above the water, they leak very much. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect,...
35To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Enclosed came to hand a few minutes Since from Colonel Olney, having several Letters in my hand I broke the Seal of one of them, before I found my mistake that it was not addressd to me, I beg your Excellency’s Pardon for this inadvertence and assure myself your goodness will excuse it. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
36To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Some officers in the 3d Massachusetts brigade wish to send to Philadelphia for the money due them on mr Peirce’s notes—A surgeon of one of the regiments who has a horse, will go immediately if your excellency will grant permission. As the officers are in great want of their money, I beg leave to request your permission for the surgeon to go, which will take but a few days—a mate is with the...
37To 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...
38To George Washington from William Heath, 27 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed your excellency will find a report made this morning by brigadier-general Huntington of a soldier belonging to the Connecticut line in crossing a corn-field being fired upon and wounded by an inhabitant in the day time, and how far measures have been taken to obtain justice. The soldier had one of his legs broken—it is yet uncertain whether an amputation must take place or not. I have...
39To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 25th. Altho’ my conduct and Command may not have been without many errors and imperfections, a consciousness of the rectitude of my intentions, have rendered me very indifferant to any charges which have been devising against me. I feel most Sensibly your Excellency’s attention and kindness, in the Offer of leave to visit my Family, however Strong my...
40To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed memorandum was sent me the last evening by colonel Webb, and is submitted for such directions as your excellency may think proper to give in any of the particulars mentioned. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington. Some of the Companies have only a partial supply of Ammunition. A deficiency of...
41To George Washington from William Heath, 25 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The 1st Connecticutt regiment is just relieved and on its return from Dobbs ferry, they reach’d Verplanks point last night or this morning. The Commanding Officer has sent up to me to know whether the regiment shall halt and remain at the point or come up and join their Brigade—The regiment have their Tents with them, and if the Army is to march in a few days, the regiment will have a needless...
42To George Washington from William Heath, 23 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Five companies of light-infantry have been assigned at a time to do duty on the lines—the corps of light-infantry now consists of five battalions—If your excellency should approve of the duty on the lines being done in future by four companies at a time, three above Croton and one with captain Hunt’s company of levies at Bedford, it will render the mode of doing duty easy, each battalion doing...
43To George Washington from William Heath, 23 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured with yours of the 22nd last evening—wrote major Ashley to order mr Darking to return immediately within the enemy’s lines, and have written brigadier-general Birch on the subject, conformably to your excellency’s directions. The letter from governor Livingston to general sir Guy Carleton has been forwarded to Dobbs’s ferry. The enclosed from captain Pray was received this...
44To George Washington from William Heath, 22 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from major Ashley, I received at two o’clock this morning. I have written to the major to detain the flag until he receives your excellency’s directions for further proceedure. I enclose two New York papers—one of the 19th the other of the 20th instant. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of George Washington.
45To George Washington from William Heath, 19 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with Yours of yesterday, in obedience to which a company of light infantry march’d to Peeks Kill early this morning with two days provision; as the weather has been bad probably it has prevented Your Excellency’s going to Peeks Kill this day—The company which marched this day will be out of provisions tomorrow evening—I shall order another company tomorrow with...
46To George Washington from William Heath, 19 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Letter from Mr Sedgwick was handed to me this Day by the bearer Mr Williams, Mr Sedgwick is a member of the General Assembly in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and I believe concerned in the Contract for supplying the moving Army—Mr Williams Seems to be very deficient in not, having obtained permission from Governor Hancock, I can only refer him to your Excellency, and beg...
47To George Washington from William Heath, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the advanced season of the year, I beg leave to submit to your excellency’s consideration whether it is not time to take some measures for procuring a supply of fuel for the garrison of West-point the approaching winter. Any mode which your excellency may think proper to direct, shall be carried into execution. I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most...
48To George Washington from William Heath, 12 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from captain Pray came to hand the last evening. George Losier, whom he mentions to have taken, being an inhabitant and not taken in arms, I have written to captain Pray to deliver him to the civil authority. Colonel Jackson returned from the command at Dobbs’ ferry yesterday—He has some late New York papers, which he will present at head-quarters. All the late accounts from New...
49To George Washington from William Heath, 11 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was handed to me the last evening. From the circumstances which are related, I am led to request your excellency’s indulgence to Barnam, and that he may have it as soon as you may think it convenient. I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. Enclosed is a representation of John Barnam (a soldier...
50To George Washington from William Heath, 10 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honoured with yours of the 8th. A general court-martial shall take cognizance of major Porter’s absence as soon as it can be effected. I wish to know how your excellency would have the charge or charges expressed. I have sent parties this day to repair the roads towards Pecks-kill. It is said there is great uneasiness in New York and at Morrissania among the refugees, on...