To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779
From Major General William Heath
Mandevilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]
July 19, 1779 4 oClock P.M.
Dear General
The enclosed is just Come to hand from Capt. Hopkins an Intelligent and good officer.1
Should not the guard Boats be Very Vigilant?
The Brass 12 pounders are brought to Nelson’s point.2 Shall they be kept here to be used as occasion may require, or be sent elsewhere? I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Excellencys Obedient Servant
W. Heath
LS, DLC:GW; ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers.
1. The enclosure is a letter of the same date, 10:00 A.M., from Capt. David Hopkins—at the new bridge over the Croton River—to Heath. It reads: “The enemy still lay at Sinsin as last evening, the Right on Smith hill half mile over the Bridge, So extend along Sinsin Wood towards Tarrytown—from every acct & appearences—their grand army is at this place—20 large and about as many smaller Vessels came up the river this Morning—no troops on board that I can discover—a great number of Boats in tow” (DLC:GW).
2. Nelson’s Point was between four and five miles north of Mandeville’s.