101From George Washington to William Heath, 8 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
A Committee of Congress are preparing a Report in which they wish to ascertain with as much precision as possible the numbers of Men we shall have remaining by some fixed day the ensuing Spring—In order to effect this—a very accurate Return will be necessary, specifying the term for which every non Commd Officer and private stands engaged. You will therefore immediately call for such an one...
102From George Washington to William Heath, 28 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your several Favors of the 9th—12th—& 17th—instt, with their Inclosures are received. The Disposition of the Troops for Winter Quarters, I think is well arranged—The New Hampshire Regiments, as they are already on the Ground, had best remain at the Northward, for the Protection of that Frontier—Hazens have already performed a long Tour of March & Duty; and it may seem hard to send them still...
103From George Washington to William Heath, 15 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Within a few Days I have been favored with your several Letters of the 24th, & 30th of Ulto & the 3d of the present Month, with their Inclosures—And am much pleased to find, that Matters wear so favorable an Aspect at the Northward—The Season being so far advanced, and the Prospects of the Enemy appearing to be on the decline, I hope we shall have but little more Trouble from that Quarter. The...
104From George Washington to William Heath, 29 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
As the Troops belonging to the States eastward of the Delaware are preparing to return from Virginia; and as the season for placing the Army in Winter Quarters is fast approaching I have thought it expedient to give you this early notice of the disposition of the Troops, that preparations may be made for their accomodation accordingly. The Troops of New Jersey, will remain in that State, near...
105From George Washington to William Heath, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have safely received your two favors of the 5th and 11th Instant—I thank you for the intelligence you have communicated; and am much pleased with the success of the Enterprize against the Refugee Post on Long Island. Having already transmitted to you all the Papers I had received, respecting the Enquiry ordered to be made into the conduct of Major General Howe, while commanding in Georgia, I...
106From George Washington to William Heath, 16 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favors of 27th & 30th ulto. I make no Doubt but Sir Hry Clinton will make every Effort in his Power, for the Relief of Lord Cornwallis—His Attempts this Way, I trust, will prove ineffectual, unless very soon executed. In mine of the 12th inst. I informed, that our second Parallel was opened on the Night preceeding—That Day, the 13th & 14th—were employed in compleating our...
107From George Washington to William Heath, 12 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 25th ulto reached me Yesterday. I am obliged by the Attention you pay to giving me every important Intelligence from your Department—Other Accounts, as well as yours, agree, that the British fleet suffered much in the Action with Count de Grasse—and that, in Consequence of this shattered Condition of their fleet, the Transports had returned to N. York, and debarked their...
108From George Washington to William Heath, 6 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your several Letters of the 13th—20—and 21st of September, have been received. The Quarter Mastr Genll’s of the Allied Army will be called upon for their return respecting Forage used at Phillipsburg, which you request; our present circumstances may perhaps render it difficult for them to attend to it at so early a time as may be expected. A Copy of the Report of a Board of Genll Officers, on...
109From George Washington to William Heath, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of the 9th and 12th of Septr. I am perfectly satisfied with the propriety of the measures you have taken in consequence of the Enemy’s Movements, and the intelligence you had received. Directions have already been given to the Quarter Master General for relanding the Provisions, which were shipped with design to be put under the protection of the Count de...
110From George Washington to William Heath, 24 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 5th inst. respecting the Conduct of Major Genl Howe while in Georgia—with Copy of the Instructions of the Genl Assembly of that State, in which is grounded the Resolution of Congress. These Papers I have lately received—and are now transmitted to you, that the necessary steps may be taken to pursue the Intentions of Congress by an Inquiry....
111From George Washington to William Heath, 23 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received your Favor ⅌ Messenger Kane—I have now to inform you that I arrived at this Place on the 14th and findg it necessary to have a personal Interview with the Count de Grasse, I paid him a Visit on Board the Ville de Paris, at Cape Henry—from whence I am just returned; after a very decisive Conversation with the Count, Upon Matters which may prove very interesting in our present...
112From George Washington to William Heath, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favour’d with yours of the 1st inst. and one by Capt. Webb, and am happy to hear that you meet with such little disturbance from the Enemy in your department.I have it now in my power to congratulate you on the arrival of Count de Grasse with 28 Ships of the Line & some Frigates, in the Chesapeack, with a body of Land forces on board, which he debarked immediately on his arrival.on...
113From George Washington to William Heath, 4 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this, a Serjt of Hazen’s, is sent to apprehend some deserters from that Regt, and as it is probable a number will leave the Regiments, that are now on their march for the Southward, who will direct their course for the North River. I wish you to place some cearfull Persons at every Ferry, from Kings ferry to Albany, who will apprehend them as they pass that River. The Eastern...
114From George Washington to William Heath, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this, one of the Stockbridge Indians, has come from the Chiefs of that Tribe with an offer of their service for part of the Campaign; their application you have inclos’d—In my answer to those Chiefs I have refer’d them to you; and if you think they can be of any advantage you may order them down—but it has ever been my opinion that their services never compensated the expence....
115From George Washington to William Heath, 29 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I send you the inclosed Letters to be transmitted to the several States—which you will be pleased to do as early as possible—I have delayed sendg them on till this Time, least the Object of our Expedition should be too soon disclosed. One of the Letters is left under a flying Seal for your Observation—from wch you will collect the Proportion of Militia still requested from the States for your...
116From George Washington to William Heath, 26 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterday reached me at this place. The Report to which you allude is with my Baggage; but as I imagine you have a Copy of it, you will be pleased to direct a Board to settle the Ranks of the subalterns who are interested, upon the principles established by the Board at Phillipsburg Camp. With great Regard I am Dear Sir Yr most obt sert MHi : Heath Papers.
117From George Washington to William Heath, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will please to furnish the Teams required by the Qr Mr General without a moments delay—These same teams, or some others, may reach you in time to answer the purposes you speak of. I am halted for want of them, and have my movements, the success of which depends absolutely upon celerity, impeded. Colo. Smith will apply for a party to assist the transportation at the Ferry, which I desire...
118From George Washington to William Heath, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Pickering is in want of Three Travelling Forges to compleat the number for the Troops on this side the River, I wish you to supply them from your Command, and have them replaced from West Point, where there is a number that may be fit for service with very small repairs. I am Sir Your Most Humble Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
119From David Humphreys to William Heath, 19 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief desires you will order a Court Martial on Doctr McKnight, in consequence of the enclosed Charges, whenever it is convenient—and that you will decide on the sentences of the Court Martial of which Col. Swift is President. I have the honor to be Your Most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
120From George Washington to William Heath, 19 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You are to take the Command of all the Troops remaining in this Department—consisting of the Two Regiments of New Hampshire, Ten of Massachusetts, & five of Connecticut Infantry—the Corps of Invalids, Sheldons Legion, the third Regiment of Artillery—together with all such State Troops & Militia as are retained in Service, of those which would have been under my own Comand. The Security of West...
121From George Washington to William Heath, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to take the inclosed Memorial of Udney Hay Esqr into consideration and report to me the opinion of the Board of General Officers of which you are President, thereon. I am Yr most obt and very hble servt MHi : Heath Papers.
122From George Washington to William Heath, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to convene the General Officers now in Camp and with them take into consideration a dispute of Rank between Colonels Swift and Webb. You will be pleased to report to me the opinion of the Board thereon. I am Sir Your most obt and hble servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
123From George Washington to William Heath, 1 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are three plans for settling the mode of succession in the Medical department. They have been submitted to me by the Board of War, but previous to giving my opinion, I shall be glad to be favored with those of the General Officers. You will be pleased to call them together as soon as convenient and report to me which plan they seem to approve, with any amendments which may appear to...
124From George Washington to William Heath, 8 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several Favors of the 18th & 24th ulto—and am obliged by the Assiduity with which you have attended to the Business comitted to your Care—I hope the Exertions of the States may prove equal to your Expectations, founded on the good Disposition which you say is generally prevailing, to give us all the Support in their Power—I feel myself however at a Loss to Account for the...
125From George Washington to William Heath, 20 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the Resolution of Congress of 13th June the Corps of Invalids is ordered to compose a Part of the Garrison of West Point and I have now given Direction for the whole of it to repair thither accordingly. The Order for the three Companies at Boston, I have tho’t proper to enclose to you, that you may facilitate & hasten their Movement, & see that all of the Men who are capable of marching are...
126From George Washington to William Heath, 15 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of the 7th Inst. The Letter from Governor Greene to which you allude, has never been received. Finding that it may be necessary to commence our operations at an earlier period than was expected, I have called upon the States, to have the Militia required of them, raised & marched in such time as that they will join the Army punctually by the 15th of July. It is my...
127From George Washington to William Heath, 13 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to You on the 8th instant urging the Necessity of having the Supplies of Provision, Rum, and Cloathing immediately forwarded from the States. These things are of such immense Importance to all our Plans, that they cannot be repeated too often, or pressed with too much Importunity. And I know there is Nothing so likely to succeed as incessant Representations on the Spot. In Addition to...
128From George Washington to William Heath, 8 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favored with your Letter of the 15th of May and have just now had the pleasure to receive that of the 29th—I intreat you not to relinquish or relax your Sollicitations and importunities until the great Object of your mission are fully accomplished. As the plan of the Campaign is now settled upon the presumption of the success of your Application, a Failure in the smallest degree on...
129From George Washington to William Heath, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to proceed immediately to the several Eastern States, with the dispatches, addressed to the Governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts Bay and the President of New Hampshire, on the subject of supplies for the Army. The present critical and alarming situation of our Troops and Garrisons for the want of provision, is (from the nature of your command) so perfectly...
130From George Washington to William Heath, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Distressed beyond expression, at the present situation & future prospect of the Army, with regard to provisions; and convinced with you, that, unless an immediate and regular supply can be obtained, the most dangerous consequences are to be apprehended, I have determined to make one great effort more on the subject—And must request that you will second & enforce my representations to, and...
131From David Humphreys to William Heath, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency (who has just rode out with Colonel Menonville first Deputy Adjutant General of the French Army) desired me to inform you, that he will be at West Point tomorrow Morng if the weather is fair : that he must return before dinner, and will expect the pleasure of your company up the river, if your health, & occasions will permit. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Dear Sir...
132From George Washington to William Heath, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday has been handed to me—You will be persuaded, that, at the same time, I sympathise sincerely with you, in your illness—I am by no means pleased with the unreasonable long absence of the General Officers, which has rendered your presence with the Army hitherto indispensably necessary. I have read the Proceedings of the Court Martial, and would have the sentences approved,...
133From George Washington to William Heath, 5 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening favored with your Letters of the 3d and 4th Instant. I am pleased to find the Recruits arrive in such numbers as you mention, and desire only that you will use your discretion entirely, in barracking or encamping the Troops in the best manner possible to preserve their health—Straw will be an essential article upon their first going into Tents. I have not the least...
134From David Humphreys to William Heath, 28 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by His Excellency the Commander in Cheif to inform you that the Troops of the Massachusetts Line may receive four Months Pay. I have the honor to be Your most Obedt Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
135From George Washington to William Heath, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Master informs that Teams with flour will probably be at New Windsor by tomorrow night, and suggests whether it will not be adviseable to have flat-bottomed Boats ready for the transportation of it; as sail Boats may be delayed by the adversity of Wind or Tide. The Commissary of Prisoners reports that there are several Prisoners of War, sent on as recruits from the State of...
136From David Humphreys to William Heath, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is His Excellency’s pleasure that One of the two Prisoners, belonging to the Massachusetts Line, now under sentence of Death for desertion, should be pardoned. He therefore requests that you will be pleased to Order that One of the two Culprits, whose crime shall appear to you the least aggravated, to be finally pardoned, and released from his confinement. I have the honor to be With the...
137From George Washington to William Heath, 20 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It was exceedingly proper to order the men who left the Detachment under the Marquis, to be confined—if the practice should prevail, severe examples must be made—but if it ceases here, and the number is small, it may not be worth the while to send them back, (Altho there should not be evidence sufficient to convict them here with certainty) lest the fear of Punishment should induce them to a...
138From George Washington to William Heath, 20 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have from the necessity of the case respited the two Criminals ’till Tuesday. In the mean time the provost Martial must be tried for refusing to execute his Office as directed by the Warrant—perhaps the Court may make some allowance for the reasons he alledges. If you think there is no need of executing both for the sake of example and can find out which is the most atrocious character...
139From David Humphreys to William Heath, 17 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes the distribution of the State Cloathing of Massachusetts may not be made, until the arrival of the Officer send by the Marquis to procure Cloathing for the Detachment of the Massachusetts line under his Command—As a part of that Cloathing may be necessary for these Troops—Capt. Heart, the bearer, informs the Officer may be expected every Moment. I have the honor to be...
140From George Washington to William Heath, 15 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of Yesterday. General Knox will concert Measures with you respecting the Artillery & Stores. I have no objection against building a Provost on Pollipus Island, if it is judged a good situation by those who have reconnoitred it—I never have examined it myself for the purpose. With great regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
141From George Washington to William Heath, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several Letters of the 9th 10th & 11th Instant. It will be proper upon the general principle & practice, to Order an enquiry to be made into the conduct of the Commanding Officer of the Guard, which escorted the Prisoners to Easton. The discriptive Lists of the Recruits may be lodged with the Commanding Officers of Brigades, or the Dep. Adjt Genl as you shall think best....
142From George Washington to William Heath, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of this day. No means in our power, to have the supplies you mention instantly brought forward, shall be left unessayed: the most pointed Orders have already been given to the proper Officers—repeated applications have been made to the Civil Authority for impress Warrants—and finally we have been forced to have recourse to a military impress, to obtain the teams...
143From George Washington to William Heath, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 7th, with a Postscript of this day. I have written to the Dep. Quartr Mastr at Hartford to have the salted Provisions forwarded; and will urge the Quarter Master General to see that Order carried into execution. I have to request that you will Order a Sub. Sergt two Corpls & 20 Men to reinforce my Guard—this party to be releived once a Week. With great regard...
144From George Washington to William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received and thank you for your information of this date. To guard against Assassination (which I neither expect, nor dread) is impossible—but I have not been without my apprehensions of the other attempt—Not from the enemy at New York—but the Tories & disaffected of this place; who might, in the Night, carry me off in my own Boat and all be ignorant of it till the Morning. If the Water...
145From David Humphreys to William Heath, 1 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency will be at West Point before 10 OClock to morrow Morng (Nothing extraordinary happening to prevent it) and wishes if practical that Horses might be provided for him to visit the outer Works. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Humble Servt P.S. The General will not go if the Weather proves rainy. MHi : Heath Papers.
146From George Washington to William Heath, 30 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letters of the 29th. The situation of the New York Troops, I am sensible, is indeed distressing—but I am in hopes their distresses will be in some measure alleviated, by an Order which the Dep. Pay Master has just received on the Treasury of the State for money to pay the Troops of its Line—Should this not be productive of releif, I will make representations to Congress,...
147From George Washington to William Heath, 28 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have no objection to Austin’s having permission to go to Morris Town, if nothing unfavorable has been discovered of him, while employed as you Mention. I am Dear Sir With great esteem Your Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
148From George Washington to William Heath, 26 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I recollect there was a Gun Boat employed on the River, which was withdrawn at the setting in of Winter, and which is again necessary for the same service, I wish therefore you would have it refitted, & stationed as formerly, for the same purposes. In answer to your Letter of the 25th respecting inoculation, you will be pleased to observe; it was under the idea of the New Hampshire Troops...
149From George Washington to William Heath, 25 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of Yesterday, and enclose the Discharge of Major Cartwright. The Deserter from Robinsons Regt is sent back, to be delivered to the Civil Authority, of West Chester County, to which he belonged. I am Dear Sir With great esteem Your Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
150From George Washington to William Heath, 24 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your two Letters of Yesterday. As soon as the time of Major Cartwrights resignation is transmitted by you, so that the Discharge may be properly dated, it shall be granted. I do not recollect Austin to have been employed by me—but he may be sent to this place; where he will be recognised, if he has been employed as a private Agent: and the pass given accordingly. I am Dear...