421From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 4th[.] Shoes for the Massachusetts Line must be drawn by the State Cloathier or his Assistant for the Line at large and distributed according to their wants. If he will apply, he may have an order upon the Cloathier General for a proportion of the public Stock, which is at present scanty. I have no power to give Colo. Hazen authority to inlist the troops of any State...
422From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 11 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The new arrangements of all the Masssachusetts Regiments have been delivered in, agreeable to General Orders; but they are not accompanied by the Returns of the names and Ranks of the retiring Officers. As these are equally essential—you will be pleased to call for them immediately, and send them up to me as soon as they come in, that I may transmit them to the Board of War, at the same time...
423From George Washington to William Heath, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Resolve of Congress relative to the Forage belonging to this State, which was used by the Army during the last Campaign, was perticularly addressed to you; and is that matter hitherto been wholly under your direction, I return you the Report of the Arbitrators, and request you to bring this matter to a conclusion agreeably to the Instructions that have been given. I also return the report...
424From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Upon a full view of what (from the returns) must be the state of our Army when the Levies leave it the first of January —and of the little prospect there is of getting the places of many, if any of them supplied by that time —and when the importance of West point and the Southern communication with it is taken into consideration I can think of no better disposition of the Army for Winter...
425From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
When yours of this morning came to Head Quarters, I was from home. The direction of the Board of War to apprehend Deserters from the Convention Troops was clearly meant only to extend to those who should attempt to desert from CharlotteVille. Inclosed you have the order itself. You will therefore be pleased to order the two persons at present in confinement to be sent safely back to the...
426From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 19th ulto with the several papers to which it refers—You will be pleased to grant Capt. Flowers of the 3d Massachusetts Regt a dismission from the service, the Certificates transmitted being sufficient, and inform me of the time whe⟨n⟩ his resignation took place, that I may register it—If the number of Feild Officers with the first Brigade and the state of...
427From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am just now informed that the Enemy landed yesterday Morning at Amboy (said to be 5000) and were advancing towards Brunswic. Their design is not yet known, but a forage or an attempt to interrupt the communication from the southward, is most probable. The Virginia division and the Light Infantry have in consequence, moved from the Neighbourhood of Kackeat, lower down. Till we are assured of...
428From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 15 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 15 Dec. 1777. Heath’s letters to GW of 23 , 26 , and 27 Nov. are each docketed in part “Ansd 15th Decemr.”
429From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Major Blacckden of Colo. Sheldons Light Dragoons goes to Boston to procure Cloathing and Accoutrements for the Regiment against the ensuing Campaign. As the prices of many articles have risen from there being too great a number of Bidders, I have directed the Major, if there are any persons purchasing for the Continent, not to interfere with them, but to apply to them for such Articles as he...
430From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of Yesterday; And as I conceive it will be necessary for the security of the Posts below, & to prevent the Enemy from attempting a surprize, to have a Capts. Command for the Water Guard—I would have Capt. Welles continued on that service with his Detachment. In consequence of Colo. Hays information that there are considerable quantities of Flour on the River, which...
431From 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...
432From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 10th inst. inclosing a petition from Lt Colonel Tudor and Lieut. Thompso⟨n⟩ desiring a liberty to resign. I desire that their reques⟨t⟩ may be granted, not that it is my wish to have an Officer of Colo. Tudors good character out of the Army but as there will be a necessity of reducing the 16 additional Battalions to a less number, the more Officers that resign...
433George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Agrees with Heath’s proposals. Instructs Heath to make suggested moves. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
434From 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...
435From 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...
436From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday informed that the enemy had removed their Horse from Staten to York Island—They had also some days ago, impressed all the Sleighs within their reach in Bergen and carried them over to New York, but they have returned them upon the melting of the snow. It should seem from this that they had had some enterprize in view which may not yet be totally laid aside. I have thought it...
437From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 26th Ulto, by which I requested You to rejoin the Army, I desired that You would come Yourself to Head quarters. I am now to request that You will proceed to West point and take upon you the command of that post and its Dependencies. Major General Greene, who is at present there, will either communicate to You himself or leave with General McDougal to be transferred, the...
438From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
This Letter is in addition to my public one of this date —It is to hint to you, and I do it with concern, that your conduct is censured (and by Men of sense and Judgment who have been with you on the Expedition to Fort Independance) as being fraught with too much caution, by which the Army has been disappointed, and in some degree disgraced. Your Summons, as you did not attempt to fulfil your...
439From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 9th. From the representation made by General Clinton and Colo. Hay of the supply of Meat in the Northern department, I do not think there will be any need of sending the 100 Barrels of salt Beef to Albany. You will endeavour to have it distributed in the different Works. Under present circumstances, we should rather increase than diminish the discharge of the...
440George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 29, 1778 . Introduces Brigadier General Du Portail who is to examine the fortifications at Boston. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
441From 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...
442From George Washington to William Heath, 18 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favrs of the 16th of this Day. In Reply to the postscript of the first, I can only say, that the Report of the Commissioner who met at Elizabeth Town, has been sent on to Congress, with a Submission to them, how far Exchanges in future shall be practised—How ever desirable all Exchanges may be, nothing can be done untill I am furnished with the Determination of...
443From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 14th instant. Whatever may be the future intentions of the enemy, it is evident that they have lain aside all designs against Boston for the present: Lord Howe having returned to the Hook with his Fleet, and the Troops under Genl Gray have come down the sound again, and have landed at White Stone upon Long Island. I shall keep the best possible watch upon their motions,...
444From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to thank you for your favor of the 28th Ulto and its several inclosures—the intelligence given you by Mr Colvill is very interesting if it can be depended on—and particularly to Count d’Estaing—to whom no doubt you have communicated it. Your distribution of the twelve hundred Militia men ordered out by the Council of State—exactly coincides with my wishes—their labour if it has not its...
445From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have reciev’d your letter of this day, and concur with you in sentiment as to the probability of the Enemy’s endeavoring to land their forces at Hunts point, or some place not far distant from it; in order to prevent such an attempt from being carried into execution, I have sent up General Mifflin with the troops he brought from your quarters strengthened by a reinforcement; with this...
446From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to march tomorrow morning early towards Peeks Kill—in the vicinity of which you will find Major General Howe with a couple of Brigades. The command of the whole will, of course, devolve upon you. He will communicate the instructions he has received by which you will govern yourself. Send to hasten on Glovers brigade to join you at the same place. I am Dr Sir Your most Obed....
447From 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,...
448From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning favoured with yours of the 21st and 22d instants, containing the pleasing accounts of the late arrivals at Portsmouth and Boston. That of the French Ship of War with Artillery and other military Stores is a most valuable acquisition. It was my intent to have all the Arms, that were not immediately wanted by the Eastern States, removed to Springfeild, as a place much safer...
449From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 31st ulto and 3d instant. I should have been very glad had the situation of the Works, which Count de Rochambeau is constructing for the defence of the Island, admitted of the immediate dismission of the three months Massachusetts Militia, but as it does not, and the Count seems very desirous of compleating them, we cannot but consent to their staying out their...
450From George Washington to William Heath, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon my arrival at this place yesterday, I found your letter of the 2d, inclosing the complaints of sundry field Officers of the Massachusetts line. It is a painful reflection, that the best meant endeavors to promote the Service is subject to, and often meets with, the most unfavourable constructions; and that the numerous embarrassments which the distressed situation of our affairs...
451From 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...
452From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favors of the 14th & 17th. Genl Knox is just now absent, but when he returns, I will inquire into the necessity of keeping the guard, you mention at Litchfield. North Castle Church would certainly be a very ineligible situation for Genl Howe. From his letter to me, he had not taken post there, but was rather reconnoitering a proper position. I had a particular object in view when I...
453From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I reciev’d your favor of the Eleventh instant, advising me of the march of Parsons Brigade from Pekeskill to join us; I am now to acquaint you that from information reciev’d of the Enemy’s movements, it appears to me that they intend leaving this part of the Country, & to retire towards Brunswick & the towns contiguous to it, perhaps for the purpose of going into Winter quarters, unless indeed...
454From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The present posture of our Affairs, the Season of the year, and many other reason’s which might be urged, renders it indispensably necessary that some Systematic plan should be form’d, and, as far as possible pursued, by us—I therefore desire that immediately upon receipt of this Letter you will let Genls Mifflin & Clinton know that I desire to see them with you, at this place, (Head Quarters)...
455From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
You, being appointed to the command of the posts upon the North River, will forthwith proceed to West point or the Vicinity of it. All the posts on the North River from Kings Ferry inclusively upwards will be comprehended within the limits of your command. The troops destined for the Garrison of these posts and under your immediate command will be the four Massachusetts Brigades—General Poors...
456From George Washington to William Heath, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have enclosed to your care Letters for Col. Canfield, and Major Woodbridge (the letter under a flying seal) forbidding Flags of Truce to be sent or received except by way of Dobbs Ferry. Similar instructions are given to the Commanding Officer in Jersey —And you will perceive that the same prohibition is announced to the Army in the Orders of this day. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt MHi...
457From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Some advices lately recieved from Powle’s hook, has made it necessary that Col. William’s regiment, should march to that post as a re-inforcement to Col. Durkie; it will be proper therefore they should be immedy put in motion towards Mount Washington, where they are to cross. Yr hhble Servt LS , in William Grayson’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers.
458From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 2d informing me of your arrival at Roxbury. It is very essential that every thing in our power, not inconsistent with the establishments of Congress, or the States, should be done that can in any ways facilitate the recruiting service. I am of your opinion, that if clothing could be procured on the spot for such of the State quota as inlist, it would be a...
459From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to put General Nixons brigade under marching orders that it may be ready to move at the shortest notice: You will receive further directions for its destination. You will also send off in the morning early to Fish Kill a subaltern’s guard of chosen men to take charge of the French Minister’s baggage, when it arrives there and escort it to Philadelphia. Let the officer—be of...
460George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Skippack [ Pennsylvania ] September 30, 1777. Approves of Heath’s action in supplying Continental frigates with needed ammunition and is pleased with the capture of prizes. Sends news of successes in North and of British occupation of Philadelphia. Repeats orders to forward three regiments from Massachusetts. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
461From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captains Gawen Brown and John Langdon and Lieut. William Davis of Colo. Henry Jackson’s Regiment have requested to resign their Commissions and have lodged Certificates, that they are not indebted to the public. You will be pleased to call for their Commissions and to give discharges upon them. And as there are frequent applications by the Officers, employed at the Eastward, of the same nature...
462From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 21st Instant. I have not received General Du Portails plan of the works necessary for the defence of Boston and therefore, cannot determine the propriety of it. My wish is, that such works as are essential to its safety—and only such—may be erected. With respect to Captain McFall, as I know nothing of him—I can say nothing. He may be sincere in his...
463From George Washington to William Heath, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Fish mention’d by the Secretary of War, are doubtless meant to be those of the Season, as Shad or Herring—whether Salted or fresh I cannot determine, perhaps both. On the subject of your request for leave of absence, Major General McDugal has so early as the first of this month entered his caveat against your obtaining it—his reasons are assign’d in the inclosed copy of his Letter to...
464From Theodore Woodbridge to William Heath, 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just been honored with your order of this date—& the Letters accompanying—shall furnish a Flag tomorrow morning as early as possible—I shall have no inclination to relax in the least, on account of any favorable intelligence from the enemy, or to omit the use of the precautions you have been pleased to mention. Enclosed is a paper this day brought from below—It reported from below that...
465From Theodore Woodbridge to William Heath, 6 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Captn Prichard writes me “that he is informed by several people from below De Lancey has in their hearing said he had orders to lay still & not to come out—that he was very lately before this forming an expedition against Bedford.” We shall however be carefull in what manner to put confidence in such a character, untill by his actions he gives a convinceing proof of his veracity. I have the...