1From George Washington to William Heath, 3 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the Contents of Sir Guy Carletons Letter which came inclosed in yours of this Day, I find it is unnecessary for you to proceed to Phillips’s House—Sir Guy being disappointed in not obtaing Passports for M. Chief Justice Smyth to come out, he will not, he says, trouble an Officer of your Rank to be the Bearer of a Bundle of papers only—but adds that they shall be sent out in the ordinary...
2From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 17 Aug. 1776. Heath’s letter to GW of this date is docketed in Joseph Reed’s writing: “Major Genl Heath Kingsbridge Aug. 17 1776 Answerd do.”
3From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this day favor’d with yours of the 27th & 29th of May. I am surprised at the accounts you give me of the want of Cloathing for the Troops of Massachusetts. I took it for granted that they had been sent forward when it was intended that all your Troops shou’d go the Northward, & that they wou’d meet them at Peekskill. My reason for this was, that the Cloathier General repeatedly assured me...
4From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your two favors of the 11th instant. The latter announcing the appearance of the French fleet off New-port harbour. We wait anxiously for further particulars which we expect to day. Mr Corny mentions the bad state of the road of communication between Providence and New-port. It appears essential, as the intercourse may be great on this route, to have it attended to. I...
5George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 26, 1779 . Hopes that the “want of bread” has been “relieved.” Asks Heath to come to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I return you the proceedings of the Division Court Martial held by order of Majr Genl Parsons. I have confirmed the sentence of Taylor and ordered it to be carried into execution, at such time and place as you shall direct —The punishment ordered to be inflicted upon Cahos is not authorised by the Articles of War, but as it may be sometimes necessary to depart somewhat from the line laid down,...
7George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Directs Heath to prepare the light companies for march to Morristown. Sends general instructions. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
8From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 7 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
You are upon Receipt of this to cross the North River with the Troops under your Command in the Continental Service to wit Parsons’s Brigade & move on so as to give all possible Protection to the Country & Vigour to the Cause. If you could move on towards Morris Town in New Jersey it would be best, as by this Means a Junction may be made if necessary & at all Events such a Movement would...
9From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors this morning—I have only to request you will take the best measures in your power to ascertain the enemy’s movements and designs, and have your troops in readiness to act as occasion may require but without interrupting the works. You will continue to advise me. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obet, servant P.S. I think it will be adviseable to detach a couple hundred men...
10From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 7 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you on the 5th from Pluckemin, a Copy of which I inclose, least the Original should have miscarried. I confirm all the Orders given in mine of the 5th only that I would (if it is agreeable to you both) have Genl Lincoln continue with you, and let some other proper Officer conduct the Troops who are to join me. But this I leave intirely to yourselves. I beg you will keep up every...
11From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday requested you to have the light infantry formed before you marched and leave them behind—I am anxious this should be done as speedily as possible. So soon as they are drawn out, You will be pleased to direct the Commanding officer to send to Head Quarters for orders. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt Since writing the above I have received yours of this date—I could wish the light...
12From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with Yours of the 23d & 27th of November. If the Recruits intended for Lees and Jackson’s Regiments have not had the small pox, and are not marched when this reaches you, I desire they may be inoculated before they join the Army. After the repeated directions, which I had given to have All the Recruits who had not had that disorder innoculated the moment they were inlisted, I was...
13From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was from home yesterday when yours of the 14th came to hand. I have no doubt but you are sufficiently distressed for forage in your quarter as we are in this. All prospect of our expected cooperation being at an end I purpose to move the Troops towards their places of Winter Cantonments as speedily as possible, with this view you will be pleased to throw the two Connecticut Brigades with...
14From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your two letters, the one of the 26 of May and the other of the 6 Inst. The Congress sometime ago resolved that Col. Lee’s commission should not be received till further consideration. I have not heard any thing since on this subject and must therefore refer Col. Lee to Congress for an answer. I accept of the resignation of Captn Cleveland of Jackson’s Regiment, and...
15George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Directs Heath to appoint a court of inquiry to examine the conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick and Major David S. Franks. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th Instant has come duly to hand, and am glad to hear that Greatons Bond’s and Porter’s regiments are coming forward to join me; at the same time I must acknowledge I should have been much better satisfied, if they had contained a greater number of men than what you have mentioned: your sending them on with all possible expedition, was exceedingly proper; indeed no time is...
17From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of this date and Intend this Evening to go to Harlem and see whether the situation of Things will admit of the several Detachments and Dispositions you mention, so that every place necessary to be maintained should have measures taken for their defence. I should suppose that Hutchinsons Regiment & the 300 Men you say are at Mount Washington, will do to Garrison It for the...
18From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 15th and 16th instants. When the 1st and 5th New York Regiments were ordered up to Albany, I directed Genl Clinton, if he should receive advice that the enemy had retired, to send them down again. Under this order he accordingly directed their return: I had not then fixed, in my mind, the line of Cantonment of which I afterwards informed you. Upon the whole,...
19From George Washington to William Heath, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment setting out for Albany, and shall be absent a few days—I give you this information for the Regulation of your own conduct; and request in the mean time, you will give me any intelligence you may receive, which you shall deem of sufficient consequence for communication by Express. I am Dear Sir With great esteem Your Most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
20George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 14, 1779. Orders Brigadier General John Nixon to Pines Bridge to meet Major General Robert Howe. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
21From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence from two different quarters that the Fleet, which sailed on the 19th and 20th instants from the Hook, contained only the Invalids of the Army bound for Europe—the Officers of the reduced Regiments, and the families of several public and private Gentlemen. perhaps all outward bound Vessels might have taken the benefit of Convoy, which may have swelled the fleet to...
22From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 9th inclosing the proceedings of the Court Martial who set upon Strang. In my opinion the Sentence should be confirmed & executed. It gives me great pleasure to find that your Troops are in so great fordwardness, to move down on both sides of the River. I think the diversion which you will create, will be attended with the most happy Consequences to us and distress to the...
23From George Washington to William Heath, 3 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having desired you to meet an Officer from Sir Guy Carleton for the purpose mentioned in your appointment & authority, you will proceed to execute said business. In the course of which, you may inform the Officer you meet, that as I have no connection with, or controul over any Person in the Line in which Mr Smith walks; as the question before us is, in my opinion, purely of a military nature...
24From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
General poor sent down the Bearer Capt. Leigh for 10,000 dollars for the purpose of recruiting, but the military Chest here being intirely exhausted, I must request you, if possible to spare him that sum. But should your stock of Cash not admit of the whole, be pleased to let him have as much as you conveniently can. I am informed that the New Hampshire troops are just now in good temper and...
25From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 11 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Ships which have got up the River with their Tenders (and now two of our Row Galleys) must be well attended to, or they may undertake something against our Stores, Craft, or &ca at Spiten devil—delay no time therefore in having some Work thrown up at the Mouth of that Creek for the defence of what lyes within, & to prevent Surprizes. A Small number of Troops Imbark’d on Long Island...
26From George Washington to William Heath, 7 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Benson & Mr Smith have nominated Judge Hobart as a third person to determine with them the Disputes between the Army & the Contractors. The Gentlemen will attend to the Business on Wednesday next, and wish it may be accomplished at Poughkeepsie as that place will be much more convenient to them than any other; but if it should appear necessary that a large Number of Witnesses must attend...
27From 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...
28From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 20th—The disposition you have made of the troops at and near West point is agreeable to me. The two small Regiments at present at King’s Ferry were purposely stationed there, because they could not be Brigaded with convenience—They are shortly to be reformed and incorporated, and had therefore best remain where they are untill that time. Genl Greene had proposed to...
29From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry to find by yours of the 26th ulto that you are again involved in difficulties on the score of Bread. I flatered myself that your wants on that account had been overcome, and that you would not have been again distressed throughout the Winter. We are in a better situation than we were, but we may yet be said to be living from hand to mouth, never having more than two or...
30From 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...
31From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 16th Ulto only came to hand Two days ago. The arrivals which you mention and the capture of the Brig. by Commodore Manly are fortunate circumstances. The Cargoes are valuable & such as we wanted. In respect to General Spencers claim of pay on the footing of a separate command, It is what I do not conceive myself authorized to allow. I know of but One separate command in the...
32From 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...
33From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 25th March. I have had no request as yet from the Council of your State, for part of the new arrived Arms, to put into the hands of such of your Troops as were ready and only waited for them, but I desire that as many as are necessary, may be immediately drawn, and the Troops forwarded. So that there can be no further plea for delay upon that head. One thing I must...
34Instructions to Major General William Heath, 12 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
The uncertainty with respect to the designs of the Enemy renders any disposition of our army at this time a little unsettled; but for the present, your division, with such Troops as are now at Forts Constitution, Montgomery, & Independance are to be under your Command and remain in this Quarter for the security of the above Posts and the Passes through the Highlands from this place—and the one...
35From 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...
36From 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....
37From 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...
38From George Washington to William Heath, 24 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Previous to your departure from the Army, I wish to take an oppertunity of expressing my sentiments of your Services—my obligations for your assistance—& my wishes for your future felicity. Our object is at last attained—the arrangements are almost compleated—and the day of seperation is now at hand—Permit me therefore to thank you for the trouble you have lately taken in the arrangement of...
39From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having been desired by Congress to place some other in the room of General Ward, I have to request you will receive the command from him and hold it till further orders. I have accordingly desired him to resign it to you. I am Sir Your most Obedient servant LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW apparently sent this letter with...
40From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 19th that such progress had been made in forwarding the Cloathing from Boston to Springfeild &ca. I think you did right under the appearance of matters, to send the unmade Cloathing out of town, and I would recommend it to you to keep the Bulk still there, bringing it in as the Taylers want it. By a letter from Genl Greene of the 19th I am informed that the...
41From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favour of the 19th May. General De Coudrée arrived here last night, and set off this morning for Philadelphia. What his engagements with Mr Dean are, I cannot say; but as he is represented to be a Gentleman of great ability in his profession, I dare say his expectations are high. Congress will undoubtedly make a genteel and honorable provision for him; but I hope it may be done, in...
42From 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.
43From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favor of yesterday, I have to observe; that it appears to me there can be no propriety, in arresting an Officer, in ordinary cases, a long time before he can be brought to tryal; And that in the instance of Major Reed, upon his being brought before the Court, they would be the proper Judges, whether the Proceedings should be postponed, ’till further evidence was obtained. In...
44From George Washington to William Heath, 26 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 25th containing the Dispatches from Sir Guy Carleton; and the other Papers mentioned therein. I return those belonging to the British Officers on Parole at Dobbs Ferry, who may be permitted to go into the Enemy’s Lines—In future you will be pleased in the first instance to grant Flags to all such Persons as shall have Passports for the purpose from Congress,...
45From George Washington to William Heath, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your three favors of the 15th. A Copy of your Application in favor of Colo. Greatons Appointment to be a Brigadier, is submitted to the Consideration of the Sectry at War, with my Approbation—and the promotion will probably take place. The Commandg Officer of the post at Dobbs Ferry, should undoubtedly be furnished with a public Horse for the purpose of sendg by Land such...
46From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you this morning the inclosed Resolve of Congress came to my hands. As Sir Henry Clinton never complied with the request of granting passports for the transportation of Flour by Water it becomes necessary that the Convention troops should, without loss of time, be put in motion for Charlotteville in Virginia agreeable to the order of Congress. You will be pleased to signify...
47From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 6th and 8th Instants. I particularly alluded to Henley’s, Lees, and Jacksons Regiments when I expressed my surprize, that they had not been innoculated, as they had lain so long in Boston. I hope that very strict attention will be paid to that matter against the next Campaign: We find upon a scrutiny there are upwards of Two thousand Men to be innoculated in Camp at...
48From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured successively with your letters of the 30th & 31st Ulto and the 1st & 2d inst. Inclosed you will receive a warrant for the money due on your account. In respect to the removal of the chain, I am of opinion it ought neither to be taken up too soon, nor suffered to remain too late, I could wish you to have every thing in readiness by the time you mention, & shall speak to...
49From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last night favored with yours of yesterday. The two Connecticut Brigades are to Encamp on the west side of the river, as it may be a day or two before they march. All detachments from those Brigades should be called in, upon giving the Adjutant General notice that he may relieve them by others, except the party under the command of Major Throop, at work upon the redoubts, which cannot...
50From 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...