211To George Washington from William Heath, 15 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday afternoon, found the General Assembly sitting, presented your letter to Governor Trumbull, together with a representation containing the spirit of my instructions. This morning I attended the Governor, Council and the Representatives in Council-Chamber—when the papers were read, and I had an opportunity to speak on them—The papers were committed to a Committee of both...
212To George Washington from William Heath, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 5th and 6th to which I shall duly attend. I hoped I should not have been compelled again to represent our situation on account of provisions; but supplies of meat have not arrived. All the Irish beef in the store has been gone for some days—We are at last forced in upon the reserves—that in fort Clinton has been taken all out this day—The pork which was ordered...
213To George Washington from William Heath, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed news-paper came to hand the last evening; although of an elder date than the one I last sent, may be one which your Excellency has not seen. The officer on the lines writes me—that it was reported, a small fleet with troops on board, sailed lately from New York—and that in the course of a week, another fleet was to sail. The enclosed letter from General Clinton came to hand this...
214To George Washington from William Heath, 5 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you the proceedings of a general court-martial on several soldiers who lately deserted from the light-infantry, and some others. The reason of my troubling your Excellency with them, is my present indisposition, which forbids my passing on them. I am now feeling those consequences which I have had for some time but too much reason to expect. The unreasonably long...
215To George Washington from William Heath, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed news-paper came to hand the last evening. The officer commanding the water guards writes me, "All accounts agree that there is the greatest preparation in New York for some movement—the Confederacy is arrived in New York—is thought to be one of the finest ships in their navy." I have been much indisposed this day or two past—but hope I shall shake it off. I have the honor to be...
216To George Washington from William Heath, 3 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The daily arrival of recruits from the eastward has so filled the barracks that more cannot be received into them without crowding them so close as to endanger their health. We have no expedient, but that of putting one regiment or part of a regiment from each of the brigades in the garrison into tents—I fear it is too early to take the step; but do not see how it can be avoided. I have...
217To George Washington from William Heath, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed news-paper came to hand the last evening. Major Flagg, who commands on the lines informs me that Mr Pines one of our guides, had been below, where he learnt that it was currently reported the 17th dragoons are to embark, and, it is said, Sir Henry Clinton with them—that Arnold is expected in New York—and is to command on the lines. Our situation at this post grows more alarming on...
218To George Washington from William Heath, 29 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am this morning honored with yours of the 27th and Colonel Humphrys’ of the 28th. I shall take immediate measures to ascertain the number of prisoners of war who have been sent on as recruits from the Common wealth of Massachusetts, and write the civil Authority of the Common wealth on the ill policy and dangerous tendency of trusting the fortunes, lives and liberties of these States, to be...
219To George Washington from William Heath, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have mentioned to some of the principal officers of the Massachusetts line the receiving but three months pay at this instant , viz. for January, February and March, out of the monies sent on by their Commonwealth, and the fourth month a short time hence: but I find their distresses so great and their debts so accumulated, that it is not possible for them to do with less than the four...
220To George Washington from William Heath, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Scammell, returned with me the last evening from Head-Quarters, I find by some expressions, his great desire to serve in the Light Infantry this Campaign, he observed that no Field Officer during the war, had been taken from the New Hampshire Line to serve in that Corps, I sincerely wish if agreable to your Excellency, and it can be effected with out inconvenience, that Colonel...
221To George Washington from William Heath, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Assistant paymaster-general has informed me that 240000 dollars, new emission, is sent to the pay-office by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay the troops of their line. The Committee from the army now at Boston lately informed me by letter that they had agreed with the Common-wealth on a complete settlement for the last years pay—and that in case any money arrived at the pay-office,...
222To George Washington from William Heath, 23 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is this moment put into my hand. While your Excellency is with the army, I think it improper for me to grant warrants impress—I therefore beg leave to submit the necessity of an impress warrant being granted for the purposes within mentioned. The case, most certainly, is very urgent. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant, DNA :...
223To George Washington from William Heath, 21 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two favors of the 20th. I am informed that twelve or thirteen men have deserted from the light infantry—but few of them have come to their regiments. It is generally thought, that such as have not come in are lurking in the vicinity of the post to hear how those who have come in are treated. The subaltern who was with Captain Pope and who had the immediate charge...
224To George Washington from William Heath, 20 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
This being the day appointed by your Excellency’s orders, for the execution of Robert Maples, alias John Walker, and Nathan Gale, directions were given for the necessary preparations to be made—and the troops have been paraded. Mr Hutton the Provost-marshal, who had received your Excellency’s warrants for the execution of the culprits, has attended—but has refused to perform the execution...
225To George Washington from William Heath, 19 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed News paper came to hand the last evening, altho it is not of a very late date but the latest I have received. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
226To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
A number of soldiers have returned from the light infantry—One or two of them, I am informed, produces certificates from the Governor of Maryland, that they were left sick—Others have nothing to shew, and are undoubtedly deserters. I have ordered the latter to be confined in the main guard. What shall be done with them? Shall they be brought to tryal here, or sent back? If brought to tryal,...
227To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 12th—am happy to hear your Excellency has thought fit to take the several measures mentioned in your letter, to bring forward the provisions—It is an object about which I am at present most concerned—as it is certainly the most threatning circumstance we have to encounter. If relief is seasonably and effectually afforded, I think we have little...
228To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed proceedings of the Brigade Court martial appointed by Colo. Commandant Greene, came to hand since writing my other letter of this date. I forward one Charles Simpson, a Groom to Colo. Gunning, of the 82 British Regt who has, (as he saies) deserted from his Colonel with a Saddle Horse, he can relate many particulars respecting the Situation of the Enemy, mentions that the...
229To George Washington from William Heath, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the inclosed from Capt. Pray, by which it seems the fleet has returned from the southward, but whether with or without troops, does not yet appear. There certainly are several movements which require critical observations. Simpson the deserter (or whatever he may be) who I sent up this afternoon, says a large number of four and two horse waggons had been brought from Long...
230To George Washington from William Heath, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of the 12th to which in its several parts I shall pay attention. After the instructions given by Governor Clinton to Major Paulding, respecting Capt. Simmons, I am not a little surprised that Major Paulding should take him to the lines without ever mentioning the matter to me. Perhaps the opinion I expressed to him, when on his way to the Governor,...
231To George Washington from William Heath, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The officer whom I sent down the river with the families in the flag sloop, was not permitted to proceed lower than Fort Washington—He procured a New York paper of the 9th which is enclosed. He could not ascertain what troops were doing duty at fort Washington—but saw at the Commandant’s, orderly serjeants from the 38th and 57th regiments of foot, and a dragoon from the 17th—The officer could...
232To George Washington from William Heath, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since yesterday morning I have obtained a New York paper of the 4. inst. which I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency. Yesterday we began laying the chain across the river—it was fastened on one side but night came on before we could secure the other end—It will be effected to day if the wind is not too fresh. The small pox patients are in a pretty good way, but want exceedingly some...
233To George Washington from William Heath, 10 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Capt. Cleaveland of the corps of sappers and miners, was put into my hand the last evening. My not having knowledge of your Excellency’s orders and intentions respecting the matter obliges me to lay it before you. Enclosed is a New York paper of the 3d the only one I have been able to obtain since the one of the 28th ulto. it came to hand this morning. Capt. Pray writes me...
234To George Washington from William Heath, 10 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was put into my hand by Major John Porter, the D.A.G. at this post, who appears very desireous to make an attempt, to surprise, and take, the Hessian General at Morriss House, as your Excellency is much better acquainted with the Situation, and probably the prospect of Success, than I can be, I wish your Opinion, and pleasure on the matter. Major Porter appears pretty Sanguine...
235To George Washington from William Heath, 9 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of the 8th. I am happy to find your Excellency has been pleased to take measures, which I hope will be effectual, for the forwarding the salted provisions from Connecticut. Unless they arrive very speedily , we shall be much straitened. My apprehensions of want were encreased yesterday by Mr Irvin the staff Commissary at New Windsor applying here for a...
236To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was this moment given me by Judge Lawrence. I apprehend it is beyond a doubt that I am the fourth person. The gun boat is stationed at Fort-Montgomery, with as positive instructions of vigilance as can be given—and I have directed the greatest vigilance in guards and sentinels here—have ordered patroles from all the guards, &c. Your Excellency can form the best judgment, whether...
237To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this date. Your Excellency may rest assured that the water shall be well guarded by night—I will take the earliest opportunity to obey your orders respecting Judge Lawrence and Mr Beakman. I am not a little apprehensive that we shall very soon want provisions—The unhappy misapprehensions of the Deputy Quarter master at Hartford, will, I fear, create so much delay in...
238To George Washington from William Heath, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose the protest of a number of officers of Colonel Hazen’s regiment against the conduct of Major Reid, in his defence before a general Court-martial some time since—it was presented to me during your Excellency’s absence. As Major Reid has been and still is absent, nothing has been done respecting it. While your Excellency was absent, a Capt. Simmons of Colo....
239To George Washington from William Heath, 2 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I find there is in every Regiment a Considerable number of women & Children, especially the former who draw Provisions——many of the Officers assert that there is a resolve of Congress or an order or Regulation of Your Excellencys which points out the number allowed to each Company or Regiment, If there is such resolve, or order, I will thank you for information of it if there is not I wish...
240To George Washington from William Heath, 30 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this date—shall communicate to the officers of the New York regiment the case your Excellency has been pleased to take for the relief of the regiment; which I hope will be effectual. I thank your Excellency for your opinion respecting my expences on my journey to this place the last fall. Am sorry that a remedy in the case of expences here does not rest with you: and...