501To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
From the reports of the commanding officers of brigades, I am constrained to represent to your Excellency the general uneasiness and complaints of the army in the Cantonment in New Windsor on account of the late irregular issue and bad condition of the provisions with which the troops have been served—The complaints and uneasiness are growing to a height that calls for a speedy remedy. The...
502To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Last evening, three Hessian Deserters came to my Quarters. They left Fort Washington last sunday evening. One of the three is a very intelligent man, and has given me many particulars. (viz.) That the Troops at & near Fort-Washington, are said to amount to about 6,000 men, about one half the number British Grenadiers & Light Infantry. These Corps came from New York to that place, at the time...
503To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since my last the Deputy Pay Master Genl has received from the Honble Continental Congress, Warrents on the Loan Office for a Supply of Monies. We have purchased about One Hundred Horses for the Cannon and Ammunition Waggons, As soon as the latter are compleated, the whole will be sent on without loss of time. Saturday last a prize Brig. was sent in Here by Comodore Manly. She was bound from...
504To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 20th Ultimo. Several Detachments are now on their march to join you. Mr Parker the pay Master of Colonel H. Jackson’s Regiment has in charge for you Seven & a half pounds of Sealing Wax—hope it will come safe to hand. We are pushing on the Stores of all kinds with the utmost expedition. Mr Agent Bradford has just informed me that he has received 28...
505To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your’s of yesterday. Am happy to hear that the prospect of a supply of provisions is so favorable. The fatigue-men, and if possible, six carpenters shall be sent the day after to morrow, to work on the logs above Newburgh. I some days since reduced the troops on the lines from two, to one hundred rank and file; and in consequence of your pleasure, signified in yours of the...
506To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 3d & 4th Instant, which has given me great Pain—Perhaps I may venture to say that no Officer is more attentive to Orders or more anxious to carry them into Execution than I am—When I received your Excellency’s Orders to march towards Kingsbridge, nothing could be more agreable than the Manoeuvre; but I cannot say the taking the Command of a...
507To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The bearer Lieutenant Williams of the first Massachusetts Regiment waits on your Excellency to receive and forward to this place Such monies as you may think proper to deliver him for the purpose of paying the continental Bounty to the reinlisted Soldiers agreable to your Excellencys Letter of the 31 Ultimo. Two deserters belonging to the 3d Battn of Brittish Artillery came here the day before...
508To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed State of the British Garrison at Hallifax, was obtained from the Gentleman mentioned in my last, but is rather more particular than what he mentioned to the Honble Mr Bowdoin, I therefore take the liberty to enclose it. Two Days after I had the honor last to write your Excellency, your requisition to the General Assembly here to raise a number of men to Complete their Battalions...
509To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by Colonel Conway lately arrived from France & engaged by Mr Dean to enter the Service of the United States of America —He is accompanied by Two other Gentlemen viz. Capt. Balme and Monsr Danmours —The Three appear to be Officers of Abilities—They inform me that Mr Dean promised them that their Expences should be born to Philadelphia &c.—I must confess I scarcely...
510To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the 11th Instant we recd the disagreeable Intelligence that on the night of the Sixth our Army Evacuated the Works at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, and had retreated by Castle-town and Skeensborough towards Bennington. What the reasons for this Retreat were, we cannot as yet Learn, and all at present seem asstonished at it, as the Militia from all Quarters were marching to their aid....
511To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of yesterday the last evening, have ordered the Two Connecticut Brigades to move over the River with all Possible expedition and encamp agreable to your orders. I shall adopt a rule for furloughing the officers Conformable to your Excellencys Instructions. If I should get rid of my present disorder in a Short time I shall ask your Excellency permission to make a...
512To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of yesterday morning and afternoon have ordered Huntingtons Brigade to the Gorge of the mountains north of the village to take Post in the most advantageous Ground and to exercise every precaution for the Security of their Camp and to prevent a Surprise, have ordered the shortest and best Communication, from that Post to Parsons Brigade to be Carefully...
513To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this evening honored with yours of the 16th. I will direct that Major Reid be brought to tryal on thursday, and if the necessary Evidence for compleating the tryal cannot then be produced, and the Court should think proper to postpone the tryal; I will further direct that more rigid Confinement, than is common shall not be excercised. I shall observe your directions respecting Joshua...
514To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 13th and 17th Instant and altho your Excellency did not think your self authorised to give direction in the Instances in which I requested it, I beg you will be pleased to accept my thanks for so fully Expressing Your Sentiments, on the case of Majors Hull and Cogswell I am writing the General Assembly of Massachusetts on the Subject, no endeavours of...
515To George Washington from William Heath, 5 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 23d and 24th ultimo, and beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the prospect of success (which with the blessing of heaven) seems almost ensured to you. I have the copy of instructions from the general Assembly of the state of Georgia, the resolution of Congress, and your Excellency’s instructions respecting Major–general Howe’s conduct while...
516To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honor’d with yours of the 15th Instant, and this day with that of the 5th. I some time since posted a guard from Colonel Greene’s Regiment over the military Stores at Providence which I think it will be necessary to continue until the Stores are removed. The Boats have been collected and repair’d they are now at the west end of the Island and at hand to convey troops either on...
517To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Mr Reynolds of Murderers Creek, now here left Albany on Saturday last, about 4 oClock P.M. He Says the Enemy crossed Lake George last thursday, Supposed to be about 800. upon which the detachment stationed at Fort Edward abandoned that place and retreated to Saratoga, where Colonel Gansevoort’s regiment was. The Militia of Albany marched up on Saturday. they turned out with great Spirit....
518To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just been favored With a Sight of your letters to General Rochambeau and Admiral de Ternay, mentioning the arrival of a fleet at Sandy hook—Supposed to be a squadron under the command of Admiral Rodney —a few minutes before I received the enclosed from Colonel Ledyard at New London. General Rochambeau and Admiral de Ternay went yesterday morning to Providence; Were not expected to...
519To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing you on the 28th Instant, I have been endeavouring to obtain intelligence of the situation of the Enemy at Hallifax &c. I learn that their Naval force not long since consisted of One Ship of 74 Guns, one of 20, one Sloop of war, and two or three Privateers. General McLane a vigilant Officer commands the Land Forces, which are said to Consist of Six Regiments...
520To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 14th inst., to which I shall pay due attention. With respect to that part of your Excellencys letter, which refers to Fish Kill; I scarsely know how to express myself. I am ever exceedingly cautious, not to invade the jurisdiction of others, neither do I choose to have my own infringed. I did not seek the Command at Fish Kill; but as Your Excellency was...
521To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to congratulate Your Excellency on the success of the American Arms, in the enterprise against the Enemy at Morrissania, which is this moment announced to me, by the enclosed letter from Major General Parsons. The particulars have not yet come to hand, when they do I shall have the honor to forward them without delay. On account of the depth of the snow & fatigued state of the...
522To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this day forward from this place to the Treasury at York Town 127,334 ⅓ Dollars in Specie under the care of John Adams Esqr. who will have the honor to deliver this. The Money is loaded on three Waggons, the Boxes marked, Musket Cartridges, and covered with upward of 5000 Canteens for the purpose of deception. The Escort is commanded by Captain Hutchins of the State of New Hampshire; his...
523To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned from the Village, I found there John Conolly a Deserter from the Volluntiers of Ir[e]land (who is on his way hither) who deserted the day before yesterday and saies the army have been for Several Days under marching orders their route unknown reports that they are to Cross into the Jersies and take a Circutious march in the rear of our works. While I was at the...
524To George Washington from William Heath, 26 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your orders of the 22d I wrote the Contractors on the subject of the salted and damaged provisions, and yesterday received an answer from them, which I take the liberty to enclose. I wish to know your pleasure whether Messrs Sands shall take such of the provisions as are not fit to issue, and credit the united States what they may be thought worth; or dispose of them and...
525To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being Posted at Some Distance from The other General Officers of the State of Massachusetts Bay, I have found it very difficult to Obtain their Opinion of the Field Officers Proper to be Recommended, to that State, to Serve in the Army in future, General Nixon was at my Quarters on Yesterday, General Fellows was on Duty and Could not attend. I did with General Nixon arrainge The Officers for...
526To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning I sent off the heavy baggage of the Division and march’d from Ridgfield to this place. The Enemys Fleet got under Sail in the morning and Stood from the Long Island Side towards the Main, & continued tacking & turning one way and the other through the day. Several deserters who came off informed that General Clinton was with his whole Army, Pioneers & guides at Maroneck I was...
527To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 27 Ulto. Extracts of the paragraph respecting the Expedition to the River St Johns I sent to the Assembly—finding your Excellency’s opinion, without [waiting] for further Directions from Congress they voted to lay the Expedition aside, and ordered the Troops to be disbanded. As the Resolve of Congress directed them to set the Expedition on foot and...
528To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by Capt. Mullen (accompanied by Monsr Du Bouchet Brother in law to Col. Conway) who came from France in the Ship Amphitrite—He appears to be a very good Officer, & I think would make a most excellent Major of Brigade, if your Excellency should think it proper. The Assembly of this State have Resolved to complete their 15 Battalions by Draught, which is to be made on...
529To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer hereof Capt. Goodrich was Taken at Quebeck on the 31st of Decemr 1775 When General Montgomery made his Unfortunate attempt upon that City—Capt. Goodrich is a Brave and Good officer, He was not Exchanged Untill Since Christmass—And has as yet no Appointment in Our Army—His Zeal for the Publick Service is Such that upon Hearing the Army stood in need of a Reinforcment He Immediately...
530To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 8th—The 100 barrells of salted beef, or as many Tierces as will be equal to that quantity, the beef being cheifly in the latter, shall be forwarded to Albany as soon as a vessell can be procured. The Invalids of the six months Levies have been discharged, & for some days past six men of those worst cloathed from each regiment This haveing taken off the principle...
531To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 28th Ulto —have made a distribution of the Troops assigned to my Command, conformable to your pleasure, where it has been signifyed, & in other cases, have acted according to my own discretion, and hope it will meet your Excellencys approbation. The New Jersey Line have gone to Pompton. The New York Regiments, now embarking their baggage in order to...
532To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from Major Maxwell came to hand last evening. Colo. Delancy, a day or two since sent up a Flag to Major Maxwell with a verbal proposal for the exchange of some of the prisoners taken at Morrissania: as it almost immediately preceded their excursion; it was probably designed to discover our situation. Inclosed is also a letter this day received from Major General Parsons. I have...
533To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an application from Lieutenant Colonel Tudor of Colo. Henleys Regiment for leave to resign his appointment in that Regiment, finding but ill success in recruiting the Regiment. He has for some time discovered an inclination to resign; but having a few days since married a young Lady here, he now appears anxious to do it, and I imagine cannot be persuaded otherwise. I am...
534To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
A relation of disagreable circumstances has of late composed my correspondence. this is of the Same complexion. The enclosed I received this morning about 10 oClock. The detachment who have been doing duty on the Lines consisted of 250 rank and File, properly officer’d & commanded by a Feild officer whose instructions were to be constantly moving between Hudsons river and Bedford, Croten River...
535To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your Orders the night before last for the march of General Parsons’s Brigade, and yesterday noon the Three Regiments at Peeks-Kill began their march, making about 500 men which are now here—I have ordered Huntingtons and Tylers to Joyn me they may make about three Hundred men, after leaving a Captain & 50 men as a Guard at the Pass in the mountains Colonel Vose with Greatons Bonds &...
536To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The General Assembly of this State have passed a resolve to raise the number of men required to compleat their Battallions; and have, I am informed, directed that they be Sent to me to be mustered, and ordered to their destinations. I shall immediately order two or three officers from Colonel Green’s Regiment, with Some Serjeants to receive them here, and put them to the drill. It is probable...
537To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your several letters of the 22d and a letter address’d to General Sir Guy Carlton. Your pleasure signifyed in the letters shall be duly observed—the letter to Sir Guy Carleton forwarded to the enemies out post. It has been enjoyned on the Troops at the late musters and Inspections to be constantly supplied with fifty rounds of cartridges pr man; these cannot be always...
538To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
In your Excellency’s Letter of the 7th Inst. you are pleased to leave the Settlement of the Arms that have been lost, to me—Observing that Justice should be done to the Public & to Individuals—I have been endeavoring to Settle with some of the Regiments, but I find the matter so embarrass’d, that I cannot compleat it without again applying to your Excellency for Direction. Some Regiments, in...
539To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Captain Pray has just written me that he lately sent a serjeant and two men as a patrole down below the block-house at Dobbs’ ferry as far as the ship, to observe if there was not a communication kept up with the main. The ship’s boat with the lieutenant on board came over to the Jersey shore after two deserters who had crossed—the serjeant and two men fired on the boat and drove her off—it is...
540To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Some Time in the month of april last Capt. Willoe of the Troops of the Convention, went to Canada by the way of Hallifax in order to forward to this Place the Baggage Belonging to those Troops—to which by the Convention they had a Right if it was found necessary, nothing has been heard of Capt. Willoe Since, General Phillips applies for leave for an other Officer to go to Canada by the way of...
541To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Colonel Wesson & Capn Bonnell of Colonel Spencers regiment, were handed to me yesterday. I wish to know Your Excellencys opinion concerning them. Our situation grows every day more alarming with respect to provissions, especially Flour; we had not the last evening, one days allowance of the latter; at the Post. A small quantity it is said has arrived at Fish Kill Landing, but...
542To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
A few minutes since John Williams Esqr. formerly of Boston, arrived here in 35 days passage from L’Orient in France. He informs me that Count du Chaffault sail’d from France the 2d of May with 7 Sail of the Line 5 frigates and about 100 sail of transports having 10,000 on board —the Fleet has provisions for nine months for the whole of the troops and two millions of Crowns in Specie. By what...
543To George Washington from William Heath, 19 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed information I had yesterday from Isaac Colton, the person mentioned therein. He says, such was the conversation in September and October last at Mr Motts tavern where he quartered, and which was a principal rendezvous of the Pennsylvania refugees. Whether those miscreants have given over their plan or not, I cannot say—but have thought it my duty to communicate it to your...
544To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with yours of the 2d Inst. respecting Capt. Cartwright & beg your Excellency to accept my thanks for your determination respecting him. A Resolve of the General Assembly of this State of which the enclosed is Copy, was sent to me the 24th Inst. I am endeavoring to detain three Commission’d Officers and one Serjeant from each Regt belonging to the Massachusetts Line for the...
545To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Lee’s Regiment marched on Fryday morning last at break of day to join your Excellency. Colo. Jackson on Tuesday, who is about 230 strong including Officers. I have obtained a Detachment from the Militia to guard the Stores and Magazines at this place Dorchester, Cambridge &c. A Vessel has lately arrived at Dartmouth with twenty Chests of Arms, Ten Bales of Tents, and a quantity of...
546To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the Opinion of Mr Duer & other Gentlemen of the Committee of Convention of the State of New York —Since I wrote mine of Yesterday, I have seen General Lincoln & Mr Duer, both of whom are in sentiment with me that there is but little prospect of Advantage from an attempt to surprise Fort Independence, as the Enemy appear very alert—I have ordered the Troops to be in readiness to...
547To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with your’s of the 22d and 23d instant. Captain Smart, on the late reform was arranged in Colonel Greaton’s regiment. I have taken the liberty to dela the word Sprout’s , and insert Greatons , in the discharge. I gave Major General Parsons a copy of the paragraph in your Excellency’s letter of the 19th relative to sending back the insufficient recruits, and forwarding...
548To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the enclosed Line from Cohoss, from the Revd Doctr Langdon of Cambridge. It was wrote to the Doctr by Colo. Hurd of the Militia who lives at Haverhill, in the State of New Hampshire, about 150–Miles from St Johns. The Doctr informs me that he is a Man of Veracity and thinks the Account may be depended on; if so little is to be feared from that Quarter. One of our State,...
549To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of the 12th enclosing one to Major General Howe which I have forwarded to him. The Troops at this Post have experianced the most distressing want of Bread Since your Excellency passed into the Jersies, every exertion has been exercised for their releif both in this vicinity and at a distance it has at length been Obtained, and as their is now plenty of...
550To George Washington from William Heath, 22 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was lately informed, that a part of colonel Willett’s regiment had been inlisted by the state of New York for the term of three years upon the footing of a state regiment; upon which I wrote governor Clinton for information. I take the liberty to inclose his answer, and request your Excellency’s opinion and direction, apprehending you have some knowledge of the intentions of the state and of...