To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 August 1779
From Major General William Heath
Mandevilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]
Augt 2d 1779
Dear General
I do myself the honor to present your Excellency five Deserters from the Brittish army one Rifle Serjt Two Hussars, one from the 71st Regt & one from Robinsons Corps. the Latter whose name is Pollard belonged to the 8th Connecticut Regt is brother to Major Pollard who had the Command of a Company of artificers in the american army.1 he is an intelligable Lad. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servt
W. Heath
LS (retained copy), MHi: Heath Papers.
1. Heath most likely is referring to Pvt. Isaac Pollard and to Benjamin Pollard, who had commanded a company in Col. Jeduthan Baldwin’s quartermaster artificer regiment in 1777 and 1778.
Isaac Pollard, of Woodbury, Conn., may have served as a sergeant in the 4th Connecticut Regiment from May to November 1775. In May 1777, he enlisted for the war as a private in the newly organized 8th Connecticut Regiment. Reported as missing in July of that year, Pollard subsequently rejoined the regiment on an unspecified date. He transferred to the 5th Connecticut Regiment in January 1781, and by February 1783 he had transferred to the 2d Connecticut Regiment.