To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 August 1779
From Major General William Heath
Mandavilles [Dutchess County, N.Y.]
Augst 8th 1779
Dear General
enclosed is a Letter which Capt. Cartw[r]ight received this morning from Capt. Hopkins,1 The York Paper mentioned is of the 31st Ulto which I saw a day or Two Since at your Excellency Quarters, otherwise I should Send it.
There was a Skirmish on Thursday last2 near New Rochelle between Some of our Light horse and a Party of Infantry, and a Party of the Enemy the Particulars are not yet Come to hand when they do shall be immediately forwarded.3 I have the honor to be very respectfully your Excellencys most Obedient Servt
W. Heath
ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers.
1. A copy of a letter from Capt. David Hopkins to Capt. Thomas Cartwright dated 7 Aug. at Crompond, N.Y., apparently the letter to which Heath refers, reads: “I have just return’d from 8 miles below the white plains, where the people speak in the stile of new york. The Troops are all below kings bridge except three Regts Worms, Simcoes & Americks who lay without. I could not learn their posts. suppose they have no stated ones but patrole from the sound to the N. River.
“they speak of a French fleet being off the hook and that an Embargo is laid on all Vessells at N. York. heavy cannon are put on board. there is an appearance of a large embarkation being made Soon. The Troops much dissatisfied. No ships in the north River but armed Transports as I can discover. I set off for Ridgefield to morrow by order of Colo. Moylan. He wants to see me he Says on business. I Send a late York paper. I could not lay my hand on any more” (MHi: Heath Papers).
2. The previous Thursday was 5 August.
3. Heath forwarded Maj. Gen. Robert Howe’s report of the action in his second letter to GW of this date.