From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 July 1778
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters Haverstraw [N.Y.] 18 July 1778
Dear sir.
I was duly favoured with yours of the 29 and 30th Ultimo with that of the 7th Inst.
I shall take the first opportunity of transmitting your packet to General Clinton.1
The French fleet are now laying off Sandy Hook. I congratulate you on this very important and fortunate event.2
As the Cork fleet is hourly expected with provisions for the British army; and it is probable they are directed to take their course thro’ the Sound in order to avoid the Count d’Estaing; I have written to the Eastern States proposing to them, to collect and rendevous their frigates and other vessels of force to interrupt their passage that way.3 If you can give any assistance in promoting so valuable a purpose it will be rendering the cause a very great service. I am Sir, your most obedient and very hble servt
Go: Washington
LS, in James McHenry’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. GW was referring to the packet of correspondence relating to the death of a British prisoner, Lt. Richard Brown, that was sent with Heath’s letter to GW of 29 June.
2. The draft initially closed at this point, but McHenry then crossed out the closing and continued the text on the back of the page.
3. See GW to William Greene, this date, and the source note to that document; see also GW to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 July and this date.