To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 February 1781
From Major General William Heath
West point Feb. 16. 1781.
Dear General,
I have been honor’d with yours of the 15.1 have ordered all the light companies to be immediately augmented to fifty rank & file with the addition of one serjeant to each company and the companies to be fully officered, to march to Peeks-kill the morning after to morrow (viz. the 18.) with three days provision, and in other respects conformable to your directions; but I have given no orders for forming the companies into battalions, nor appointed any field Officers to command them; supposing your Excellency would determine that matter. It will be necessary that the field officers should have notice as soon as possible. will pursue any measures respecting the formation of the regiments, or notifying the field officers, you may please to direct. I pray to know your pleasure in the morning.2 I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant
W. Heath
LS, DLC:GW; ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers. GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman docketed the LS as “Ansd 16th,” apparently incorrectly (see n.2 below).