Major General William Heath to George Washington, 23 March 1781
From Major General William Heath
West point, March 23. 1781.
Dear General,
On my return here the last evening I was honored with yours of the 21st.1
I am happy to find by the general orders of yesterday that my endeavors to discharge my duty during your absence, have met your Excellencys approbation.2
In mine of the 4th of Feby I took the liberty to represent to your Excellency, Major Cartwright’s request to leave the service—in your answer on the 5th of the same month, you were pleased to observe, that you would give him a discharge. I have this morning received a letter from him, in which he again sollicits that a discharge may be sent to him—Permit me, therefore, in his behalf, to request it as soon as may be convenient.3
I have this morning written to the guards below, to exercise their every exertion to obtain intelligence from New York at this moment, which is undoubtedly big with some important event—Heaven grant it may be a fortunate one to us and our allies. If I receive any intelligence, no time shall be lost in transmitting it.4 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.
1. See GW to Heath, 21 March. Heath’s aide-de-camp Henry Sewall wrote in his diary entry for 22 March: “Accompanied Gen. Heath in the Barge, to New Windsor and dined with His Excellency at Head Quarters” (Maine Farmer [Augusta], 12 Oct. 1872).
2. see General Orders, 22 March.
3. Maj. Thomas Cartwright’s letter has not been identified, but see GW to Heath, 5 Feb., found at Heath to GW, 4 Feb., n.5; see also GW’s reply to Heath on 24 March.
4. Heath’s letter to the guards has not been identified, but see his second letter to GW on this date.