Major General William Heath to George Washington, 23 March 1781
From Major General William Heath
West point, March 23. 1781. 9 o’clock P.M.
Dear General,
I have just received intelligence from the water guard, which I believe may be fully depended on, That the fleet of transports having the troops on board, sailed from New York on Wednesday morning last, the 21st instant—the same number that had put to sea before, and returned, having been chased in by the French fleet1—Sir Harry Clinton is gone in the fleet—report says, to the southward.2
General Kniphausen commands in New York at present; but it is said he goes for Europe the next month.3
The same morning the fleet sailed (viz. 21st) two men came out of New York by the way of Kings bridge—They are charged with dispatches for Quebec, and are to proceed by a secret route. One of the men is a little rising of five feet—short black curled hair—light blue coat—about 40 years of age. The other is about five feet eight or nine inches—light long hair—about 25 years of age—wears a brown coat. They are to proceed on foot. They cannot yet have got far—but it is almost impossible to know where to intercept them.4
There is now at Spiting devil Creek 24 flat boats, part of which have been there about a week past; the rest were brought there but a few days since.5 A corps called the New levies (or Arnold’s corps) are lying near fort Washington, said to be ready to man the boats, &c.6 A frigate of 30 guns lies off Greenwich—and it is said a Galley is fitting for service.
I am informed that a man by the name of John Austin, who has for some time given intelligence, and such as has been authentic, is suspected by the enemy, and this day came off with our boats—He wishes to go to Morristown for a short time—He says he is known to your Excellency, and the last summer had a pass from you to go to the same place. I wish to be informed if your Excellency has any knowledge of him, and your opinion whether to grant him the indulgence requested. I would request an answer to this by the return of the Express, that I may give the man an answer—He is now with the guard boats.
This should be forwarded this evening—but it is so extremely dark that it is almost impossible—It shall be sent at day-break, with some late York papers.7 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. The cover of the LS is addressed to GW at New Windsor. GW replied to Heath on 24 March.
1. Heath probably refers to an aborted British expedition in February (see Rochambeau to GW, 20 Feb., n.7).
2. A British expedition sailed from New York City for Virginia on 20 March without Gen. Henry Clinton (see Elias Dayton to GW, 15 March, and n.1 to that document; see also Dayton to GW, 26 March).
3. Lt. Gen. Wilhelm von Knyphausen remained at New York.
4. Heath shared the same information when he wrote Brig. Gen. James Clinton from West Point on 31 March (see MHi: Heath Papers). Clinton replied to Heath from Albany on 10 April that he “had been informed of two Men, who left Canada some time since with Despatches for New York, and that they were to return in a short time—I had taken the most probable Measures to have them intercepted, but without Effect—I suppose they are the same mentioned in your Letter” (MHi: Heath Papers).
British major Frederick Mackenzie, stationed in New York City, had written in his diary entry for 6 Feb.: “Two men who are employed to carry dispatches between this and Canada, came in this day from Quebec with letters from General Haldimand dated 9th January. The letters are written in Cypher. These men left New York the 4th December last. The distance from hence to Quebec by the usual post road, is 559 miles, but they are obliged to go a much greater distance to avoid the Enemy’s posts, and parties” (, 2:467–68).
5. In the postscript of a letter Heath wrote Capt. John Pray on this date, he directed him to “endeavour to make particular enquiry at what place the Flat Boats are collecting at Spiten Devil Creek, and what Guard is posted for their protection, whether they are hauled up or are afloat—avail your Self minutely in every respect of their Situation” (MHi: Heath Papers; see also Heath to GW, 7–8 April, n.5, and Heath’s second letter to GW, 14 April).
6. British brigadier general Benedict Arnold had solicited recruits for a corps of cavalry and infantry, but it fell far short of filling its ranks (see Lafayette to GW, 28 Oct. 1780, n.3). A summary of British forces around New York dated 15 March 1781 does not include Arnold’s corps or any troops gathering near Fort Washington (see , 2:487).
7. The enclosed New York City newspapers have not been identified.