Major General William Heath to George Washington, 10 April 1781
From Major General William Heath
West point April 10th 1781
Dear General
The enclosed was put into my hand by Major John Porter, the D.A.G. at this post, who appears very desireous to make an attempt, to surprise, and take, the Hessian General at Morris’s House, as your Excellency is much better acquainted with the Situation, and probably the prospect of Success, than I can be, I wish your Opinion, and pleasure on the matter, Major Porter appears pretty Sanguine that he can effect it. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant
W. Heath
ALS, DLC:GW.
The enclosed letter from Maj. John Porter, deputy adjutant general, to Heath dated 9 April reads: “On hearing of some enterprizes of the Enemy against us, the following against them turned in my mind.
“according to the best information I can obtain, General Hakenburgh quarters in [Roger] Morris’s house on york island, & lodges in the south west lower room—The City road runs nearly south from Kingsbridge, the House is on the east side of the way; On the west side & opposite the house stands a Barn which contains not more than a Sergt & 12. guard—with prudence & fortitude I think, thirty men may take off this Officer, I would land from North river at the nearest distance [to] the house from the shore, (leaving a proper guard for the Boats) proceed, & fall into the road a little above the house I would then divide the party, one half attacking the Barn, at the same time the other surround & enter the house, this is to be done without delay & the retreat effected by the very nearest route to the shore—In case of alarm at landing, or other accident unfor[e]seen, the attempt may be given over, or discretion used” (DLC:GW). Porter likely refers to enemy assassination plots (see GW’s second letter to George Clinton, 7 April).
For GW’s reply, see his second letter to Heath, 12 April, postscript.