George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 April 1781
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters New Windsor April 27th 1781
Dear Sir
The Quarter Master informs that Teams with flour will probably be at New Windsor by tomorrow Night, and suggests whether it will not be adviseable to have flat-bottomed Boats ready for the transportation of it; as sail Boats may be delayed by the adversity of Wind or Tide.1
The Commissary of Prisoners reports that there are several Prisoners of War, sent on as recruits from the State of Massachusetts. I had flattered myself, this intollerable imposition had been sufficiently guarded against—but since it has happened again, we must prevent the evil from proceeding any farther by confining those who are evidently under this description, untill they can be delivered over to the Commissary of Prisoners, or otherwise properly disposed of—And I must request you, as being the first Officer of that State, to have the Names of these Men, and the Towns & Classes by which they were procured, immediately returned to the State. And that the Most effectual Measures may be suggested and enforced for supplying the deficiency of Men, which will be occasioned by this Measure.
Colonel Tupper is to releive Colonel Vose immediately,2 of which you will be pleased to advice the Former—Colo. Tupper will call at Head Quarters previous to his departure. No other Field Officer with the Light Corps is to be relieved at present.3 I am Dear Sir With great regard Your Most Obed. Servant
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS, which is addressed to Heath at West Point. Maj. Caleb Gibbs also wrote on the cover “Reced and forwarded” from “Fair Forrest” on 29 April. Heath replied to GW on the same date.
1. For this recommendation, see Richard Platt to David Humphreys, 26 April, found at GW to Timothy Pickering, 25 April, n.1.
2. See Lafayette to GW, 14 April, and GW to Lafayette, 22 April (first letter).
3. An inquiry about Col. Alexander Scammell serving in the Light Infantry probably prompted GW’s observation (see Heath’s first letter to GW, 25 April).