To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1782
Highlands June 15 1782.
Dear General,
The enclosed came to hand this morning.
Captain Pray has been repeatedly importuning for an express horse to convey up dispatches he receives—At some times he cannot spare a boat, and it often happens that the wind is fresh down the river, which prevents a boat getting up. To send by land is nearly thirty miles, which is rather too far for a footman, at least to make a practice of it. I beg leave to submit the matter to your excellency’s consideration.
I enclose a newspaper of the 7th sent up by captain Pray; it is not so late as some sent heretofore, but may contain some things which were not in the others. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,
W. Heath
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
Garrison Dobbs Ferry 14th June 1782
Dear General,
The inclos’d I received Yesterday of a British Officer Charg’d with a flag for the purpose.
I likewise deliver’d him a letter from His Excellency Genl Washington to Sir Guy Carleton which I received the night before last to be sent the first Oppertunity.
Inclos’d is a York paper of the 7th Inst. which like to have been drownded Yesterday with me in Tappan Seas by a heavy Squall of wind.
Yesterday I had a Confirmation of What I Wrote Your Honor Respecting the heavy Cannon being taken out of the [ ] in the uper end of York Island and a few small pieces in their place.
I have Order’d the bearer of this (as well as that of Yesterday) to Call on Major Campbell for a Horse agreable to Your Honors Orders.
It is impossable but this duty must be neglected without we have one.
I expect Some intiligince this Evening or Some time in the Corse of 24 hours. I have the Honor to be with Every Sentiment of respect Your Honors most obedient & most Humble Servant
Jno. Pray Captn