71From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10–11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 1st and 2d instants. I am convinced if any Ships appeared off your Coast at the time you mention, that they could not have been the Fleet that sailed from the Hook, because they were off the Capes of Delaware just at that time. But I think it more than probable, that you will have heard something of the Enemy before this reaches you. We have not recd the...
72From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your favour of the 30th Ulto which only came to hand last night. Having written you fully yesterday, I have but little to add at this time and indeed Nothing but what respects the Subject of your Request. Springfeild being in the Massachusetts State is certainly included in your Command, and you will from time to time order payment to the persons employed in the...
73George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Orders Heath to send all Continental troops in Massachusetts to join the main Army. Relays information concerning engagement at Brandywine Creek. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
74From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the object of the enemy is now reduced to an absolute certainty, and they are bending their whole force, with great vigor, to the Southward, it can no longer answer any valuable purpose to keep a body of Continental troops in your state, whose presence in the further progress of the Campaign will probably be essentially necessary in this quarter. You will therefore, on receipt of this,...
75George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Skippack [ Pennsylvania ] September 30, 1777. Approves of Heath’s action in supplying Continental frigates with needed ammunition and is pleased with the capture of prizes. Sends news of successes in North and of British occupation of Philadelphia. Repeats orders to forward three regiments from Massachusetts. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
76From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured ⟨w⟩ith yours of the 10th instant. With respect to supply⟨in⟩g the Continental frigates with ammunition from the Continental magazines, as I have not copies of the letters you mention with me, I am not certain how far they may have authorised the measure, but I intirely approve of your granting the necessary supply from them. The frigates ought not to want so essential...
77From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have lately recd a letter from the secretary of the Board of War in which he complains that you have drawn Arms for the full Complement of Henly’s, Lee’s and Jackson’s Regiments when there is scarce any chance of their being compleated, I therefore desire if the matter is so, that you may return all the supernumerary Arms into the Magazine at Springfield or Brookfield. As you will...
78George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township [ Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Discusses distribution of newly arrived supplies. Sends news of General John Burgoyne’s defeat. Describes recent movements of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
79From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 9th and am glad to hear of the different arrivals of arms, tents and cloathing, the latter of which is exceedingly wanted in this army, and I hope the agents will immediately forward the proportion intended for them. Major Nicholas who is just returned from the Eastward informs me, that a large parcel of lead has lately arrived at Boston upon private account. As...
80From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 22d and 25th of October. As you have wrote to Congress respecting the difficulty of supplying the prisoners of Genl Burgoine’s Army with Quarters, Fewel and provisions, I imagine they will give proper directions in the matter. I do not think it to our interest, to expedite the passage of the prisoners to England, for you may depend upon it that they will,...
81From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 5th in Answer to your’s of the 22d Ulto, I mentioned, that it was not our interest to expedite the passage of the prisoners to England. Upon a review of the matter, I am more & more convinced of the propriety of the observation. The most scrupulous adherence on the part of the Enemy to the Convention of Saratoga, will justify their placing the prisoners in Garrisons, as...
82From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 15 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 15 Dec. 1777. Heath’s letters to GW of 23 , 26 , and 27 Nov. are each docketed in part “Ansd 15th Decemr.”
83From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with Yours of the 23d & 27th of November. If the Recruits intended for Lees and Jackson’s Regiments have not had the small pox, and are not marched when this reaches you, I desire they may be inoculated before they join the Army. After the repeated directions, which I had given to have All the Recruits who had not had that disorder innoculated the moment they were inlisted, I was...
84From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday Evening received your Favor of the 7th Inst., and am happy to find the first account of the arrival of the Ship with Artillery &c. fully confirmed. This Event is fortunate & interesting, as it not only manifests the strong attachment of France to our Cause, but also makes us respectable in point of Artillery. I doubt not of your attention to secure the Stores, and wish your care of...
85From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Major Blacckden of Colo. Sheldons Light Dragoons goes to Boston to procure Cloathing and Accoutrements for the Regiment against the ensuing Campaign. As the prices of many articles have risen from there being too great a number of Bidders, I have directed the Major, if there are any persons purchasing for the Continent, not to interfere with them, but to apply to them for such Articles as he...
86From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captain Hopkins of Colonel Moylans Light Dragoons goes to Boston to procure Cloathing & accoutrements for the Regiment against the ensuing Campaign. As the prices of many articles have risen from there being too great a number of Bidders, I have directed the Captain, if there are any Persons Purchasing for the Continent not to interfere with them, but, to apply to them for such articles as he...
87From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 17th and 25th of Decemr. At the time of your writing, Genl Burgoyne could not have recd my letters, which were dated the 17th and 20th of December. Colo. Webb wrote to me himself upon the subject of his Exchange, to which I have given him an answer. I beg you will carefully forward the inclosed Letters to Brigadiers Glover and Learned. They contain orders for them to...
88From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 6th and 8th Instants. I particularly alluded to Henley’s, Lees, and Jacksons Regiments when I expressed my surprize, that they had not been innoculated, as they had lain so long in Boston. I hope that very strict attention will be paid to that matter against the next Campaign: We find upon a scrutiny there are upwards of Two thousand Men to be innoculated in Camp at...
89From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been regularly favd with yours of the 13th 18th 19th and 25th January and 10th current. As these letters principally respect your transactions with General Burgoine, you will be guided by the directions of Congress in every point that relates to him. If they consent to the Exchange of Colo. Anstruther and Lord Napier I have not the least objection. I only desire that the exchange may...
90From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 20th Feby inclosing a letter from Lieut. Coune of the 62d Regt to Genl Howe. I shall send in the letter and shall have no objection to his Exchange if Genl Howe consents. As Ensign Winslips health does not admit of his remaining in the Service, I would have you accept of his resignation. The wax which you mention to have sent forward is not yet come to hand. Having...
91From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 12 March 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 12 Mar. 1778. On 6 April, Heath wrote GW , “I have to acknowledge the honor of the receipt of yours of the 5th & 12th Ulto.”
92George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 14, 1778 . Instructs Heath to demand liberation of Daniel Hiester and the return of Hiester’s papers and effects. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
93From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are a memorial to and a letter from the Board of War, on the subject of Mr Daniel Heister, a gentleman, who, some time since, obtained a flag from you, under the sanction of which, he went to Halifax , and was there unwarrantably seized and detained as a spy. You will be pleased, agreeable to the request of the Board, by the first flag, to remonstrate against this procedure, in a...
94From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 10th inst. inclosing a petition from Lt Colonel Tudor and Lieut. Thompso⟨n⟩ desiring a liberty to resign. I desire that their reques⟨t⟩ may be granted, not that it is my wish to have an Officer of Colo. Tudors good character out of the Army but as there will be a necessity of reducing the 16 additional Battalions to a less number, the more Officers that resign...
95From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 23d and 24th ulto. Finding that Colo. Lee cannot be prevailed upon to remain in the service I have represented his Case and that of Major Swazee to Congress and expect in my next to inform you of their acceptation of their Commissions. If Capt. Aldens circumstances are such that he cannot conveniently continue in the Army you may give him a discharge, first...
96From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of the 6th & 13th Inst., have been duly received. I am glad to hear that General Burgoyne is gone, & wish his departure had been much earlier. At the time of his Capture he certainly must have entertained very favourable impressions of our force, & perhaps in point of good policy he should have been allowed to depart, before they were in the smallest degree done away, & before...
97From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the immense advantages which we shall derive from the acknowledgement of our Independency by, and our late alliance with the Court of France, yet much remains to be done to extricate ourselves intirely from our oppressors. even taking it for granted that the Enemy, from the situation of European Affairs, cannot be further reinforced, their remaining Strength, if Collected and...
98From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favors of the 21st and 26th April, the last inclosing the Resolve of the General Assembly of Massachusets for compleating the Battalions and for raising 1300 Men to serve upon the North River. I hope that clause, prohibiting the receiving Prisoners or deserters either as Draughts or Substitutes, will be particularly attended to, for reasons given at large in my last. If Lieut....
99From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your very agreeable favor of the 4th Instant, with your acceptable present, came to hand last night. I shall direct a guard to releive Captn Hutchens at Reading, and give every necessary instruction for the safe conduct of his charge. I do not wonder at Gen. Masseys answer to your letter, it is in a stile of ignorant insult that has often, of late, characterised the writings of British...
100From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your two letters of the 23d & 25 Ulto. I am sorry an exchange cannot take place between General Thompson and one of the gentlemen who were supposed to be Brigadiers. This method of considering officers as Brigadiers, and not considering them as such, does not altogether accord with my ideas of propriety. In the course of the contest we lost one officer, that is the...
101From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your two letters, the one of the 26 of May and the other of the 6 Inst. The Congress sometime ago resolved that Col. Lee’s commission should not be received till further consideration. I have not heard any thing since on this subject and must therefore refer Col. Lee to Congress for an answer. I accept of the resignation of Captn Cleveland of Jackson’s Regiment, and...
102From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 22d Ultimo by the hands of Captain Horton. It is a melancholly consideration that in the execution of our duty an officer of the convention should suffer so unfortunate a fate. However your conduct in the affair will meet general approbation. I have attended to Ensign Ponds memorial and accept of his resignation. In my last of the 24 Ulto I gave you the course of...
103From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favoured with yours of the 29 and 30th Ultimo with that of the 7th Inst. I shall take the first opportunity of transmitting your packet to General Clinton. The French fleet are now laying off Sandy Hook. I congratulate you on this very important and fortunate event. As the Cork fleet is hourly expected with provisions for the British army; and it is probable they are directed to...
104From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Within a few days past I have been favoured with your several letters of the 15. 17 & 25 Ulto and of the 6th Inst. Mr Attendorff shall never act as a Major or in any capacity as an officer in the army with my consent; and I am much surprised that he should entertain the most distant idea that he would be received. His conduct deserves a very different notice. With respect to the salt...
105George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 28, 1778 . Advises, for reasons of policy, that removal of French fleet from Rhode Island be attributed to damages caused by a storm. Asks Heath to use his influence to obtain assistance for fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
106From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your several favors of the 12th & 13th Instant. The packet for the president of Congress, was sent forward by express. I inclose you a letter from General Patterson respecting silk for a set of colors: You will be pleased to give directions to the clothier to have it transmitted to camp. I am Sir your most Obt and very hble Servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, MHi :...
107From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The unfortunate circumstance of the French Fleet having left Rhode Island at so critical a moment, I am apprehensive, if not very prudently managed, will have many injurious consequences, besides merely the loss of the advantages we should have reaped from succeeding in the Expedition. It will not only tend to discourage the people, and weaken their confidence in our new alliance, but may...
108From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 26th and 30th August, and 1st and 2d instants. I am glad to find that your sentiments, respecting the reception that ought to be given to the Count D’Estaing and his Officers, corresponded with mine, and that you had taken proper Steps to prepare for refitting his fleet, previous to the receipt of my letter —As the Rhode Island expedition is now at an end, I...
109George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 13, 1778 . Orders that clothing be forwarded from Boston to Springfield and Hartford. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
110From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice from the Board of War, that they have given directions to Mr Fletcher, to send forward to Springfield and Hartford all the ready made cloathing in his possession, there to be sorted and repacked previous to their coming to Camp, except a few particular articles, which are ordered immediately on; and to deliver Messrs Otis and Andrews all the Cloths, woolens linnens...
111From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 14th instant. Whatever may be the future intentions of the enemy, it is evident that they have lain aside all designs against Boston for the present: Lord Howe having returned to the Hook with his Fleet, and the Troops under Genl Gray have come down the sound again, and have landed at White Stone upon Long Island. I shall keep the best possible watch upon their motions,...
112From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 19th that such progress had been made in forwarding the Cloathing from Boston to Springfeild &ca. I think you did right under the appearance of matters, to send the unmade Cloathing out of town, and I would recommend it to you to keep the Bulk still there, bringing it in as the Taylers want it. By a letter from Genl Greene of the 19th I am informed that the...
113From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 21st Instant and thank you much for the intelligence it contains. I hope we shall have a confirmation, ’ere it be long, of the advantages said to be gained over Admiral Keppel, in public dispatches to the Count and Monsr Gerard. When I wrote you on the 23d, I apprehended that the General Court had been induced to order in the Militia, merely from General...
114George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 29, 1778 . Introduces Brigadier General Du Portail who is to examine the fortifications at Boston. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
115From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Brigadier General Du Portail, whom I recommend to you as a Gentleman of merit and abilities, and knowlege in his profession. He is Chief Engineer in the army of the United-States. I have sent him to examine into the nature and condition of the fortifications, which have been erected or are erecting for the defence of the Town of Boston on the land side, and to...
116From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to thank you for your favor of the 28th Ulto and its several inclosures—the intelligence given you by Mr Colvill is very interesting if it can be depended on—and particularly to Count d’Estaing—to whom no doubt you have communicated it. Your distribution of the twelve hundred Militia men ordered out by the Council of State—exactly coincides with my wishes—their labour if it has not its...
117From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captains Gawen Brown and John Langdon and Lieut. William Davis of Colo. Henry Jackson’s Regiment have requested to resign their Commissions and have lodged Certificates, that they are not indebted to the public. You will be pleased to call for their Commissions and to give discharges upon them. And as there are frequent applications by the Officers, employed at the Eastward, of the same nature...
118From George Washington to Major Generals William Heath and John Sullivan, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence, bearing strong marks of authenticity, that the enemy mean a total evacuation of New York. Various are the conjectures of their destination. I cannot think that they mean to attempt any thing against Boston considering the danger of carrying a heavy Fleet round Cape Cod at this advanced season; but to be prepared at all events, I had, upon the first intimation of...
119From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my last letter of the 18th Instant I observed that the whole current of intelligence from New-york suggested an immediate evacuation of the City—My accounts from different quarters still wear the same complexion. An intelligent officer stationed at Amboy reports—“that the 16th Otbr about twelve ships fell down to the Hook—and the 17th early in the morning about one hundred ships of war, and...
120From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I transmitted you, by a letter of yesterday, all the intelligence I then had, respecting the movements of the enemy in New-York. I now send you by this conveyance, extracts of a letter from Lord Stirling, and the report of a spy, which contain my latest information upon the subject. I am D. Sir. Your most hble servt p.s. I have the pleasure to inform you, that the taking of Dominica by the...