From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters 15 Miles from Philadelphia
Octr 22d 1777.
Dear Sir,
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 that article is likely to become scarce, I desire it may be immediately purchased up and sent on to the Elaboratories. I have written to the board of war, and desired them also to direct the Continental agent to secure the lead.1
I congratulate you upon the glorious success of our arms to the Northward.2 The complete captivity of Burgoigne and his army exceeds our most sanguine expectations. I have not yet heard of Sir Harry Clinton’s falling down the North River again, but I should hardly imagine he would persist in his operations there,3 after hearing of Burgoygne’s destruction. The enemy have been busily employed ever since they got possession of Philadelphia, in endeavoring to remove the obstructions in the Delaware, but hitherto without effect. The day before yesterday they evacuated German-town and withdrew within their lines just upon the environs of the city.
I have sent to Congress for commissions for Lee’s and Jackson’s regiments.4 If they come to this army they will be ready for them here, if they are by any means detained upon the North River, I will send them up to them. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servant
Go: Washington
LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MB; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW franked the addressed cover of the LS.
2. At this place on the draft manuscript, Tench Tilghman first wrote the following phrase: “which has given a total Change to the gloomy aspect of our Affairs in that quarter.” He then struck it out, and he wrote the next sentence above the line.
3. The draft and the Varick transcript both read: “but I imagine he will not remain there.”
4. GW wrote Richard Peters on 16 Oct.: “The inclosed lists contain the Names of the Officers in Colo. Lees and Colo. Jacksons Regiments with the dates of their appointment. You will be pleased to have Commissions filled up accordingly and sent to me and I will forward them to Boston. I have no blank Commissions at present with me, be pleased therefore, to send me some, as many Vacancies have happened by the late actions and I should be glad to fill them up” (Df, DLC:GW).