From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779
To Major General William Heath
Head Qrs Morris Town Decr 21 1779
Dear Sir
Notwithstanding the long preparations at New York and the strong appearances of a large Detachment’s being made from thence—it seems certain from very recent advices, that no Troops have sailed as yet, and that the Enemy hold themselves in collected force.1 What their designs really are I have not been able to learn, altho I have taken all the pains in my power to effect it. The Southern States and the West Indies present themselves as the most probable Objects of their attention, and this seems to be the general prevailing opinion; but as their delay cannot be satisfactorily accounted for, we should guard in the best manner we can against every possible contingency. I would therefore suppose it possible, that the preparations of transports &c. may be a feint, and that the Enemy may have it in contemplation to aim a sudden stroke, either against the Highland posts or against this Army. The latter event appears by far the more probable of the Two. My former Instructions of the 27th of November and the Conventional Signals which have been established and to which they referred were only calculated to produce succour from the Militia, in case of a serious movement of the Enemy in the first instance; but it will be equally necessary, if they should direct their operations against this Army.2 In this event it may be absolutely essential for You and the Troops under your command, to march & give me support—and in order to [do] this, I wish the Signals, by a previous & immediate arrangement between You & His Excellency Governor Clinton, may be made to answer the purpose of calling out the Militia to garrison the posts during the absence of the Continental Troops. They should not be drawn out for less than Ten or Twelve days, and, if practicable on account of our supplies of flour, it will be adviseable for each Man to bring with him flour for that time—this to be paid for by the public. You will communicate with the Governor on these several points, who I am convinced will do all in his power to promote them.3 On your hearing of the Enemy’s being in motion towards this Army, in such a way as you can depend upon it—You will make the Signals for calling in the Militia—and hold the Troops of the Garrison in readiness to march at the shortest warning.4 I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt st
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. For a similar appeal, see GW to William Livingston (both letters), this date: letter 1; letter 2.
2. See GW’s second letter to Heath, 27 Nov., and n.6.
3. Heath wrote New York governor George Clinton from Beverly Robinson’s house on 27 Dec.: “I was this Evening honored with yours of the 23rd Instant, and a few minutes Since with one from His Excellency General Washington. I have the honor to enclose you a Coppy of the latter from the Tenor of His Excellencys Letter, it is my Duty to pay an immediate attention, to the reestablishment of the Beacons, and posting Guards at them which will be Severe duty at this Season this I shall order to those in this vicinity to morrow, and Submit to your Excellency, The holding the Militia in readiness in Such Way and manner as you may Judge proper.
“His Excellencys Letter is dated the 21st Instant which was Tuesday last—There is a report this Day that the Enemys Fleet Sailed from New York on Wednesday last If a Considerable ⟨d⟩etachment have Sail’d the object of these extraordinary preparations, I think ceases, but untill I receive the most authentick Intelligence of it, or directions from his Excellency to the Contrary I must pursue the Injunctions of his Letter” (MHi: Heath Papers; see also 5:433–35, and Heath to GW, 17 Dec., n.5). Clinton replied to Heath from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on 30 Dec.: “I have received your favor of the 27th covering a Copy of his Excellency Genl Washington’s Letter respecting the Manœvres of the Enemy.
“I have issued my Orders to the Militia of Dutchess Ulster Orange & Westchester to hold themselves in perfect Readiness to move at a Moments warning” (MHi: Heath Papers; see also 5:435).