1To George Washington from William Heath, 11 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
In the letter which you did me the honor to write me, some time since, you expressed a wish to be a reader of my memoirs of the American revolutionary war, if they were published, The work being now out of press, I take the liberty to forward a Copy, and pray you to do me the honor of accepting it. When you think proper to give the memoirs a perusal, I intreat you to exercise much candour, and...
2From George Washington to William Heath, 20 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your kind and friendly letter of the 17th Ulto has been duly received, and I beg you to accept my sincere thanks for the affectionate sentiments you have been pleas’d to express for me, therein. I can assure you, Sir, I never ascribed a motive to the letter you wrote me, on my Election to the Chair of Government, so unworthy of you as to suppose it was written with a view of: “Pressing...
3To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
When you first ascended the highest seat in the Government of the United States, I could not but address you on an event so auspicious to our Country—Perhaps you might then think that I was pressing myself into notice or seeking for a place—But be assured my honorable Friend, that my heart is now as much attached to you on your retreat from Public Life, as when you Commenced a Career, which...
4From George Washington to William Heath, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The numerous congratulations which I have received from Public Bodies & respectable individuals since my appointment to my present station, are truly grateful, as they hold forth the strongest assurances of support to the Government as well as a warm attachment to myself. It is from the good dispositions of the people at large—from the influence of respectable characters—and from the patriotic...
5To George Washington from William Heath, 2 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
After receiving the congratulations of Public Bodies, and public Officers, permit an individual from the private walks of life to approa[c]h your Excellency, and from an heart warmed with esteem affection, and gratitude present his sincere congratulations on your advancment to the first seat of Government in the United States of America, no one more highly participates of the mark of the...
6From George Washington to William Heath, 24 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Previous to your departure from the Army, I wish to take an oppertunity of expressing my sentiments of your Services—my obligations for your assistance—& my wishes for your future felicity. Our object is at last attained—the arrangements are almost compleated—and the day of seperation is now at hand—Permit me therefore to thank you for the trouble you have lately taken in the arrangement of...
7To George Washington from William Heath, 24 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Proceedings of a Board of General Officers assembled at Head Quarters the 24 June 1783 Present Major General Heath, Brig. Genl Huntington Major Genl Howe, Brig. Genl Hart Major Genl Steuben, Brig. Genl Greaton A Letter from the Commander in Chief dated 23 June 1783 was laid before the Board together with the sundry Papers mentioned therein—and the same being considered, On the first Question,...
8From George Washington to William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
To the General Officers of the Army Assembled at Head Quarters, Newburgh, 24th June 1783. Gentlemen I am to request your opinions of the three following Questions. viz. 1st—Whether all the measures which were proper for giving satisfaction to Brigadr General Hazen and a number of the Officers of his Corps, respecting Major Reid, have been persued, or not? 2dly—In case they have not, what...
9To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured by colonel Humphrys with a signification of your Excellency’s pleasure that I should be at head-quarters to morrow morning ten o’clock with the other general officers—I had made arrangements to commence my journey eastward to morrow morning, and intended to have paid my respects at head-quarters this evening or in the morning, had I not received the note from colonel...
10To George Washington from William Heath, 22 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
To accommodate the officers of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, I have this day consented that Lieut. Joshua Danforth should be paymaster to the regiment in the room of Lieut. Storer and that Lieut. Ames take the place of Lieut. Crock of the Same Regiment, have mentioned it in my orders of this day, and hope your Excellencys approbation, I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your...
11To George Washington from William Heath, 21 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In the month of January 1782, while your Excellency was at Philadlephia and I in command on Hudson’s river, you were pleased to send to my care several circular letters addressed to the governors of the eastern states, calling upon the states to make exertions, as was therein mentioned, at the same time directing me to transmit with those letters the returns of the number of men each state had...
12To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In the month of Jany 1780 Capt. Sewall lost all his Baggage by fire at West point, upon his representation and request to your Excellency you were pleased to send me directions from Morristown to give him an order on the Clothing Store for a supply of such articles as he had lost or such of them as might be in Store which was done and Sundry articles received and Charged, Capt. Sewall is now...
13To George Washington from William Heath, 16 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
It has been agreed that Brigadiers General Paterson and Greaton shall continue with the Massachusetts Troops, in consequence of which Brigadier General Putnam is to retire, as soon as your Excellency determines which of the Regiments are to be Brigaded together the Brigadiers will take Command agreably to their Seniority and Majors of Brigade and Brigade Quarters, will be reported to your...
14To George Washington from William Heath, 15 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Hutts being divided and allotted to the four reformed Massachusetts Regiments I have directed the Troops to move into their Quarters tomorrow morning accordingly which compleats the reform of the Regt. The reform has broken up the Commandss of the Brigadiers and renders some orders from your Excellency respecting them necessary as soon as you may think it proper in the present state the...
15To George Washington from William Heath, 13 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to present your Excellency the arrangements of the four reformed Massachusetts regiments, and the New Hampshire corps. Some few of the Massachusetts officers have been arranged on the principles of seniority—I wish the arrangement may be left so far open that in case any of the senior officers should prevail on the juniors to exchange with them, it may be done. This I...
16To George Washington from William Heath, 8 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am so engaged in getting off the furloughed men and in the new arrangment of the Massachusetts line as not to be able to pay my respects this day at head quarters—which I pray your excellency to excuse. The arrangement of the four Massachusetts regiments is not compleated—there are five or six captains wanting and more lieutenants returned to continue than will be necessary—Some rule must be...
17From George Washington to William Heath, 6 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Before I make a reply to the Subject of the Address of the Generals and Officers Commanding the Regiments and Corps of this Army presented by yourself yesterday I intreat that those Gentlemen will accept my warmest acknowledgements for the confidence they have been pleased to repose in me, they may be assured it shall never be abused—and I beg they will be persuaded that as no man can possibly...
18To George Washington from William Heath, 6 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your excellency’s answer to the address of the generals and officers commanding regiments and corps presented yesterday, which was communicated at levee to those present. All appeared to be deeply impressed, and fully satisfied with your answer; and were it possible for confidence in your excellency’s paternal goodness to be enlarged, your answer of this day must I...
19To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is difficult for us to express the regret we feel at being obliged again to solicit your excellency’s attention and patronage. Next to the anguish which the prospect of our own wretchedness excites in our breasts, is the pain which arises from a knowledge of your anxiety on account of those men who have been the sharers of your fortunes, and have had the honor of being your companions...
20To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed returns were received the last evening and this morning. I have the honor to be most respectfully your Excellencys most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
21To George Washington from William Heath, 3 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to report to your excellency the returns of the regiments of infantry in the Massachusetts line of the army, which have been made conformably to the general order of yesterday. The 8. regiment is doing duty on the lines—notice has been given to the regiment, but return is not yet received. The regiments of the line are so nearly equal, that it is almost certain the 8....
22To George Washington from William Heath, 1 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to lay before your Excellency several votes of a board of officers consisting of the generals and officers commanding regiments and corps in the cantonment of New Windsor, passed yesterday, and also a copy of the report of a committee appointed to confer with the contractors respecting the agreement made between the contractors and the army in January last, and certain abuses in the...
23To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
From the reports of the commanding officers of brigades, I am constrained to represent to your Excellency the general uneasiness and complaints of the army in the Cantonment in New Windsor on account of the late irregular issue and bad condition of the provisions with which the troops have been served—The complaints and uneasiness are growing to a height that calls for a speedy remedy. The...
24From George Washington to William Heath, 15 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having occasion to go to Poughkeepsie for the purpose of transacting some business with His Excellency Govr Clinton, I shall set off for that place this Morning, and shall not probably return until tomorrow Evening—I give you this information that you may during my absence take upon yourself the superintendance of the Army. With great regard & esteem I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt MHi :...
25To George Washington from William Heath, 13 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
It appearing by letters which have passed between lieutenant colonel Ezra Newhall of the 4. Massachusetts regiment and captain Bowman of the 5., regiment that the latter consents that the arrest which has been served on the former in consequence of charges exhibited by him, should be withdrawn—In consequence whereof we beg leave to submit to your excellency the withdrawing the arrest...
26From George Washington to William Heath, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
To the General Officers of the Army. assembled in Council at the New Building April 17th 1783 Gentlemen It is well known to you that the first intimations of a general Peace have been given to us some time past by a casual conveyance, and published accordingly to the Army, and that the same intelligence has since been received by Sir Guy Carleton from the British Court, in consequence of...
27To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your excellency having been pleased to call for my sentiments on the subject of such military institutions as may be requisite for the interior defence of these states on a peace establishment, permit me to submit the following: As the future defence and peaceable enjoyment of those invaluable rights and liberties so dearly rescued from the jaws of tyrany, will under heaven, rest on the...
28To George Washington from William Heath, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
A number of very respectable merchants in the town of Boston have lately been imposed upon and defrauded of property to a very large amount, by two persons whose names are William Campbell, and William Huntington, who after geting the property into their hands have abscounded, and as is Supposed gone to New York, such practices being detested by all civilized nations, and persons whose breasts...
29To George Washington from William Heath, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 22nd ultimo, and 6th instant. I beleive your Excellency’s answer to the Senate and House of Representatives of this Commonwealth, respecting the eastern frontiers, was under present circumstances Satisfactory. I took the liberty in mine of the 22nd ultimo to mention that my private affairs would not well admit of my Joining the Army before the 15th of...
30From George Washington to William Heath, 6 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is represented to me, that Capn Day, of the 7th Massachusetts Regiment, is now, not only able to attend his Duty in Camp, but that, his long absence, is considered in an unfavorable point of Light, by the Inhabitants in the part of the Country where he resides. As you will remember, the Appointment of Capn Day to superintend & Muster the Recruits at Springfield, was made in Consequence of...
31From George Washington to William Heath, 22 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago General Lincoln delivered me your favor of the 7th respecting the Enemy’s force at Penobscot, and the apprehension of the Inhabitants of the eastern part of your State in consequence of the menacing appearances in that quarter—at the same time I recd a Letter from the two Houses of your Legislature on the same subject. After conversing pretty fully with the Secretary at War & Mr...
32To George Washington from William Heath, 22 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with yours of the 5th instant. I presume before this time your near dearth of news has changed to a plentifull harvest of such as is highly important and interesting and that your Excellencys hopes that the present is the last winter you shall be kept from domestic Life, are established beyond a doubt. I need not hint to your Excellency how sanguine I was for several...
33To George Washington from William Heath, 7 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
We have had no arrivals since my last except the Cato at Marblehead whose passage was nearly as long as the Fortune which arrived at Boston, consequently has brought no late news. The Inhabitants of the Eastern parts of this State, are much alarmed at the growing Power and force of the enemy at Ponobscot, and the preparations which are said to be makeing at that place, The Garrison was...
34From George Washington to William Heath, 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
A few days since, I reced your favor of the 25th of January—There is such an absolute dearth of News here, that I cannot undertake to give you a single syllable in return for what you was so good as to send me. Without amusement or avocation, I am spending another Winter (I hope it will be the last that I shall be kept from returning to domestic life) amongst these rugged and dreary Mountains,...
35To George Washington from William Heath, 25 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was the last week honored with yours of the 3rd instant, and this day with that of the 15th. I am glad to hear Congress have been pleased to promote Colonels Greaton, Dayton, and Putnam. Brigadier General Greaton arrived here this evening. Should the British Kings Speech, or any other European intelligence of consequence be received in this Quarter, your Excellency may depend on the earliest...
36From George Washington to William Heath, 15 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 1st instant. Congress have been pleased to promote Colonels Greaton, Dayton & Putnam to the rank of Brigadiers, by their Act of the 7th of this Month. Altho’ we have no official Accounts of the Evacuation of Charles Town, yet the certainty of that event is placed beyond dispute by the publications in New York; at which place General Leslie...
37From George Washington to William Heath, 3 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your Letters of the 18th & 25th Ulto the former enclosing Captain Bannisters application to you; the latter giving advice of the departure of the french Fleet. I approve of your appointing Capt. Day to succeed Captain Bannister in the duty of receiving mustering & forwarding Recruits from Springfield; as you have been particularly acquainted with the mode of conducting...
38To George Washington from William Heath, 1 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the last southern mail I was honord with yours of the 17th ultimo. I have desired Lt Colonel Popkin to furnish me with a return of the number of soldiers who came in the Cartel from Canada and were ordered on to the army a list of their names if he has one, and the name of the Serjeant who marched the party. was in hopes to have had them in Season to forward with this, but they are not come...
39To George Washington from William Heath, 25 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday between One and two oClock P.M. the French Fleet came to sail in Nantasket road, and stood out to Sea, the weather was fine, with a fresh breeze from the N.W.—this morning the wind was light at N.E.,—in the afternoon has veered more Easterly, there are some signs of a storm gathering,—it is to be hoped the Fleet will get out of the Bay, and clear of the Cape, before a storm comes on,...
40To George Washington from William Heath, 18 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Capt. Banister, I received by the last weeks post, in consequence whereof I have written to Capt. Day, to releive Capt. Banister on the first of January, and have informed him that I should represent the matter to your Excellency for such further orders as you may think proper. I beg leave to submit it accordingly. We have no news of consequence in this Quarter,—The...
41From George Washington to William Heath, 17 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
It was not until the arrival of the last eastern Mail, that I was favoured with your Letter of the 29th Novembr. Of the Prisoners you mention to have returned from Canada, not more than five have come on to Camp; nor do I know what has become of the remainder of them; I wish (if it can possibly be avoided) they may not be lost to the public. The report of the relief of Gibralter has proved but...
42To George Washington from William Heath, 29 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
A Cartel has inst. arrived at Boston from Quebec and has brought a number of American prisoners, there are among them several Officers and about twenty soldiers inlisted to serve during the war, I have directed Lieut. Colonel Popkin to forward the latter on to the Army to recieve your Excellencys further orders, they principally belong to Connecticut and New York, they are in extreme want of a...
43To George Washington from William Heath, 5 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the after general order of the 30. ultimo, I took immediate measures for completing an arrangement of the Massachusetts line by this day; but the field-officers of the line having requested some longer time to give the officers an opportunity to agree and accomodate the arrangement among themselves, and your excellency having been pleased to wave the completion of the...
44To George Washington from William Heath, 4 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
It has been my determination and endeavour to have presented your Excellency this Evening a List of the Officers of the Massachusetts Line, and a Sketch of arrangment agreable to what I hinted to your Excellency when I had the honor last to see you, but I find it impossible to have it compleated in Season to be delivered this evening, I therefore request your indulgence to defer it Untill...
45To George Washington from William Heath, 28 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to the general order of the 25th instant, the left wing of the army decamped the morning of the 26th and commenced their march for this place—the day proved very rainy—the troops halted in the vicinity of Nelson’s-point, & lay in the woods that night. The 27th began early to cross the ferry at West-point—The troops had all crossed by half past twelve—The march was continued over...
46To George Washington from William Heath, 29 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of your Excellencys Commission and Instructions to us, we proceeded to Tappan on the 25th instant; where we were met by Lieut. General Campbell and the Honorable Mr Elliot, Commissioners on the part of General Sir Guy Carleton. The next Morning we interchanged Copies of our respective powers, and adjourned to the followg Day. On perusal of the powers vested in the Commissioners of...
47To George Washington from William Heath, 27 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your commissioners arrived at the State the day before yesterday at two o’clock P.M. where they were met a few minutes after by lieutenants-general Campbell and the honorable mr Elliot, commissioners from his excellency general sir Guy Carleton. Yesterday the powers were shewn; those of the commissioners from sir Guy Carleton appearing to your commissioners to be inadequate to the purposes of...
48From George Washington to William Heath, 23 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Powers of equal date herewith Authorize you to proceed to Tappan in Orange County in the State of New York and there meet Commissioners from the British for the purposes mentiond in your powers. You are to pay the most pointed attention to the nature of your Powers which are founded upon Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United States bearing date the 16th instant a Copy of which...
49From George Washington to William Heath, 23 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esqr. General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America. To Major General Willm Heath and Major General Henry Knox. Whereas the Honorable the Delegates of the United States in Congress assembled, have been pleased to authorize and impower me, by Letters patent under the Great Seal bearing date the 16th day of September Anno Domini...
50To George Washington from William Heath, 3 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to the General orders of the first Instant attended by the Field officers of the Day and Quarter Master General (the Adjutant General being Absent) yesterday the approaches leading to this Encampment and the extent of the creeks, and find that the Isthumus between the heads of the creeks is nearly three Quarters of a mile wide through which there is an avenue easy of access to...