From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 March 1778
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 14th 1778
Sir
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.1 You will be pleased, agreeable to the request of the Board, by the first flag, to remonstrate against this procedure, in a proper manner and demand Mr Heisters liberation, with a restoration of his papers and effects.2 I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
2. In accordance with this request, Heath protested to the British commander at Halifax, Col. Eyre Massey, in April (see Heath to GW, 4 May, enclosing copies of the protest, 15 April, and Massey’s reply, 22 April). Hiester was freed at Philadelphia in late April (see GW to Heath, 29 April).