To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 July 1779
From Major General William Heath
Danforths [Highlands, N.Y.] July 7th 1779
Dear General
I herewith Send a prisoner of war taken on the 2nd Instant near North Castle.
General Duportail has not yet been here to lay out the works,1 The fatigue men were held in readiness yesterday.2 I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt
W. Heath
P.S. 8 oClock A.M. Smith Gammon a deserter who has just come in attends the Prisoner of war.
ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers.
1. GW sent Brigadier General Duportail in early June to oversee the construction of fortifications at West Point (see GW to Alexander McDougall, 2 June [second letter]; see also Heath to GW, 9 July).
2. At this place on his draft manuscript, Heath wrote and then struck out a paragraph, which reads: “I have lately been informed that the recruits from Massachusetts Bay are on their march for the army, I do not positive know but am apprehensive that they will come without arms, should that be the Case and no arms on hand here to equipp them The recruits will for Some time be nearly Useless.”