7531To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being Posted at Some Distance from The other General Officers of the State of Massachusetts Bay, I have found it very difficult to Obtain their Opinion of the Field Officers Proper to be Recommended, to that State, to Serve in the Army in future, General Nixon was at my Quarters on Yesterday, General Fellows was on Duty and Could not attend. I did with General Nixon arrainge The Officers for...
7532To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning I sent off the heavy baggage of the Division and march’d from Ridgfield to this place. The Enemys Fleet got under Sail in the morning and Stood from the Long Island Side towards the Main, & continued tacking & turning one way and the other through the day. Several deserters who came off informed that General Clinton was with his whole Army, Pioneers & guides at Maroneck I was...
7533To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 13th with one enclosed from the Marquis de la Fayette. I have desired the Officer commanding at Fish Kill, to give me notice, should the Officers mentioned, take that route, which I shall communicate; and the Officer at Kings ferry to have an Express ready, in case they pass there, to push forward & give notice of their approach to Head Quarters. If they pass at...
7534To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The regimental tailors are now busily employed in making up the clothing, but their numbers are by no means sufficient—Few, if any have yet arrived from the country. The clothier has resolved to offer more encouragement. The inoculation of the troops will deter those who have not had the small-pox, from coming to work in the respective quarters of the regiments. To remedy this, I intend, if...
7535To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the month of September last Standing in need of an aid De Camp in conformity to the resolution of the Hon. Congress of the 27th May 1778 I appointed one from the line vizt Capt. Thomas Cartwright of Colo. Henry Jacksons Regt Since which in the new arrainging the officers of His Regiment Captain Cartwright was omitted, The Colonel apprehending as he has Since declared that Capt. Cartwright...
7536To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
27 April 1778. Recommends Col. Henry Jackson to GW’s notice as “an Honest man a worthy Citizen and Good Officer.” States that he has “taken the Liberty to enclose under Cover addressed to your Excellency” a letter to the president of Congress and asks that it be “forwarded by the first Conveyance.” ADf , MHi : Heath Papers. Heath’s letter to Henry Laurens of 27 April requested congressional...
7537To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 2d Instant—I address’d your Excellency on the 22d Ultimo, and requested Your direction in Several instances therein mentioned. in Yours of the 2d you are pleased to acknowlege the Receipt of mine of the 25th and 28th Ultimo, but make no mention of that of the 22d—which leaves me at uncertainty whether my letter reached you or not, or whether an answer is on...
7538To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
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, The fatigue men were held in readiness yesterday. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt P.S. 8 oClock A.M. Smith Gammon a deserter who has just come in attends the Prisoner of war. ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers....
7539To 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...
7540To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of the 10th enclosing duplicate of yours of the 28th Ultimo. that letter came to hand by post but was a long time coming. I executed one of the Culprits who was under Sentence of death for desertion, and pardoned the other three. Colonel Green’s regiment will march on with their old arms; but the Colonel assures me many of them are very unfit for actual service. We...
7541To George Washington from William Heath, 21 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The night before last sixty or seventy recruits arrived from Massachusetts; among them ten or a dozen lads by no means fit for soldiers at present, and two deserters from the enemy—One of the deserters went from here to the eastward but about two months since. The small lads and the two deserters have not been distributed to the regiments, but remain at West point Colonel Stewart has looked at...
7542To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 27 Ulto. Extracts of the paragraph respecting the Expedition to the River St Johns I sent to the Assembly—finding your Excellency’s opinion, without [waiting] for further Directions from Congress they voted to lay the Expedition aside, and ordered the Troops to be disbanded. As the Resolve of Congress directed them to set the Expedition on foot and...
7543To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by Capt. Mullen (accompanied by Monsr Du Bouchet Brother in law to Col. Conway) who came from France in the Ship Amphitrite—He appears to be a very good Officer, & I think would make a most excellent Major of Brigade, if your Excellency should think it proper. The Assembly of this State have Resolved to complete their 15 Battalions by Draught, which is to be made on...
7544To George Washington from William Heath, 19 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed News paper came to hand the last evening, altho it is not of a very late date but the latest I have received. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
7545To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer hereof Capt. Goodrich was Taken at Quebeck on the 31st of Decemr 1775 When General Montgomery made his Unfortunate attempt upon that City—Capt. Goodrich is a Brave and Good officer, He was not Exchanged Untill Since Christmass—And has as yet no Appointment in Our Army—His Zeal for the Publick Service is Such that upon Hearing the Army stood in need of a Reinforcment He Immediately...
7546To George Washington from William Heath, 8 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I forward One Robert Dean, a Deserter from Robinsons Corps who came here this morning—he appears to have a good knowledge of the Enemies Lines on this Side the City of New York on which he has worked, but Seems to know little more. Major Woodbridge writes me that he is informed Deans "character has not been equal to his present pretentions," but nothing more respecting him. I have the honor to...
7547To 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...
7548To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 8th—The 100 barrells of salted beef, or as many Tierces as will be equal to that quantity, the beef being cheifly in the latter, shall be forwarded to Albany as soon as a vessell can be procured. The Invalids of the six months Levies have been discharged, & for some days past six men of those worst cloathed from each regiment This haveing taken off the principle...
7549To George Washington from William Heath, 18 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Just come to hand with the person who was Sent up a few Days Since a Deserter from the Enemy on their late excursion to Haverstraw. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Sert MHi : Heath Papers.
7550To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In the present stage of the war the officers of the Massachusetts line have thought it an object highly interesting to them to know whether their state will conform to an ordinance of congress of October 1780, granting half pay for life to the officers who should continue in service to the end of the war—or if this mode should not be agreeable to the genius and inclination of the people, to...
7551To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Williams Brigade Major of the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, has been tried at a General Court Martial for not furnishing a detail laid on the Brigade by the D.A.G., has been acquitted by the Court and the Judgment approved by your Excellency, this has been done in consequence of Colonel Putnam Commandant of the Brigade forbiding Capt. Williams furnishing the detail, Colonel Putnam...
7552To 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...
7553To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am Just returned (much Fatigued) from East Chester Bay, where I have been with Genl Clinton and Colonel Chester to Reconnoitre the Ground. I have the Honor this moment to receive yours of this Day, and have Immediately ordered all the Teams here or that Can be Procured to be Sent to you —Would to God that the Business of a Certain Department, was Performed with alertness, I wish it may not...
7554To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 28th Ulto —have made a distribution of the Troops assigned to my Command, conformable to your pleasure, where it has been signifyed, & in other cases, have acted according to my own discretion, and hope it will meet your Excellencys approbation. The New Jersey Line have gone to Pompton. The New York Regiments, now embarking their baggage in order to...
7555To George Washington from William Heath, 23 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence from the water guard, which I believe may be fully depended on, That the fleet of transports having the troops on board, sailed from New York on wednesday morning last, the 21st instant—the same number that had put to sea before, and returned, having been chased in by the French fleet—Sir Harry Clinton is gone in the fleet—report says, to the southward....
7556To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from Major Maxwell came to hand last evening. Colo. Delancy, a day or two since sent up a Flag to Major Maxwell with a verbal proposal for the exchange of some of the prisoners taken at Morrissania: as it almost immediately preceded their excursion; it was probably designed to discover our situation. Inclosed is also a letter this day received from Major General Parsons. I have...
7557To George Washington from William Heath, 10 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Capt. Cleaveland of the corps of sappers and miners, was put into my hand the last evening. My not having knowledge of your Excellency’s orders and intentions respecting the matter obliges me to lay it before you. Enclosed is a New York paper of the 3d the only one I have been able to obtain since the one of the 28th ulto. it came to hand this morning. Capt. Pray writes me...
7558To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
It has for some time past been reported that numbers of women frequent going to and comeing from the Enemy at Ver Planks Point by which intelligence undoubtedly can be communicated to any part of the Country—I take the liberty to enclose a letter which I received from Genl Nixon the last evening and request your Excellencys direction in this and other like instances—The women are yet detaind...
7559To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an application from Lieutenant Colonel Tudor of Colo. Henleys Regiment for leave to resign his appointment in that Regiment, finding but ill success in recruiting the Regiment. He has for some time discovered an inclination to resign; but having a few days since married a young Lady here, he now appears anxious to do it, and I imagine cannot be persuaded otherwise. I am...
7560To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
A relation of disagreable circumstances has of late composed my correspondence. this is of the Same complexion. The enclosed I received this morning about 10 oClock. The detachment who have been doing duty on the Lines consisted of 250 rank and File, properly officer’d & commanded by a Feild officer whose instructions were to be constantly moving between Hudsons river and Bedford, Croten River...
7561To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your Orders the night before last for the march of General Parsons’s Brigade, and yesterday noon the Three Regiments at Peeks-Kill began their march, making about 500 men which are now here—I have ordered Huntingtons and Tylers to Joyn me they may make about three Hundred men, after leaving a Captain & 50 men as a Guard at the Pass in the mountains Colonel Vose with Greatons Bonds &...
7562To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Mr Commissary Stevens, in which he expresses himself as follows: “Mr Forsyth’s clerk informs me that one hundred barrels of flour and twelve barrels of beef were left at Pecks kill, which were sent there for the detachment that marched last week, and that they were without guard. I wish, if you think proper, you would give directions for them to be...
7563To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The General Assembly of this State have passed a resolve to raise the number of men required to compleat their Battallions; and have, I am informed, directed that they be Sent to me to be mustered, and ordered to their destinations. I shall immediately order two or three officers from Colonel Green’s Regiment, with Some Serjeants to receive them here, and put them to the drill. It is probable...
7564To George Washington from William Heath, 23 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your several letters of the 22d and a letter address’d to General Sir Guy Carlton. Your pleasure signifyed in the letters shall be duly observed—the letter to Sir Guy Carleton forwarded to the enemies out post. It has been enjoyned on the Troops at the late musters and Inspections to be constantly supplied with fifty rounds of cartridges pr man; these cannot be always...
7565To 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...
7566To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
In your Excellency’s Letter of the 7th Inst. you are pleased to leave the Settlement of the Arms that have been lost, to me—Observing that Justice should be done to the Public & to Individuals—I have been endeavoring to Settle with some of the Regiments, but I find the matter so embarrass’d, that I cannot compleat it without again applying to your Excellency for Direction. Some Regiments, in...
7567To George Washington from William Heath, 24 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The troops have not been able to draw any meat for this day or two past, there being neither fresh or salted provisions at the post to issue. This is a disagreeable consideration in itself; but the present want of the troops is not all. In case of any emergency, the posts and troops will be in the most critical situation. I have repeatedly represented to mr Sands the necessity of having...
7568To George Washington from William Heath, 8 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I wish to know whether it be your excellency’s pleasure that the absence of major John Porter of the Massachusetts line should be taken cognizance of by a general court-martial. He stands eldest major in the line—the dismission of lieutenant-colonel Badlam opens a vacancy for a lieutenant-colonel—Major Maxwell is second major in the line, and is very anxious to know how the promotion is to be...
7569To 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...
7570To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 26th—have ordered the New Jersey Line to hold itself in readiness to move on the shortest notice—The New York Line to move over to the East side of Hudsons river, & hutt adjoining the New Hampshire Line, except the strongest regiment, which is to hutt near Robinsons Mills; for the purpose mentioned. Colonel Hazens Regiment is ordered to Fish Kill. In a former...
7571To George Washington from William Heath, 11 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
All accounts from New York agree that the enemy are at work day and night in refitting their men of war and preparing fire-ships, ten or twelve of which, it is said, will be completed by the 14th—I hope the account which I sent of this the 7th & which was the first knowledge I obtained of it, reached your Excellency. The fire-ships are taken from the transports and Goodriche’s fleet—they are...
7572To George Washington from William Heath, 10 Aug. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Heath, 10 Aug. 1779. On 10 Aug., GW wrote Heath: “I have to acknowlege your favor of this day with its inclosure to your address from Gen: Nixon.”
7573To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 22–23 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
I this Evening Reached Norwich, having left Colo. Pattersons Division about Twenty miles Back on the Road. The men march with Surprising Agility Scarcely Complaining of being fatigued But the Road being Extreemly mirry and in Some places Almost Impassable Greatly Impedes the waggons which is an Obstruction to the whole; 23rd this morning Rode to the Landing, find the Shiping in a good way and...
7574To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I most Heartily Congratulate your Excellency on the arrival of the French Storeship at Portsmouth Intelligence of which together with the Invoice of the Stores I suppose you Received Some Days Since ⅌ the Express, I hope this to be but the foretaste of a Plentifull Harvest from the Same Quarter, and Indeed this arrival is very Seasonable for without Some of the Arms, I Cannot at present See...
7575To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 6 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Visited the Guards Yesterday Afternoon, found them in Good Order, But Some of them, deficient in their number, Occasioned by the Extraordinary Drafts from Some of the Brigades. I gave Orders for the Grand Rounds at Eleven—Visiting Rounds at Three, Patroles Between each Relief, The Guards in the out Posts were reinforced in the Evening, Officers of the Day Report that in the Night they found...
7576To George Washington from William Heath, 9 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed your Excellency will find a receipt of the delivery of the letter you were pleased a few days since to direct to me to forward to the enemies lines—and two newspapers brought up by the Officer who went with the flag—They are not of so late a date as some I have before sent, but as they contain some debates in the british house of commons probably not inserted in the other papers sent,...
7577To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Captain Pray has just written me that he lately sent a serjeant and two men as a patrole down below the block-house at Dobbs’ ferry as far as the ship, to observe if there was not a communication kept up with the main. The ship’s boat with the lieutenant on board came over to the Jersey shore after two deserters who had crossed—the serjeant and two men fired on the boat and drove her off—it is...
7578To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday a Xebeck arrived in this port from Spain, and a Cutter from France, I have this day forwarded the Letters to Congress ⅌r Express. If we may give credit to common reports brought by these Vessels Chesepeck or Deleware will soon (if they are not already) be honored with a French Squardron, and the Letters in the Mail, addressed to the Count de Estaing Vice Admiral in the French Fleet,...
7579To George Washington from William Heath, 19 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honored with yours of the 17th. I apprehend it will be necessary to lay General Bevilles letter before the Arbitrators as a check upon the representations which will be made by the State Agent of the great number of horses kept, and forrage consumed by the French Army. Your Excellencys observations shall be subjoined. Enclosed is a letter from Major Gibbs and a New York...
7580To George Washington from William Heath, 26 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your’s of this date. I ordered the gun-boat fitted some ten or twelve days since and sent her to the water guard, with instructions to Capt. Pray to make use of her where she would be most serviceable for the protection of the guard boats—to keep a look-out, &c. I do not know particularly how she was employed or stationed the last year; if differently from what I have...