151To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented by Mr Torrey whom I have in Consequence of Directions from the Board of war Some Time Since received nominated as a director to a Company of Bakers which I was to raise and Send on to the army, notwithstanding the Encouragment to the Bakers is Handsome yet it is Small when Compared with the Bounties given by the respective Towns to men to Compleat their Quotas Some of...
152To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Perhaps ere this reaches you, you will hear that an Officer of the Convention troops has been lately shot at Cambridge by one of our Sentinels. this happened on the 17th Instant, the Officer attempting to ride out of the Chain of Sentries with two Women, which by express orders are not to pass without passports, the Sentry did his duty—repeatedly ordered the Officer to stop, and was at length...
153To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by Captain Langdon of Colo. Henry Jackson’s Regiment who will also present a packet from General Phillips addressed to Sir Hy Clinton, which your Excellency is requested to send in by the first flag if you should approve thereof. General Phillips first sent me a letter for Sr Heny Clinton which contained many expressions, which, duty to the honor &...
154To 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,...
155To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 17th Ultimo. Captain Robert Davis left this place to join the Army some three or four weeks since. I believe General Glover & his Brigade Major Fosdick are much better acquainted with his conduct and services while here, than I am. The Military Stores which arrived at Portsmouth from France in the Dutchess of Grammond I have ordered to this place on their...
156To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
This moment Colonel Armand & a major Ottendroff called at my quarters, and being about to set out for the Army, the Major desires I would write your Excellency that he is exceeding sorry for leaving the service the last year, and wishes you would over look it; that he desires again to serve in the Army. He has made several applications to the Navy Board to serve in the navy; he is now...
157To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
The day before yesterday I received a letter from Peter Colt Esqr. A.C.G. of Purchases of which the enclosd is a copy The provissions in our Magazines are by no means very considerable; but finding Mr Colt so pressing, and not knowing but the most fatal consequences might take place if salted provisions were not sent on, I immediately gave orders for Six Hundred Barrels of pork and four...
158To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 18th Instant. The greatest expectations are formed of the most singular and important advantages to the American Cause from the seasonable arrival of the French Squadron, it is to be hoped that the most sanguine will not be disappointed. I immediately communicated that part of your Excellency’s Letter to the Navy Board which respected the rendezvousing the...
159To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Some Time in the month of april last Capt. Willoe of the Troops of the Convention, went to Canada by the way of Hallifax in order to forward to this Place the Baggage Belonging to those Troops—to which by the Convention they had a Right if it was found necessary, nothing has been heard of Capt. Willoe Since, General Phillips applies for leave for an other Officer to go to Canada by the way of...
160To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 24th June and 3rd July Came to hand by this Days Post. where they have been so long detained I cannot Conceive, as they Contain Several Peices of Intelligence of the then motions of the Enemy—had they Come to hand in the Usual Time would have gratifyed the Publick exceedingly; be pleased Sir to accept my warmest acknowledgements of Gratitude and Thanks for the Honor Done me in...
161To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Express who came from Congress being taken Sick here, prevents his returning at Present I am therefore to request the favor that your Excellency would be pleased to Send on the Packet addressed to the Hon. President by the First Express that goes from your Quarters—which will lay me under great obligation. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obt Hbble...
162To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Nearly our whole time for several weeks has been taken up in forwarding provisions, Stores &c. to Rhode Island, and in order to accelerate the operations of the Expedition we have sent to that place all the provisions that could possibly be spared from the Magazines, in particular Flour, of which upwards of 1000 Barrels have been forwarded. The unexpected destination of the Count D’Estaing’s...
163To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 14th Instant. I beg leave to observe to your Excellency that a large Sum of Money is now due to the United States from the British Government for Supplies furnished to the Troops of the Convention and that the pay Master and Commissary to those Troops were just going for Rhode Island with the Accounts to obtain the money, when the Expedition...
164To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Last Evening I received the Honor of yours of the 28th ulto. your Excellency may be Assured of my utmost attention & Exertions as far as in my power to paliate and vindicate the Conduct of the Count DEstaing in leaving Rhode Island His Ships are now Formed in Line of Battle in Nantasket Road, at the Entrance of which on Hull and Long Island Batteries are Erecting which will afford a Cross...
165To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
a Large Fleet of men of war are now almost up to our Light House and are beyond a doubt an Enemy the alarm is Given, and the militia assembling, There are no Continental Troops here except about 40 Invalids—our Militia are as good as any but your Excy is sensible they are not like Regular Troops about Twenty Ships are in Sight & Some of them very large. I am Dear Genl in haste your obt Servt...
166To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
8 O’Clock A.M. By the observations made at Hull (Nantasket) the last evening at 6 o’Clock, the Enemy’s Fleet, in sight, consisted of Twenty Ships, one Sloop & one Schooner within about Two leagues, veering E.S.E., from Light house Island, 8 or 10 of them Ships of the Line (one wearing a blue Flag at her fore Top mast head) 8 Frigates the others small. Between 1, & 3, O’Clock this morning 6 or...
167To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Nothing worthy of notice has Transpired Since I had the honor to write you on the Second Inst. whether the British Fleet that came and looked at the French Squadron are gone to Hallifax, or to Newport or are Still Cruizing off is Unknown, a Considerable firing of Cannon was heard off in the Bay this morning. Upon the receipt of your Excellencys Letters this morning for the Count DEstaing, I...
168To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I do myself the honor to transmit the Commission of Capt. R. Allen late of Colo. Aldens Regiment who had your Excellency permission to Resign. Colo. Lee some time since received leave from Congress to resign his commission in the army —The time when the resignation was to take place I have settled with him but have not taken his Commission as his accounts are not settled—He informs me...
169To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 6th instant; and have given orders for the Artificers at Springfield to be cloath’d, agreeable to your direction. This moment the Continental sloop of war, commanded by Capn John Rathburn arrived in this Port from a cruise, and gives the inclosed intelligence —Whether this fleet was from Europe, and what is calld the Glasgow fleet —or whether they were...
170To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed I have Just received, the Gentlemen are here on furlough from Major General Sullivan, I mentioned to them that as the Regt was with General Sullivan, it would have been proper for them to have Applied to him, They acquaint me that they mention’d it to the General before they left providence and that He advised them to apply to your Excellency through me I fear the greater part of...
171To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy’s Fleet which visited and destroyed a considerable part of Bedford on the 5th & 6th Instant are now between Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth, (Cape Cod) —it is this Day reported that their number is increased to Seventy Sail, and that they have made a demand on the Inhabitants of the Island for 300 Head of Cattle & 10000 Sheep. I think the Enemy are meditating mischief this way, indeed...
172To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received the honor of yours of the 13th Instant. From my first being informed of Mr Fletcher’s appointment I have afforded him every assistance which he has asked for without the least delay, and have constantly enjoined upon him to acquaint me of any, the least, embarrassment which may fall in his way, which, if in my power, shall be immediately removed. Mr Fletcher has already...
173To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
On fryday last a Vessel arrived at Piscataqua in forty Days from Nantz, in France, Dispatches were yesterday brought up to the Count de Estaing, the Master of the Vessel reports that on the 27th July last a Navel Engagement happened off Ushant between the Squadron of his most Christian Majesty Commanded by Monsieure de Chaffault and the British Fleet Commanded by Admiral Keppel which lasted...
174To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 22d and 23d Instant. Am confident that your Excellency will make the best distribution of the Grand Army for the public defence in every quarter. I have not yet seen Major Nichola —when he arrives I shall afford him every assistance in my power. I am happy to acquaint your Excellency that at present the utmost harmony subsists between the...
175To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 29th Ulto per Brigr Genl Portail, and since, with that of the 4th Instant—The General has been taking a survey of the different Works every day since his arrival here, but has not as yet taken a plan. I shall pay strict attention to the injunctions of your Excellency’s Letter respecting the works. I beleive the intelligence communicated by...
176To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received the honor of your favor respecting the resignations of Captains Brown, Langdon &c. the Enemy’s leaving the Jersies, return to New York and preparation to embarke a number of Regiments, and your Excellency’s instention to march a Detachment of the Grand Army to the Eastward as far as Connecticutt river. The Letter is without date which obliges me to acknowledge the receipt...
177To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
yesterday noon I received the Honor of yours of the 18th Instant and about an hour after that, of the 20th. The Letters addressed to his Excellency Count D. Estaing I immediately forwarded to him as I alwaies keep an Express Boat ready for that purpose —The General Opinion here Seems to be that the Enemy are going to the West Indies—but the Possibility and Some degree of Probability that their...
178To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This morning at Nine oClock I was honored with the receipt of your Two favors of the 21st the one enclosing Intelligence of the movements of the Enemy the other the resolutions of Congress for removing the Troops of the Convention, and at Twelve oClock that of the 22nd. no Provissions (except a Triffleing quantity in one Small vessell which was Sent here Some two or Three months Since) have...
179To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is Copy of a Letter which I have just received from Major General Riedesel and Brigadeir General Hamilton with whom I have for some time transacted the public Business of the Troops of Convention, having found it impossible to do business with propriety with Major General Phillips. Your Excellency will observe, what they advance, and that they seem rather to hold up an Idea that...
180To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This day I was honor’d with yours of the 24 Instant. shall observe it’s injunctions in transmitting immediate intelligence to your Excellency, and to Major General Gates, should the Enemy appear in this quarter, and shall endeavor to ascertain, should a Fleet appear in the Bay, whether they have Troops with them. The People here are quite Secure, and but very few will believe that it is in the...
181To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At the pressing request of Brigadier General Hamilton, I have given permission to Captain Masters of the 24th Regiment, British, attended by Captain Bliss to proceed to your Excellency to receive your further orders, with respect to a packet with which he is intrusted, addressed to General Sir Henry Clinton. As Major General Phillips intends writing to your Excellency, prehaps respecting his...
182To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am still makeing every preparation for the march of the Troops of the Convention, on wednesday next. As Sir Henry Clinton has not left New York as appears by your Letter of the 25th Just Come to hand, perhaps he may attempt a rescue at or near the Time that the Troops pass Hudsons river, or in the Jersies. I have endeavoured therefore to keep them in Ignorance what rout they are to take...
183To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I now do myself the honor to inclose copies of several Letters which have passed between Major General Phillips and me if your Excellency shoud think it worth your while to give them a perusal. The reasons of first restricting him to his House &c. are fully known. The expressions contained in some of his Letters since, in particular that of the first of October, were the reasons for my...
184To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Finding it impracticable for the Troops of the Convention to begin their march the Day after to morrow, as was intended, I am this moment obliged to defer it until Saturday morning when I hope every thing will be in readiness. Inclosed is a request made by Brigadier General Hamilton. I have consented to the Officers, Sick &c. mentioned in the Letter, remaining here until your Excellency’s...
185To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ulo and by the same Express a Letter from Governor Trumbull, representing that the Forrage on the road commonly traveled to Fish kill was nearly exhausted, and that the Troops of the Convention could not be well supplied unless they took the rout of Waterbury and Danbury, or through the County of Berkshire into the State of New York....
186To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 29th Ulto inclosing a Resolve of the Honorable Congress of the 22d. Major General Gates arrived here yesterday and has taken the Command this Day. The Summerset Man of War is on shore on Cape Cod, and is taken possession of by our people. It is said Seventeen Sail of British Men of War of the Line had actually entered our Bay when the late severe Storm...
187To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 8th I received the honor of yours of the 3d Instant and this evening of that of the 6th. Major General Gates having taken the Command here the Day before the receipt of the former & received instructions similar to those contained in your Excellency’s letter to me, mine were of course superseded. I had not the least doubt but that Major General Phillips was to march with the Convention...
188To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s instructions, some time since received, I had, previous to Major Genl Gates’s taking the Command of this District discharged the following Officers from the Army, viz., October 23d Capt. Gowen Brown & Captain John Langdon of Colo. Henry Jackson’s Regiment. Captain Lieut. John Cumston of Colonel John Crane’s Regiment of Artillery. October 27th Captain Nathl...
189To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by the Hon. Mr Holker agent to the Royal Marine and Consul of France, whose known worth is universally acknowledged. It is now more than three weeks Since I had the honor to receive yours of the 29th Octr—Incloseing the resolve of Congress of the 22nd of the Same month appointing Major General Gates to the Command of the Eastern District, which I acknowledged in mine...
190To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is now upwards of four months since I had the honor to receive yours of the 29th of Octr, inclosing a resolve of the Hon. Congress of the 22nd of the same month, directing that Major General Gates should forthwith repair to Boston to take Command of the Continental Forces that were or might be in the Eastern district. Your Excellency in that letter was pleased to observe, “I inclose you the...
191To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to do myself the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Letter which I have just received from Colo. Armand who has express’d a great inclination, if agreable to you, to have Major Daniel Lyman my eldest Aide de Camp advanced to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of his regiment, which is now vacant. I should with much reluctance part with Major Lyman from my family, but, if this...
192To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to Congratulate your Excellency on the Signal Success of the Continental Frigates Warren, Ranger and Queen of Fran[c]e in Captureing the British Ship Jason Capt. Potterfield of 20 Guns, Ship Maria of 16 Guns Brigts Patriot, Prince Fredrick, Batchelor and John schooners Hibernia and Chance Bound from New York to Georgia with large Quantities of Goods Stores Provisions &c. on Board...
193To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
It was not untill the last evening that I received the honor of yours of the 26th Ultimo, which has relieved me from no Small embarrassments arising from apprehensions, lest from my conduct, I had in some degree forfeited the friendship of one whose approbation to merit is my ambition. I shall be ready with the greatest cheerfullness to join the Army by the time mentioned in your Excellencys...
194To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with the receipt of yours of the 22d Ultimo. I never received any List of the Officers names under the Convention of Saratoga on their arrival at Cambridge, as taken at the Convention, but do myself the honor to enclose Copy of their Names and ranks as Subscribed to a parole Soon after their arrival at Cambridge. I take the Liberty to enclose Extract of a Letter lately...
195To 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...
196To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was a Day or two since honour’d wth yours of the 15th enclosing one for the Honble Council of this State respecting the heavy Cannon, the latter I immediately forwarded to Council, & this Morning have recieved their Permission to remove the Cannon. I have directed the Dy Q. M. Genl to do it with all possible Dispatch. One of the Cannon is at Beverly which will cause some little Delay. They...
197To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The last Evening I was honor’d with the Receipt of yours of the 26th Ulto; am preparing to leave this Place with all possible Dispatch, which will be in the Course of a few days, & hope soon to have the Honor of paying my respects to your Excellency in Person. I have the Honor to be wth the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. GW had...
198To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed Intelligence received from Genl Huntington the last night about Ten oClock —and request your Excellencys direction respectg the arms brought out by Deserters. I take the Liberty to enclose Several Papers received from Colo. Allen the Day before I left Boston. I shall endeavour to have the Troops in this Quarter in readiness for any emergency. have...
199To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Intelligence this moment Came to hand shall run down to Genl Huntingtons Brigade shall take Genl Parsons with me any Signification of your pleasure shall be immediately executed. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency most obedient Servt ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. This draft is docketed inadvertently as being to Brig. Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons. The...
200To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon being honored with your Command, on yesterday I immediately detached Lieut. Colo. Grosvenor with 200 Light Infantry to march to Robinsons Stores with proper Instructions conformable to your directions —I have received no reports of Consequence this morning should any be made worthy of notice they shall be transmitted. I think the forming the Light Infantry of this division into a Corps...