101From George Washington to William Heath, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I send you inclosed a Copy of a Letter which I yesterday received from the Minister of War. You will be pleased upon its Receipt to convene the principal Officers of the several Regiments, & collect their Opinion how far it will be agreeable to the Army that the Commutation mentioned should take place, I wish to make the Contracts as acceptable & easy to both parties as Circumstances will...
102From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of this date inclosing a representation of the Subs of the 3d Connecticut Regt against Mr Pomeroys holding his Commission subsequent to his appointment of Auditor for settling the deficiencies of Cloathing for 1777. General Parsons represented the same matter to me the 1st Augt last to which I gave the following answer. “If Mr Pomeroy has accepted the appointment...
103From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am always willing to encourage a spirit of enterprize when any thing can be effected without a probability of much loss or danger. If any Officer is willing to undertake the matter you mention, I have no objection. Much will depend upon the fidelity of the party, for if one deserts he endangers and perhaps defeats the whole. The intelligence given by the Horseman comports with that of the...
104From George Washington to William Heath, 7 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday has been duly received—I think it proper that the trial of Major Keith should commence as soon as possible—The affair of the Cartridge Boxes, together with the appointment of a Conductor to the 3d Masstts Brigade, have been referred to Genll Knox. If Capt. Dorence is unfit for the Duty of the Field, it would be best for him to relieve Capt. Benton at the Hospitals, as I...
105From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Lincoln & Lieut. Eldred Prisoners lately exchanged, having applied for an extension of their furloughs beyond the first of April—I shall have no objections to any reasonable indulgences in such extraordinary Cases. but cannot undertake to act upon particular applications, as this might counteract the general Arrangements made by the Commanding Officers of Regts—who ought to be consulted,...
106From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
By my former directions, the fifteen Regiments, belonging to your State, were all ordered to march to Ticonderoga, as soon as they were raised armed and equipped. But upon a reconsideration of the matter, founded upon several peices of Intelligence, there is a probability that the Enemy will draw part of their force from Canada by water as soon as the St Lawrence is navigable, in order to...
107From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have lately reciev’d information (on which I can in some measure rely) that it is impracticable for carriages to pass from Harlem point or any of the landing places contiguous to it, towards King’s bridge any other way than along the public roads; I should therefore concieve it would be highly expedient to throw every impediment and obstruction in the ways leading from the above mentioned...
108From George Washington to William Heath, 21 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your several Letters of the 18th 19th 20th Inst. and of this date—I approve of your relieving Major Maxwell for the purpose you mention. I fear you have not received my Letter of the 16th respecting the Contract, as I do not find it acknowledged in any of Yours, I wish to be informed, and am, Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
109From George Washington to William Heath, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of this Day, accompanied with one from Colo. Canfield at Stamford, informg—the Detention of Mr Corne & others as Prisoners. I am pleased with the Conduct of Colo. Canfield & his Attention to his Duty—& as it seems there is no other Way to reduce Genl Birch to an Observance of the Convention respectg the Place where Flags are to be received, than by the Detention of...
110From George Washington to William Heath, 26 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am on my way to the North River, and Shall pass thro’ the Clove the last of this Week—I wish you therefore to detach a Captain & 50 Men, so as that they may be on friday Night next (that is on the Night of the 29th Inst.) at Galloway or some other farm house, nearer to the place; where the new Road from Ringwood forms the junction with the Smith’s Clover Road—it will be best for the party to...
111From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Heath, 12 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief directs me to inclose you the within Warrant—& Desires you will be pleased to have the Execution carried into effect in such manner as you think proper. I am most Respectfully Sir Your most obedt MHi .
112From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 23d and 24th ulto. Finding that Colo. Lee cannot be prevailed upon to remain in the service I have represented his Case and that of Major Swazee to Congress and expect in my next to inform you of their acceptation of their Commissions. If Capt. Aldens circumstances are such that he cannot conveniently continue in the Army you may give him a discharge, first...
113From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have not been favd with a line from you since the 24th Ulto. Anxious for the Success of the Troops with You, I wish to hear from you frequently; An Express may meet with a ready Passage across the North River. While You are lying in that quarter I would by all means have the Forage & Provisions removed to some interior parts of the Country, entirely out of the Enemy’s reach; For altho’ the...
114From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your several favors of the 2d 4th 8th and 10th Instants. From the frequency of fires at West point and its dependencies, one would think there was something more than accident, and yet, from the enquiry, they do not appear to be the effect of design. It is possible that there may be Fire Engines in some of the town up the River, one of which you might perhaps obtain upon...
115From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received Yesterday your letter of the 29th Ulto. Before this comes to hand you will have been informed that the Fleet in the Sound, which it is generally believed was designed to proceed to Rhode Island, has returned. We have so many accounts of this that we have no doubt of it, and are pursuing measures accordingly. With respect to the return of the Militia who were called for, under the...
116From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of this date, and approve the disposition you have made. I do not recollect the ground in particular which you intend for your Encampment; no doubt it is proper, & my desire is that it should be for the accomodation of the Troops, and at the same time be as convenient to Verplanks point as could be—on acct of the work. You will be pleased to forward the inclosed...
117From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased immediately to summon all the General Officers and the Colonels or Officers commanding the Regiments of the lines under your command to meet punctually at ten OClock tomorrow morning at your quarters. I will be down myself by that time. You need not send to Colo. Hazen. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ;...
118From George Washington to William Heath, 18 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
After I have seen the troops maneuvered upon the point tomorrow morning, I shall go down to Peekskill to look at the Ground in that neighbourhood. You will be pleased to order a Company of light Infantry to march to Peekskill tomorrow morning by break of day and there wait my orders. They must go provided with two days provision. I am Dear Sir yr most obt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
119From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Moore, Mother of Mrs General Huntington, having obtained Governor Trumbulls permission to return to New York—you will be pleased to direct an Officer with a Flag to escort her to the Enemys lines at Kings Bridge. Major Alden will accompany Mrs Moore. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers. Elizabeth Channing Moore (c.1729–1805) was the wife of...
120From George Washington to William Heath, 16 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
As soon as you have concluded with the officers, the Quantity of Rum or Whiskey which will be best to be commuted, agreeable to the Orders of this Date—you will be pleased to notify Mr Sands (who if necessary, will attend you for the purpose) and agree with him upon the particular Articles in which the Compensation shall be made. With Regard & Esteem I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt MHi .
121From 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...
122From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will find a Copy of Genl Du Portails state of the Troops necessary for the defence of this Post. It may be very useful during your command—You will however be pleased to observe that the Enemy were, when it was made, in possession of the Posts at Kings Ferry, which not being the case now, a less number of Guards is necessary; such as are superfluous will readily occur to you, in...
123From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Within a few days past I have been favoured with your several letters of the 15. 17 & 25 Ulto and of the 6th Inst. Mr Attendorff shall never act as a Major or in any capacity as an officer in the army with my consent; and I am much surprised that he should entertain the most distant idea that he would be received. His conduct deserves a very different notice. With respect to the salt...
124From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 15th inclosing two letters from General parsons on the subject of the claims of Rank of several Officers in the Connecticut line, came to my hands a few days ago. To admit a revival of Claims, after the line has been arranged and Commissions issued in consequence, would set the whole afloat again, and would inevitably produce that general discontent and disorder by which we had...
125From George Washington to William Heath, 15 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of Yesterday. General Knox will concert Measures with you respecting the Artillery & Stores. I have no objection against building a Provost on Pollipus Island, if it is judged a good situation by those who have reconnoitred it—I never have examined it myself for the purpose. With great regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
126From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you lately, since which the Enemy appear to be drawing their whole force to Brunswick whether with design to move towards Philadelphia Attack Us—or secure themselves from the inconveniences of detach’d bodies I know not; but as many valuable purposes may, I think be answered by your moving towards New York, I wish that no time may be lost in doing it. I have good reasons to believe...
127From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I send herewith a Mr Elliot who lately came out of New York. His account of himself is shortly as follows. He was formerly Chaplain to Colo. Chas Webbs Regiment, but being dismissed from that service and disappointed in some other matters he went in to the Enemy—and now says he has come out again to throw himself upon the mercy of the State of Connecticut of which he was an inhabitant. You...
128From George Washington to William Heath, 25 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to inform you, that Major General Mcdougall, by a letter of the 23d instant, has declined the prosecution of the Charges which he meant to exhibit against you. His reasons are, That the points of military duty, in dispute between you, will have been decided by his Court Martial; and that an altercation between Officers of your Rank might have an ill aspect in the eyes...
129From David Humphreys to William Heath, 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief requests you will be pleased to forward the Letter transmitted herewith, in the most expeditious manner, by a Flag. I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Hble Servant MHi .
130From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14–15 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letters of the 27th and 30th of Decr last and that of the 5th Instant. The measures you have taken to provide against a scarcity, with the assistance of the goverment, will I hope furnish you with a tolerable and constant supply. Our distresses, have been so pressing as to compel me to call upon the several counties in this State for a certain quota of grain and...
131From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 7 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to observe on the subject of your Letter of last Evening, that altho I am not very sanguine in my expectation of the success of the Enterprize proposed, yet I think in our present circumstances it will be adviseable to encourage it. Col. Hull may therefore have permission to make the attempt in conjunction with the Militia, but I would not advise the destruction of any...
132From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 20th Feby inclosing a letter from Lieut. Coune of the 62d Regt to Genl Howe. I shall send in the letter and shall have no objection to his Exchange if Genl Howe consents. As Ensign Winslips health does not admit of his remaining in the Service, I would have you accept of his resignation. The wax which you mention to have sent forward is not yet come to hand. Having...
133From George Washington to William Heath, 28 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
At the request of the Superintendant of Finance, I beg leave to make you acquainted with the mode by which he proposes to furnish the Officers with a supply of Cloathing, and with the reason which induced him to adopt that mode. These you will be pleased to communicate to the Officers under your particular command as you may find Opportunities, in order to remove any misapprehensions which may...
134From George Washington to William Heath, 31 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Being very confident of your attention to the several objects entrusted to your care during my absence; in reply to your Favor of the 28th, I have only to observe that I think it but reasonable that the Officers who have been prevented, by their attendance on the Court Martial for the tryal of Majr General McDougall, from visiting their Families, should be indulged with leave of absence for a...
135From George Washington to William Heath, 8 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Dispatches of yesterday have been handed to me. I am astonished to hear the Recruits which arrived from Massachusetts are so very improper for service, after all the precautions & pains that have been taken to avoid a repetition of such horrid impositions on the Public—unless there are some circumstances that I am unacquainted with, & cannot conceive of, I think the Officer who mustered...
136From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 10th. In the Settlement for Arms I plainly perceive that the loss is all likely to be thrown upon the public, and I dont know how it is to be avoided, I can only as I did before, desire you to act up to the best of your Judgment in this Matter. If some of those persons who have reinlisted are in such a Situation on Account of their Health, that they require a time to...
137From George Washington to William Heath, 18 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your three several Letters of Yesterday. I do not certainly recollect the report of M. Genl Lincoln on his Return from Boston, but have supposed that he took the necessary Measures to forward the recruitg service in that State. Indeed this appears to be the Case by Majr Pettingells Letter to you; who says that Lieut. Colo. Badlam was appointed, by Genl Lincolns orders, to...
138From David Cobb to William Heath, 5 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your several Letters of yesterday have been duly received. The Commander in Chief has further to request your forwarding the inclosed to their direction. I have the honor to be Your Most Obedt Servant MHi .
139From George Washington to William Heath, 22 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of Yesterday with the papers inclosed. I return you Major Ashleys Letter with Dakings Papers. You will direct Major Ashley to Order the Flag with M r Daking to return immediately to the Enemy’s Lines. As this is the second instance in which Genl Birch has contravened my Intentions in grantg Flaggs to come from the Enemys Lines by other Routes than that of Dobb’s...
140From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of this day, I omitted mentioning to you, that it is my wish the light companies of the two brigades should be left behind for a few days and ’till further orders—This you will be pleased to have done that they may be properly arranged. I am Sir Your most Obedt serv. LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW signed the cover...
141From 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...
142From George Washington to William Heath, 4 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I reced your favor of Yesterday with the News paper inclosed. The very high Wind this morning has determined me to defer going to West Point—I therefore return the Barge which need not be sent up again as my own will be fit for use tomorrow or next day. I am Dr Sir Your very Obed Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
143From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 30 August 1776 . “As Numbers of the Militia are going off without Licence, I desire you will stop all such at Kings bridge, as are not furnished with regular Discharges.” LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers. Heath wrote the captain of the main guard at King’s Bridge later on this date, instructing him “to Stop all Soldiers Coming from the City Except Such as have...
144From David Humphreys to William Heath, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is His Excellency’s pleasure that One of the two Prisoners, belonging to the Massachusetts Line, now under sentence of Death for desertion, should be pardoned. He therefore requests that you will be pleased to Order that One of the two Culprits, whose crime shall appear to you the least aggravated, to be finally pardoned, and released from his confinement. I have the honor to be With the...
145From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have attentively considered the matter in discussion between Col. Pickering and yourself —You will find my opinion in the following articles: 1st The Staff departments established at Fishkill have always been considered by me as one of the dependencies of West Point—of course subject to the direction and controul of the Officer Commanding there, in the same Manner as the Heads of Departments...
146From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will find a representation from Capt. Titus Watson of the Connecticut line in which he states his having been injured by the promotion of Capt. Cleft, a junior officer to a Majority, in violation of his rights as a senr officer, and urges the determination of a Board of Officers to this effect of which he produces certificates which are also inclosed —As Capt. Watson states, that...
147From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my last letter of the 18th Instant I observed that the whole current of intelligence from New-york suggested an immediate evacuation of the City—My accounts from different quarters still wear the same complexion. An intelligent officer stationed at Amboy reports—“that the 16th Otbr about twelve ships fell down to the Hook—and the 17th early in the morning about one hundred ships of war, and...
148From George Washington to William Heath, 29 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
As the Troops belonging to the States eastward of the Delaware are preparing to return from Virginia; and as the season for placing the Army in Winter Quarters is fast approaching I have thought it expedient to give you this early notice of the disposition of the Troops, that preparations may be made for their accomodation accordingly. The Troops of New Jersey, will remain in that State, near...
149From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 10th Instt. I am extremely pleased by the ready attention you have paid to my Orders and have only to request that you will proceed with your Troops with all possible expedition to Pitts Town, pursuing General Lee’s rout & where I expect you will join him. You will not lose a Moment. The situation of our Affairs demands industry and dispatch on all...
150From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday—From the information I have had, it is probable you will have joined General Howe before this reaches you—I have given him instructions which he was directed to communicate to you—But for fear of a miscarriage I shall repeat them. It was directed that one of the four brigades, which compose your two commands, should be stationed in the Gorge of the...