101From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The unfortunate circumstance of the French Fleet having left Rhode Island at so critical a moment, I am apprehensive, if not very prudently managed, will have many injurious consequences, besides merely the loss of the advantages we should have reaped from succeeding in the Expedition. It will not only tend to discourage the people, and weaken their confidence in our new alliance, but may...
102From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 26th and 30th August, and 1st and 2d instants. I am glad to find that your sentiments, respecting the reception that ought to be given to the Count D’Estaing and his Officers, corresponded with mine, and that you had taken proper Steps to prepare for refitting his fleet, previous to the receipt of my letter —As the Rhode Island expedition is now at an end, I...
103From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice from the Board of War, that they have given directions to Mr Fletcher, to send forward to Springfield and Hartford all the ready made cloathing in his possession, there to be sorted and repacked previous to their coming to Camp, except a few particular articles, which are ordered immediately on; and to deliver Messrs Otis and Andrews all the Cloths, woolens linnens...
104From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 14th instant. Whatever may be the future intentions of the enemy, it is evident that they have lain aside all designs against Boston for the present: Lord Howe having returned to the Hook with his Fleet, and the Troops under Genl Gray have come down the sound again, and have landed at White Stone upon Long Island. I shall keep the best possible watch upon their motions,...
105From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 19th that such progress had been made in forwarding the Cloathing from Boston to Springfeild &ca. I think you did right under the appearance of matters, to send the unmade Cloathing out of town, and I would recommend it to you to keep the Bulk still there, bringing it in as the Taylers want it. By a letter from Genl Greene of the 19th I am informed that the...
106From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 21st Instant and thank you much for the intelligence it contains. I hope we shall have a confirmation, ’ere it be long, of the advantages said to be gained over Admiral Keppel, in public dispatches to the Count and Monsr Gerard. When I wrote you on the 23d, I apprehended that the General Court had been induced to order in the Militia, merely from General...
107From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Brigadier General Du Portail, whom I recommend to you as a Gentleman of merit and abilities, and knowlege in his profession. He is Chief Engineer in the army of the United-States. I have sent him to examine into the nature and condition of the fortifications, which have been erected or are erecting for the defence of the Town of Boston on the land side, and to...
108From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to thank you for your favor of the 28th Ulto and its several inclosures—the intelligence given you by Mr Colvill is very interesting if it can be depended on—and particularly to Count d’Estaing—to whom no doubt you have communicated it. Your distribution of the twelve hundred Militia men ordered out by the Council of State—exactly coincides with my wishes—their labour if it has not its...
109From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captains Gawen Brown and John Langdon and Lieut. William Davis of Colo. Henry Jackson’s Regiment have requested to resign their Commissions and have lodged Certificates, that they are not indebted to the public. You will be pleased to call for their Commissions and to give discharges upon them. And as there are frequent applications by the Officers, employed at the Eastward, of the same nature...
110From George Washington to Major Generals William Heath and John Sullivan, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence, bearing strong marks of authenticity, that the enemy mean a total evacuation of New York. Various are the conjectures of their destination. I cannot think that they mean to attempt any thing against Boston considering the danger of carrying a heavy Fleet round Cape Cod at this advanced season; but to be prepared at all events, I had, upon the first intimation of...
111From 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...
112From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I transmitted you, by a letter of yesterday, all the intelligence I then had, respecting the movements of the enemy in New-York. I now send you by this conveyance, extracts of a letter from Lord Stirling, and the report of a spy, which contain my latest information upon the subject. I am D. Sir. Your most hble servt p.s. I have the pleasure to inform you, that the taking of Dominica by the...
113From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you this morning the inclosed Resolve of Congress came to my hands. As Sir Henry Clinton never complied with the request of granting passports for the transportation of Flour by Water it becomes necessary that the Convention troops should, without loss of time, be put in motion for Charlotteville in Virginia agreeable to the order of Congress. You will be pleased to signify...
114From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you yesterday inclosing the resolve of Congress for the removal of the Troops of the Convention to Virginia. I find, upon perusing the resolve more attentively, that Sir Henry Clinton by the resolve of the 11th of Septemr—recited in that of the 15th Inst.—had the choice of either granting passports to transport Flour by Water, or to supply the Troops himself by the 1st Inst. If...
115From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
If the fleet of Men of War and Transports, which have lately sailed, should appear off Boston, be pleased instantly to send an Express to meet Genl Gates with information of it, that he may hasten the march of the six Brigades under the command of himself and General Mcdougall. Be pleased also to advise me of it with the greatest dispatch, as I mean, should such an event take place, to set out...
116From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence from two different quarters that the Fleet, which sailed on the 19th and 20th instants from the Hook, contained only the Invalids of the Army bound for Europe—the Officers of the reduced Regiments, and the families of several public and private Gentlemen. perhaps all outward bound Vessels might have taken the benefit of Convoy, which may have swelled the fleet to...
117From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 21st Instant. I have not received General Du Portails plan of the works necessary for the defence of Boston and therefore, cannot determine the propriety of it. My wish is, that such works as are essential to its safety—and only such—may be erected. With respect to Captain McFall, as I know nothing of him—I can say nothing. He may be sincere in his...
118From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last evening received your favor of the 25th copy of which I have transmitted to Congress to show them the state of your Magazines —The want of Flour every where opens really a distressing prospect—It is much to be feared we shall find the greatest possible difficulty in supplying the demands for that article through the Winter. I inclose you the copy of a Resolve of Congress of the 22d...
119From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your several Letters of the 23d—26th & 28th Ulto—the first and last of which came to hand last night and this morning. On the 29th, I wrote you of the difficulties that attend the procuring of flour. The Commissary I am persuaded, does not leave a step untried to obtain supplies; but it will be, at least, immensely difficult to do it. The loss of the Biscuit was an...
120From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 30th ulto by Captain Master, who waits in this Neighbourhood until he can hear from New York, having written to Sir Henry Clinton in order to effect his exchange. a Resolve of Congress lately passed put it out of my power to indulge his wish of going in himself. From part of Genl Phillips’s letter I am led to believe, that he had not received orders from you to prepare...
121From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 31st ulto and 2d and 3d instants. As I do not think myself at liberty to grant Genl Hamiltons request without the concurrence of Congress I have transmitted the Copy of his letter to them and have desired their immediate answer, that if they do not chuse to comply, the Flag Vessel may not be unnecessarily detained. I have sent Officers to meet the troops at Enfeild and...
122From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with Your Letter of the 11th Instant—and I am also to acknowledge the receipt of the one that came by Mr Holker. When I wrote you on the 29th of October and the 6th of November—Congress seemed to apprehend that an Attack might be made on Boston—and indeed it was the opinion of many. This consideration—as your services in such case might have been very essential there—and...
123From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had your favor duly handed me of the 25th Ultimo. Perfectly satisfied in your recommendation of Major Lyman, I should not hesitate on the propriety of serving him. But on considering the situation of those corps, attatched to no one State; with the inexpediency of augmenting the number of their officers, in the present circumstances of the army; and at a juncture, when we have been obliged...
124From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a letter to the honorable the council of Massachusetts, by which you will observe I am directed by Congress to appropriate the cannon lent this State, to the defence of the posts on Hudsons river. I have to request you to seal the letter, and deliver it to the council. And further, upon receiving the councils permission, that you will take the most effectual and immediate...
125From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 8th inst. with its inclosures—I have reason to hope that the extremity of distress to which the troops at the Eastward have been exposed for want of bread will be relieved and that the Commissary will have it in his power to prevent its happening again. The state of our money involves a variety of distracting difficulties which are rather to be lamented...
126From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors this morning—I have only to request you will take the best measures in your power to ascertain the enemy’s movements and designs, and have your troops in readiness to act as occasion may require but without interrupting the works. You will continue to advise me. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obet, servant P.S. I think it will be adviseable to detach a couple hundred men...
127From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consideration of the scarcity of forage, where you now are, and the plenty, which you mention to be at the Continental village, I think it will be best for one or both the Brigades, Parsons & Huntington’s to move to that place—Nixon’s will remain where it is. In this position it will be necessary to be very vigilant against a surprise, particularly from a sudden movement of the enemy by...
128From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you this morning by General Woodford—I am glad to find the ideas of your letter correspond with mine —You will act accordingly—It is the more necessary to proceed with caution as I have just received advice from General Gates, that a considerable detachment sailed from Rhode Island the 25th instant, steering a Western course —This seems to indicate some serious design this way. I am...
129From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major General Baron De Steuben will have the pleasure of delivering you this. He waits upon you to make some arrangements in your division relatively to his department, in which I am persuaded you will chearfully cooperate. His important services intitle him to our confidence & esteem. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers. The general orders...
130From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received Your favors of the 1st 2d & the present date. I do not yet know in what light Captain Cole will be considered, whether as a prisoner of War, or a Citizen. I have written to Major Talmadge to inform me of the circumstances of his capture. The Deserters to Bedford, I think, had better go to Connecticut. Directions will be given for purchasing their Arms—and as to the sum to...
131From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received repeated intelligence this morning that besides the detachment which went from New Haven, the enemy in considerable force was moving by land towards horse neck, with a good many pieces of Artillery and a large number of Waggons. My accounts are that the first mentioned detachment had left New Haven, gone to Fairfield burnt the Town reimbarked and were off Norwalk, where ’tis...
132From 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...
133From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday requested you to have the light infantry formed before you marched and leave them behind—I am anxious this should be done as speedily as possible. So soon as they are drawn out, You will be pleased to direct the Commanding officer to send to Head Quarters for orders. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt Since writing the above I have received yours of this date—I could wish the light...
134From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 12th dated at Amewalk and on account of the pressing situation of affairs, have written to Col. Lamb at Fish kill, to send to your care 25,000 Cartridges —which you will distribute among the Militia if there is really a necessity for it. I cannot send more. The respective States in general, as I have been informed have good supplies of Military stores of their...
135From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 14th with its inclosures. I would not wish you to advance further eastward, unless the movements of the enemys main body in that direction should make it necessary. It is my intention that your division should as far as possible preserve a relative position to, and ensure a timely communication with the Highlands posts. This may not be practicable if the...
136From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to march tomorrow morning early towards Peeks Kill—in the vicinity of which you will find Major General Howe with a couple of Brigades. The command of the whole will, of course, devolve upon you. He will communicate the instructions he has received by which you will govern yourself. Send to hasten on Glovers brigade to join you at the same place. I am Dr Sir Your most Obed....
137From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with Your Two Letters of the 15th. I wrote you Yesterday upon the subject of your conduct and now inclose you a Copy, Lest my Letter should have miscarried. I have written to General Glover and commit the Letter to your care, which you will forward to him, if you have not already given him orders to join you with his Brigade, in consequence of my Letter of Yesterday....
138From 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...
139From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your favor of the 18th and two of to day. The disposition you mention to have made of the Troops will stand till further Orders. You will write to General Glover and direct him to halt with his Brigade at Ridgefield, where he will remain till he is further instructed. I am much fatigued—and as I shall see you in the course of a day or two—I shall not add any thing more upon the...
140From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of this morning inclosing a letter from Captain Hopkins I have just received. The present situation of the enemy and our ignorance of their designs induces me again to express my anxiety that you should use your utmost exertions to obtain a knowledge of their plan—I know of no means so effectual as that of employing a faithful inhabitant—if you can meet with such a one—by giving the...
141From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely anxious to obtain accurate information of the Garrison & Works on Verplanks point; I therefore request that you will have the post as particularly and critically examined as you can. The Officers sent on the duty will endeavour to ascertain, whether there are New Works constructed or raising—their number and their nature—whether inclosed or otherwise—and in what part. They will...
142From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this day—Capt. Hopkins conduct really deserves applause and shows a spirit of enterprise that does him honour—I beg you, in your next, to present my thanks to him. In what, I said to Col. Harrison respecting a work to be erected in the gorge of the mountains I did not mean to confine you to any particular spot; but to leave it to you to choose the most...
143From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of this morning accompanied by a Deserter. You will be pleased agreeable to a General order Issued a long time since to have the deserters you mention tried by their own Brigade Courts Martial —This mode was adopted to expedite business, & the Brigadier enpowered except in capital cases or where Officers are concerned & the sentences extend to Cashierment to approve or...
144From George Washington to Major General William Heath and a Board of General Officers, 3 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I hoped after the pains you had taken to arrange the Massachusetts line —that neither of us would be troubled farther upon the subject. In this however I have been disappointed. When I was about to transmit the arrangement to Congress—the inclosed memorial from sundry Officers was presented me by Col. Bayley. It seems from their state, that Mr Banister was originally appointed Paymaster to...
145From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter inclosing that from Gen. Howe yesterday afternoon; which, agreeable to your desire, I herewith return. Col. White and the Infantry appear to have acquitted themselves with much reputation. From the representation made of Danls case by Col. Drak[e], I think he had better be discharged; but as to the ordering him back into the country, it is a measure...
146From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received your two favors of this date, inclosing General Parson’s letter on the detention of Leach. The propriety of the proposed attempt on Lloyds neck, can be best determined by those who are nearer the ground than I am, and whose inquiries may have been more particular, as to the exact situation and strength of the enemy, in its vicinity. If you find a favorable report, I...
147From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your favor of this day with its inclosure to your address from Gen: Nixon. The apprehending of Rissimbarack is worth a little trouble. I have therefore sent back, deserter, Nifer; and would recommend the using him as a pilot to the place he has pointed out as Rissimbarack’s rissidence. You may send with him three or four trusty soldiers, and a sergeant, under proper...
148From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of this date. The intercourse which you mention to be carrying on by Women, with Verplank’s point, may be attended with many bad consequences—or at least great inconveniences and must be suppressed. Those now detained, may be released under strict injunctions never to do the like again, and at the peril of being closely confined and otherwise severely punished—if...
149From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that in the night of the 18th Major Lee with a detachment of 400 men surprised the enemy’s garrison at Powles-hook (which you know is within cannon shot of the batteries at New York)—& brought off the garrison consisting of about 150 Men. Such repeated instances of disgrace to the British arms will undoubtedly, make them feel sore, & seek opportunities to...
150From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of Yesterday, inclosing a representation by Capt. Heywood of the treatment of his Flag, and a letter from General Huntingdon on the subject of the deficiency of Rations. I have wrote to Sir Henry Clinton, remonstrating against the indelicacy of such behaviour, and hoping that no such insult will be offered in future. You will be pleased to send the inclosed to...