101From George Washington to Major Generals Charles Lee and William Heath, 14 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
As an Exchange of Prisoners, is likely to take effect, as soon as the circumstance of the case will admit, and as, in the course of the transaction, it may possibly happen, that an attempt may be made by the Enemy to redeem their prisoners by men in their possession, who were never ingag’d in our service, I must request you, to direct the Colonels, or Commanders of Regiments under your...
102From George Washington to William Heath, 4 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 20th Inst. with the several inclosures has been duly receivd. I cannot but hope your decision respecting the soldiers under sentence for desertion will be attended with beneficial consequences. It is a fortunate circumstance that the Troops will be recoverd from the small Pox at so early a period as will afford time for establishing discipline and making preparations for the...
103From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is my intention that General Nixon shall form a junction with General Howe at Pines’ bridge Croton River. This you will communicate to him, and send to Genl Howe to know, when he espects to be there; and let General Nixon begin his march so as to arrive there nearly at the same time with him. You will give General Nixon your instructions accordingly, and advise him to be cautious in his...
104From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will receive with this a Copy of my Letter to you of the 19th Inst. Two reasons have led me to send it, the one lest the Original may have miscarried, the other to explain it fully if you have already recd it—I do not mean to tie up your hands from effecting, or even attempting any thing that may prove honourable to yourself, or usefull to the Cause. Altho’ the original design of your...
105From George Washington to William Heath, 30 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of yesterday, with their inclosures, were duly delivered to me. I do not think any considerable alteration, need be made, respecting the out Posts, I approve your holding the Troops you mention, in readiness to support them; but it would not be eligable, to advance any more Artillery at present—The Detachments on the Lines, ought to be extremely vigilant. I have written to Mr...
106From George Washington to William Heath, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Altho I must confess that it appears to me rather surprizing to have a request for so many Gentlemen, and of such Rank, to be absent from their Commands, at this Time of the Campaign, on Business to their State—Yet as it is the particular Desire of the Officers of the Line, I give my permission as requested, for all the Gentlemen except Major General Knox; who cannot by any means be spared...
107From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Under the particular circumstances mentioned in your Letter of the 7th Inst., I shall not hesitate to grant a discharge to Capt. Smart, upon the conditions therein proposed —Altho I would not have it by any Means, considered as a precedent to deviate from the fixed rule of discharges. The answer given to Sergt Larvey’s Petition in Novr last, was, that a transferrence could not be made from One...
108From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you the 13th directing you to order eight of the Regiments of your State to march with the greatest expedition to peekskill. I then gave you my reasons for this alteration of my former orders. Altho’ I called upon you, in the most pressing manner, to hurry the Troops on, I cannot help again repeating my distress for the want of Men; the general Backwardness of the recruiting...
109From George Washington to William Heath, 17 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed state of Queries I transmit for your consideration, and beg to have your observations thereon as soon as may be convenient; an early period will be most agreeable, as it is impossible for me to say how soon I may be obliged to make use of them—You will be pleased to communicate the same to Major Genl Howe, & Brigadier Genl Patterson, that I may also be favored with their opinions...
110From George Washington to William Heath, 20 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the Resolution of Congress of 13th June the Corps of Invalids is ordered to compose a Part of the Garrison of West Point and I have now given Direction for the whole of it to repair thither accordingly. The Order for the three Companies at Boston, I have tho’t proper to enclose to you, that you may facilitate & hasten their Movement, & see that all of the Men who are capable of marching are...
111From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the Receipt of your letter of yesterday, I had obtained a list of the Feild Officers from the Adjutant General, that I might name those for the present detachment. It is inclosed, and I am very sorry to find the number of them so small—from your command, five will be wanting. I would have eight Companies from the oldest Regiments of the Massachusetts line form one Battalion—The two...
112From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this Letter can reach you, the Brigade under Colo. Chester’s Command no doubt has reached you, but unless more assistance of Waggons and Teams are sent I cannot undertake to say when you will get a further reinforcement—let me entreat therefore that Genl Clinton and yourself will exert yourselves in getting, by Impressment, or otherwise, a parcel of Teams to come to our Assistance. The...
113From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your several favors of the 12th & 13th Instant. The packet for the president of Congress, was sent forward by express. I inclose you a letter from General Patterson respecting silk for a set of colors: You will be pleased to give directions to the clothier to have it transmitted to camp. I am Sir your most Obt and very hble Servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, MHi :...
114From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 20th and 30th ulto. The Ammunition—The Cannon belonging to the Continent, and the other Stores had been ordered to Springfeild, and part had been removed, at very considerable expence, on account of transportation. On the prospect of a safe navigation of the Sound, I directed Major Perkins to withhold the removal of the remainder, but to deposit them in...
115From George Washington to William Heath, 22 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your private letter of the 19th, I have to observe that it was not my intention by the Order of the 4th of April, to call in question, or to deprive you, of any part of the Command which was confirmed in the subsequent one of the 9th Instt. The Order of the 9th (last mentioned) did not proceed from any doubt in my mind of the meaning of the first, but because different...
116From 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...
117From 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...
118From 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...
119From 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...
120From 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,...
121From 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...
122From 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...
123From 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...
124From 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...
125From 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...
126From 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...
127From 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...
128From 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 ;...
129From 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...
130From 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...
131From 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...
132From 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...
133From 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...
134From 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...
135From 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...
136From 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...
137From 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...
138From 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...
139From 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...
140From 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...
141From 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...
142From 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...
143From 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...
144From 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...
145From 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...
146From 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...
147From 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...
148From 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...
149From 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...
150From 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...