151From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
That the long expected Fleet is arrived admits of no doubt, though the strength of the re-inforcement is matter of uncertainty. If it is so powerful as to enable the Kings Troops to take the field with a view of meeting this army, Generl clinton will not, it is to be presumed, delay the commencement of his operations a moment; because a knowledge of the event must have produced preparatory...
152From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
When yours of this morning came to Head Quarters, I was from home. The direction of the Board of War to apprehend Deserters from the Convention Troops was clearly meant only to extend to those who should attempt to desert from CharlotteVille. Inclosed you have the order itself. You will therefore be pleased to order the two persons at present in confinement to be sent safely back to the...
153From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am just now favored with your letter of to-day with its inclosures which I return. I do not see that any further measures can be taken on your part, to apprehend those prisoners who have escaped, or to prevent their gaining the enemy’s lines. It will be necessary on this occasion to order the person who had the principal charge of the provost, provided he is an officer under arrest—if a...
154From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of this Morning, inclosing a letter from General Parsons on the subject of Cloathing. To enable me to give an answer, it will be necessary to see General Parsons, which I shall be glad to do in the morning or when it is convenient to him. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The LS...
155From 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...
156From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to put General Nixons brigade under marching orders that it may be ready to move at the shortest notice: You will receive further directions for its destination. You will also send off in the morning early to Fish Kill a subaltern’s guard of chosen men to take charge of the French Minister’s baggage, when it arrives there and escort it to Philadelphia. Let the officer—be of...
157From 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...
158From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favors of the 14th & 17th. Genl Knox is just now absent, but when he returns, I will inquire into the necessity of keeping the guard, you mention at Litchfield. North Castle Church would certainly be a very ineligible situation for Genl Howe. From his letter to me, he had not taken post there, but was rather reconnoitering a proper position. I had a particular object in view when I...
159From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major Fontaine the Engineer who conducts the works on the other side the river when I was over yesterday complained that Genl Parsons Brigade was repeatedly deficient in furnishing its proportion of fatigue men—He seemed well satisfied that you had given the necessary orders, but as they had not had the intended effect, I am to silicit you most earnestly to arrange matters in such a way that...
160From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
As it is an object of importance to have ascertained as soon as possible the account which is said to have been brought by a vessel arrived at New-London, out of which a Capn Johnson was taken on board Count D’Estaigns fleet in the lattitude of Bermudas, I would therefore wish you to dispatch without loss of time an officer intelligent in marine affairs to New-London to learn the particulars...
161From 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...
162From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Du portail proposes to reconnoitre the Enemy’s situation upon Verplanks point tomorrow Morning. He will apply to you for a proper covering party and will fix the time of their being at Peekskill in the Morning. Be pleased to give orders for the party. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For...
163From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
You wrote to me a few days ago respecting a small guard that is kept at Litchfeild upon the military Stores there. I could not give you an answer then, as I had not seen Genl Knox. He now tells me, that there is a necessity for their remaining, more especially as he is obliged to withdraw a small detachment of Artillery who are there. Be pleased to direct the non Commissioned Officer who...
164From 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...
165From 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...
166From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I purpose going down to Stoney and Verplanks points tomorrow Morning. Be pleased therefore to order a covering party of about 100 Men to be upon Verplanks tomorrow morning by eight OClock. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Ser[v]ant LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW requested a similar covering party for his inspection of Stony Point,...
167From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of Yesterday, and can assure you, that no measures have been wanting on my part, to obtain Commissions for the Massachusetts line in consequence of the late arrangement. As soon as it was finished it was transmitted to Congress—with an earnest request—that it might be committed to the Board of War, if it was approved—that the Commissions might be issued. Since...
168From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 24 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
For the Reasons assigned in yours of this date and to protect the communication by Kings ferry, I think the Connecticut Division may as well move down as low as the neighbourhood of Pecks Kill—leaving a sufficient party to continue the work at the two Redoubts —I shall direct Colo. Gouvion to lay out two small Works at Verplanks and Stoney points. You will be pleased to order the one on...
169From 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...
170From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am just now informed that the Enemy landed yesterday Morning at Amboy (said to be 5000) and were advancing towards Brunswic. Their design is not yet known, but a forage or an attempt to interrupt the communication from the southward, is most probable. The Virginia division and the Light Infantry have in consequence, moved from the Neighbourhood of Kackeat, lower down. Till we are assured of...
171From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of yesterday. I am sorry to hear of Colo. Russells death of whose indisposition I had not known. Lt Colo. Shearmans right to promotion to the Rank of Lt Colo. Commandant in consequence, must be reported to the State of Connecticut by the Brigadiers of that line agreeable to the terms of the late general order, as must also the names of the subalterns of the 8th Regt intitled...
172From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 4th[.] Shoes for the Massachusetts Line must be drawn by the State Cloathier or his Assistant for the Line at large and distributed according to their wants. If he will apply, he may have an order upon the Cloathier General for a proportion of the public Stock, which is at present scanty. I have no power to give Colo. Hazen authority to inlist the troops of any State...
173From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 11 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your several favors came to hand yesterday while I was absent. Edwards of Sheldons Regiment, under sentence of death, was represented, by the Major, as a vicious fellow, and a proper subject to make an example, which seems necessary at this time, as I am informed that two Natives went off from Moylans a few days ago, and carried with them four very valuable Horses. I cannot therefore grant the...
174From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was from home yesterday when yours of the 14th came to hand. I have no doubt but you are sufficiently distressed for forage in your quarter as we are in this. All prospect of our expected cooperation being at an end I purpose to move the Troops towards their places of Winter Cantonments as speedily as possible, with this view you will be pleased to throw the two Connecticut Brigades with...
175From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favored with yours of that date. I wish it was in my power to comply with your request for leave of absence at this time, but such will be the state of the Army in regard to General Officers, that I shall be left very destitute of assistance. General Sullivan has requested the liberty of Congress to retire from the service —General Putnam has obtained a short leave of absence...
176From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last night favored with yours of yesterday. The two Connecticut Brigades are to Encamp on the west side of the river, as it may be a day or two before they march. All detachments from those Brigades should be called in, upon giving the Adjutant General notice that he may relieve them by others, except the party under the command of Major Throop, at work upon the redoubts, which cannot...
177From 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...
178From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 21st last night, and have this morning transmitted an extract respecting the want of flour, to the commissary General, requesting him to take the most immediate and effectual measures to procure a proper supply. Till this can be done, you will use the best means in your power to keep the troops in temper. The want of rain is the great reason of our deficiencies in...
179From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this date enclosing a number of permits signed by General Pattison allowing Goods to be sent out of New York—I think, with you, that an allowance of a thing of this kind would be attended with most pernicious consequences, and to which I do not think my self authorised to assent. Those who have Governor Clintons permission to come out and bring their effects must be...
180From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
If the two Connecticut Brigades have crossed, be pleased [to] direct Colo. Hazen to follow as expeditiously as possible, if he is not already over. He may be directed to march without loss of time if the Virginia Division has moved, to Sufferans (by the new Road lately repaired by General Woodford which leaves Kakeate on his left) thence to Pompton and by Rockaway Bridge towards Morris town....
181From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
In making my arrangements for the disposition of the Army this Winter I have found it necessary to assign the command of the posts upon the North River to you. Inclosed you will find instructions for your government. Lt Colo. Pawling with the York Militia has undertaken to finish the Redoubt upon Stoney point. You will therefore have no further occasion to send a fatigue party from Nixon’s and...
182From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
You, being appointed to the command of the posts upon the North River, will forthwith proceed to West point or the Vicinity of it. All the posts on the North River from Kings Ferry inclusively upwards will be comprehended within the limits of your command. The troops destined for the Garrison of these posts and under your immediate command will be the four Massachusetts Brigades—General Poors...
183From 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...
184From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter to Genl Howe is left open for your perusal—You will be pleased to Seal & forward it to him without loss of time. I am with great regard Dr Sir Your Most Obet servant LS , in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The enclosure was a letter written at Morristown on this date from GW to Maj. Gen. Robert Howe. The draft...
185From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13–17 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 7th Instant, with Copies of the papers to which you allude. As the appointment or promotion of Officers does not in the least depend on me, I can not undertake to give you directions, in either of the cases, in which you request it; however since they are before me, I shall offer my sentiments with respect to them. As to the case of Majors Maxwell & Ballard,...
186From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the long preparations at New York and the strong appearances of a large Detachment’s being made from thence—it seems certain from very recent advices, that no Troops have sailed as yet, and that the Enemy hold themselves in collected force. What their designs really are I have not been able to learn, altho I have taken all the pains in my power to effect it. The Southern States...
187From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the Copy of a Return which I received the 18th instant from Colo. Putnam, specifying the number of Men, drawn from each Regiment of the line, to compose his Regiment of Infantry, and the quantity of Cloathing furnished to each detachment. Colo. Putnam complains, with justice, of the partiality of the distribution referred to in the Return, as not bearing a due proportion to...
188From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 31 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favs. of the 21st and 26th Inst. Certificates from the paymasters of the 1st and 15th Massachusetts Regiments setting forth that Ensigns Gilbert and porter have settled their regimental accounts are necessary before those Gentlemen can obtain discharges. Upon producing them to you, you may indorse their discharges upon their Commissions, and inform me of the date, that I...
189From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit you an extract of a letter from the Board of war, on the supposed delinquency of Mr Hatfield Commissary of hides, and an extract of a letter on the same subject from Mr Henry commissary of hides at Lancaster to the Board of war. In compliance with the Boards request, you will be pleased to direct an inquiry into Mr Hatfields conduct in the discharge of the duties of his...
190From 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...
191From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several favors of the 17th—18th 21st and 23d of this month. As it will be less expensive to Major Painter, and to the public, to have his tryal held in your quarter, you will be pleased to order a court martial for the purpose. I return you Col. Scammels letter on the subject. Bostwicks letter which came in yours of the 18th is very ambiguous. At first view one would...
192From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry to find by yours of the 26th ulto that you are again involved in difficulties on the score of Bread. I flatered myself that your wants on that account had been overcome, and that you would not have been again distressed throughout the Winter. We are in a better situation than we were, but we may yet be said to be living from hand to mouth, never having more than two or...
193From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of yesterday, I have been favd with yours of the 27th ulto I am happy to hear that the Fire, in the Garrison, has been suppressed with so little damage. The Officers, who lost their Cloathing, may have the liberty of drawing what Articles they may find suitable in the public store, at the prices fixed by Congress, which are, one half more than such Articles sold for in the year...
194From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
General poor sent down the Bearer Capt. Leigh for 10,000 dollars for the purpose of recruiting, but the military Chest here being intirely exhausted, I must request you, if possible to spare him that sum. But should your stock of Cash not admit of the whole, be pleased to let him have as much as you conveniently can. I am informed that the New Hampshire troops are just now in good temper and...
195From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Congress have been pleased to determine by an Act of the 9th Instant, a Copy of which I received last night, the Quota of Troops to be furnished by each of the States for the ensuing Campaign, and have directed me to transmit them respectively, accurate Returns of their NonCommissioned Officers & privates, that they may know the deficiency for which they are to provide. I therefore request...
196From 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...
197From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I wrote You on the 15th and requested You to send me as soon as possible, a Return of the number of Non Commissioned Officers and privates in the Fifteen Massachusetts Regiments, distinguishing particularly what proportion of them are inlisted for the War and the different terms of service of the Residue, digested in Monthly columns. To this I intended to have added, as I informed You, All the...
198From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday informed that the enemy had removed their Horse from Staten to York Island—They had also some days ago, impressed all the Sleighs within their reach in Bergen and carried them over to New York, but they have returned them upon the melting of the snow. It should seem from this that they had had some enterprize in view which may not yet be totally laid aside. I have thought it...
199From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 19th ulto with the several papers to which it refers—You will be pleased to grant Capt. Flowers of the 3d Massachusetts Regt a dismission from the service, the Certificates transmitted being sufficient, and inform me of the time whe⟨n⟩ his resignation took place, that I may register it—If the number of Feild Officers with the first Brigade and the state of...
200From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 20th ulto respecting Capt. Cartwright. I gave it as my opinion upon his personal application that he could not with propriety or expediency be again admitted into the regimental line, but that he might continue with the rank of an Aide de Camp appointed before the Resolve of Congress for the new arrangement of the Army. I am still of the same opinion—and that...