71From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 30th ulto found me at this place. Upon the Enemy’s quitting Jersey and embarking, there was the strongest presumption to think, that this sudden alteration of their original move towards Philadelphia could only be owing to an intent to co-operate with Genl Burgoyne and the Northern Army. It was therefore determined to move this army up towards Peekskill to be ready to act as...
72From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 7th and 10th instants. I am pleased to find from the Copy of the letter from Bordeaux that matters wore so good a face in France, it is more than probable that they will push an advantagious Trade with us before a formal declaration of War, indeed if they were to strike a Blow before the declaration, they would only repay England, for playing a Game of the same kind in...
73George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] July 27, 1777. Disapproves of requisition of arms for proposed St. Johns expedition. Approves of Heath’s methods of dealing with deserters. Requests Heath not to send French volunteers to Headquarters, as their pretensions to office are “embarrassing.” Reports that British fleet’s destination is probably Philadelphia. Orders Continental troops sent to the Northern...
74From George Washington to Major General William Health, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 16th instant, informing me of an application from the Board of War, of your state for a sufficiency of arms and other necessaries to accommodate a body of men to be employed in a secret expedition to St John’s River, and desiring my instructions upon the occasion. As I am not acquainted by Congress with what steps they have taken in the affair, nor with their...
75From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have duly receiv’d your favor of 23d of July—I believe the Evacuation of Tyconderoga has dissatisfied the people in general, nor can I say, that I have as yet heard any reason, which makes such a step appear absolutely necessary to me, however, as a Strict enquiry into the conduct of the commanding Officers is soon to take place, the public will, no doubt, be fully satisfied with the...
76From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10–11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 1st and 2d instants. I am convinced if any Ships appeared off your Coast at the time you mention, that they could not have been the Fleet that sailed from the Hook, because they were off the Capes of Delaware just at that time. But I think it more than probable, that you will have heard something of the Enemy before this reaches you. We have not recd the...
77From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your favour of the 30th Ulto which only came to hand last night. Having written you fully yesterday, I have but little to add at this time and indeed Nothing but what respects the Subject of your Request. Springfeild being in the Massachusetts State is certainly included in your Command, and you will from time to time order payment to the persons employed in the...
78Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Major General William Heath, 6–10 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favs. of the 13th and 20th August. I should have answered the former before this time, but as I recd it upon my march to this place I had not an opportunity of doing it sooner. As the Expedition to St Johns was set on foot by order of Congress, you should apply to them for directions about the payment of the Officers for the time they were engaged in...
79George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Orders Heath to send all Continental troops in Massachusetts to join the main Army. Relays information concerning engagement at Brandywine Creek. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
80From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the object of the enemy is now reduced to an absolute certainty, and they are bending their whole force, with great vigor, to the Southward, it can no longer answer any valuable purpose to keep a body of Continental troops in your state, whose presence in the further progress of the Campaign will probably be essentially necessary in this quarter. You will therefore, on receipt of this,...