To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779
From Major General William Heath
Mandeville’s [Dutchess County, N.Y.]
July 11. 1779
Dear General.
I have been honor’d with your two favors of yesterday.1 The Brigades will march this morning. I have directed the light Infantry to remain, agreable to your orders.2 I hope it will be your Excellencys pleasure to order these Troops Soon to join the Division, not only on Account of their being the flower of the Troops, but also for their present numbers; being a greater proportion than is intended by the Inspector General, and the time this morning will not admit of a reduction of them. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant
W. Heath
P.S. From the present appearance of the weather I fear the advance of the Troops will be retarded.
LS, DLC:GW; ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers.
1. Heath is referring to GW’s two letters to him accurately dated 10 July (first and second letters).
2. Heath drafted orders on this date that read: “His Excellency the Commander in Chief having this morning Signified his pleasure that the Light Companies of the Division Should be left behind for a few days they are to remain at the Posts lately occupied by them until further orders, In Consequence of the detention of the Light Companies, the left Battalion of Genl Huntingtons Brigade is to form the advance of the Column, and Conform in all respects to the order of march prescribed to the Light Infantry, The Battalion on the Right of Parsons’s are to Observe the like mode of Conduct in the rear” (MHi: Heath Papers).