To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779
From Major General William Heath
Continental Village [N.Y.] July 11th 1779
Dear General
Your favor of yesterday repeating the order for the formation of the Light Infantry Companies did not reach me until I arrived here,1 with Parsons’s Brigade I have given Orders to have the Companies Compleated immediately,2 I shall prosecute my march with all Possible dispatch with the two Brigades when the weather permits at present it is very Stormy, The Artillery was ordered on with the Troops. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt
W. Heath
ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers.
1. Heath is referring to GW’s letter to him of this date that was inaccurately dated 10 July.
2. At this place on his draft manuscript, Heath struck out a passage that reads: “were it not your Excellencys pleasure to detain the light Companies I should deeply lament their being left, loss of them from the Division and from Service.”