To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 June 1779
From Major General William Heath
Danforths House [Highlands, N.Y.]
June 27th 1779 7 oClock P.M.
Dear Genl
I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed Intelligence this moment received from General Huntington1 I have written him to push his advance Parties nearer the Point if it can be done with Safety in order if Possible more fully to discover the movements of the Enemy.2 I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt
W. Heath
ADfS, MHi: Heath Papers.
1. Heath apparently is referring to a letter to him from Brig. Gen. Jedediah Huntington of this date, 6:00 P.M.: “From an Eminence Just below my encampment there are Just discovered about 20 Sail of Vessels in Haverstraw Bay & the River below going down and a considerable Fire like the burning of a Building at or near the Point” (MHi: Heath Papers).
GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton replied to Heath in an undated letter, docketed 27 June: “I am commanded by His Excellency to acknowlege the receipt of your letter inclosing General Huntingtons of 6 oClock. . . . He has received you⟨r⟩ other letter with the deserters intelligence” (MHi: Heath Papers; see first letter from Heath to GW, this date).
2. Heath is referring to his letter to Huntington of this date, 7:00 P.M.: “I am exceedingly obliged by your great vigilance and attention, and pray you to Continue them, as much depends on Authentic Intelligence. If Some of your Parties could move nearer with Safety and obtain further Intelligence, or if by any other way you can more fully assertain the Enemys movements, you will Serve your Country … I Sent the deserter with your former Intelligence to his Excellency shall forward the latter immediately” (MHi: Heath Papers).