From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 February 1781
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters New Windsor Febry 2d 1781
Dear Sir
I have been favored with your Letters of the 30th of [January]1 and 1st Instant.2
You will be pleased to observe that Colonel Cranes Regiment is not to be included in the present distribution of Cloathing in the Massachusetts Returns; because this Regt has already drawn a proportion of Cloathing with the Corps of Artillery—and the second dividend is to be made upon the same principles. The Return called for, I wish may be forwarded as soon as possible.
I am surprised you did not learn from General Howe, the cause of the detention of Col. Scammell’s Detachment—As the Order was communicated thro him.3
It will certainly be adviseable to innoculate such of the Troops as have not had the Small Pox under proper restrictions—Doctr Cochran will wait on you, respecting this Matter tomorrow.4 I am Dear Sir With great regard & esteem Your Most Obed. Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. I am this Moment informed by a Letter from Genl Lincoln, that the Assembly of Massachusetts have ordered 1500 Coats to be immediately purchased for their Troops in Camp.5
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Heath replied to GW on 4 February.
1. Humphreys mistakenly wrote “Decr.”
2. Heath wrote two letters to GW on 1 February.
3. The words “Your conduct was very proper” are lined out at this point on the draft, which is in Humphreys’s writing. For the order, see GW to Robert Howe, 29 January.
4. On the draft, Humphreys interlined the previous ten words after writing and crossing out the following text: “so as not to spread terror among the Recruits who may shortly be expected. I will immediately give directions to the Head of the Medical Department on the subject.” For movement toward starting smallpox innoculations, see Heath to GW, 8 Feb., and n.4, and GW to Heath, 11 Feb., postscript.