William Heath Letters for the years 1776 thru 1781

Kings Bridge, NY - 17 August 1776

The fire-ships were well conducted ; the armed schooner was grappled and burnt ; the Phoenix was grappled for about ten minutes, but got herself clear. The Lady Washington galley and Independence, were conducted with great judgment and bravery.

Kings Bridge, NY - 18 August 1776

Early this morning, the Phoenix man-of-war, Rose frigate, and the two tenders, came to sail, and stood down the river, keeping close under the east shore, in order to avoid the fire of our cannon.

Williams Tavern, MA - 19 January 1777

I summoned the fort to surrender. I have taken the liberty to inclose a copy. The answer to the summons was verbal, and in substance, that, as the Americans were excepted, they, although Britons, had no answer to return.

Burlings - 30 January 1777

I have just received the honor of yours of the 27th instant. The last evening we moved back from the neighbourhood of King's Bridge ; General Lincoln's troops to Dobbs's Ferry and Tarrytown

Westchester, NY - 6 February 1777

When I received your Excellency's orders to march towards King's Bridge, nothing could be more agreeable than the manoeuvre ; but I cannot say the taking the command of a body of troops, entirely militia, was so.

Boston, MA - 25 October 1777

We find, by the destination of the prisoners of General Burgoyne's army to this neighbourhood, a wide and difficult field opens to us. To provide quarters, provisions, fuel, &c., for five or six thousand men, will be no small task.

Bald Hill, NY - 18 July 1779

On my arrival, I found General Howe had sent off his cannon, and his division was filing off towards the Highlands. The enemy appeared to be advancing in force near the New Bridge.

Mandevilles, NY - 19 July 1779

By intelligence received since I had the honor to write in the morning, I learn that the enemy's advanced sentinels and videttes were posted, the last night, on the New Bridge.

Highlands, NY - 17 February 1780

In the following I shall give your Excellency a state of facts relative to the late capture of Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson and part of his detachment, on the lines of this post, on the 3d instant.

Roxbury, MA - 30 April 1780

Several officers have already come from West Point on the recruiting service, and others are on the road. I wish they may be successful, but am at a loss, from the tenor of your Excellency's letter, to determine what bounty the recruits, raised by th

Roxbury, MA - 31 May 1780

I have been endeavouring to obtain intelligence of the situation of the enemy at Halifax, &c. I learn that their naval force, not long since, consisted of one ship of seventy-four guns, one of twenty, one sloop of war, and two or three privateers.

Newport, RI - 12 July 1780

I arrived here the last night, and this morning had the honor of congratulating Monsieur le Compte De Rochambeau, and Monsieur le Chevalier De Ternay, on their safe arrival in this harbour.

Newport, RI - 16 July 1780

The French troops are landed, and encamped in a fine situation, to the south-east of the town, and extend nearly across the Island.

Newport, RI - 21 July 1780

This afternoon, fifteen or sixteen British ships of war have made their appearance off this harbour, to the eastward of Block Island. More than half of them, I think, are ships of the line.

Newport, RI - 25 July 1780

Their intention, undoubtedly, is to block up the squadron under the command of Monsieur De Ternay, intercept the expected second division of our allies, cut off all supplies by water

Newport, RI - 25 July 1780

This afternoon the intelligence, contained in the inclosed, came to hand; upon which General Rochambeau immediately made a requisition for two thousand militia.

Newport, RI - 26 July 1780

By a variety of intelligence, from various quarters (all which agree) the enemy intend to make an attempt on the fleet and army of our great and good ally at this place.

Newport, RI - 31 July 1780

The Count wishes to detain the three months men a few days, to secure the pass at Howland's Ferry.

West Point, NY - 6 January 1781

As to burning the houses at Morrisania, although they are a nest for the nefarious enemy, yet, as many of them belong to persons friendly to our cause, who have been obliged to abandon their habitations, it may not only be impolitic but injurious to

Hartford, CT - 15 May 1781

I arrived here yesterday afternoon, found the General Assembly sitting, and presented your letter to Governor Trumbull, together with a representation, containing the spirit of my instructions.