Heath, William (1737-1814) Revolutionary patriot and officer in the Continental army, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Heath was responsible for the defense of the Hudson Highlands in New York state. Early in the war (1777) he failed to successfully carry out George Washington's command to attack the British at Fort Independence, having his army retreat because of an expected snowstorm. Following this debacle Heath was placed in positions not likely to be involved in battle, though he continued in his Highlands command, headquartered at West Point.
Heath resigned his membership in the Society of the Cincinnati because he considered the organization, with its emphasis on heredity, too aristocratic.See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.
