Heath, William (1737-1814) to John Burgoyne

Written by General Heath as commander of the district where the captured British Convention Army is situated to General Burgoyne as commander of the Convention Army. References Burgoyne's letter of 9 January 1778. Disagrees with Burgoyne's's assertion that American guards and sentries are provoking British soldiers. Says he has heard the insults and abuses from the British troops are "unparalleled," and says they will no longer occurred with impunity. Says if anyone sent to a prison ship is innocent, they will be returned, but otherwise he will not apologize for those guilty of violating his orders. Says his orders are given on "the principles of Honor, Reason, & Justice." Says Burgoyne's suggestion that any British troops that break Heath's orders should be tried and punished by Burgoyne is insulting. To show that he is fair he says he had Colonel David Henley, commandant of the Prospect Hill barracks, arrested based on a complaint from Burgoyne. Henley was accused of poor conduct toward British troops and with murder. Says Brigadier General Glover will preside over the examination of the charges at 10 a.m. next Wednesday in Cambridge. Says Burgoyne complained about an American officer trying to recruit Convention soldiers into the American army. Tells Burgoyne that he needs to send formal charges to him, like he said he would previously. Says he received complaints against British soldiers on 25 December 1777 at Bradishes Tavern. Goes into a further list of complaints, including highway robberies committed near the Convention barracks. One gentleman was robbed of 700 or 800 dollars and a watch on 9 January 1778. Is not blaming the Convention troops, but says there are reasons to suspect they are involved. Requests Burgoyne to suppress these abuses. Marked "No. 42" near docket.