Heath, William (1737-1814) to John Burgoyne
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04764.60 Author/Creator: Heath, William (1737-1814) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 January 1778 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 24.2 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written by General Heath as American commander of the district where the captured British Convention Army was situated to General Burgoyne as commander of the Convention Army. References Burgoyne's letter of 24 January 1778. Apologizes for tardy reply. Heath references his own letter of 22 January where he claims no apprehension of an ill use of the officers's fusees (sidearms). Says he wanted to satisfy the minds of the public who said it might be a good idea to collect them. Says while Burgoyne's word that the fusees would not be given to the officers would be enough for him, it is not enough to satisfy the people. Therefore he asks they be deposited with him as soon as possible. Tells Burgoyne that there is more leisure time to take the information of the troops embarking for Britain now than there will be right before the transports arrive. Says he can do it that way but it might be embarrassing if he has to do it last minute. Marked "No. 60" near docket.
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