Heath, William (1737-1814) to William Phillips
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04789.01 Author/Creator: Heath, William (1737-1814) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 June 1778 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.1 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Heath as American commander in charge of the Convention Army, which consisted of the British prisoners of war from the Saratoga campaign, to General Phillips as the highest ranking officer in captivity with the Convention Army. References Phillips's letter of 8 June 1778 where he complains of restrictions put on the movement of his men. Heath previously gave orders saying the prisoners were not allowed to travel to Watertown anymore. The prisoners were housed in Watertown previously because there were too many to keep them all in Cambridge. Heath says that exchanges have culled the numbers of the Convention Army and that the Watertown barracks were not needed anymore. Also says the Massachusetts legislature asked for the barracks back. Says no officers can say they have been mistreated under his watch. Says he will pay every attention to officers' quarters at Rutland. Claims he will try not to infringe on the Convention and that officers will not be separated from their men "as far as Circumstances will admit." Says he will be sailing in the harbor tomorrow and hopes Phillips will join him. Phillips was the ranking officer in the Convention Army after General John Burgoyne left for Britain on 5 April 1778. There is tape along the entire length of one of the long edges.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.