signed unbound
by PHILLIPS, William. (1731 - 1781)
unbound. very good. Excellent content A.L.S. "W. Phillips", 4to. 2 pages Cambridge, June 20, 1778, to American Major General William Heath, regarding the provisional needs of his soldiers, in part: "I cannot possibly have any objection that the Accounts of Provision and Fuel supplied to the Troops of the Convention in the months of March, April & May last, be sent by Mr. Geddes to Rhode Island, to be forwarded from thence to Sir Henry Clinton, and I shall therefore postpone my desire of Mr. Geddes going, until these Accounts have been sent to me, that I may have them examined and properly certified by the Commissary General of Provisions., and by the department of the Quarter Master General, which I believe to have been practiced in settling Accounts. I must request a passport for Mr. Geddes going by land, at what time you shall think convenient, the sooner the better, as the Troops of the Convention are in much want of Money. When I requested permission for Lieutenant Vallancey going to Rhode Island, it was simply and entirely for the purpose of procuring necessities for the Troops, as a duty from Rhode Island, indeed I should have imagined you would not have liked any proposal from me, of any officer coming to this province from thence, and nothing can be more innocent or secure than sending an Officer from this Army, who may be so conducted as to make it impossible for him to hear, see or know anything of the situation of the Coast. But it depends entirely on you, Sir, and if Lieutenant Vallancey can not be permitted to go, some other method must be fallen upon to procure necessities for the Troops..." Boldly docketed on verso completely in the hand of General William Heath. Usual folds, damp stained at the time written, marginal wear and chipping at lower right corner (not affecting content). Overall Very Good. British Major General during the American Revolutionary War who is best remembered for being captured at Saratoga as part of General Burgoyne's Army (1777).
(Inventory #: 283302)