William Phillips letter signed ("W Phillips Major General"). One page, 8" x 12.5", Cambridge, [Massachusetts]; November 14, 1777. Prisoner of War British Major General William Phillips writes to American Major General William Heath complaining about treatment of British prisoners of war. Letter by Major General Phillips to American Major General Heath, in charge of British prisoners of war, concerning their treatment. Letter reads, in full: "Brigadier General Hamilton has this morning reported that the delivery of wood for the Barracks is so irregular & so scanty that it becomes a matter of most serious consideration. The Soldier suffers exceedingly from cold and cannot besides cook his provisions. There cannot be any doubt of your good intentions, and I will request of you, Sir, to exert your authority that Wood may be delivered regularly and in full quantity. The British Commissary General has reported, that you have not, yet, fixed on the Ration of Provision—whether it is to with or without Milk and this should be settled as it differs in weight of Meat. Will you be so good to give your direction this day as to morrow is the day of delivery of Provision and our Commissary have orders to attend." Signed, "W Phillips, Major General". Major General Phillips was taken prisoner by the American Army after when General John Burgoyne (1722-1792) surrendered his army to General George Washington on October 17, 1777 at the end of the Battle of Saratoga. The British prisoners, including Phillips, were marched to Boston, arriving first at Cambridge, Massachusetts, where this letter was written. His letter was addressed to American Major General Heath, who was in charge of the British prisoners. In his letter, Phillips asks Heath to exert his authority to make sure wood delivered regularly and in a quantity that will allow prisoners to keep warm and cook their food. Condition: Previous closed tear with small area of loss at bottom left corner repaired on verso. Closed tear crosses signature. Two areas of dampstaining at left edge extending into margin. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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