2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022
WILLIAM PHILLIPS (1731-1781). Revolutionary War British Major General, held as an American Prisoner at Cambridge, MA, after the surrender of General John Burgoyne to General Gates at Saratoga, NY, on October 18, 1777. July 2, 1778-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Manuscript Letter Signed, “W. Phillips”, 1 page, plus attached docketing leaf, at Cambridge, MA, measuring 9-1/8” x 7-3/8”, Fine. This impressive original Letter is written while British Major General William Phillips, is held as an American Prisoner of War under the surrender agreement of the “Convention Army of Saratoga”. Here, General Phillips has written to American Continental Army Major General William Heath concerning an allowance for a Mr. Durand in “Paper Money” possibly to supply the thousands of captured British Troops being held prisoner, and a Passport be given to a Mr. Giddes. General Phillips writes, in part: “Cambridge July 2nd 1778 -- Sir - I should be wanting in my duty to the Kings Service, if I omitted any proof relating to the account of Mr. Durant’s allowance, being agreed to in the clearest manner, to be paid in the present currency of America... (Signed) W. Phillips.” Boldly Signed in rich deep brown at lower right by General Phillips. The overall condition is clean and and is easily readable, overall excellent in bold ink on laid period paper. Two easily removable prior paper mounts on the final blank page. Boldly penned Docket reads, in full: “From Genl. Phillips reply Mr. Giddes setting amounts - paying in paper money - order - July 2nd 1778”.
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