To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 27 September 1780
From Major General William Phillips
New York September 27th 1780
Sir
I take the liberty of sending you a deposition inclosed which Your Excellency cannot doubt the truth of as it corresponds so exactly with the reports made to you, Sir, from Virginia, from Brigadier General Hamilton’s letters to me which went to Your Excellency and from that British Officer’s letter to you, Sir, of which I have a Copy1—It is quite unnecessary for me to enlarge upon this subject, the cruel usage in breach of Treaty of the Convention Troops in this instance must shock Your Excellency, as it does me and will do the World—I make no doubt but Your Excellency will exert yourself in the behalf of these unfortunate Troops.2 I have the honour to be, Sir, With great personal respect, Your Excellencys most Obedient and most humble servant
W. Phillips
LS, DLC:GW.
1. Phillips refers to Brig. Gen. James Hamilton’s letter to GW dated 24 August. Hamilton’s letters to Phillips have not been identified.
Robert Frain, a corporal in the British 62d Regiment, swore the enclosed deposition before David Mathews, mayor of New York City, on 26 Sept. detailing severe provision shortages at “the Barracks in Albemarle County, Virginia,” where “the Men of the Troops of Convention have been often, since last Spring, several days without a Morsel to eat” (DLC:GW).
2. The supply situation at Albemarle barracks had improved since early September (see Thomas Jefferson to GW, 23 Sept.).