Heath, William, Continental General

Printed document signed ("W Heath"), on a half-sheet of paper (8 1/8 x 6 1/4 in.; 206 x 159 mm), accomplished in a clerical hand, Head Quarters, Boston, 3 March 1778, being an oath of allegiance to the United States, countersigned by Major General Israel Putnam ("Israel Putnam MG") as witness; lightly browned, a few fold separations, some closed on the verso with tape. Half red morocco folding-case, gray morocco labels.

Two heroes of Bunker Hill.

William Heath and Israel Putnam fought together at Bunker Hill as militia officers from Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively. George Washington shortly concluded that Heath's talents were in administration, rather than field command, and he was appointed commander of the colonist's Eastern district, with custody of General Burgoyne's captured "Convention Army." It was while in this position that he subscribed the present oath of allegiance before General Putnam.

"I William Heath do acknowledge the United States of America to be free, independent and sovereign States, and declare that the People thereof owe no Allegiance to George the Third, King of Great-Britain; and I renounce, refuse and abjure any Allegiance or Obediance to him; and I do swear, that I will, to the Utmost of my Power, support, maintain and defend the said United States, against the said King George the Third, his Heirs and Successors, and his and their Abettors, Assistants and Adherents, and will serve the said United States in the Office of Major General which I now hold, with Fidelity, according to the best of my Skill and Understanding. So help me God."