WILLIAM HEATH (1737 - 1814) American Revolutionary officer, a major general in the Continental Army reprimanded by Washington for his handling of the attack on Fort Independence, later commanding the Eastern Department and in the Hudson Valley. War date manuscript L.S. "W. Heath MG", 1p. 4to., Boston, May 17, 1777 ordering Deputy Pay Master Ebenezer Hancock to "pay Brigr. John Nixon Two Hundred & fifty Dollars in full of two Month's Service, to, the ninth day of May Inst... " Countersigned by General JOHN NIXON (1727-1815), whose brigade would soon figure in the battles at Saratoga resulting in the defeat of Burgoyne where he also lost an eye and an ear by a passing cannon ball. His regiment escorted the Convention Army back to Boston. A fine pairing of signatures. Laid into a larger sheet, dampstaining and uneven toning, else good condition. $600-800