Commander-in-chief of the British army during the Revolutionary War (1717–1797) whose reputation was damaged due to allegations that he conducted an early form of germ warfare against Native Americans, a group he held in extremely low regard, using the deadly smallpox virus. Revolutionary War–dated manuscript DS, signed “Amherst,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, October 11, 1776. Document issued by the "Office of Ordnance," in which Amherst approves the issue of arms and ammunition to the first Hessian troops sent to America. In full: "Mr. Richard Veale Storekeeper at Portsmo. justified in having issued out of His Majesty's Stores at that place the Ammunition undermentioned being for service of the First Division of Hessian Troops; commanded by Lieut. General Heister, By Order of the Board, 11th October 1776. Fill'd Musq't Ball Cartridges—68,484, Flints for Musquets—40,000, Shot…10," all bound for America. Signed at the conclusion in ink by Lord Amherst, and countersigned by two others. In fine condition, with partial separation along the hinge, and some minor paper loss to the lower left corner. General Leopold Philip de Heister was chosen to command the Hessian corps rented out to the British for service in the Revolution; he landed on Long Island with two full brigades on August 25, 1776, three days after the arrival of Gen. William Howe with the British troops.
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