TO HIS EXCELLENCY, GENERAL
WASHINGTON
BY PHILLIS WHEATLEY
Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was born in West Africa
(likely in modern-day Gambia or Senegal) and brought
to the Boston area aboard a slave ship as a girl.
Purchased by the Wheatley family, Phillis was
converted to Christianity and taught to read and write
by her owners. When they saw her early brilliance, the
Wheatleys encouraged her further education. Her
poetry was first published in England, which she
toured with her master’s son. Many American book
publishers refused to believe she was capable of
writing such work, and she was brought to court to
establish her poetry’s authenticity. She was
emancipated after her master’s death. Sadly, she died
shortly afterward in poverty.