USA > Massachusetts > The journals of each Provincial congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of safety, with an appendix, containing the proceedings of the county conventions-narratives of the events of the nineteenth of April, 1775 > Part 46
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Ordered, That the committee of supplies be directed to supply the four Indians brought up by Capt. Lane, with a pair of shoes each.
Ordered, That Mr. Mighill, Mr. Hobart, Capt. Webster and Mr. Lothrop, be added to the committee to consider the petition of Edward Parry.
The committee appointed to take into consideration the circum- stances of the Rev. Doct. Langdon, president of the college, reported as follows, viz. : Resolved, that there be allowed and paid out of the public treasury of this colony, the sum of ££100, lawful money, in bills of credit of this colony, to the Rev. Doct. Langdon, president of Har- vard College, in part for his services in that station, since his appoint- ment thereto : and the treasurer and receiver general is hereby direct- ed to pay the said sum in bills of credit, accordingly.1
Ordered, That the report of the committee to consider Capt. Lane's services be recommitted.
Ordered, That Col. Gerrish, Mr. Wheeler and Col. Farley, be a committee to consider and report what is to be done with the overplus bills.
Ordered, That Deacon Fisher be appointed in the place of Capt. Bragdon, to consider the services of Capt. Lane, in bringing up four Indian chiefs.
The committee appointed to take into consideration the petition of James Kirkwood, keeper of the lights on 'Thatcher's island, reported : the report was accepted, and is as follows, viz. :
Resolved, That there be allowed and paid, out of the public treasury, to Capt. James Kirkwood, sixty pounds, for one year's salary as keeper of the light-houses on Thatcher's island, and also eighteen pounds, eighteen shillings more, being for his disbursements, in repairing buildings, and other work done there, box of medicines, and several other necessaries, as per his account, herewith exhibited : and the re- ceiver general is, accordingly, hereby directed to pay the said Capt.
(1) The appropriation for the salary of Doct. Langdon had been made on the preceding day : the grant is set out more formally in this resolution, than in that of June 23.
387
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
Kirkwood, the aforesaid sums, amounting to seventy-eight pounds, thirteen shillings, the same to be paid in bills of credit of this colony.
Ordered, 'That three o'clock, P. M., be assigned to come to the choice of a gentleman to preach the election serinon.
The committee appointed to draft a resolve respecting Bridget Phil- lips, wife of an officer in General Gage's army, reported : the report was read and accepted, and is as follows, viz. : Resolved, that General Ward do not suffer or permit Bridget Phillips, wife to an officer under Gene- ral Gage, to go into Boston, nor any other person whatever, without leave first obtained of this Congress, or some future house of represen- tatives; and that an express be forthwith sent to the committee of safety for the town of Newburyport, to order them to take the most effectual measures to prevent the said Bridget from going out of this province, or to Boston.
The committee appointed to take into consideration, and report the form of a commission for brigadier generals, quarter master generals, and adjutant generals, adjutants, quarter masters, and surgeons, report- ed a form, which was accepted.
Ordered, That the form of a commission lie on the table.
The cominittee appointed to hire a house of John Hunt, Esq., for a hospital, reported the following proposal, which was accepted, viz. :
GENTLEMEN :- With respect to the hire of the house belonging to John Hunt, Esq, for a hospital, the proprietor only expects such a consideration from the colony, as will be a satisfaction for the necessa- ry damage to the house, expecting proper care will be taken that the out-houses, &c., be kept in good order.
W. HUNT, in behalf of the proprietor.
Ordered, That the committee appointed to procure spears for the army, be directed to use their discretion in procuring poles for the handles of the spears.
Afternoon.
The committee appointed to prepare a letter to the lieutenant gov- ernor and company of Rhode Island, reported : the report was accept- ed, and similar letters, so far as circumstances will admit, ordered to be sent to Connecticut and New Hampshire. [The letter to the gov- ernor of Connecticut is as follows :]
GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.
May it please your honor :- Froin advices received divers ways, we have the greatest reason to determine, that all the British troops al-
388
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[ June 24
ready destined, or that may be yet ordered to America this season, will come to Boston, it being evidently their design, if possible, to rout our army before that place, destroy all our magazines, and thereby to'strike terror and faintness into the hearts of all the friends to right and liberty throughout the continent, to revive and animate the scattered friends, and break the union of the colonies, and in that way insure final suc- cess to their tyranny. This being undoubtedly the plan of our ene- mies, it is of inexpressible consequence, that the ground which we have taken should at all events be maintained. Your honor is, no doubt, fully sensible that our army, for the present, is unavoidably checked, with regard to offensive operations, for a reason of which you are not unapprized : but, however, we have the means of acting on the defensive.
As Boston is impregnable against every thing but great artillery, very few troops are sufficient to keep it ; and as there are two passes at least, very distant from each other, by which the enemy will probably attempt to advance into the country, it is thereby rendered necessary that we should throw our army into at least two grand divisions, each of which ought to be able to withstand almost the whole strength of the enemy. Your honor is acquainted, that it was, at first, supposed to be necessary, that 30,000 men should be raised, and stationed to act for this season in the environs of Boston. Thirteen thousand, six hundred, was the number supposed by our Congress, to be the colony's propor- tion of such an army : and that number we have, to our utmost, been endeavoring fully to complete; but, because there are deficiencies in our regiments, as your honor well knows there always will be in such cases, in order to make that quota good, we have been obliged to increase the number of the regiments ; but still, there is a deficiency, and, because of the inexpressible importance of having our army effectually strong, we are, with unremitted efforts, and by every device, at vast expense, laboring to make that number fully complete, or rather to exceed it.
May it please your honor :- Because we are so vastly apprehensive of the fatal consequences of a general defeat of this army to the whole American cause, and are so unutterably solicitous to have it effectually strengthened, we have called in every individual of our levies from all our outposts, to join the army ; although, by that measure, we expose all our towns on the sea coasts to the rage and depredations of the en- emy, and run the dreadful risk of the best of our towns being reduced to ashes, and taking the miserable fate of Charlestown.
We beg leave to acquaint your honor, that it is most clearly our opinion, and that we have the best grounds to suppose, that, as soon as the enemy have recovered a little breath from their amazing fatigues of
359
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
the seventeenth of June, and the surprising losses which they then un- doubtedly sustained, shall be made up by arrivals of new troops, which is almost daily taking place, they will direct all their force to some one point, and make the utmost efforts to force our lines, destroy our inag- azines, and thereby strike general terror and amazement into the hearts of the inhabitants of the whole continent.
From this view of the case, we cannot, a moment longer, forbear addressing your honor, and most earnestly suggesting to the immediate consideration of your general assembly, not only the expediency, but indispensable necessity, of an immediate augmentation of the troops from your colony, for the more effectual strengthening of the army. What the number of the augmentation ought to be, we most cheerfully submit to the good judgment of your assembly, not in the least doubt- ing, but their wisdom and justice will direct and dispose them to do all that is proper, in so important a crisis as we really consider the present.
We need not express to your honor, the indispensable necessity of despatch in making reenforcements, nor the propriety and advantage of marching any new levies, which your assembly may order, with all possible speed, without the first raised companies waiting for the com- pleting of others ; inasmuch as your colony has here, on the spot, all the proper officers to make the necessary disposition for their recep- tion, and as the season of their being of any advantage for the support of our army, may be irrevocably lapsed before their arrival, if the least unnecessary delay should be indulged.
We have made a representation to the lieutenant governor of Rhode Island, similar to the foregoing, and are about to make a like represen- tation to the congress of New Hampshire, and to send the same by special express.
We suppose the whole number of our enemy's land forces, when joined with the four regiments which were ordered to New York, will amount to upwards of ten thousand, exclusive of negroes and tories, who are every way provided and furnished, in the best manner, for action.
We have the fullest confidence, that your honor's zeal and ardor for the salvation of our country, and the preservation of our inestimable rights, will render any importunity unnecessary, to induce you to take all the requisite steps to effect the proposed augmentation, for which we are most solicitous.
Ordered, That Major Hawley, Col. Gerrish and the president, be a
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THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[June 24,
committee to take into consideration, and report thereon, a letter from General Ward, informing of the desertion of Lieut. Cox of Salem, and a number of men.
Ordered, That Major Hawley and the president be excused, and that Col. Porter and Doct. Church be appointed in their room.
The committee appointed to consider the expediency of stationing part of Col. Phiney's regiment in the counties of Cumberland and Lincoln, reported : the report was accepted, and is as follows, viz .: Whereas, it appears to this Congress to be necessary, that some provision should be made for the defence and protection of the sea coasts in the counties of Cumberland and Lincoln; therefore, Resolved, that the resolve which passed yesterday, relative to Col. Phiney's regiment, be so far reconsidered, as that the remainder of said regiment, after 400 thereof have marched to the camp at Cambridge, be immediately raised and stationed in such places in the said counties, as shall be thought best by General Preble, Col. Enoch Freeman and Major Wheaton of St. Georges, until they receive further orders from the Congress, or a gen- eral assembly of this colony : and that, after they are at first stationed, they shall be under the direction of Col. Enoch Freeman, who is here- by empowered to order and dispose of them, as, in his opinion, will most conduce to the general interest. And the committee of supplies are hereby directed to supply said troops with provisions, agreeably to the allowance as established by this Congress.
And it is recommended to the selectmen of the several towns in the counties aforesaid, to supply the said troops with ammunition, which shall be replaced as soon as the colony magazine can be supplied, or paid for out of the public treasury ; and that Col. Freeman be, and hereby is appointed, to inuster the said men, and to see that they are all well prepared with fire arms and other accoutrements.
Mr. Hubbard was appointed in the room of Col. Farley on Mr. Re- vere's account.
Ordered, That the proclamation for a fast be suspended.
The committee appointed to consider the letter from General Ward, reported : the report was accepted, and is as follows, viz. :
Resolved, That it be recommended to General Ward, immediately to take effectual measures to apprehend Lieut. Cox, and such privates as have been induced by the said Lieut. Cox to desert their duty, and forthwith to bring [said] Cox, and such other deserters as may be ap- prehended, to their trial, that the said Lieut. Cox and his accomplices may [receive] such condigu punishment for their aggravated offences, as, in the rules and orders of war, is provided for ; and it is further
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1775.]
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
391
recommended to the committees of all denominations, and the select- men of any town where said deserters may be, to afford all possible aid and assistance to the general in apprehending them.
Ordered, That the president, Mr. Gerry, Major Hawley, Deacon Cheever, Col. Gerrish, Col. Lincoln and Col. Porter, be a committee to consider what steps are proper to be taken for receiving General Washington with proper respect, and to provide a house for him ac- cordingly.
The committee appointed to consider what allowance is adequate to the services of Capt. John Lane, &c., in bringing up four Indians from Penobscot, reported : the report was accepted, and is as follows, viz. :
The committee appointed to consider what allowance is adequate to the services of Capt. John Lane and Mr. Gilman, for their attendance in bringing up to this town, four Indians of the Penobscot tribe, beg leave to report : that the said Mr. Lane proceed to raise a company of fifty-six effective men, including sergeants, to join the army at Cam- bridge, agreeably to the order of the committee of safety ; and upon his raising said men, that he be entitled not only to a captain's com- mission, but to the pay established for captains, to commence at the time he received his orders from the committee of safety : that Mr. Gilman be allowed for forty days' attendance as an interpreter to Mr. Lane, at three shillings per day, six pounds; and that the said Mr. Gil- man be presented with an honorary commission, with the rank of lieu- tenant, and be desired to use his influence to cultivate a peaceable disposition in the Indians at St. Francois, and other parts adjoining, and give intelligence of their temper and disposition, from time to time, as he shall have opportunity, and as the importance of affairs may re- quire ; and all necessary charge and trouble for any in:portant intelli- gence so [communicated, ] shall be suitably rewarded.1
The committee for giving out commissions, were directed to make out an honorary commission for Mr. Gilinan, agreeably to the forego- ing report.
Mr. Pickering [was] appointed to draw a resolve, directing the treas- urer to pay Mr. John Lane and Andrew Gilman, agreeably to said report.
Col. Porter was appointed to procure a scythe, and carry it to a blacksmith, to be fixed for a spear, in such a manner as he thinks fit, and bring it before this Congress, when fixed.
(1) This resolve is repeated in the journal of the next day.
392
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[June 24,
Mr. Pickering brought in a resolve as directed, which was accepted, and is as follows, viz. :
Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the public treasury of this colony, to Mr. Andrew Gilman, the sum of six pounds, in bills of credit of this colony, for forty days' attendance as an interpreter to four Indians of the Penobscot tribe, in their late attendance at an em- bassy to this Congress ; and the receiver general is hereby directed to pay the same sum of six pounds to Mr. Andrew Gilman, in bills of credit, accordingly.
Ordered, That any one of the committee appointed to procure spears, be empowered to order the blacksmith to work on the sabbath, to complete the same as soon as possible.
Resolved, That it be recommended to our good brothers, the Indians of the Penobscot tribe, to immediately apply to General Preble and Col. Freeman of Falmouth, for a supply of provisions and all other necessa- ry goods, and would recommend said gentlemen, as the most suitable persons to supply the Indians, who will undoubtedly do them justice ; and it is hereby recommended to General Preble and Col. Freeman, to supply said Indians with provisions, and all other necessary articles, upon the most equitable terms, and to receive their fur, and other skins, in payment ; and the said General Preble and Col. Freeman, are hereby desired to supply said Indians at the truck-house at Penobscot.
Ordered, That Capt. Stone, Col. Thompson and Capt. Bragdon, be a committee to consider the request of Col. Freeman, to have the min- ute company of the town of Sandwich stationed at Naushan island.
Monday morning, nine o'clock, was assigned, agreeably to a resolve of the committee of safety, to choose a proper person to superintend the armorers in the camp, and to see that they do their duty.
A letter from George Stillman to Col. Otis was read, and committed to Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Langdon and Doct. Whiting.1
Mr. Lothrop, Mr. Dickerson and Mr. White, were appointed a com- mittee to get the proclamation of the Continental Congress for a fast, reprinted, and dispersed one to each religious assembly in the colony.2
(1) This letter related to the capture of a tender ; which is fully described in the memorial of the inhabitants of Machias.
(2) The fast appointed by the Continental Congress superseded that directed by the provincial assembly. The proclamation which follows was distributed and read from the desk of every church of Massachusetts, instead of that adopted, and entered in the journal, page 384.
IN CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, June 12, 1775.
As the great Governor of the world, by his supreme and universal providence, nor only conducts the course of nature with unerring wisdom and rectitude, but frequently influences the minds of men to serve the wise and gracious purposes of his providential government ; and it being, at all
393
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
Mr. Lothrop, Deacon Fisher and Mr. Parker, were appointed a com- mittee to count and sort the votes for some person to preachı an elec- tion sermon on the 19th of July next.
The committee reported, that Mr. Gordon was unanimously chosen, and the president was appointed to inform him of this choice.
Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning.
SABBATH DAY, June 25, 1775.
Ordered, 'That Capt. Brown, Major Fuller, Mr. Bigelow, Major Brooks, Col. Smith and Deacon Stone, be a committee to procure four hundred spades and shovels for the use of the army, immediately. And the said committee is directed to make a list of such persons, of whom they may procure said spades and shovels, with the number received of each person, and the value thereof, and, when procured, that they im- mediately forward them to the army at Cambridge.
The committee appointed to prepare an honorary commission for Mr. Gilman, reported a form, which, being duly amended, was accept- ed, and is as follows, viz. :
The Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, to Andrew Gilman, gentleman, Greeting.
We, entertaining a good opinion of your prudence, courage, and good conduct, do appoint, and you the said Andrew Gilman are hereby
times, our indispensable duty devoutly to acknowledge his superintending providence, especially in times of impending danger and publie calamity, to reverence and adore his immutahle justice as well as to implore his mereiful interposition for our deliverance.
This Congress, therefore, considering the present critical, alarming, and calamitous state of these colonies, do earnestly recommend, that Thursday, the 20th day of July next, he ohserved, hy the inhabitants of all the English colonies on this continent, as a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer : that we may, with united hearts and voices, unfeignedly confess and deplore our many sins ; and offer up our joint supplications to the all-wise, omnipotent, and mereiful Disposer of all events; humbly heseeching him to forgive our iniquities, to remove our present calamities, to avert those desolating judgments, with which we are threatened, and to hless our rightful sovereign, king George the third, and to inspire him with wisdom to discern and pursue the true interests of his subjects, that a speedy end may be put to the clvil discord hetween Great Britain and the American colonics, without farther effusion of blood : and that the British nation may he influeneed to regard the things that belong to her pcace, before they are hid from her eyes : that these colonies may ever be under the care and protection of a kind Providence, and be prospered in all their interests : that the divine blessing may descend and rest upon our civil rulers, and upon the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions, that they may he directed to wise and effectual measures for preserving the union, and securing the just rights and privileges of the colo- nies ; that virtue nnd true religion may revive and flourish throughout our land ; and that all Amer- ica may soon behold a gracious interposition of Heaven for the redress of her many grievances, the restoration of her invaded rights, a reconciliation with the parent state, on terms constitutional, and honorable to both ; and that her eivil and religious privileges may be secured to the latest pos- terity.
And it is recommended to Christians, of nll denominations, to assemble for public worship, and to abstain from servile labor, and recreation on said day.
50
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THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. [June 25,
appointed, to the honorary title of lieutenant ; and you are to be con- sidered of that rank, not only among the good people of this province, but also among all our friends and brethren through the continent ; and we confide in your readiness to promote the common cause of America, among our good brothers, the Indians of the several tribes which you may have opportunity to be acquainted with, as well as with the inhabitants of the province of Quebec.
By order of the Congress.
President.
The petition of John Lane was read, the prayer whereof was grant- ed, and Col. Lincoln appointed to draw up a resolve thereon.
Col. Lincoln drew up a resolve accordingly, which was accepted, and is as follows, viz. : Resolved, that Henry Gardner, Esq., receiver general, be, and he is hereby directed, to pay unto Capt. John Lane, or his order, the sum of twelve pounds, lawful money, being two months pay for a captain in the colony service, he the said Lane to be ac- countable for that sum, to this, or some future Congress, or constitu- tional assembly of this colony.
Resolved, That Capt. John Lane proceed to raise a company of fifty six effective men, including sergeants, to join the army at Cambridge, agreeably to the order of the committee of safety : and, upon his rais- ing said men, that he be entitled not only to a captain's commission, but to the pay established for captains, to commence at the time he re- ceived his orders from the said committee of safety.1
Ordered, That Deacon Fisher draw, in form of a resolve, the re- port of the committee relative to Andrew Gilman.
Ordered, That Col. Lincoln draw up a resolve, empowering Mr. Grannis to employ thirty men to protect the Elizabeth islands.
Mr. Fisher, agreeably to order, presented the following resolve, which was accepted, and is as follows, viz. :
Resolved, That Lieut. Andrew Gilman be, and hereby is, ordered and instructed to use his utmost influence to cultivate a friendly and peaceable disposition in the Indians at St. Francois, and all other parts adjoining, and to give intelligence of their temper and disposition, from time to time, as he shall have opportunity, and as the importance of affairs may require, and also of the Canadians at Quebec, and other adjacent parts of Canada, so often as it may be in his power, for which service he shall receive a proper reward.
Col. Lincoln, agreeably to order, presented the following resolve,
(1) The substance of this resolve is inserted in the Journal of June 24.
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THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
which was accepted : Resolved, that Capt. John Grannis be, and he hereby is empowered, immediately, to engage thirty good, able bodied, effective inen, to be paid by this colony, well provided with arms and ammunition, and to cause them to be provided with suitable provisions, to repair, without delay, to the Elizabeth islands, so called, in [ªDukes county,] there to protect the stock, and to impress such a number of boats, &c., [as] he shall want to transport thie men to and from said islands, as occasion may require, from time to time, until the further order of this, or some future Congress, or constitutional assembly of this colony.
Ordered, That commissions for the officers of the train be immedi- ately sent to the committee of safety, and that they be directed to de- liver them to such officers, to whom there is no exception, and that Col. Porter be appointed to carry said commissions to the committee of safety, with this order, immediately.
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