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 60
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Voted, That Doct. Warren, Col. Palmer and Mr. Watson, be a sub- committee, to take the state of Boston into consideration, and report as soon as may be.
APRIL 29, 1775.
A vote of the Provincial Congress was read, respecting the removal of the inhabitants of Boston, whereupon, Col. Orne, Mr. Devens and Capt. White, were appointed a sub-committee, to take the matter into consideration, and report as soon as may be.
[The following circular was addressed to the several towns : ]
[CAMBRIDGE, APRIL 29, 1775.]
[Gentlemen : As many of the persons now in camp, came from their respective towns, without any expectation of tarrying any time, and are now under the necessity of returning; this is to desire, you would, with the utmost haste, send other persons to supply their places, for a few days, until the enlistments are completed, and the men sent down to us.
We pray you, immediately, to set about this business, as the most fatal consequences must follow, if we should be reduced to so weak a state, as that the army, under General Gage, may be able to issue out of the town, and spread destruction through this country, and we think none can be unwilling to come for a few days, to relieve their brethren, who have been so long absent from their families.]
Voted, That orders be sent into the neighboring towns, requiring one half of the militia to be immediately sent to Roxbury and Cam- bridge, as a reenforcement to our army, and that the rest of the inhab- itants hold themselves in readiness to march at a minute's warning.
Also, Voted, That Mr. Watson, Capt. White and Col. Gardner, be a sub-committee, to report the towns to be sent to, the destination of the reenforcements, and the expresses to be despatched.
527
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Voted, That the secretary be directed to empower expresses to press as many horses as they may have occasion for.
Voted, That the committee of supplies, at Watertown, be directed to attend this committee immediately, and that the secretary write them accordingly.
Upon information that the supplies of powder and ball, at Water- town, were in the keeping of the commissary general, Voted, that General Ward be desired to apply to the commissary for sucli a quan- tity of said stores as he may have occasion for.
Voted, That Doct. Isaac Foster be directed and empowered to re- move all the sick and wounded, whose circumstances will admit of it, into the hospital, and to supply proper beds and bedding, clothing, victuals, and furniture, with every other article he shall judge proper for said hospital, and that this be a sufficient order for him to draw on the commissary for such articles as he can supply, and to draw orders upon the commissary for the payment of whatever expenses are neces- sary for procuring the above mentioned articles.
Voted, That the secretary desire Messrs. Halls, printers, at Salem, to print three hundred letters, to be sent to the several towns in the province.
Capt. Benedict Arnold, with a company, being arrived here from Connecticut, Ordered, that the commissary general be directed to pro- vide suitable quarters for said company.
Upon a motion made, Voted, that orders be given to General Thomas for seizing Governor Hutchinson's papers.
A letter from General Thomas, respecting some companies of min- ute men at Dartmouth, was read, whereupon, Voted, that Col. Orne, Col. Palmer and Col. Gardner, be a sub-committee, to consider and give directions relative to the general's request.
Letters from Col. Hancock, now at Worcester,1 were read ; where- upon, Voted, that four reams of paper be immediately ordered to Wor- cester, by Mr. Barber, for the use of Mr. Thomas, printer, he to be accountable.
(1) The Hon. John Hancock, on his journey to Philadelphia, to attend tho Continental Congress, was detained at Worcester two days, awaiting the arrival of his colleagues, delegates from Massa- chusetts, and tho attendance of an escort. One of his letters to tho committee is printod on pago 170. An application was made for paper to supply the press of Isaiah Thomas. Tho following ro- commendations for appointments wero made during the same visit :
" WORCESTER, APRIL 24, 1775."
" GENTLEMEN :- From a conviction of your disposition to promoto the general good, I take tho froedom to request your countenance and good offices in favor of Mr. Edward Crafts, of this place, that ho may be appointed to the command of a company. I know him well ; ho is capable. I beg
528
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[April 29,
A letter from Medford was read ; whereupon, Voted, that the com- pany now raised there, hold themselves in readiness to march at a min- ute's warning, remaining in Medford till further orders.
The sub-committee on General Thomas' letter, reported, that it be ordered thạt Capt. Nathaniel Richmond, with any other captain that can bring into the camp fifty-six men, including sergeants, that will enlist into the service of this colony, shall have the encouragement given by the Provincial Congress, and shall immediately enter into pay upon their enlistment ; [that] the critical situation of our public affairs demands the utmost exertions of the friends of America; and should remissness now appear, the consequences may be fatal.
Voted, That Mr. Watson be desired to make inquiry with respect to the colony arms not in use, and that Capt. Goodridge, of the Indian company, have such a number as is desired.
Voted, That Col. Gerrish be desired to send Major Dunbar, now a prisoner at head quarters, to Woburn, under a strong guard, and order him to be there kept in safe custody, till further orders from this com- mittee.
Voted, That Capt. Hill and company be furnished with provisions at any tavern they see fit to call at, in conveying Major Dunbar to a place of safety, at the expense of the province.
Voted, That Capt. Brown, of Watertown, be desired, upon any ad- vice of the troops coming out, to order the cannon to a place of safe- ty, and, for that purpose, be empowered to press horses, cattle, &c.
your attention to this. It will give great satisfaction to Mr. Adams and myself, and to the people of this county : do gratify us. I also beg leave, you would recommend to the notice of General Heath, in my name, Mr. Nathaniel Nazro, of this town, who is desirous of being noticed in the army. He is lively, active, and capable. My respects to HIcath, and all friends. Pray General Ileath to take notice of this recommendation. God bless you. Adicu." -
" I am your rcal friend,
JOIIN HANCOCK."
" To the Committee of Safety."
"WORCESTER, APRIL 26, 1775."
" GENTLEMEN :- Having had the honor to command the Cadet company at Boston, and knowing the ability of those who composed that corps, I cannot withhold mentioning, and recommending to the notice of you and the general officers, Mr. John Smith, and Mr. John Avery, two excellent good soldiers, and gentlemen, who will advance the reputation of the province in that department of command where they may be placed. I therefore most strongly recommend them, and earnestly pray they may be noticed. I will be answerable for their conduct. There are several other gen- tlemen of that corps, who may be useful, particularly Mr. Brent and Mr. Cunningham. Do notice Messrs. Smith and Avery. They will be useful. I sct out to-morrow morning. God bless you. Why don't you send to Mr. Crafts. Pray improve him. He is a good man, and one on whom you may depend. Don't miss him."
" I am your real friend,
JOHN HANCOCK."
" To the Committee of Safety."
529
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
APRIL 30, 1775.
Capt. Benedict Arnold, captain of a company from Connecticut, at- tended, and reported, that there are at Ticonderoga, 80 pieces of heavy cannon, 20 pieces of brass cannon, from 4 to 18 pounders, 10 to 12 mor- tars ; at Skeenborough, on the South Bay, 3 or 4 pieces of brass cannon ; the fort, in a ruinous condition, is supposed to have about 40 or 45 men, a number of small arms and considerable stores; and that there is a sloop of 70 or 80 tons on the lake.
Voted, That an order be given to Major Bigelow, desiring him to liave the province arms, either in Worcester or Concord, immediately brought to this town.
Voted, That Mr. John Chandler Williams be directed to attend this committee, that lie may be employed as an express.
Voted, That the committee appointed yesterday, to consider the state of the town of Boston, be now desired to sit, and form a plan for the liberation of the inhabitants.
The sub-committee on the removal of the inhabitants from Boston, reported, which report was accepted, and Doct. Warren, Col. Palmer and Col. Orne, were appointed to wait upon the Congress with the proposals.
Voted, That two offices be opened to deliver permits for such per- sons as desire to enter Boston with their effects.
Voted, That Col. Samuel Gerrish be appointed to the office [of granting permits,] at the house of Mr. John Greaton of Roxbury.
Voted, That Col. William Henshaw be appointed to the office of granting permits, at the sign of the sun, in Charlestown.
Whereas, proposals have been made by General Gage to the inhabit- ants of the town of Boston, for the removal of their persons and effects into the country, excepting their arms and ammunition : Rc- solved, that any of the inhabitants of this colony, who may incline to go into the town of Boston with their effects, fire-arms and amınuni- tion excepted, have toleration for that purpose, and that they be pro- tected from any injury or insult whatsoever. This resolve to be imme- diately published.
The following orders were delivered to Col. Samuel Gerrish :
You are hereby empowered, agreeably to a vote of the Provincial Congress, to grant liberty, that any of the inhabitants of this colony, who may incline to go into Boston with their effects, fire-arms and ammunition excepted, have toleration for that purpose ; and that they be protected from any injury or insult whatsoever, in their removal to 67
530
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 2,
Boston. The following form of a permit is for your government, the blanks in which you are to fill up with the names and number of the persons, viz. :
Permit A. B., the bearer hereof, with his family, consisting of - persons, with his effects, fire-arms and ammunition excepted, to pass unmolested into the town of Boston, between sunrise and sunset.
By order of the Provincial Congress. JOSEPH WARREN, clerk pro tem.
Voted, That Andrew Craigie be appointed to take care of the medi- cal stores, and to deliver them out as ordered by this committee; and that the secretary make out his commission accordingly.
Voted, That it be recommended by this committee to the council of war, that Mr. Joseph Pierce Palmer be appointed to the post of quar- ter master general of the army.
MAY 1, 1775.
Voted, That the quarter master general be directed to clear that chamber in Stoughton College, occupied by S. Parsons, Jr., for a printing office for Messrs. Halls.
Whereas, many of our brethren of the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island are now with us, to assist in this day of public and gen- eral distress, in which we are all deeply concerned : and, whereas, our brethren of said colonies have brought with them some of the paper currencies of their respective colonies, which have not, of late, had a currency with us, and for want of which, our common interests may greatly suffer :
Resolved, 'That said paper currencies shall, from and after the date hereof, be paid and received within this colony, in all payments, to all intents and purposes, in the same proportion to silver, as the same are paid and received within the respective colonies by which the same have been issued.
Resolved, That Col. Palmer be a committee to inquire into the mat- ter, [to find] what colonies have such currencies, to alter this resolve agreeably thereto, and to present the same to the honorable Congress for their consideration.
[Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Gordon have free access to the prisoners detained at Worcester and elsewhere, and that all civil magistrates and others be aiding and assisting him in examining and taking deposi- tions of them and others.]
MAY 2, 1775.
Doct. Warren, Col. Palmer and Col. Gardner, [were appointed] a
531
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
sub-committee, to confer with General Ward, relative to the proposal made by Col. Arnold of Connecticut, for an attempt upon Ticonde- , roga.
A number of recantations, from the town of Marblehead, having been laid before the committee, for their opinion, as to the propriety of receiving them :
Voted, That it is the opinion of this committee, that said recanta- tions be received, and that the persons making them, be made acquain- ted with the proclamation lately issued by Congress, respecting those [who] may incline to get into Boston ; and that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this province, that they be protected from all injuries or insults whatsoever, so long as they adhere to their several recantations, now before this committee, and continue to assist and abide by their country, and the inhabitants of Marblehead in particular, in the im- portant dispute between Great Britain and America.
Voted, That two muster masters be appointed, one at the camp in Cambridge, and one at the camp in Roxbury.
Voted, That General Thomas be desired to give such orders, re- specting the whale boats at Falmouth, and other ports southward, as he may judge proper.
Voted, That the Massachusetts Congress be desired to give an order upon the treasurer, for the immediate payment of one hundred pounds in cash; and also to order 200 pounds of gunpowder, 200 pounds of lead balls, and 1000 flints, and also ten horses, to be delivered unto Capt. Benedict Arnold, for the use of this colony, upon a certain service approved of by the council of war : said Arnold to be accountable for the same, to this or some future Congress, or house of representatives of this colony.
Voted, That two companies be raised in Braintree, for the immedi- ate defence of the sea coast of said town ; the said companies to be joined to such regiment in future as they may be ordered to, should there be occasion, or discharged from service, as soon as the public , good would admit of it : and that Col. Thayer be furnished with two sets of enlisting papers for this purpose.1
Voted, That General Thomas be, and he hereby is directed and em- powered to stop the trunks mentioned to be in Col. Taylor's hands, until this committee send some proper persons to examine their con- tents.2
(1) This vote was reconsidered May 4th.
(2) The following is a letter from General Thomas, dated May 2, 1775 :
"GENTLEMEN :- In consequence of directions from the committee of safety, I sent an officer,
532
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 2,
Resolved, That agreeably to a vote of Congress, General Thomas be directed and empowered to appoint suitable persons, to accompany such people into the country as may be permitted to bring their effects into Boston, upon the conditions mentioned in the proclama- tions posted up, and that General Thomas give such general orders as he may judge the common safety requires.
Voted, That Col. Arnold, appointed to a secret service, be desired to appoint two field officers, captains, &c., to be allowed the same pay during their continuance in service as is established for officers and privates of the saine rank, who are ordered by the Congress of Massa- chusettss Bay to be raised for the defence of the rights and liberties of America ; the officers and privates to be dismissed by Col. Arnold, or the committee of safety, whenever they shall think proper.
Voted, That the committee of supplies be desired to procure ten horses for Col. Arnold, to be employed on a special service.
Voted, That Mr. Isaac Bradish, keeper of the prison in Cambridge, be supplied with provisions out of the colony stores, for the support of the prisoners under his care, who have or may be committed by the orders of the council of war or of this committee.
The quarter master general having informed that some persons un- known had made spoil of liquors in the cellars of General Brattle, and Mr. Borland, and others, whereupon, Voted, that he be directed to take possession of those liquors, and other stores, immediately, in all the houses which are deserted, and that a particular account of such stores be taken, and that they be then committed to the care of the commissary general.
[A letter to the governor and company of the colony of Connecti- cut was reported, accepted, and is as follows :]
[CAMBRIDGE, MAY 2, 1775.]
[We yesterday had a conference with Doct. Johnson and Col. Wol-
on whom I could depend, to the house of Governor Hutchinson, who brought off all the papers he could find in that house ; but I was informed that Colonel Taylor, of Milton, had lately taken sev- eral trunks out of the governor's house, not many days ago, in order to secure them from being plundered. I immediately sent another messenger to Col. Taylor, for all the papers that belonged to Governor Hutchinson which he had in bis possession ; he sent me for answer, he did not know of any papers that belong to said Hutchinson, but just now comes to inform me that there are seve- ral trunks in his house, which he took as aforesaid, which he expects will be sent for very soon. I suspect there may be papers in said trunks, and if it is thought proper, two or three judicious per- sons be sent to break open and search for papers, he will give them his assistance. This, gentle- men, is submitted to the consideration of the honorable committee."
" I have, gentlemen, the honor to subscribe myself, your most obedient humble servant,
" ROXBURY CAMP, MAY 2, A. D. 1775.99
JOHN THOMAS,"
533
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
cot, who were appointed by your assembly to deliver a letter to, and hold a conference with General Gage. We feel the warmest gratitude to you for those generous and affectionate sentiments which you en- tertain toward us. But you will allow us to express our uneasiness on account of one paragraph in your letter, in which a cessation of hos- tilities is proposed. We fear that our brethren in Connecticut are not even yet convinced of the cruel designs of administration against America, nor thoroughly sensible of the miseries to which General Gage's army have reduced this wretched colony. We have lost the town of Boston, and we greatly fear for the inhabitants of Boston, as we find the general is perpetually making new conditions, and forming most unreasonable pretensions for retarding their removal from that garrison. Our sea posts on the eastern coasts are mostly deserted : our people have been barbarously murdered by an insidious enemy, who, under cover of the night, have marched into the heart of the country, spreading destruction with fire and sword. No business but that of war is either donc or thought of in this colony. No agree- ment or compact with General Gage will, in the least, alleviate our dis- tress, as no confidence can possibly be placed in any assurances he can give to a people whom he has first deceived, by taking possession of and fortifying the town of Boston, and whom he has suffered his army to attack in the most inhuman and treacherous manner. Our relief now must arise from driving General Gage with his troops out of the country, which, by the blessing of God, we are determined to accom- plish, or perish in the attempt, as we think it better to meet an honor- able death in the field, whilst fighting for the liberties of all America, and far preferable to be butchered in our own houses, than to be reduced to an ignominious slavery. We must entreat, that our sister colony Connecticut, will afford, immediately, all possible aid ; as, at this time, delay will be attended with all that fatal train of events, which would follow from an absolute desertion of the cause of Ameri- can liberty. Excuse our earnestness on this subject, as we know that upon the success of our present contest depend the lives and liberties of our country and succeeding generations.]
[We are, &c.]
[ To the Governor and Company of Connecticut.]
MAY 3, 1775.
Voted, That two companies be raised in the towns of Malden and Chelsea, for the defence of the sea coast of said towns, the said com- panies to be joined to such regiments in future, as they may be or-
534
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 4,
dered to, should there be occasion, or discharged from service as soon as the public good will admit of it.
Voted, That the quarter master general be directed to pay the strict- est attention, that the household furniture of those persons, who have taken refuge in the town of Boston, may be properly secured, and dis- posed of in places of safety.'
The following orders were given Col. Arnold, relative to an attempt upon Ticonderoga, viz. :
To Benedict Arnold, Esq., commander of a body of troops on an ex- pedition to reduce and take possession of the fort of Ticonderoga :
SIR :- Confiding in your judgment, fidelity, and valor, we do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you, colonel and commander in chief over a body of men not exceeding four hundred, to proceed, with all expedition, to the western parts of this and the neighboring colonies, where you are directed to enlist those men, and with them, forthwith, to march to the fort at Ticonderoga, and use your best endeavors to reduce the same, taking possession of the cannon, mortars, stores, &c., upon the lake; you are to bring back with you, such of the cannon, mortars, stores, &c., as you shall judge may be serviceable to the army here, leaving behind what may be necessary to secure that post, with a sufficient garrison. You are to procure suitable provisions and stores for the army, and draw upon the committee of safety for the amount thereof, and to act in every exigence, according to your best skill and discretion, for the public interest, for which this shall be your suffi- cient warrant.
BENJAMIN CHURCH, JUN., [For the ] committee of safety.
By order, WILLIAM COOPER, Secretary.
Cambridge, May 3, 1775.
MAY 4, 1775.
[ Moved and Voted, That the vote passed the second of May, respect- ing the raising of two companies in Braintree, be reconsidered, and that the copy of said vote together with the two enlisting papers, be or- dered to be returned into the hands of said committee of safety ; and whereas, a petition from the towns of Braintree, Weymouth, and Hing- ham, hath this day been presented to this committee, setting forth the exposed situation of those towns, and praying for such relief and pro-
1775.]
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
535
tection as may be thought proper,1 therefore, Voted, that the town of Braintree be hereby empowered to raise one company, the town of Hingham another company, and the town of Weymouth half of one company, for the immediate defence of the sea coasts of said towns ; the said two companies and a half to be joined to such regiment in future as they may be ordered to, should there be occasion, or dis- charged from service on the last day of December next, or sooner if
(I) The potition of tho selectmen of Braintree, Weymouth, end ilingham, follows :
" To the honorable Committee of Safety now sitting at Cambridge :
" The petition of the selectmen of Braintree, Weymouth, and Ilingham, humbly sheweth : that tho several towns to which they respectively belong, are in a defenceless state, and as we appre- licnd, ia great danger of an attack from the troops now in Boston, or from the ships in the harbor ; more espocially, as they are now, or will soon bo, in want of fresh provisions ; that we have been at the trouble and expense of keeping up a military watch in each town for this fortnight past, at an expense which we aro by no means able to bear, which is no rcal defenco unto us. Besides all that has been said, the inhabitants of the said towns have been, and are still likely to be, in our present situation, ahnost constantly kopt in tumult and disorder, and uaable to keep about their business, to their great damago."
" Your petitioners therefore, humbly pray your honors, to take our distressed state into your wise and serious consideration, and grant us, at least, the return of those men that have enlisted into the service from our several towns, or such other relief and protection as in your wisdom you shall think fit, and your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray."
"JAMES PENNIMAN, NORTON QUINCY, Selectmen of Braintree. EDMUND SOPER, JONATHAN BASS,
JAMES HUMPHREY, SAMUEL KINGMAN, > Selectmen of Weymouth. EBEN'R COLSON, BENJA. CUSIIING, JOSEPHI ANDREWS, 3 Selectmen of Hingham."
Weymouth, May 3, 1775.
A petition for powder and arins was received from tho cominittee of Brunswick :
BRUNSWICK, MAY 3, 1775.
" GENTLEMEN :- Wc, whose uamcs are hercunto subscribed, bog liberty to inform you of our sit- uation, as wo are chosen by this town to examine into the circumstance of it, which we have done, and find the town very deficient as to arms and ammunition, and have sent by water to Salem, but have just had our money returned back without arms or ammunition ; at present, we havo not more than one quarter of a pound of powder to a man throughout the town, nor more than one firelock to two men ; and in this defenceless state, we are obliged to apply to you to assist our trusty friend whom wo have sent, Capt. Nathaniel Larrabee; and as we think it would be unsafe to transport powder by water, we have ordered him to tako ouly ono hundred weight, and for him to consult with you how and in what way it would be safest to get arms and more powder down to us. We should esteem it as a favor, to be informed from you, by way of letter, at every convenient op- portunity, of our public affairs."
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