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 61
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" Wo are, gentlemen, yours, ever to be commanded,
AARON ILINKLEY, BENJA. STONE, SAMUEL STANDWOOD, JAMES CURTIS."
536
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 4,
the public safety will admit of it, and that the selectmen of said towns be furnished with a copy of this vote and one set of beating orders, re- spectively.]
Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the public good of this colony requires, that government in full form ought to be taken up immediately, and that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Congress now sitting at Watertown.
[The] sub-committee reported the draught of a letter to the gover- nor and company of the colony of Connecticut, requesting the speedy march of three or four thousand of their men, which was accepted, and ordered, that a fair copy be transmitted immediately. [It is as fol- lows :]
[CAMBRIDGE, MAY 4 1774.]
[The distressed situation in which a wicked and despotic adminis- tration have involved this colony, will justify us in your eyes, as we presume, in our present most earnest and pressing desire, that you will immediately send us three or four thousand men of your establishment, in order to enable us to secure a pass of the greatest importance to our common interest, and which the enemy will certainly possess them- selves of as soon as their reenforcements arrive ; and if they once get possession, it will cost us much blood and treasure to dislodge them ; but it may now be secured by us, if we had a force sufficient, without any danger ; therefore, we earnestly repeat our request for three or four thousand men for this present purpose, with all possible despatch, and supported with all necessary stores of ammunition and provisions ; and we would beg, that they may be forwarded in companies or regi- ments as fast as they can be got ready ; this will make it easier to the troops, and to the country through which they may pass, and may, probably, be of more essential service to our common cause.]
[ To the Governor and Company of Connecticut.]
Voted, That William Cooper, Jun., be appointed a clerk to this committee in the room of Mr. Palmer, appointed quarter master gener- al; Samuel Cooper was added as an assistant.
Voted, That a chest of medicines be removed from hence to Rox- bury, under the care of General Thomas.
There having been eight guns sent in for the use of the colony, Col. Whitcomb and General Heath were appointed to appraise the same, who reported as follows, viz. : one gun taken of Capt. How, apprais- ed at &2; one ditto of Joel Brigham, £2; one ditto of John Baker,
537
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
£1 8s .; one ditto of Aaron Agar, £2 8s .; one ditto of James Stone, £1 4s .; one ditto of Asa Fay, £1 10s .; one ditto of Aaron Fay, £1 Is. d. ; one ditto of William Bethank, 18s .; total, £8 9s. 4d.
Memorandum, Col. Jonathan Ward gave a receipt for the above guns, for which he made himself accountable, which receipt is entered in the minute book.
A letter was reported for the inhabitants of New York, which was accepted, and a copy of the same [put] on file, [and is as follows :]
[CAMBRIDGE, MAY 4, 1775.]
[It is with great satisfaction this committee received your letter of the second instant, expressive of your tender care, and sympathy with this colony under our alarming situation. All we can write on this occasion is, that the exigency of our affairs requires all the assistance which your better judgment shall dictate. We rest assured, that your zeal for the common safety will inspire you to do every thing that is proper for the safety and preservation of the unalienable rights of America.]
A draught of a letter to the governor and company of Rhode Island, respecting the sending a number of troops immediately, was reported, whereupon, Voted, that the same be accepted, and transmitted by an express.1
Voted, That a sub-committee be appointed to wait upon the council of war to recommend their giving orders for a return of the enlisted inen, and that they will take order, that such men as are enlisted, may be admitted to join the camp with all expedition, that so such men as are far from home, and do not intend to enlist, may have leave to de- part as soon as it can be done with safety to the colony.
Voted, That Col. Gardner be appointed to lay this vote before the council of war.
Voted, That it be recommended to the council of war, that six com- panies of each of the two regiments to be raised in the county of Plymouth, be ordered to join the army at Roxbury, as soon as they are completed ; and that the four other companies of each of said reg- iments, which may be raised most contiguous to the sea coast of said county, be retained for the immediate defence of said sea coast, to be regulated by the colonels of said regiments until further orders.
(1) The letter to Rhode Island was in the same words with that sent to Connecticut.
68
.
538
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 7,
Voted, That Col. Palmer and Col. Cushing be appointed to lay the foregoing vote before said council.
Advice being received, that a number of transports with troops are just arrived at Boston from England, Doct. Church, Col Palmer, and Mr. Devens, were appointed to confer with the council of war, upon the occasion.
Voted, That Col. Bricket be desired to take possession of all the arms and ammunition that he shall find in Mr. Borland's house, and bring them to head quarters.
MAY 7, 1775.
Whereas, it appears to this committee, that great uneasiness may arise in the army, by the appointment of surgeons who may not be agreeable to the officers and soldiers in their respective regiments, therefore, Voted, that it be recommended to the Congress, to allow the colonel of each regiment to nominate the surgeon for his regiment ; said surgeon to nominate his mate ; and unless there is some material objection made against them, that they be accordingly appointed.
Mr. George Babcock, charged with the care of a house, having com- plained that certain persons had come to said house, and taken from thence considerable furniture, Voted, that this complaint be referred to Congress, and that Mr. Cushing be desired to accompany said Bab- cock there, and that the above vote be sent to the council of war for their approbation ; which vote being sent, it was approved of accord- ingly.
Resolved, That it be, and hereby is recommended to the selectmen and committee of correspondence for the town of Sudbury, that they use their utmost influence, that the effects of Col. Ezra Taylor of that town, be secured from any injury whatsoever.
Ordered, That the selectmen and the committee of correspondence for the town of Chelsea, be desired to take such effectual methods for the prevention of any provisions being carried into the town of Boston, as may be sufficient for that purpose.
[The following letter to the chairman of the committee of safety and protection of Albany, was accepted, and ordered to be forwarded.]
[SIR :- We have received your important and very agreeable let- ter of May current, by the worthy gentleman, Captain Barent Ten Eyck. While we lament the effusion of the blood of our friends and fellow countrymen, shed by more than brutal cruelty, urged on by the corrupt administration of a British minister of state; yet, amidst all our sorrows on that mournful occurrence, we rejoice greatly, at the
539
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
bright prospect lying before us, in the unanimity of the colonies on this extended continent. We have the highest satisfaction in the assur- ance from you, that the citizens of Albany continue firmly and resolute- ly to cooperate with their brethren in New York and with the several colonies on the continent, in their opposition to the ministerial plan now prosecuting against us, and that the city have unanimously ap- pointed a committee of safety, protection and correspondence, which we esteem as a necessary measure to bind us all in one indissoluble bond of union in the common cause of the American colonies.]
[Be assured, Sir, that we shall ever esteem it as our honor and in- terest to correspond with you, at all times, on matters tending to pro- mote the common good. Suffer us to say, that we have the greatest pleasure in your information, that the extensive county of Albany will follow your laudable example, and in the important aid the general cause will receive from our sister colony, New York. The enclosed, you may depend upon it, is a well authenticated account of the late en- gagement in this colony, and supported by a great number of affida- vits.]1
[Permit us to say, Sir, that you may rely upon the resolution of the people of this colony to exert themselves, in every possible way, and that they have, long since, devoted their lives and fortunes in the glo- rious cause of liberty and their country ; and that they never can give up their stand, to oppose despotism and tyranny, while they have such full assurances from their sister colonies, that they are equally engaged in the defence of the natural and constitutional rights of Americans. The blood of our neighbors, repeatedly and untimely poured out, cries aloud to the survivors to defend the American rights for which they bled and died. We have their wounds fresh in mind, and while the colonies are united, we have the fullest assurance, under God, of the salvation of our country.]
[We are, Sir, affectionately, Your very humble servants.]
[In Committee of Safety, Cambridge, May 7, 1775.]
MAY 9, 1775.
Moved and Voted, That the Congress be desired to direct their sec- retary to furnish this committee with copies of all such resolves as have passed the Congress in any ways relative to the duty enjoined this com- mittee, and as the circumstances of this colony are very different from
(1) The narrativo will be found in the Appendix.
540
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 10,
what they were at their first appointment, the committee would repre- sent to the Congress, that they apprehend it is necessary, that the whole of their duty may be comprised in a new commission.
The council of war having determined that two thousand men are necessary to reenforce the army now at Roxbury, and that, if possible, the reenforcement be brought into camp the ensuing night; this com- mittee took the vote of the council of war into consideration; there- upon, Ordered, that the commanding officers of the towns of Dorches- ter, Dedham, Newton, Watertown, Waltham, Roxbury, Milton, Brain- tree, Brookline, and Needham, immediately muster one half of the militia, and all the minute men under their command, and march them forthwith to the town of Roxbury, for the strengthening of the camp there.
A firelock of Mr. Borland was appraised by Col. Palmer and Col. Orne, at forty shillings, and delivered Col. Sergeant, for which he is to be accountable.
A vote passed, recommending it to the Provincial Congress, that a court of inquiry be appointed, for the trial of accused persons.
Voted, That Daniel Taylor, of Concord, be desired to send down to Cambridge, about sixty oars for boats, from twelve to sixteen feet in length.
MAY 10, 1775.
Voted, That one company of men be raised by the district of Co- hasset, for the immediate defence of the sea coast of said district : the said company to be joined to such regiment in future, as it may be ordered to, should there be occasion, or discharged from service as soon as the public good will permit.
Voted, That Nathan Cushing, Esq. be desired forthwith to engage four armorers, for the service of this colony, and order them immedi- ately to repair to the town of Cambridge, with their tools and other matters necessary for that purpose.
Whereas, the council of war are of opinion, that many batteaux, whale boats, and other vessels, will immediately, or very soon, be wanted in Charles river and other places; and as there is not a suffi- cient number of such vessels to be now obtained, it is therefore Re- solved, that it would be of public utility to have one or more master carpenters immediately engaged in that service ; and that this resolve be immediately sent to Congress for their consideration.
Mr. Daniel Taylor, of Concord, [was] empowered to impress a car- riage or carriages, for the bringing down oars from that town to Cam- bridge.
541
1
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Voted, That orders be issued to the colonels of the several regi- ments, to repair with the men they have enlisted, to Cambridge, im . mediately.1
The Provincial Congress having resolved, that the general officers be directed forthwith to call in all the soldiers who are enlisted in the service of this colony, and that they give immediate orders to all the enlisted soldiers, and all others now in the camps at Cambridge and Roxbury, that they do not depart till the further orders of the Con- gress, whereupon, Voted, that the following letter be immediately sent to the respective colonels of the army, viz. :
CAMBRIDGE, MAY 10, 1775.
SIR :-- As we are meditating a blow against our restless enemies, we therefore enjoin you, as you would evidence your regard to your coun- try, forthwith, upon the receipt of this order, to repair to the town of Cambridge, with the men enlisted under your command.
We are, &c.
Voted, That the following letter, signed by Benjamin Church, Jr., as chairman of this committee, be transmitted to Joseph Warren, Esq. president of the Congress, to be communicated, viz. :
SIR :- Conformable to the order of Congress, the committee of safety, with the council of war, have issued orders to the several col- onels, a copy of which we enclose you : upon receiving the return, those who have completed their regiments will be commissioned, agree- ably to the direction of Congress ; those who find it impracticable to fill their companies, must be incorporated into other defective regi- ments, which is the only plan the committee find themselves able
(1) The orders appear to have been founded, in part, on some communications like the follow- ing, sent from Boston :
" MONDAY, 8 MAY, 1775."
" An old campaigner says, he knows by the movements, that there is a stroke meditated some- where, and likely to be to-night ; he thinks a feint [will be made] at the neck to divert, and a largo body [sent] to take the ground on Dorchester neck."
" He advises to send a large body ou Dorchester neck, so as not to be discovered from the town, every night, and have a strong body in Roxbury : if they should observe the troops landing on Dorchester neck, to have force sufficient to cut them off entirely. We, in town, know nothing, nor are able to communicate, as the tories and troops are very vigilant."
MAY 10, 1775.
" Elijah Shaw declares, that Gen. Gage's officers have said in his hearing, that they shall soon come out, and that a soldier requested him to convey him into the country, for the troops would soon make a push either towards Dorchester neck or Chelsea ; but he refused. He further declares, that Earl Percy swears he will be revenged on some of our men : and further says, that the troops have robbed him of 11 cows, 3 calves, a yearling heifer, 48 sheep, 61 lambs, 4 hogs, and poultry, hay 5 tons, and almost all his furniture."
542
1 COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 12,
to suggest on this emergency, but should there finally be a deficien- cy, enlisting orders must be given to others.
Yours, &c.
On a motion made and seconded, Ordered, that William Goodwin liave orders to fetch a number of boats from Charlestown, and like- wise orders to press teams for the same purpose.
Mr. William Goodwin, of Charlestown, was directed and empow- ered to take possession of a number of boats now at Charlestown, and likewise to press teams, wherever they may be found, to convey said boats to Cambridge ; directing the owners of such teams to transmit their accounts to this committee.
Voted, That Mr. Watson be directed and empowered to remove to Cambridge the boats now in Menotomy river, and to impress what carriages may be necessary.
The commanding officers of the neighboring regiments, were direc- ted forthwith to repair to the town of Cambridge, with the men enlist- ed under their command.
MAY 11, 1775.
Voted, That Mr. William Cooper, Jr., be, and he hereby is ap- pointed, a clerk to Doct. Warren, president of the Congress.
MAY 12, 1775.
Voted, That Mr. Charles Miller be, and he hereby is appointed, deputy commissary to Mr. Pigeon, the commissary general.
Voted, That orders be given to Mr. Clark, boat-builder, that he give such repairs to the boats as may be judged necessary.
Voted, That Mr. Isaiah Thomas have sixty reams of printing crown paper, and eight reams of printing demy paper, supplied him, by the committee of supplies, they taking his obligation to be accountable to the colony for the amount thereof.
Ordered, That Mr. Charles Miller be, and he hereby is empowered and directed, to impress any horse he may have occasion for on the service of the province.
Voted, That Mr. Joseph Branch be, and he hereby is appointed, one of the armorers for the colony forces.
The following is the report of a joint committee, appointed by the committee of safety and the council of war, for the purpose of recon- noitering the highlands in Cambridge and Charlestown, viz. :
543
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
We have carefully examined the lands, and their situation, in regard of annoying and preventing the enemy from passing into the country from Boston, [and] are of opinion, tliat the engineers be directed to cause a breast work to be raised near the bridge, by the red house, at the head of the creek, near the road from Cambridge to Charlestown, on the south side of said road ; also a breast work [to be] raised at the north side of the road, opposite the said red house, and to run in the same line as the fence now stands, upon the declivity of the hill there ; also a redoubt on the top of the hill where the guard house now stands; and three or four nine pounders [to be] planted there : also a strong redoubt [to be] raised on Bunker's Hill, with cannon planted there, to annoy the enemy coming out of Charlestown, also to annoy them going by water to Medford. When these are finished, we apprehend the country will be safe from all sallies of the enemy in that quarter : all which is humbly submitted.
BENJAMIN CHURCH, chairman of the sub-committee from the committee of safety. WILLIAM HENSHAW, chairman of the sub committee from the council of war.
The committee of safety having taken the foregoing report into consideration, apprehend the matter not to belong to them officially ; and although they are persuaded that the high lands above mention- ed are important, yet not being the proper judges what works are ne- cessary to be constructed, to make said posts tenable, are of opinion that the determination of this matter rests solely with the council of war.
BENJAMIN CHURCH, JR., Chairman.
Ordered, That this report be sent up to the council of war.
'The council of war having sent in to this committee, a proposal re- specting the suspending the orders of Congress respecting the removal of the persons and effects of the tories, and ordering the crown officers through the continent to be appreliended :
Resolved, That the recommendation of the council of war, respect- ing the seizure of the servants and friends of government, improperly so called, and keeping them in custody, until General Gage shall have complied with the condition proposed by him to the town of Boston, and accepted by them, be referred to Congress, for their determina- tion thereon.
544
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 14,
Voted, That this committee adjourn to Congress, upon matters of great importance.
MAY 13, 1775.
Voted, That Capt. Isaac Foster be recommended to the council of war, as a suitable person to carry such provisions into the town of Charlestown, for the use of the inhabitants, as the general shall think proper to permit to be carried in.
Voted, That General Thomas be desired to deliver out medicines to such persons as he shall think proper, for the use of the sick soldiers at Roxbury, until the surgeons for the respective regiments are regu- larly appointed.
Voted, That the provisions and chest of medicines belonging to Madam Vassal, now under the care of Col. Starks, be stored as Col. Starks may direct, till further orders : and that the other packages may pass into Boston or elsewhere.
Ordered, That the commissary general or his deputy be, and he hereby is directed, to supply Col. Rosseter with provisions for thirteen men for eight days, said men being discharged by recommendation of the council of war, and order of this committee.
Whereas the committee are informed, that a number of men enlist- ed into the colony army, under Col. Jonathan Brewer, are now posted at Waltham, and are receiving provisions from the public stores : Re- solved, that the commanding officer of the colony forces be desired to order said enlisted men at Waltham, immediately to repair to head quarters, and in case of refusal, that orders be given for the preven- tion of their being supplied with provisions of any kind from the pub- lic magazines.
One Thomas Nicholas, a negro, brought before this committee on account of his suspicious behavior for some time past, having been examined, Resolved, that it be recommended to the council of war to commit said negro, until there be further inquiry into his conduct.
Mr. Solomon Shaw was appointed one of the armorers for the army, and General Thomas was desired to accommodate him with a suitable place at Roxbury, for carrying on his- business.
Ordered, That Mr. Isaac Bradish, keeper of the jail in Cambridge, be directed and empowered to confine one 'T'homas Nicholas, negro, till further orders.
MAY 14, 1775.
Ordered, That the commissary general supply with provisions, for six days, four men of Capt. Williams' company, and three men of
545
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Capt. Noble's company :- these men came down with Col. Patterson, and are returning home, being dismissed.
Voted, That Capt. John Currier have one set of beating orders for Col. Fry's regiment, and in case it should not be consented to by the colonel, he agrees to join that regiment which shall be thought most convenient.
Mr. Andrew Craigie, commissary of the medicinal stores, &c., was directed and empowered to impress beds, bedding, and other necessa- ries for the sick, as they may be wanting, giving the owners a receipt for such articles as he may take for the purpose aforesaid.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the committee of supplies, to engage ninety-seven barrels of tar, in the sloop Adventure, Samuel Foot, master, just arrived at Salem from Virginia, it being apprehend- ed, that the service of the colony requires said tar being secured.
A vote of the council of war, desiring a supply of hoes and brooms, was recommended to the committee of supplies by this committec.
The following was sent to the gentlemen, the selectmen of the town of Lynn :
Whereas Josiah Martin has, under guard, been brought before this committee to be inquired of touching his conduct, respecting his ap- pearing in favor of carrying into execution the tyrannical designs of administration for the enslaving of this province : upon examination of the evidences produced, Resolved, that the said Martin's conduct has, in some instances, been unfriendly to his country ; but that, on his being charged with the same, he has promised, with his life and fortune, to stand forth for the defence of his country, and that so long as he evinces this disposition, by his conduct, and does not any more attempt to 'go into the town of Boston, that he be received with the favor of his countrymen, and that no insult nor injury be offered him or his property.
The following resolve, relative to the live stock on the islands near Boston, passed this committee, viz :
Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that all the live stock be taken from Noddle's island, Hog island, Snake island, and from that part of Chelsea near the sea coast, and be driven back ; and that the execution of this business be committed to the committees of corres- pondence and selectmen of the towns of Medford, Malden, Chelsea and Lynn, and that they be supplied with such a number of, men as they shall need, from the regiment now at Medford.
Resolved, That Col. Palmer and Col. Orne be directed to apply to the committee of supplies, at Watertown, for a particular account of the
69.
546
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[May 15,
ordnance and military stores, and where the same are deposited, agree- ably to the request of the council of war.
Voted, That it is the opinion of this body, that all persons escap- ing from their imprisonment in the town of Boston, ought to be receiv- ed and protected in the several towns in this and the neighboring col- onies, except such as are of principles inimical to the liberties of their country, who are not to be received, but on their first recanting their said principles, and making their peace with their countrymen to the satisfaction of the selectmen, committees of inspection, &c., in the town to which they shall apply : and that the wives and children of such persons, who shall choose to remain in Boston with General Gage, may and ought to be treated with humanity and tenderness in the several towns they may go to dwell in, during the present troubles, and, by no means, to suffer the least injury, or meet with the smallest mark of disrespect upon account of their said husbands or fathers.
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