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 64
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Whereas, frequent complaints have been made to this committee, of the waste and destruction of the property of some persons who have left their habitations in sundry towns in this colony, and taken refuge in the town of Boston, therefore, Resolved, that it be recommended to the honorable Congress now sitting at Watertown, that they take the above into their consideration, and act thereon, as to them in their wisdom shall seem meet.
The committee earnestly recommended to the honorable Congress, that the representations from the quarter master general, be taken into immediate consideration, especially as the committee, from their own knowledge, find the rooms too much crowded, and the healths and lives of the soldiers thereby greatly exposed ; and if tents cannot be imme- diately furnished, that some barracks be forthwith erected.2
JUNE 14, 1775.
Whereas, this committee are informed, that Doct. How, of Andover, is prepared to receive [insane patients,] and is well skilled in such disor- ders as Daniel Adams, of Boston, sent on the 13th instant, to the town of Woburn, is affected with, therefore, Resolved, that the selectmen of the town of Woburn, be, and they hereby are released from keeping said Daniel Adams in the town of Woburn, and they are required to provide a horse and carriage, with provisions, to forward the said Adams to Andover, the expense of which will be paid by this colony.
(1) Forty-six half barrels of powder were in the magazine at Watertown ; four half barrels of cartridges had been sent to Cambridge ; and thirty-five half barrela of powder were expected from Worcester county.
(2) The quarter master general represented, that there was great want of tents and barracks, and that the least delay in making provision for the shelter of the troops, would be attended with injuri- ous consequences.
1775.]
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
567
Resolved, That Daniel Adams, a lunatic, now at Woburn, be car- ried to the town of Andover, and committed to the care of Doct. How, and the said Doct. How is hereby desired to take proper care of the said lunatic, at the expense of this colony.
A number of men belonging to the company of Capt. Drury, having petitioned that they might be permitted to join, some, the regiment commanded by Col. Gardner, and others, the regiment commanded by Col. Nixon; and the committee having considered their several re- quests, Voted, as the opinion of this committee, that said company be joined to such regiment as it shall appear the major part of said compa- ny are in favor of, when called upon for that purpose.
Resolved, That Capt. White, and Mr. Devens, be a committee to proceed to the house of Thomas Ireland, of Charlestown, and find out whether a certain infamous woman, who calls herself - Jackson, be there, and if she can be found, order hier to head quarters, they be- ing sent furnished with an order from the general, for a file of men for that purpose.
General Heath having satisfied this cominittee, that his regiment is near full, a certificate was given him thereof; and it was recommend- ed to the honorable Congress, that his regiment be commissioned ac- cordingly.
Mr. Nathaniel Mulliken having represented to this committee, that on the 19th of April last, his house was plundered and burned by the soldiery ; at which time he lost a pair of silver shoe buckles, which he says he is well informed are in the possession of a sergeant of the 52d regiment, now in Concord jail ; it is the desire of this committee, that the committee of correspondence for said town, with whom they think it properly belongs, would make inquiry into this matter, and if they find it to be as has been represented, that they would use their endeav- ors, that the said Mulliken may have justice done liim by the delivery of said buckles,
Two guns taken from John Borland, Esq's house, for the colony service, were appraised by Messrs. Devens, Watson, and Orne, at twenty-seven shillings and thirty-three shillings, which guns were de- livered William Hudson Ballard, for the use of liis company, and a re- ceipt taken for the same in the rougli minute book.
Upon reading a letter from General Thonias, in favor of Capt. Israel Henrick, Resolved, that this committee, do not think the inatter con- tained in said letter comes within the commission of this committee, and therefore, refer it to the lionorable Congress.
·
568
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[JUNE 15,
JUNE 15, 1775,
The following resolve respecting the allowance for provisions to the soldiers in the Massachusetts army, passed at the Congress, June 10, 1775.
Resolved, That each soldier in the Massachusetts army shall have the following allowance per day, viz. :
Article 1. One pound of bread.
Art. 2. Half a pound of beef, and half a pound of pork, and if pork cannot be had, one pound and a quarter of beef; and one day in seven they shall have one pound and a quarter of salt fish instead of one day's allowance of meat.
Art. 3. One pint of milk, or if milk cannot be had, one gill of rice.
Art. 4. One quart of good spruce or malt beer.
Art. 5. One gill of peas or beans, or other sauce equivalent.
Art. 6. Six ounces of good butter per week.
Art. 7. One pound of good common soap for six men per week.
Art. 8. Half a pint of vinegar per week per man, if it can be had.
Ordered, That Capt. Benjamin White, and Col. Joseph Palmer, be a committee to join with a committee from the council of war, to proceed to Roxbury camp, there to consult with the general officers on matters of importance, and to communicate to them a resolve this day passed in this committee, respecting Bunker lıill in Charlestown, and Dorchester neck.
Whereas, this committee lately applied to the honorable the Con- gress of this colony, for an augmentation of the army now in the vicin- ity of Boston, and as some circumstances have since taken place, which strengthen the arguments then used in favor of the said augmentation, particularly, that many of the then expected reenforcements for Gener- al Gage's army have arrived; that General Gage has issued a very ex- traordinary proclamation, in which the inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay are in the most explicit manner declared rebels1 ; and various ac- counts have been brought to this committee of the movements of Mr. Gage's army, and that he intends soon to make another attempt to pen- etrate into the country; from the consideration of all which premises together with that of our army :
Resolved, That the good and welfare of the colony requires, that there be an immediate augmentation of said army ; that such soldiers
(1) The proclamation of General Gage is printed in the journals of Congress, page 330.
569
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
in the army as are destitute of arms be immediately supplied therewith; that such regiments of militia as are in any degree destitute of officers be immediately filled up in such manner as the honorable Congress may direct; and, that all the militia in the colony be ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice, completely equipped, having thirty rounds of cartridges per man; all which is earnestly recommended to the immediate consideration of the honora- ble Congress now sitting at Watertown; to which the committee would beg leave to add, a general recommendation to the people to go to meeting armed, on the Lord's day, in order to prevent being thrown into confusion.
Whereas, it appears of importance to the safety of this colony, that possession of the hill called Bunker's hill in Charlestown, be securely kept and defended, and also, some one hill or hills on Dorchester neck be likewise secured, therefore, Resolved, unanimously, that it be re- commended to the council of war, that the above mentioned Bunker's hill be maintained by sufficient forces being posted there, and as the particular situation of Dorchester neck is unknown to this com- mittee, they desire that the council of war take and pursue such steps respecting the same, as to them shall appear to be for the security of this colony.
Ordered, That Capt. Benjamin White, and Col. Joseph Palmer, be a committee to join with a committee from the council of war, to pro- ceed to Roxbury camp, there to consult with the general officers on matters of importance, and to communicate to them a resolve this day passed in this committee respecting Bunker's hill in Charlestown, and Dorchester neck.
JUNE 16, 1775.
The committee took into consideration thie resolves of Congress, relative to barracks ; whereupon, Voted, that Mr. Watson, Mr. Cushi- ing and Doct. Holten, be a committee to make inquiry whether any houses or tents are to be obtained for the troops that want cover.
The commissary general was directed to furnish Messrs. Joseph and Thomas Austin, armorers in the colony service, with provisions as wanted.
Col. Gridley's captains and subalterns for the train, were this day recommended to Congress to be commissioned.
Mr. Burbeck was recommended as lieutenant colonel in Col. Grid- ley's train of artillery, Mr. Scarborough Gridley as first major, and Mr. David Mason as second major, in said regiment of artillery.
72
570
1
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[June 18,
JUNE 17, 1775.
Colonels David Brewer and Jonathan Brewer, having made returns of the field officers, and officers of nine companies of their respective regiments, it was recommended to the Provincial Congress, that they might be commissioned accordingly.
[The following order was issued to the towns in the vicinity of Boston.]
[ To the Selectmen of the Town of -]
[GENTLEMEN :- You are ordered instantly to send all the town stock of powder you have to the town of Watertown, saving enough to furnish one pound to each soldier.]
The following was voted to be sent Mr. John Badger, viz. :
SIR :- As the safety of the colony army demands that any person or persons suspected of having the small pox, be immediately placed in such place as may prevent its spreading in said army, and your house is thought proper for that purpose, you are directed immediately to quit said house, that the person now suspected may be placed therein.
The following vote was laid before the committee of supplies, viz. :
As, in consequence of our late movements, a constant fire is kept up on the colony troops, we think it necessary that there should be quick intelligence brought to head quarters from the scene of action : we therefore desire that this committee may be immediately furnished with four of the best riding horses for the service aforesaid.1
JUNE 18, 1775.
A letter was forwarded to the commanding officers of the militia in the neighboring towns, for the march of their respective regiments, as per copy on file, [which is as follows :]
(1) The committee of supplies inform the committee of safety, that they are unable to furnish horses to send the summous for the militia by express. They add, "we are sensibly concerned for the expenditure of powder, and as any great consumption by cannon may be ruinous, on our side, we think it proper to inform you, that exclusive of thirty-six half barrels of powder received from the governor and council of Connecticut, there are only in the magazine twenty-seven half barrels, and that no more can be drafted from the towns without exposing them more than they will consent to."
The following circular was addressed to the towns :
CHAMBER OF SUPPLIES, WATERTOWN, JUNE 18, 1775.
GENTLEMEN :- The welfare of our country again induces us to urge your exertions in sending to. the magazine in this place, what can be procured of the following articles ; salt pork, beans, peas,
571
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
CAMBRIDGE, JUNE 18, 1775.
[ To the Commanding Officer of the Militia of the Town of - . ]
[SIR :- As the troops under General Gage are moving from Boston into the country, you are, on the receipt of this, immediately to mus- ter the men under your command, see them properly equipped, and march them forthwith to Cambridge.
By order of the Committee of Safety.
BENJA. WHITE, Chairman.]
A letter countermanding the above orders, was forwarded to the several colonels in the neighboring towns, as per copy on file, [which is as follows :]
[It is thought best by this committee, that those companies of the militia which have not been called into the camp, at Cambridge, by written orders, should remain at their respective towns, and that those companies of them which have been so called, and are on their march, should return, and hold themselves in complete readiness to give us their assistance when called upon.]
JUNE 19, 1775.
Resolved, That the house of the Rev. Samuel Cook, of Menotomy, be improved as a hospital for the colony army; and that Mr. William Eustis be, and hereby is appointed, to the care of the sick and wound- ed in said hospital, till the further order of this committee.
Ordered, That Doct. Isaac Foster be, and he hereby is directed, to take up and improve as hospitals, so many houses in Menotomy, as he may find necessary for the safety of the sick and wounded of the col- ony army, and that he employ such person or persons as may be ne- cessary to carry such provisions and other necessaries as may be want- ed for the use of the aforesaid sick and wounded ; and further, that
vinegar, and blankets, the prices whereof, as well as the carting, shall be allowed according to the custom of your place, which we desire you to certify. It is of the utmost importance that the army should be supplied agreeably to the resolve of tho Congress, moro especially with these arti- cles ; the four first of which are necessary for the subsistence as well as the health of the men, and tho others for their comfort. The occasion of the deficiency in blankets is mostly owing to a num- ber of men enlisted from Boston and othor towns, which have been vacated, and they all must be procured immediately, or our worthy countrymen will suffer.
As the country affords every thing in plenty necessary to subsist the army, and we cannot, at present, obtain many things but by your assistance, we assure ourselves that you will act your parts as worthily as you have done, and hope that the event of all our oxertions will be the salva- tion of our country.
DAVID CHEEVER, per order of Committee of Supplies. To the Selectmen and Committee of Correspondence of the Town of
-
572
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[June 20,
he take such precautions, respecting the small pox hospital, as may be necessary for the prevention of the spreading of that epidemical dis- order in the camp or elsewhere.
Pursuant to a resolve of the Provincial Congress sent to this com- mittee, respecting the nomination of four conductors, two clerks, and one overseer, for a company of artificers in the regiment of artillery ; the committee beg leave to recommend the following persons to the offices affixed to their names, viz. : Mr. John Ruddock, Mr. John Austin, Mr. John Kneeland, Mr. Thomas Uran, Conductors ; Mr. Na- thaniel Barber, Jr., Mr. Isaac Pierce, Clerks ; Joseph Airs, Overseer of the Artificers.
It being very desirable to obtain the most certain accounts of the names and places of abode of the persons who have been killed or wounded in the battle of Lexington, so called, on the 19th of April past, and at any time since ; and also of all such as may be killed or wounded at any future time, during the present unnatural contest be- tween Great Britain and the American colonies, in order to transmit to future generations the names of such as have gloriously suffered in the cause of liberty and their country, to effect which, Resolved, that it be recommended to the honorable Congress to order, that the select- men of the several towns and districts in this colony, transmit, from time to time, to this or some future Congress or house of representa- tives, the names and addition of all such persons, who have been or may be killed or wounded as above, within their respective towns and districts ; and that they severally cause the same to be fairly en- tered upon their town and district books.
JUNE 20, 1775.
The following was sent to the Provincial Congress, viz. :
This committee being informed that Capt. John Wiley, who was re- commended as a proper person for the command of a company, in the train, has not skill for such a trust, and that the company will leave the army, unless some other person is appointed to said command, your honors will please to take this matter into consideration, and act thereon, as you in your wisdom shall judge necessary.
Resolved, That no more of the militia of this colony march, than are called for by express orders from this committee, on any alarm that may take place.
Ordered, That Mr. Abner Graves, who came down as a minute man on the 20th of April, to defend his country, be discharged, and he is accordingly discharged.
573
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Voted, That a certificate be given Samuel Pool, of Boston, to pass the guard to the town of Littleton.
The following receipt was taken from Benjamin Lincoln, Esq., viz. :
Received of the honorable the committee of safety, thirty-seven blankets, which they received into their hands, and give their receipt for them to Mr. William Vance. Received by me,
BENJAMIN LINCOLN.
JUNE 21, 1775.
Resolved, That Joseph Adams, driver of the stage from Newbury, be, and he hereby is directed, to transport back to Newbury, Eliza- beth Royal and her child, who, as she says, is wife to William Royal, first sergeant in the 63d regiment of foot, now in Boston, and deliver her to the care of the selectmen of said Newbury, who are hereby di- rected to provide for hier and her child, at the expense of the colony.
Voted, That the quarter master general be directed to order nine horses in the colony service, to be stabled at Mr. Hastings' barn this night.
Mr. Thomas Williams, on the colony service to Marblehead, had an order on the taverners and innholders, for the necessary supply of pro- visions for man and horse.
Col. Woodbridge, having satisfied this committee that eight compa- nies, belonging to this regiment, were in good forwardness, it was re- commended to the honorable Congress, that they be commissioned ac- cordingly.
Ordered, That Mr. James' Munroe, an armorer in the provincial service, take into his keeping a [quantity] of old iron, saved out of the cutter burned at Winnesimit ferry, lie to be accountable to the committee for the same.
Stephen Frost, ensign in Capt. Locke's company of Col. Gardner's regiment, was recommended to the honorable Congress for a commis- sion.
Two half barrels of powder were received from Billerica, for which Col. Palmer gave a receipt. Said powder was delivered to Major Bar- ber of the train.
Whereas, a great number of horses have been, from time to time, put into the stables and yard at Mr. Hastings', at head quarters, not belonging to the colony, to the committee of safety, or the general officers, their aids de camp, or post riders, to the great expense of the public, and inconvenience of the committee, generals, &c., therefore,
574
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[June 23,
Resolved, that no horses be hereafter admitted into said stables or yard, or be taken from thence, but only by order of said committee or general officers.
As it is thought of great importance, that intelligence of the state and situation of the army, or any part thereof, should, at all times, be known to the general officers, and that such orders as may be sent by the generals, be communicated, with all speed, therefore, Resolved, that it be recommended to the honorable Congress, that they make such establishment for aid de camps, to the generals, as to them, in their wisdom, shall seem meet.
JUNE 22, 1775.
Samuel Patch, in Col. William Prescott's regiment, was recommend- ed to the honorable Congress, to be commissioned as a captain ; and Zachary Walker and Joshua Brown, as lieutenants in 'said regiment.
Resolved, That it be, and it hereby is recommended to the town of Medford, that they immediately supply Major Hale with as many spades and shovels as they can spare, as it is of importance for the safety of this colony, that the works begun on Winter hill be finished, and that they will be retarded unless soon supplied with tools of that kind.
A number of Col. Donaldson's officers were recommended to the honorable Congress to be commissioned, as by copy on file.
JUNE 23, 1775.
Agreeably to a resolve of the Provincial Congress, orders were issued to the colonels of the several regiments, that they forthwith make return of the officers in their respective regiments who are not commissioned, [that they] may immediately receive their commissions, and that the vacancies, if any such there are, may be filled up.
A letter from General Thomas, recommending a supervisor for the armorers at Roxbury, is referred over to Congress.
The following was voted to be sent the Provincial Congress, viz. :
This committee beg leave to represent to the honorable the Provin- cial Congress, that they apprehend it [to be] absolutely necessary for the safety of the colony, that two persons of ability and prudence be appointed to superintend the regular supply of our two camps; one of them to be placed in the camp near this place, and the other at Roxbury, whose duty it shall severally be, constantly to attend said camps, and examine into the supplies of each regiment, to see that such supplies are properly delivered out in time, quantity and quality, and seasonably to advise the commissary general when, and what articles
575
of supplies, are wanted at the respective camps : All which is humbly submitted.
Col. Palmer and Col. Orne appointed a committee, to join a com- mittee from the council of war, to view the encampment on Prospect hill, and the works carrying on there.
This day was lodged with this committee, by Capt. Cyprian Howe, thirty arms, sent by Capt. Josiah Stone, of Framingham, for which a receipt was given by the secretary of this committee.
Voted, That Mr. Joseph Jones, of Lancaster, be supplied with pro- visions, till the further orders of this committee, he being well skilled in the train.
The following fire-arms were received from the town of Attlebor- ough, viz. :
1 gun from Henry Richardson, - No. 1, - appraised at £1 16
1
Jacob Perry,
2, -
66
1 13
1 George Stanley,
3, -
2 00
1
Amos Stanley, -
4, -
66 1.10
1 Samuel Freeman, Jr., 5, -
66 2 00
1 Benjamin Allen, 66
6, -
66
1 16
1
66 Ditto, - -
7, -
66
1 4
1
66 David Richardson, 8, -
2
66 1 7 1
1
66 Elisha Gay, -
10, -
60
2 14
1
Daniel Dagget, 11,
2 2
£20 4
The following fire-arms were received from the town of Rehoboth, viz. :
1 gun from James Dagget, - No. 11, - appraised at &£2 8
1 · Benjamin Ridge,
66
12, -
2 14
66 1 4 13, - 1 Elisha Carpenter, 66
1 66 Nathan Round,
14, -
2 8
1
66 Richard Whittaker,
15, -
1 19
1 James Dagget, - 66
16,
66
2 2
1
66 Benjamin Ridge,
"
18,
-
1 13
1
William Cole,
19, -
66 1 13
1
Stephen Bullock,
20, -
66
8
£20 2
-
-
66 1 13
1 John Wheeler, -
17,
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Ebenezer Lane, 9, -
576
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[June 24,
JUNE 24, 1775.
Ordered, That the commanding officer who has the charge of the hay on John Vassal, Esq.'s estate, be directed to supply Mr. Seth Brown, who has the care of the colony horses, with as much hay as they may need for their consumption.
A gun taken after the late action was appraised by this committee at thirty shillings, and delivered Col. Brewer for the use of his regiment; for which he gave his receipt to be accountable to this committee in the rough minute book.
A gun, appraised at two pounds fourteen shillings, was delivered Elisha Frizel, of Capt. Robert Oliver's company, in Colonel Doolit- tle's regiment, he having had his gun split in the late engagement. A receipt was taken for the same in the rough minute book.
A number of Col. Prescott's officers were recommended to the lion- orable Congress, to be commissioned as by the captain's return on file.
Capt. Ezra Badlam, of a company in the train, and four lieutenants, were recommended to the honorable Congress, to be commissioned, as by the captain's return on file.
Capt. Samuel McCobb, of Col. Nixon's regiment, had twenty fire- arms delivered him, appraised by the towns which sent them at thirty- seven pounds twelve shillings, for which he gave his receipt in the rough minute book, to be accountable to this committee.
Ordered, That Mr. Brown, the keeper of the colony horses, do not admit any horses into the stables of John Vassal, Esq., but such as are the property of this colony.
Resolved, That the overseer, and such a part of the company of ar- tificers under his direction as may be necessary, be posted in Newton, in buildings of Mr. John Pigeon, for the purpose of carrying on their business, and what loss said Pigeon shall sustain, in consequence of said artificers being posted there, this committee will use their influ- ence that the damage so sustained be reimbursed by this colony.
Resolved, That the cannon in this and the town of Watertown, not mounted, and all other military stores not wanted for present use, be removed forthwith to the town of Newton, where the artificers are to carry on their works.
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