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 65
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Voted, That Mr. Pigeon, the commissary general, have the care and direction of removing the spare military stores to Watertown.
A gun, said to have belonged to James Boynton, was delivered to Eliphalet Cole, in Capt. Parley's company, in Col. Fry's regiment.
A gun was delivered to Aaron Cromby, in Capt. Gridley's company, of the train.
577
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Eighty-four fire-arms, collected from several towns, were received of Mr. Thomas Cowden, for the use of this colony, for which a receipt was given him by Mr. Watson, of this committee.
JUNE 25, 1775.
Whereas, Mr. Pigcon, the commissary general, has represented to this cominittee, that the public service will be promoted by a faithful person being appointed as a supervisor of the camp, for reasons offer- ed; upon consideration of which, and for other reasons, this cominit- tee beg leave to represent to the honorable Congress, that they appre- hend it to be absolutely necessary for the safety of this colony, that two persons, of known ability and prudence, be appointed, to superill- tend the regular supply of our two camps ; one of them to be placed in the camp near this place, and the other at or near 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 prop- erly delivered out, in time, quantity and quality, and seasonably to ad- vise the commissary general when, and what articles of supplies are wanted at the respective camps, and also to take care that the empty casks are saved and returned to the commissary general's office for farther service, and in general to do all the service to the public which such appointment requires.
JUNE 26, 1775.
Twenty small arms were delivered Capt. Lemuel Trescott, of Col. Jonathan Brewer's regiment, for the use of his company, for which he gave a receipt in the minute book, to be accountable when called upon therefor.
Six small arms were delivered Capt. William Hudson Ballard, for the use of his company in Col. Fry's regiment, for which he gave a re- ceipt, to be accountable when called upon therefor.
Col. Moses Little, having made a return to this committee of a lieu- tenant colonel, major, teu captains, and twenty lieutenants, it was recommended to the honorable Congress, that they be commissioned accordingly.
Three small arms were delivered Capt. John Nutting, for the use of his company in Col. Prescott's regiment, amounting, by appraisement, to seven pounds ten shillings, for which he gave a receipt in the min- ute book, to be accountable when called upon therefor.
Six small arıns were delivered Lieutenant Whitney, for the use of Capt. Farwell's company in Col. Prescott's regiment, amounting, as
73
578
1 COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[July 27,
by appraisement, to thirteen pounds twelve shillings, for which a re- - ceipt was given by the lieutenant in the ininute book.
Six small arms were delivered Capt. Joshua Parker, of Col. Pres- cott's regiment, for the use of his company, amounting, as by appraise- ment, to thirteen pounds eight shillings, for which he gave a receipt to be accountable to the committee when called upon therefor.
Ten small arms were delivered Capt. Asa Lawrence, for the use of his company in Col. Prescott's regiment, appraised at nineteen pounds three shillings, for which he gave a receipt to be accountable to this colony, which receipt is on file.
Three small arms, for the use of Capt. Wyman's company in Col. Prescott's regiment, appraised at five pounds, were delivered to his lieutenant, for which he gave a receipt in the minute book, to be ac- countable when called upon therefor.
Three small arms, for the use of Capt. Oliver Parker's company in Col. Prescott's regiment, were delivered said Parker, amounting, as by appraisement, to four pounds nine shillings and four pence, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
· Whereas, this committee find the public hospital in this town has been much neglected, to the great injury of the patients in said hospi- tal, occasioned by the want of some suitable person being placed there as surgeon, therefore, Resolved, that Doct. John Warren, be, and he hereby is appointed, to the oversight of said hospital, and that he take proper care such provision be made as may be necessary for the com- fortable support of the patients in said hospital until further orders.
Fifty-eight small arms, amounting, by appraisement, to one hundred and nine pounds fifteen shillings, were delivered Col. Asa Whitcomb, for the use of his regiment, and a receipt taken for the same in the minute book.
JUNE 27, 1775.
Passed upon John Chandler Williams' account, who was employed as a rider in the service of this colony, amounting to ££4 4s 6d, as by the copy thereof on file.
It was recommended to the honorable the Provincial Congress, that William Dana be commissioned as captain lieutenant ; Mr. Treadwell as first lieutenant ; Jonas Simmons and William Stevens as second lieu- tenants; in Capt. Edward Craft's company of the train, in Col. Grid- ley's regiment. . $
A gun was taken for the use of this colony, which was owned by Aaron Bar, of Mansfield, who died of the wounds he received in the
579
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
battle of Bunker hill, which gun has been valued by this committee, at thirty-six shillings lawful money.
One hundred and twenty-four small arms were received of Mr. Abialı Sadler, and ten of Capt. Stone, collected by them for the ser- vice of this colony, amounting, by appraisement, to two hundred and fifty-one pounds fourteen shillings and eight pence, for which re- ceipts were given by Mr. Watson.
JUNE 28, 1775.
Two small arms were delivered Col. Samuel Gerrish, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraised value, to three pounds three . shillings, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
The following is a resolve of the Provincial Congress, relative to supplying the army with small arms, viz. :
IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, WATERTOWN, JUNE 26, 1775.
Whereas, this Congress has ordered a number of fire-arms to be fur- nished from several towns and districts in this colony, to be forwarded to the army, to supply those who are destitute of arms; but no provi- sion is made for delivering them out, and taking proper receipts for the same, therefore, Resolved, that all the small arms that are or may be procured by the above order, be delivered to the committee of safe- ty, at Cambridge, they to give their receipts for the same to the per- son from whom they receive thiem; that the same be delivered out to such officers as shall produce orders therefor from the Hon. General Ward, they giving receipts for the same to the said committee of safety, to be returned in good order, unless lost in the service of the colony ; and every soldier who shall receive any such fire-arms, shall give his re- ceipt for the same to the officer from whom he shall receive it, to be re- turned as aforesaid ; and the officer shall return said receipts to the com- mittee of safety ; and in case the same shall not be returned at the close of the campaign, or sooner, the value of the said fire-arms shall be de- ducted out of the wages of the person receiving the same; and that the committee of safety shall appraise all such arms as have not already been appraised, and take an account of the whole.
By order of Congress, JOSEPH WARREN, President.
The following was received from General Ward, in consequence of the above vote of Congress, viz. :
580
1
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[July 28,
HEAD QUARTERS, CAMBRIDGE, JUNE 28, 1775.
The general orders, that the commanding officer of each regi- ment make application to the committee of safety for so many fire-arms as their respective regiments stand in need of; each commanding offi- cer to give his receipt for the fire-arms he may receive, and the com- mittee of safety are hereby ordered to deliver out arms to such com- manding officers as make application to them for the same.
Per order, SAMUEL OSGOOD, Major of Brigade.
In consequence of the above order of the council of war, the follow- ing protest was entered, and a copy of the same, together with the other proceedings, was, by a vote of this committee, laid before the honorable Congress, viz .:
Whereas, the Provincial Congress did, on the 26th instant, pass a resolve, " that all the small arms that are or may be procured by the above order (mentioned in said resolve,) be delivered to the commit- tee of safety, at Cambridge, they to give their receipt for the same, to the person from whom they receive them; that the same be delivered out to such officers, as shall produce orders therefor from the Hon. General Ward:" and whereas, the Hon. General Ward, in conse- quence of that part of the above quotation which is scored, has this day issued general orders, in which are these words, " and the commit- tee of safety are hereby ordered to deliver out arms to such commanding officer's as make application to them for the same :" and whereas, this committee apprehend, that said resolve does not empower the general to order them to deliver said arms, but only to order his officers to re- ceive from the committee such arms as they are ordered by the honor- able Congress to deliver on the general's orders to his officers : and whereas, the committee apprehend, that it is of vast importance that no orders are issued by the military, or obeyed by the civil power, but only such as are directed by the honorable representative body of the people, from whom all military and civil power originates; and, though this committee are satisfied, that General Ward has misunderstood said resolve, and does not mean or intend to set up the military power above the civil, yet, lest this order of the general, should be adduced as a precedent in future, we think it our indispensable duty to protest against the general's said order ; notwithstanding which protest, we also think it our indispensable duty to deliver said arms agreeably to
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1
1
581
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
the spirit of said resolve, and as the exigency of the public requires ; and submit our conduct to the honorable Congress.
Forty-three small arms, amounting, as by appraisement, to seventy- nine pounds two shillings and four pence, were delivered to Col. Gard- uer, for the use of his regiment, and a receipt taken for the same in the ininute book, from Lieutenant Colonel Bond.
Thirty small arms were delivered Major Brooks, for the use of Col. Bridge's regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to fifty-five pounds nineteen shillings and six pence, for which he gave a receipt to be ac- countable to this colony, which receipt is on the files of the commit- tec.
Nine small arms were delivered Col. William Prescott, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to seventeen pounds nine shillings, for which a receipt was given in the minute book.
Twenty-five small arms were delivered Col. Fry, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to forty-nine pounds eight shillings and two pence, for which he gave a receipt to be accountable to the colony, which receipt is on the minute book.
Twenty-five small arms were delivered Col. John Glover, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to forty-six pounds twelve shillings and eight pence, for which he gave a receipt in the minute book to be accountable to this colony.
Received of Major Barber, store-keeper for the trains, by order of the Provincial Congress, thirty-two small arms, amounting, as by ap- praisement, to £-
Mr. Devens and Col. Orne, appointed to draw up a vote relative to Capt. Trevet and company, reported the following, which was accept- ed, viz :
Whereas, from a mistake made by one of the general officers, Capt. Samuel Russel Trevet has been put under arrest, which mistake is set forth in a certificate by order of the general, and upon examination it appears that said Trevet has approved himself a good officer, but said mistake has unhappily operated to the dispersion of his company ; therefore, Resolved, that Capt. Trevet be directed to collect his said company, as soon as possible, and then apply to this committee, in or- der to be commissioned.1
(1) A committee was formed from members of the Provincial Congress, of the council of war, and of the committee of safety, to inquire into the alleged misconduct of some of the officers of the American army in the battle of the 17th of June. The investigation appears to have been founded on the statement of General Putnam, that as he was riding up the hill, during the engage-
1
582
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[June 30,
This committee being greatly alarmed at the danger of the small pox spreading in the American army, which, should it take place, we fear may be attended with very fatal consequences to this colony and continent : therefore, Resolved, that it be earnestly recommended to the honorable Congress, to take such speedy and effectual measures, to prevent a communication of that very dangerous and distressing distemper, from the small pox hospital, to the army, or to the inhabit- ants of this colony, as to them in their wisdom may seem meet.
Whereas, sundry persons, who, in the exigency of our public affairs, have been employed in the service of this colony, are, from time to time, exhibiting their accounts to this committee, in order for payment, therefore, Resolved, that said accounts be transmitted to the honora- ble Congress, that this matter be taken into their consideration, and that such orders pass thereon as their wisdom may dictate.
JUNE 30, 1775.
One hundred and fifty-two small arms were received of Capt. Wil- liam Page, collected by him for the use of this colony, amounting, as by appraised value, to &-, for which a receipt was given him by Mr. Watson
Mr. Samuel West was recommended to the honorable Congress, to be commissioned as second lieutenant in Capt. Abner Cranson's com- pany, in Col. Asa Whitcomb's regiment.
Forty small arms were delivered Col. John Paterson, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to seventy-eight pounds sixteen shillings and four pence, for which a receipt was given in the minute book.
Fifty-one small arms were delivered Col. James Scammon, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to ninety-seven pounds eighteen shillings and eight pence, for which guns a receipt was taken in the minute book.
Three small arms, for the use of this colony, were received of Col. Simeon Spalding, amounting, as by appraisement, to five pounds four shillings.
ment, he met an officer of artillery drawing a cannon down, who alleged as the cause of his movo- ment, that he had expended his ammunition. General Putnam dismounted, and finding some cart- ridges unexpended, ordered the officer to return to his post. Another captain left the field, under similar circumstances. It was in evidence, that tho balls were too large for the service of the guns, and that it was necessary to break the cartridges before they could be used. The officers ap- pear to have left the hill for the purpose of preserving the guns from capturc. The examination subsided, without further procecdings. Capt. Trevet was in no way implicated in any suspicion of misconduct, and his arrest resulted from an unfortunate mistake.
583
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Whereas, the honorable Provincial Congress has this day passed a resolve, appointing this committee to be a committee to consider of a further emission of notes or bills of credit, as mentioned in said re- solve; but this committee, finding themselves unable to proceed in the business without a more perfect knowledge of the emissions lately inade, both in quantity and circumstances of payment; and also for want of sufficient knowledge of the demands made, or to be made, upon the colony, do Resolve, that Col. Palmer attend the honorable Congress to-morrow, in order to obtain all necessary light in the premises.
Whereas, a considerable number of whale boats have been procured for the service of this colony, and many of them are said to be now in the towns of Braintree and Weymouth, and, unless proper care be ta- ken of said boats, they will probably sustain great damage : therefore, Resolved, that it be recommended to the honorable Congress, that such order be taken respecting said boats, as their wisdom may direct.
This committee beg leave to suggest to the honorable Congress, whether the magazine wherein gunpowder is deposited, ought not to be guarded by electrical points ; as any considerable loss in that article would deeply affect the public, which is humbly submitted.
Twenty-seven small arms, for the use of this colony, were received of Mr. Benjamin Ely, for which a receipt was given by the secretary of this committee, which guns were collected by order of Congress, and amount, by appraisement, to &-
Forty-four small arms, for the use of this colony, were received of Mr. John Bliss, for which a receipt was given him by the secretary of this committee, which guns were collected by order of Congress, and amount, by appraisement, to &-
Voted, That the commissary general be directed to supply head quarters with provisions as usual, till the further order of this commit- tee.
JULY 1, 1775.
Forty-nine small arms, for the use of the colony, were received from the Rev. Mr. Lemuel Kollock, for which a receipt was given by Mr. Devens ; which guns were collected by order of Congress, and amount, by appraisement, to £- -.
Fifteen small arms were delivered Col. Ruggles Woodbridge, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to twenty-nine pounds sixteen shillings and eight pence, for which guns a receipt was taken in the minute book.
584
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[July 3,
Voted, That two thirds of the hay under the care of Mr. David San- ger, be brought to head quarters, and one third carried to the commit- tee of supplies, at Watertown.
Six small arms were received of Mr. Abner Ellis, for the use of this colony, amounting, by appraisement, to &-, for which a receipt was given by the secretary of this committee.
Forty-four small arms were received of Benjamin Ely, by the hands of Mr. Solomon Edwards, for the use of this colony, for which a re- ceipt was given by the secretary, which arms were collected by order of Congress, and amount, as by appraisement, to &- -
Eight small arms were received of Col. John Dickinson, by the hands of Benjamin Scott, Jun., for the use of this colony, amounting, by appraisement, to &-, for which a receipt was given by the secretary.
Capt. Jacob Miller was recommended to the honorable Congress, as a captain in Col. Doolittle's regiment, in the room of Capt. Leland, who has resigned.
Seventy-one small arms were delivered Col. David Brewer, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to one hundred thirty-eight pounds six shillings, which guns he engaged should be re- turned in good order, unless lost in the service of this colony, as by his receipt in the minute book.
Thirteen small arms were delivered Col. Jonathan Brewer, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to twenty-six pounds seven shillings, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
JULY 2, 1775.
One hundred small arms were delivered Col. Glover, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to one hundred ninety- two pounds eleven shillings, which guns he engaged should be return- ed in good order, unless lost in the service of this colony, as by his re- ceipt in the minute book.
One hundred and seven small arms were received of Mr. Daniel Hemmenway, by the hands of Mr. John Elder, for the use of this col- ony, for which a receipt was given by Mr. Abraham Watson.
JULY 3, 1775.
Twenty-six small arms were delivered Col. James Fry, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to fifty-five pounds four shillings, for which a receipt was given in the minute book.
585
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
Ten small arms were delivered Col. Ephraim Doolittle, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to twenty-two pounds eighteen shillings, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
One gun, for the use of Col. Gardner's regiment, was delivered to Lieut. Col. Bond, amounting, by appraisement, to two pounds fourteen shillings, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
Ten small arms were delivered Col. Moses Little, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to twenty-two pounds one shilling and four pence, for which a receipt was given in the minute book.
Two small arms were delivered Col. Moses Little, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to four pounds four shillings, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
Thirteen guns were received of Mr. Benjamin Ely, by the hands of Mr. John Eaton, collected by order of Congress, for which a receipt was given him.
Fifteen small arms were delivered Col. William Prescott, for the use of his regiment, amounting, by appraisement, to twenty-nine pounds sixteen shillings, for which a receipt was given in the minute book.
A number of officers in Col. Woodbridge's regiment, were recom- mended to the honorable Congress, to be commissioned, as by return on file.
Whereas, Mr. Edinund Quincy, of Stoughtonham, has represented to this committee, that sundry household goods and other effects, now or late the property of Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., and other persons publicly known to be also enemies to the rights and liberties of Ameri- ca, are hid in several places in and near Milton, which property will probably be lost or wasted, unless proper care is taken of the same, for such persons as may hereafter justly claim the saine, therefore, Rc- solved, that said Quincy, be, and he hereby is empowered, to receive and convey to this committee, at Cambridge, all such goods and effects as aforesaid, for the use of such person or persons as the honorable Congress or some future Congress, or House of Representatives of this colony may order ; he also producing to this committee, the Congress or House of Representatives, an account of all the articles he may so receive, the names of the persons from whom he inay receive the same, and an account of the charges that may arise from such salvage and removal ; and he also is hereby empowered, to press, if necessary, such teams as may be needed for removing such effects.
Also, Resolved, That this be immediately transmitted by the hands
74
586
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
[July 5,
of said Quincy, to the honorable Congress now sitting at Watertown, for their approbation or disapprobation.
Henries Vomhavi, an Indian, having represented to this committee, that he had taken two horses at Noddle's island, one a little horse, which he is desirous of retaining as some recompense for his fatigue and risk in that action, in which, it is said he behaved with great bravery ; it is the opinion of this committee, that said Indian should be gratified in his request, which will be an encouragement to others in the service, provided, the honorable Congress should approve thereof.
Passed upon Mr. William White's account, a person employed by this committee as a rider in the colony service, which account amount- ed to six pounds thirteen shillings four pence, and a certificate was given him accordingly.
Thirty-nine small arms were delivered Col. Jonathan Brewer, for the use of his regiment, amounting, by appraisement, to sixty-eight pounds eighteen shillings and eight pence, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
JULY 4, 1775.
Mr. George Armstrong, who brought in a company of minute men, and has been in the army since the first alarm, having desired leave of absence from the camp, for some time, it was accordingly granted him; and an order was given the said Armstrong, on the taverners and innholders on the road to Murraysfield, to supply him with neces- sary provisions on his return home.
Mr. Eleazer Wier, was directed to deliver Benjamin Willing, one dozen and a half of files, for the use of the armorers now working at Mr. Gideon Frost's shop.
Voted, That Mr. David Sanger be directed to fill the widow Vas- sal's barn with hay.
Nine small arms were delivered Col. Joseph Read, for the use of his regiment, amounting, as by appraisement, to seventeen pounds fourteen shillings, for which guns a receipt was taken in the minute book.
Four guns were delivered Col. Moses Little, for the use of his regi- ment, amounting, as by appraisement, to nine pounds two shillings, for which a receipt was taken in the minute book.
JULY 5, 1775.
Thirty-seven fire-arms were received from Major Ebenezer White,
587
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775.]
which guns were collected by order of Congress, and amount, as by appraisement, to eighty-five pounds seven shillings.
Thirty-seven small arms, valued at eighty-five pounds seven shillings, were delivered General Thomas, for the use of his regiment, as by his receipt on file.
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