[Exeter, June 12, 1775]2
Gentlemenー
By a Message from Portmouth I am desired to go there to-morrow with my Company to assist in Endeavouring to take or Destroy the Man of war in our Harbour. As my Company were Inlisted under your directions, I think it my duty to wait your order on any movement. Therefore have sent the Bearer and desire your direction in this affair, which I shall endeavour to obey, and am with great respect your very humble servt
Winborn Adams
P.S. The Plan proposed to execute the aforesd affair I have not heard in particular, only that it was tho't the Deck might be commanded with small arms from the shore, while she was set on fire by Rafts sent down by water.
1. Bouton, ed., Documents and Records of New Hampshire, VII, 673.
2. The date is approximated. Winborn Adams's company was mustered into the service at Exeter on June 2, 1775, and on June 17, the Committee of Safety ordered him to march "by the middle of next week to join the army at or near Cambridge." On June 3, Graves ordered Captain Barkley of the Scarborough at Portsmouth to send the Canceaux to Halifax as soon as he could spare her. By June 10, the Scarborough was alone off Portsmouth.
