Camp at Cambridge, October 5, 1775.
Gentn:
By an Intelligent Person from Boston the 3d Inst. I am informed that a Fleet consisting of one 64, one 20 Gun Ship, 2 Sloops of 18 Guns, two Transports with 600 Men, were to sail from Boston as Yesterday, their Destination a profound secret; that they took on board 2 mortars and 4 Howitzers with other Artillery, calculated for the Bombardment of a Town. I have thought proper to apprize every Considerable Town on the Coast of this Armament that they may be upon their guard.
Should I receive any further Account of their Destination, it shall be forwarded.2
The same Person also informs that an Express Sloop arrived 4 Days before from England at Boston, which she left the 8th of August. Genl. Gage and most of the officers who were at Lexington, are recalled and Sail this day, General [William] Howe succeeds to the Command, 6 Ships of the Line and 2 Cutters under Sir Peter Dennis [Parker] are coming out, Five Regiments and 1000 Marines may be expected at Boston in 3 or 4 Weeks; No prospect of Accomodation, but on the other Hand, every appearance of the War being pushed with the utmost Vigour.
I am Gentn. etc.
