[Boston] 20 [October]
Reports were now industriously spread that the Rebels would certainly soon attack Boston on all Sides; that great preparations were making up Mistick River, that in the Night time Boats were to come close along Shore by Dorchester Point, and crossing Gallows Creek enter the Town on that Side, where they thought it least defended. The Knowledge of the Rebels being very numerous in the Neighbourhood of Boston, and of their having collected some hundred of Whale Boats in the Rivers and at different parts of the Bay, perhaps made such Rumours be more attended to. Be that as it may; The Falcon hawled into the Creek as far as she could, and the Nautilus did the same at the mouth of the River leading to Mistick. Both these Sloops at that time were in a manner useless as Cruizers. The Nautilus had all her Rigging and Masts to examine; her Sails wanted mending, and the Vessel many Repairs, and had many sick people: The Falcon was rather in worse plight with respect to Sails and Rigging, having had a great deal of bad weather going to and coming from [New] Providence, but she was more considerably so in point of men, being upwards of twenty Seamen short of Complement besides near as many sick on board and at the Hospital. But although these Sloops were not then in a Condition to go to Sea, they were of Service in the Harbour while the Alarm of being attacked lasted: At the same time they were employed in refitting, and their sick and fatigued people had time to recover.
1. Graves's Conduct, I, 152, BM.