Camp at Cambridge, November 27, 1775.
[Extract]
In answer to your inquiries2 respecting armed vessels, there are none of any tolerable force belonging to this government. I know of but two of any kind; those very small. At the Continental expense, I have fitted out six, as by the enclosed list, two of which are upon the cruise directed by Congress; the rest ply about Cape Cod and Cape Ann, as yet to very little purpose. These vessels are all manned by officers and soldiers, except perhaps a master and pilots; but how far, as they are upon the old establishment, which has not more than a month to exist, they can be ordered off this station, I will not undertake to say, but suppose they might be engaged anew. Belonging to Providence there are two armed vessels; and I am told Connecticut has one, which, with one of those from Providence, is, I believe, upon the cruise you have directed3
1. Fitzpatrick, ed., Writings of Washington, IV, 116, 117.
2. See Lee's letter of November 13, 1775.
3. Washington's information was incorrect. The Rhode Island armed sloop Katy was out cruising when the orders to intercept ships carrying powder to Quebec were received by Deputy Governor Cooke of Rhode Island. The crew of the Connecticut armed brig Minerva refused to sail and before they could be replaced and the Minerva readied for service the General Assembly ordered the brig returned to her owner.
