Signals to be Used in Case of British Attack upon Plymouth, December 31, 1775

Document

Transcription

[December 31]²

Signals to be made at the Gurnet. ー

In case enemys Ships appear in sight, a flag to be hoisted on the Staff as usual.

If Barges are approaching the harbour you will give notice by firing

If they appear to the northward of the Gurnet you will fire one Gun

If they appear to the southward & Eastward, two Guns in quick sucession

If without the Gurnet you will fire three Guns in quick succession

If they should appear within the Gurnet or be landing on Monument ponds shore, fire two Guns in quick sucession one in two minutes after & one in four minutes after ー

In case the Enemy should appear to be landing on Salt House beach or any part of the beach or shore between the Gurnet & Branches point (so called) to fire three Guns in quick Succession one in two minutes, & one in six minutes

1. John Thomas Papers, MassHS.

2. As the document is dateless, it is impossible to determine when it was issued or by whom. Plymouth was in constant alarm from the opening guns of the war until the British evacuation of Boston. It probably originated with Thomas who, located at Roxbury, had command of the south shore to the Cape.

Document Information

Date

1775 December 31

Volume

Volume 3

Series

American Theatre from December 8, 1775, to December 31, 1775