[Braintree, 27 May 1776]
[Extract]
I took a ride last week and ventured just as far as the Stump of Liberty Tree. Roxbury looks more injured than Boston, that is the Houses look more torn to peices. I was astonished at the extensiveness of our lines and their strength. We have taken a most noble prize the inventory of which you have in the paper.2 The poor Captain has since lost his life in a desperate ingagement with 13 Boats from the Men of War which attacked him and attempted to Board him, but by a most brave resistance they sunk four of the Boats and fought so warmly with their spears and small Arms as to oblige them to quit him, tho he had but 27 men and they 5 times his number. he unhappily fell and was the only one who did.3 Many dead bodies have since been taken up among whom is an officer.4 ー We have now in fair sight of my unkells the commodore, a 36 Gun frigate, an other large vessel and 6 small craft. I hope after Election we shall have ways and means devised to drive of these Torments. Providence seems to have delivered into our Hands the very articles most needed, and at a time when when we were weak and not so well provided for as we could wish. We have two Row Gallies Building, and Men of Spirit to use them I dare say will be found. One engagement only whets their appetite for an other.
1. Butterfield, ed., Adams Family Correspondence, I, 415-18.
2. The powder brig Hope.
3. Captain James Mugford.
4. Lieutenant Josiah Harris of the Renown.