[Extract]

Sir  Yours of the 16th Instant inclosing a Resolution of Congress to withdraw all allegiance from the British King, I have received; and thank you for them.

You request that I would strain every nerve to fortify the Harbour ー I have done it to the utmost of my power, ー but you know my power is small. ー

You ask, Sir, if fire Ships and fire Rafts cannot be employed to drive the Ships to Sea? ー and whether Gallies would not be useful? ー I have contemplated the subject with great attention ever since we entered the Town, ー fire Ships and Rafts I think would not answer, the current is not rapid enough; Gallies of a proper construction with heavy cannon & Howits I believe would answer admirably well; ー but my plan is to plant Cannon upon the Islands within reach of the Ships, and drive them from Island to Island until we force them out of the Harbour. ー This plan I would have pursued long since, ー if my superior would have permitted.² Perhaps it is best as it is, ー but from the first entering the Town I have been zealous for such a movement, and intended to have had the honour of directing it. ー Shells would be the best things to attack the Ships with, but we have no proper g or tars for that purpose. A man from Halifax informed us that he learned there that the Enemy threw a good Mortar into a well in this Town, and I have had a number of wells, which were tho't to be most likely, searched, but can't yet find it. The reasons urged for not attacking the Ships now, are, the Castle not being sufficiently fortified, and other works must be neglected in some degree, by turning our attention to this enterprize; ー that we ought not to waste any time in other pursuits until the great object of securing the Town & Harbour is accomplished, lest a formidable armament should arrive before our works are ready to give them a proper reception. The Pirate Ships have not yet done any great damage by lying in Nantasket, but it is very disagreeable to see them there, and insulting to our navigation and to our Dignity.

I think the Resolution of Congress which you inclosed, brings us within one step of Independence, the next step I trust will be taken in due time.

[Endorsed] Ward, May 29. 1776