To the Honle the Council and the Honl House of Representatives of the Massachusets Bay

In pursuance to a Resolve of the Court, have Removed the Four pieces of Cannon from Trurro to the Eliz[abet]h Islands. I Am Bound in Duty to let you know there is no Use for them without Ball, Ladles &c. which Renders them fitt for use ー Whereas, if they were Supply'd with those Materials, they would be of uncommon advantage toward protecting the posts they are Design'd for, ー should your Honrs Consider the Situation & Advantage of the posts, I doubt not but you would allow said Materials as also Intrenching Tools which must be used for the protection of said posts ー Permit me also to Acquaint your Honrs that it is not in my power to afford the protection which is Necessary to the Islands Westward of Tarpolan Cove Island, & the Vessels that are Continualy passing without I have at least Ten Whale Boats ー Therefore pray that some Measure may be taken for the provision of the Foregoing-Gentlemen your most Devoted [&c.]

[Endorsed] In Council June 18th 1776

Read & committed to Walter Spooner & Thos Cushing Esqrs with such as the Hona House shall join ー sent down for Concurrence ー John Lowell Dpy Secy PT

In the House of Representatives June 19, 1776

Read & concurred and Coll Low Mr [Eleazer] Brooks & Coll [John] Bliss are joined

Tim^o Danielson Spr P Tem.

In Council June 21st 1776  Ordered that Joseph Cushing Esqr be of the above Comte in the room of Thos Cushing Esqr Absent

John Lowell Dpy Secy P T ー