Boston 15 June 1776.
Gentlemen
As the Enemy are driven out of this Harbour I would submit to your Consideration, whether it might not be proper to station a large Ship in Nantasket with a broad Pendant as a Decoy to the Enemy's Vessels who may fall in not knowing the Men of War are gone. The Transport Ship lately brought into this Port I think might answer for this purpose, if the General Assembly should think proper. to adopt such a measure, giving security for the Ship to the Agent for the Continent.2
Mr [Thomas] Cushing desired my opinion with respect to the Cannon which we have in and near this Town, whether any of them could be spared for the defence of other seaport Towns, in answer to which I informed him that I did not apprehend we could with safety to this Town and Harbor spare any of the Cannon now in our possession, as it is of vast importance to the whole Colony, and to all the United Colonies to have this place well secured, and a safe retreat for Ships. I am Gentlemen [&c.]
Artemus Ward.
1. Mass. Arch., vol. 195, 44-44a.
2. General Ward told Washington of his decoy plan in a letter of June 16. Washington Papers, LC.