Preston Boston 12 September 1775 ー
Sir
I have received your Letters August 9, 12, & 26, the first mentioning the Transports only, who, thro' your assistance brought the Army a comfortable Supply. The second accompanied the Rebel Letters; Those from [John] Adams and [Benjamin] Harrison no longer leave us a pretence to doubt the Intentions of this ungrateful people. I cannot sufficiently express how much I am pleased that we were so fortunate as to intercept them.
The Brig Seaflower shall undergo the severest Scrutiny, but as the Court of Admiralty, with which and a Customhouse, we are yet plagued, takes Cognizance of Breaches of Acts of Trade only, what can be done, after she is cleared, but to detain her? which I shall certainly do and the Master also.
The Hunter and Viper from England have brought A Parcel of Press Warrants, but I have accounts of some good Frigates coming out which may be daily expected. Provisions are also coming. I intend you shall have the Bolton armed Brig, and that the Swan shall come to Boston, therefore when the Swan sails leave but a months provisions in her, or as much as is necessary to bring her round without great Risque.
The Store Ship so long expected is not yet arrived; We are in want of many kinds of Stores, as well as Slops, Beds and Paper, which is the reason you have not been furnished with what was demanded; however let me know all the wants of your little Squadron, and they shall be supplied as soon as it is in my power.
Captain [David] Price has a Transport with him; the Bolton shall bring another; And, as for the first time, I appropriate them for the Fleet, I must desire you will fill them with Wood and Cattle, Sheep &c. Take from the Rebels when and where you can; but we will pay for every thing we have from known friends to Government.
The Squadron will be in want of Wood, can you command a Quantity? I am told many Vessels pass to Rhode Island laden, and that the Town now contains a great deal; it will give me much pleasure to find it so, for otherwise it is difficult to say where we shall get that necessary Article. But I must in confidence acquaint you that the Gen_eral and I intend next month to send you agreat many Transports, that, with some additional Force I shall also send, you may make a general Sweep from all the Islands, or wherever you can command, therefore I would not wish the loading the two Transports should prejudice what we meditate: Indeed I think with your usual management you may fill these for the Squadron without much noise; Send me what information you can of the Quantities of provisions and fuel you think we could procure by force or purchase this Winter, and whether Block Island or any other of the Islands can be so guarded all the Winter that our Stock may graze secure from the Rebels.
It is said General [Charles] Lee is gone to Canada, some say to Halifax. By intercepted Letters (Copy of one I inclose) we find that 7000 men are gone to Canada, that the whole province, Indians and all, are against us, and that that whole Country will be in the Rebels possession by the end of April; so sanguine are their Expectations! All their Letters agree that no Vessel will sail from the Continent after the 10th instant, so that I suppose a great many have already sailed. We have brought in many outward bound with Lumber, Horses, Fish &c. I will appoint some Vessel to cruize in the Sound the moment it is in my power. In the mean time attend to the information I send you of Vessels from abroad for Newbury Port and Dartmouth, which it seems are the favourite places for Vessels to push for.
Captain Vandeput has had the misfortune to have one of his men shot, in alarming the Asia upon the Rebels stealing the Guns from the saluting Battery. And he fired from the Ship, not I think to any great effect. This I apprehend has produced on their part a prohibition of supplying his Majestys Ships. I will have them furnished where it is to be had and they can command it, and have accordingly sent Captain Vandeput Orders to that Effect; therefore if he sends for assistance, you are to give him all in your pawer. I am &c