May it please the Hon. Council
The distress'd situation to which this Town and the adjacent Country is reduced by the Efforts of our cruel and unnatural Enemies induces to me, as Colonel of a Regiment in this County, by the People elected, to implore the attention of the Hon. Council for our Safety ー
The destruction of the greatest part of the Town, has brought so many Families into distress that a great part of the Country are busied in providing for their Relief ー & a whole Regiment from this County being now at Head Quarters (saving a few returned on Furlow) we are left very defenceless. Addg to this our great want of Ammunition having only two half barrels in Stock & of some able Person to conduct the few Forces raised for protection of the Sea Coast. I am concern'd, much concem'd for the Safety of the Country ー The Ship Cerberus Captain Symons, came in to our Harbour yesterday with a number of Armed Men said to be about 400, I expect every minute they will land & attempt to take Possession of our Neck & fortify it for a place of rendezvous for a Fleet I have order'd the Militia to be muster'd but I am unable myself to head them ー I hope they will make a spirited opposition ー but our want of Podr & of some proper Person to conduct I fear will prove our Defeat. and if there is not some Provision. made by the Court for our Defence. the Country will be detroyed ー and our People obliged to flee for Shelter to the Westward or suffer in the Wilderness ー or which God. forbid, submit to our Enemies
And, shou'd they get Possession of the Country, the whole Colony & Continent will suffer by the Loss ー
I therefore in behalf of the County & In obedience to the dictates of my Duty to the Country, humbly make you this representation & pray you wou'd take the same into your serious consideration ー & grant us such advice & assistance as in your Wisdom you may Judge expedient
I am, may it please your Honours, in great haste, [&c.]
[Endorsed] In Council Novr 6th 1775
Read, & ordered that Walter Spooner, Benja Lincoln & Saml Holten Jr Esqrs be a Committee to consider the above 2 Letters 2 & to report thereon ー
Perez Morton Dpy Secry
