Sir

Cambridge 9th March 1776

I have it in Command from his Excellency General Washington to Informe you that in Consequence Of his Determination to possess himself of the Height at Dorchester a Cannonade and Bumbardment was begun on Saterday Night Last on the town of Boston Continued on Sunday Night and on Monday Night a Vast Number of Shot & Shells were thrown into that town Under the Cover of Which the intended purpose was Effected on the Enemy perceiving Next Morning that we had taken post they were all Hurry and Bustle Imbarking their troops as was expected & wish'd for, to attack us but the violent Storm, which came on that day prevented them & disappointed us, who were prepared to give them a warm reception, the possession of these heights are preparatory to our forming a Fort upon Nooks hill which commands the South of Boston & to which their Shipping will be much exposed, this they seem to be well aware of, & are now making every preparation for moving off.ー

Captain Erwin escaped from Town the Night before last assured us that this is their intention it is corroborated by a Message from the Select Men in that Town, to His Excellency, a Copy of which You have inclosed.ー

These informations will not prevent the General from Proceeding in his advances to the Town, so that if they do not move of[f], he is determined to force them to a Battle or make that Town, so hot, that they will have but little rest therein.ー

His Excellency has good reason to imagine that New York will be the place of their destination, he therefore desires that You will exert Yourself to the utmost in preparing for their reception, he has ordered, the Armed Schooners to be in readiness. to attend their Motions & give the earliest intelligence of the Course they steer by which Intelligence his Motions will be governed if they Steer West, You may expect a large reinforcement from this Army, & in all probability the main body will soon follow. You will please to communicate this to the provincial Congress or Convention, Who the General doubts not, will coopperate with You in using every endeavour to prevent their forming a lodgment, before his Excellency can come or send to Your Assistance - the fate of America depends upon this Campaign, & the Success of this Campaign will a good deal depend upon Your exerting Yoursel[f] with Vigour upon this occasion.ー

I have the honor to be Sir [&c.]

Stephen Moylan A.d.C.
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