[Extract]

Gentn.: Er'e now, I was in hopes of congratulating you on the departure of the Ministerial Troops, not only from your Capital, but Country. That they still remain in the Harbour, after having been five days embarked, affords matter for speculation, and, collected as their Force is now, of apprehension. This Circumstance, the Security of Boston by a work on Fort Hill & demolition of the Lines on the Neck, and preservation of the Stores, for Continental use, belonging to the King, by a proper search after them, rendered it indispensibly necessary for me to throw some Troops into the Town immediately (It coming within the line of my duty); but notwithstanding all the precaution, which I have endeavoured to use to restrain and limit the Intercourse between the Town and Army and Country for a few days, I greatly fear that the Small Pox will be communicated to both.

So soon as the fleet sets sail, my attention must be turned to another Quarter, and most of the Continental Regiments now have march'd off. It may be necessary therefore, for you, Gentn., to consider the state of your Harbour, and think of such works as shall be found necessary for the defence of it, and the Town, in case another Armed Force (which I by no means expect) should be sent hither. I shall leave three or four Regiments, as circumstances may require, for security of the Stores, and throwing up such works as shall be deemed necessary for the purposes above mentioned; and shall direct the Officer Commanding them, to receive such Instructions, in: respect to the latter, as you may think proper to give.