[Extract]
Sir When I had the honor to adi;:lress you the 19th Instt upon the evacuation of the Town of Boston by the Ministerial army, I fully expected as their retreat and embarkation were hurried and precipitate that before now . they wou'd have departed the harbour and been far in their passage to the place of destination:But to my surprize and disappointment the Fleet is still in Nantasket road. ー The purpose inducing their stay; is altogether unknown, nor can I suggest any satisfactory reason for It; ー On Wednesday night last [March 20] before the whole of the Fleet fell down to Nantasket, they demolished the Castle & Houses belonging to It by burning them down, and the several Fortifications ー they left a great number of the Cannon, but have rendered all of them, except a very few, entirely useless by breaking off the Trunnions, and those they spiked up but may be made serviceable again; some are allready done. There are several Vessels in the Docks which were taken by the Enemy, some with and others without Cargoes, which different persons claim as their property and right ー are they to be restored to the former owners on making proof of their title, or to belong to the Continent as Captures made from the Enemy? ー I wish Congress wou'd direct a mode of proceeding against them and establish a Rule for decision, they appear to me to be highly necessary. In like manner some of the Cannon which are in Boston, are said to have come from the Castle ー Supposing them with those remaining at the Castle to have ben purchased by & provided originally at the expence of this Province, are they now to be considered as belonging to It, or to the Publick? I beg leave to refer the matter to the opinion of Congress and pray their direction how I am to conduct respecting 'em.
As soon as the Town was abandon'd by the Enemy, I judged It advisable to secure the several heights lest they shou'd attempt to return, and for this purpose have caused a large & strong work to be thrown up on Fort Hill, a Post of great importance as It commands the whole Harbour, and when fortified, If properly supported, will greatly annoy any Fleet the Enemy may send against the Town, & render the landing of their Troops exceedingly difficult, If not Impracticable-This work is almost done & in a little time will be com pleat ー And that the communication between the Town & Country may be free & open, I have ordered all the Lines upon the Neck to be immediately destroyed, and the other works on the side of the Town facing the Country, that the Inhabitants from the latter may not be Impeded, and afforded an easy entrance, in case the Enemy shou'd gain possession at any future time ー These matters I conceived to be within the Line of my duty, of which I advised the Genl Court, and recommended to their attention such other measures as they might ~hink necessary for securing the Town against the Hostile designs of the Enemy.
I have just got an Inventory of Stores and property belonging to the Crown, which the Enemy left in Boston at the Castle & Bunker Hill, which I have the honor to tramsmit you, 2 and shall give strict orders that a carefull attention be had to any more that may be found. ー I shall take such precautions respecting 'em, that they may be secure, and turn to the public advantage as much as possible or circumstances will admit of