Message from the Board proposing to raise 1000 Men to fortify Boston Harbour.
Gentn of the House of Representatives
As a considerable number of our Enemies Ships continue to parade in Boston Harbour and the Bay so as to obstruct all such assistance in Wood Fish&: other provisions as the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston might otherwise receive by Water; which also prevents such a survey of such Harbour as the Court Intended previous to their taking any determinate measures relative to their erecting the most effectual Fortifications for its defence; it is therefore earnestly recommended to your immediate consideration whr 1000 men might not be employed to the best advantage, (provided on the partial survey already made) by taking Post at the same Instant, at Long Island, Petticks Island, & at Nantaskett they being furnished with suitable cannon, ammunition, Tents or Barracks, Provi,sions, Boats &c; such men (if not to be spared from the Continental Troops now under the direction of the General Court) to be raised and embodied immediately, upon the same pay as those raised for the defence of the Sea Coasts, with such further encouragement as may be tho't proper, for every armed Vessel of our Enemies taken or destroyed by them
In the name & by Order of the Council James Otis President Council Chaniber [Watertown] April 5th 1776
