Sir
As I am left in Boston with the command of the Continental troops In this Colony; I think it my duty to acquaint the Honorable house with my situation. Five Regiments are in this Colony, Two in Boston, one at Dorchester Heights, one at Charlestown, & one at Beverly. These Regiments were stationed by Genl Washingtons orders. In Boston there is not Seven hundred men fit for Duty, .at Beverly not three hundred. I by no means think it prudent to take any men from Beverly, as all the prizes, taken from the Enemy, remain there, uncondemned, & considering near fifty of that regiment are on Board the Continental Privateers. The troops that marched to the Southward were hurried off, Chief of the cannon then fit for service, were ordered away, that we had not many if any Cannon in our most advanced posts to anoy the Enemy with, if we had been attacked. And the Stores .scattered from Medford to Dorchester, the teams so drained off that we are not able to procure teams to move the Ordnance & Ordnance Stores, as I could wish. The harbour is now open to our Enemies, the men of War have it in their power to cannonade the town of Boston. If the Enemys should return, is it not possible for them to Carry the town of Boston, & the lines we have occupied for ten months, & scatter destruction in all the adjacent towns? Nay is not proba[b]le? If such should be the case they would get to themselves more honor, And more advantage than by vanquishing any other Colony in New England, and our disgrace & dishonour would be in proportion. I would not willingly Exaggerate matters; and fear when there was no occasion for fear, this matter has lain heavy on my mind ever since they evacuated the town. It appears to me Indispensibly necessary that the Channel should forthwith be stoped in whole or in part, so as to render it impassable to strangers with. large ships. There is nothing to hinder the men of wars men from landing, in Braintree, Squantum or Dorchester in the night, & spreading destruction all around them & geting off without much difficulty, provided they know our state, & we have reason to fear tliat many among us would readily give them information of the same. I would by no means pretend to dictate to the Honorable house, I mention them with submission & with a mind full of anxiety, for the future well being of my Country. And am Sir [&c.]
Artemas Ward
