Chelsea December 16, 1775
Observations of this day.
Last evening eight men came in a boat from Boston to our guard at the ferry, six of them captains of vessels. They brought the following account.
Yesterday one large mortar was carried over to Bunker hill, the troops filling water, carrying it on board the transports ー provisions scarce; not more than sufficient for six weeks ー one regiment of foot and three companies of the light horse sail for Hallifax this day.
Dorchester 16 December 1775
Sailed out of Boston harbour this morning, eight large and two small vessels taken to be tenders, by their firing appeared to be going a voyage out to sea.
Mr Joshua Pico came last night from Boston, he confirms the information that the regiment of foot and some companies of light horse were preparing to embark for Hallifax.
Sir
Cambridge 16 December 1775
The information contained in the above coming so many different ways corroborated by several vessels having sailed this day from Boston, I thought it my duty to transmit it to you, tho Hallifax is the place given out for their destination, it is possible they may be bound elsewhere. I shall communicate this intelligence to governors Cooke and Trumbull, and to the convention of New York for their government. I remain, sir &c.
Geo. Washington