Lebanon, July 15, 1776
Sir:
I have sent you by Captain [Seth] Harding your appointment as Agent for the Colony, for the purpose therein mentioned. We are informed by him that he expects a number on board his brig may soon be taken by the small-pox, as they were much exposed before he left Boston. If any should be taken with that infectious disease, you will take timely and prudent care for their being provided for, either at your pest-house, or at Duck-Island, whichever you may think most proper, or any other convenient place, where the most precaution may be taken against spreading the infection, and by all means to prevent it getting in, or spreading among, our soldiery. We doubt not of your attention to this, as well as every other matter committed to your charge. And am [&c.]
Jonathan Trumbull
1. Force, comp., American Archives, 5th, I, 360.