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Governour of Rhode-Island to the Council of Massachusetts

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Providence, December 18, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: The scarcity of intrenching tools within this State is such that many of the troops stationed here are quite unemployed. It will be not only for the health and advantage of the troops to keep them to moderate labour, but will likewise hasten the completing the works which are necessary for the defence of this State. The Hon˙ General Lincoln informs me that your State have a considerable quantity of intrenching tools. I have therefore sent Mr˙ Josiah Draper to request your Honours to deliver him two hundred and fifty pick-axes, two hundred and fifty iron shovels, fifty narrow axes, and twenty crowbars, for the use of the troops here. He will give his receipt for the same.

I have no doubt, from the ready assistance you have heretofore afforded us upon every occasion, that you will comply with his request; wherefore I have ordered Mr˙ Draper to proceed forthwith with a wagon to receive them.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most humble servant,

NICH' S COOKE.

To the honourable Council of the State of Massachusetts-Bay.