Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress

v4:291

[Read December 26, 1775.]

Chelsea, December 16, 1775.

Observation of the 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; provisions scarce, not more than sufficient for six weeks; one regiment of Foot and three companies of the Light-Horse sail for Halifax this day.

Dorchester, December 16, 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 Halifax.

Cambridge, December 16, 1775.

SIR: 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. Though Halifax is the place given out for their destination, it is possible they may be bound elsewhere. I shall communicate this intelligence to Governours Cooke and Trumbull, and to the Convention of New-York, for their government.

I remain, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq˙, President of the Congress.