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Roxbury Camp, February 15, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Since I wrote you last there has been much talk of attacking the strong fortress of our enemies. It has, all along been said, by the Army and others, that when the season should make a good bridge of ice, then would be the time to rout our enemies: we have had such an opportunity, but were not prepared to improve it. Many, however, would have been glad to have engaged in the enterprise, as circumstances were. A cannonade and bombardment will now be attempted, but I fear with little effect, and that, finally, we must be content to remain in our present state; but all is for the best.
The defeat at Quebeck may, eventually, be to the advantage of our cause. The time the news of it got into Boston was opportune; it happened to be published in their paper just as Admiral Graves was sailing for England, that General Carleton was twelve hundred strong in the city, and our Army only twelve hundred! This will probably make the Ministry easy as to an early reinforcement, which might otherwise be expected. However, I judge that object will not be, in the least, neglected by us. I wish a part of this army might be spared to strengthen our posts at the northward. Some sensible, experienced officers in the Army, are of opinion that a brisk cannonade, with carcasses and shells, will render the town so disagreeable as to oblige the enemy to abandon it. How happy would
I understand the General has, importunately, asked for what powder you can supply him, which, I hope, will be
granted.
JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull.
Colonel Huntington to Governour Trumbull
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such an event be. In that case, and Quebeck in our hands, this Army only might, properly disposed, be sufficient to defend our whole extensive coast, backed as it is by a good Militia. Much blarne has been thrown on our guard, at Dorchester, on occasion of the late excursion of the enemy there, and burning a few desolate houses, but I hear General Ward approved their conduct.