John Glover to General Washington

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Marblehead, October 15, 1775.

SIR: This will acquaint you the two vessels that the Captains Broughton and Selman are to command are ready to take the troops on board. The formers for the cannon and swivel cartridges I have sent to Col˙ Burbank. Would it not be best that every man be furnished with a spear or cutlass, and a pair of pistols, if to be had? Our guns are very unhandy in boarding. I have procured provisions for the two vessels, saving four thousand weight of bread, which cannot be had here but at the extravagant price of thirty-two Shillings per hundred weight.

Captain Selman has his complement of men, to ten, which, with your Excellency' s leave, he will take out of the Regiment. Captain Broughton is very unwell, but hope it is nothing more than a bad cold which he took at the time of running his vessel on shore. He has not been able to recruit a single man here; apprehend he may get his complement out of the Regiment, with your Excellency' s leave.

This morning, six o' clock, saw a ship coming out of Boston; steered her course directly for Marblehead, which alarmed the inhabitants very much. She came almost to the harbour' s mouth, tacked ship, and stood off, where she now is, about one or two leagues distance.

v3:1069

I communicated to my son your Excellency' s intention (as handed to me by Colonel Reed) of giving him the command of one of the vessels, which he seems much pleased with; hope his conduct will meet your Excellency' s approbation; he therefore waits for directions.

I am, respectfully, your Excellency' s most obedient humble servant,

JOHN GLOVER.

To his Excellency General Washington.