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Worcester, April 24,1775.
Monday Evening.
GENTLEMEN: Mr˙ S˙ Adams and myself, just arrived here, find no intelligence from you, and no guard. We just hear an express has just passed through this place to you, from New-York, informing that Administration is bent upon pushing matters, and that four Regiments are expected there.
How are we to proceed? Where are our bethren? Surely we ought to be supported. I had rather be with you, and, at present, am fully determined to be with you before I proceed. I beg, by the return of this express, to hear from you, and pray furnish us with depositions of the conduct of the Troops, the certainty of their firing first, and every circumstance relative to the conduct of the Troops,
I am, gentlemen, your faithful and hearty countryman,
JOHN HANCOCK.
Pray give me a particular answer to my queries.
To the Gentlemen Committee, &c˙, &c˙, &c.
John Hancock to the Committee of Safety
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from the 19th instant to this time, that we may be able to give some account of matters as we proceed, and especially at Philadelphia. And I beg you would order your Secretary to make out a copy of your proceedings since — what has taken place, and what your plan is; what prisoners we have, and what they have of ours; who of note was killed on both sides; who commands our forces. Are our men in good spirits? For God' s sake do not suffer the spirit to subside, until they have perfected the reduction of our enemies. Boston must be entered. The Troops must be
sent away, or ˙˙˙˙˙ Our friends are valuable, but our Country must be saved. I have an interest in that Town. What can be the enjoyment of that to me, if I am obliged to hold it at the will of General Gage, or any one else. I doubt not your vigilance, your fortitude, and resolutions. Do let us know how you proceed. We must have the Castle — the Ships must be˙˙˙˙ Stop up the Harbour against large Vessels coming. You know better what to do than I can point out. Where is Cushing? Are Mr˙ Payne and Mr˙ John Adams to be with us. What are we to depend upon? We travel rather as deserters, which I will not submit to. I will return and join you, if I cannot travel in reputation. I wish to hear from you. Pray spend a thought upon our situation. I will not detain this man, as I want much to hear from you. How goes on the Congress? Who is your President? Are the Members hearty? Pray remember Mr˙ Adams and myself to all friends, God be with you.