Letter from Colonel Huntington to Governour Trumbull

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Roxbury Camp, March 6, 1776.

HONOURED SIR: I have two of your much esteemed favours since I wrote you last. You will have had before this the circumstances of our taking possession of Dorchester.We hoped our enemies would meet us there, but, as the weather was, it could not be. If we are not able to draw them out of their fastnesses, I do not see what we can do to get rid of them. Our offensive efforts, I imagine, affect them but little. We have been frowned upon in the loss of several of our largest mortars, the fine one taken by Manly, among the rest. I have all along expected some remarkable interposition of Divine Providence in our favour, that our dependence on all human means might appear vain. We have now such works on Dorchester Hills, as will put the bravery and art of our enemies to a severe trial, if they take them from us. Perhaps an attempt will be made to draw them out Chelsea side. Since our fortifications are increased, the necessity is increased of subduing

v5:92

I heartily mourn the loss of that eminently learned and pious divine, Doctor Williams. You must be greatly affected at his death. No measure can be made of the friendship of so aged and valuable a man. I never knew what it was to sorrow, till my best earthly friend was taken from me. I devoutly wish that my improvement in goodness, love, and friendship to her parents and relations may bear some proportion to those qualities which shone in my lovely companion. That we maybe prepared for the period of our continuance here, we must, for the enjoyment of our ascended Saviour, and in the highest degree, partake of the society of our departed ones.

I have not time to write to my dear son, but shall not neglect him long. If my life is spared, I will not fail to give you particulars of any occurrence worth communication. In mean time, I remain, with tenders of love and duty to you, mother, son, &c˙, yours most affectionately,

JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON.

To Governour Trumbull.