Extract of a Letter From a British Officer in Boston, Dated June 26, 1775

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Four days ago I received an order to command three armed vessels, and to put myself under the command of General Gage; as soon as I did I was ordered to be ready at six o' clock next morning, to cover a part of some Troops which were to make an attack on a height on the left side of Boston, and to flank a breastwork and a wood, which was supposed had a number of men in it; but about seven o' clock General Clinton sent to me not to proceed till farther orders from him. Some little time after I was ordered up to General Howe' s camp to lie with the vessels on his right, where I last night left them, having been relieved, as I had not been in bed for four nights. I find, since I came down, the reason of the attack not going on was, that the rebels knew of our coming, and had seven or eight thousand men ready to receive us. I own I could have wished it had went on, as I had placed the vessels in such a situation as must have mowed them down, and done great execution.

I am, &c.