Letter from General Ward to the Massachusetts Council

v6:917

Boston, June 15, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: As the enemy are driven out of this harbour, I would submit to your consideration whether it might not be proper to station a large ship inNantasket, with a broad pendant, as a decoy to the enemy' s vessels, who may fall in, not knowing the men-of-war are gone. The transport-ship lately brought into this port I think might answer for this purpose, if the General Assembly should think proper to adopt such a measure, giving security for the ship to the agent for the Continent.

Mr˙Gushing desired my opinion with respect to the cannon which we have in and near this town, whether any of them could be spared for the defence of other sea-port towns; in answer to which, I informed him that I did not apprehend we could, with safety to this town and harbour, spare any of the cannon now in our possession, as it is of vast importance to the whole Colony, and to all the United Colonies, to have this place well secured, and a safe retreat for ships.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
ARTEMAS WARD.

To the Honourable Council ofMassachusetts.