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Reports a scare regarding a fleet of 150 ships in the [Massachusetts] Bay. Describes how Bostonians were thrown into confusion, thinking the fleet consisted of British troops from New York. Speaks of the evacuation of Boston: altho' the Alarm came very direct- yet by heavens everyone was for own dear self- from my little observation in this affair- I really think if the enemy were to come here, not one quarter part of the Town would turn out to oppose them- O my God the thought. Notes that The Hancock, a frigate, has been captured and taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Gives report of a naval prize ashore at Newbury [Massachusetts] containing rum. Complains of slow recruiting. As in previous letters, expresses his wish that the Gen'l (George Washington) will write to Massachusetts to encourage the state's assistance regarding recruiting. Asks Henry to remember him to Mr. Secretary Knox (Henry's brother William), and to offer [William] a position as ensign under Jackson's service.
Colonel Jackson writes by way of Peekskill [New York]. Reports that a Massachusetts state cruiser has taken two British transport ships bound for New York with Hessians on board. Of the Hessians, writes it is said they show'd the greatest joy when our people board'd the Ship. Refers to another cruiser bound for Quebec with dry goods and blankets. Writes, I wish to know if it would be agreeable to the generall that I may Inlist some of [the Hessians] in my Regt.
Reports on intelligence on British forces gathered from Benjamin Davis, one of about 150 prisoners taken from a ship captured by a privateer named Captain Skimmer and brought it to Marblehead, Massachusetts.
Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness- therefore a Junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine [sic]... Reports that a ship, the Hero, arrived in Boston to acquire crew, and will sail 14 or 15 August. Notes that the brevity of this letter results from an extremely painful headache.
Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will form a junction with the Northern [sic] Army. Worries that General George Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June). Expresses misgivings regarding the loyalty of Native Americans near Fort Ticonderoga: These devils will let their Friendship be what it may- will always take up the hatchet on the strongest side. Declares that if Howe captures Philadelphia, Albany, and Ticonderoga, it may help the Continental cause: it would Brake up all our dam'd money makers, who are making their Fortunes on the ruin of their Country. Complains of the poor pay for soldiers and officers in the Continental Army. Discusses his regiment. Gives details of an Independence Day celebration held the previous Friday. Reports that a maritime prize landed in Marblehead [Massachusetts] with Jamaican Rum.
Comments on the disagreeable current events. Indicates that General Thomas Gage, then the commander-in-chief and governor of Massachusetts, must recede, otherwise carnage & bloodshed seem inevitable - there never was anything like the flame the last 2 Acts has produced...erect a standard and believe in a fortnight there would be ten thousand country people flock to it. Earlier that year, Parliament had passed the intolerable acts--the Boston Port Act, the Massachusetts Bay Regulating Act, the Administration of Justice Act, and the second Quartering Act--in response to the Boston Tea Party and civil unrest in Massachusetts. The two cited by Knox were the Quartering Act (passed 2 June 1774) and either the Massachusetts Bay Regulating Act or the Administration of Justice Act (both passed 20 May 1774). Discusses his marriage to Lucy Flucker on 23 June 1774, the ceremony, and Lucy's parents' opposition. Also gives Jackson some news about his family.
Gives details of marching with an unspecified company, and discusses his recent service at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to a recent election of representatives, possibly in Boston, Massachusetts. Writes, My good friend, we are in a very bad state of defense in this Town & harbor, not a man in all the Forts here... Sent his regiment to recruit soldiers outside of Boston, and they have only raised 26 men: the Country People have got the devil in them... good god Harry if we go on in this way we shall soon be ruined, ruined for ever. Mentions the discrepancy between the current draft of nine months and George Washington's orders to draft for three years or the length of the war. Disapproves of the nine month draft, stating by the time I had got them well disciplined their time would out... then all my time, trouble & expense would be lost. Spotted two British frigates in the [Massachusetts] Bay.
Comments on General John Stark and the Battle of Bennington ( 16 August 1777): I don't think all History from Adam to this day, can produce such an instance, which an unequal number of raw undisciplind militia, have attack'd a Superor number of well disciplined regular Troops intrench in Lines- beat them out & gaind so complete a Victory [sic]-- Describes the celebration held in Boston following news of the victory, including liquor at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, drum and fife music on a balcony, brass field pieces, and two barrels of grog in the street. Gives an account of a new ship with six women on board that mysteriously sunk near the Newbury Bar [Massachusetts]. Asks Henry to remember him to Henry's secretary (William Knox). In a post script, notes that all of the ship's passengers were saved except for one.
Reports that Captain James Magee is bound for a voyage around the cape to the northwest coast of America on the 150-ton ship, Margarett. The ship is owned by James and Thomas Lamb, James Magee, and Thomas H. Perkins, all of Boston. They intend to eventually land at Nootka Sound, and if distressed, may be obliged to land at ports of Spain. Therefore, Magee would like to have paperwork showing the ship is American. Asks Knox to use his influence to get the necessary papers. As Knox knows Magee and the ship owners, he will not go into detail about their background, but does say they are Gentlemen of the first reputation and integrity. Says they would also like Knox to procure a sea letter for the ship.
Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, ...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from what it was when the British Troops were here- every one cry'g out a deserter ought to die... Mentions a British naval prize taken by a privateer and brought to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Describes a matter between the Tartar, an American ship, and a twenty-gun British ship. Expects news from the Northward (northern New York), where American General Horatio Gates has 15,000 troops.