good remedial provision, and in this instance highly necessary to be put in practice; and we shall not fail ourselves to make use of it at every opportunity, and make the life of every Crown Officer in our power security for the safety of John Brown, and those captured with him.

I am, Sir, for myself, and in behalf of all the true friends of freedom in this Colony, your friend and servant,

STEP. HOPKINS.

To the President of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts-Bay, at Concord, or elsewhere. On express by Doctor Wm. Bowen.

COLONEL ISAAC LEE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Farmington, April 27, 1775.

HONOURED SIR: In consequence of the alarming scenes that have occurred of late, by advice of the Field Officers and others of the Fifteenth Regiment, in this Colony, I gave orders for the whole Regiment under my command to be prepared with arms and ammunition, and cartridges, and every thing necessary for the defence of the Country; and to hold themselves ready to march at the shortest notice. There appeared such a spirit of zeal in the soldiers for an immediate march that it was with difficulty that they were prevented, until they might have orders from the Captain-General, or the General Assembly. It appeared to us to be attended with very dangerous consequences, and to have a tendency to ruin the State, to march in such independent Companies, and ought by no means to be adopted but in a case of absolute necessity. On being assured by (as we thought) good authority, that more Troops were arrived, &c., gave orders for one-fifth of the Regiment to meet at the parade of the First Society, on the 26th of April instant, at ten o’clock in the morning. About one hundred and twenty able-bodied men appeared, and being divided into two Companies, I led them to the choice of their officers, &c. The First Company made choice of Captain Neadiah Hooker for their Captain, and Lieutenant Peter Curtis, First Lieutenant, Sergeant David Mather, Second Lieutenant, Sergeant Amos . . . . Ensign. I then led the Second Company to a choice, and they made choice of Captain Asa Bray for their Captain, Lieutenant Joseph Byington, First Lieutenant, Sergeant Amos Beecher, Second Lieutenant, Sergeant Ambrose Sloper, Ensign, &c., on which they were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march when they should receive orders from the Captain-General, or the General Assembly, &c., and then dismissed, and desired them to attend the business of their respective farms until further orders, &c.

Certified by your Honour’s humble servant,

ISAAC LEE, JR., Colonel.

To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire, Captain-General of His Majesty’s Troops in the Colony of Connecticut, &c.

N. B. There is also provisions contracted for—enough at least for twenty days, as also teams and carriages.

JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL, JUN.

Cambridge, Thursday, April 27, 1775.

DEAR SIR: I came into this place through Roxbury, last evening, and find great numbers of Troops, or rather armed men, in much more confusion than I expected, but perhaps with as little as possible, in this disordered state of the Massachusetts. Most of the soldiers here are inhabitants of this Province, who are now enlisting in a regular manner., General Ward is at Roxbury; General Putnam is Commander-in-chief at this place. They have both of them too much business upon their hands. I wish our General Officers, as soon as appointed, might immediately repair to Head Quarters; they will, at this crisis of Provincial politicks, be very cordially accepted, and be of eminent service.

The Committee of Safety, who are the primum mobile in the military movements, are crowded with business. It is expected by many, that the inhabitants of Boston will have leave to come out this day, with their effects, provided they leave their arms and provisions. It is said that pork sold there yesterday for a pistareen per pound, and milk for a pistareen quart Many are suspicious that the General intends to deceive them till he get possession of their arms. An experienced Engineer deserted to the Castle the 25th instant. Mr. Josiah Quincy is arrived from London, in a very low state of health, and not expected to live. The Restraining Act is come by the same ship. The reinforcements from England were not to sail till the puddle of April. I will, if possible, enclose you a Salem paper. I expected to have seen brother Joseph by this time. Your affectionate brother,

JED. HUNTINGTON.

Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, Junior.

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO THE SELECTMEN OF BOSTON.

Cambridge, April 27, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 25th instant came to hand last evening, or you should have had an answer sooner. We feel for you with the keenest sensibility. Nothing on our part shall be wanting. Our wish is, to know when you are to be permitted to come out; and at what time. We shall encourage the wagoners to go in. We have no desire to injure or molest the person or property of any one who inclines to take refuge in Boston; and so soon as we know the day appointed for you to come out, and the time limited therefore, we shall take care that our part is performed with that punctuality which we are determined ever to observe in all cases where the honour of our Country, or the safety of our beloved countrymen is concerned. We desire that we may be furnished, without delay, with an authenticated copy of your engagements with the General, and such other information as is necessary for us.

We are, gentlemen, &c.

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO THE SELECTMEN OF BOSTON.

Cambridge, April 27, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: It is here currently reported, that General Gage gives out publickly that the Povincials fired upon his detachment before the Troops fired upon the Provincials. Such a report occasions astonishment and resentment, as there is the clearest evidence, not only that the Troops fired first at Lexington, and killed eight men there before our people fired one gun, and then marched several miles further, to Concord, and killed two men and wounded several others, before one gun was fired in that place by our men. He is a man, we trust, of too much honour to propagate such a false account, and has been scandalously deceived by his officers.

We think it probable that ten days may suffice for removing your persons and most valuable effects. We hope you will take care that your agreement is expressed in the most unequivocal terms. We take it that it is not expected that we suffer any persons to remove into Town, besides such as mean to take up their residence there.

We are, &c.

BOSTON COMMITTEE TO THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

Boston, April 27, 1775.

SIR: Agreeably to your desire expressed in your letter of this date, we send you the following, which contains what has passed this day between his Excellency General Gage, and the Committee, respecting the inhabitants removing from the Town of Boston. We presume there will be a speedy application for passes, as there are a considerable number already who hare given in their names, according to his Excellency’s prescription, and therefore apprehend wagoners may be encouraged to come in as soon as may be.

It is with great satisfaction we observe your determination not to injure or molest the person or property of any one who inclines to take refuge in Boston, and hope you have made proclamation for them to come in accordingly; and that as soon as you know the time appointed for us to remove Out of the Town, you are so kindly disposed to assist us all in your power under our perplexed circumstances.

We could not give you an earlier answer, as your letter did not come to hand till late this afternoon.

I am, respectfully, in behalf of the Committee, your most obedient humble servant,

JOHN SCOLLAY.

To Doctor Jos. Warren, Chairman of the Committee of Congress.