Add to this that though the force of the enemy on the water would be inferior to ours, yet might they not retire under cover of the Batteries on shore and receive effectual protection from any annoyance that could be attempted from the Guns of our small Ships.  I am desired by the Committee to assure you Sir that they shall always be ready with the greatest alacrity to employ our little fleet in the execution of such plans as may be suggested to them by your Excellency when our circumstances shall be such as to render it practicable.

I am yr Excellencys

Obet Servt 1

1 Signed, “S.  Adams, Chn.”

TO BENJAMIN HAWES.

[Ms., Massachusetts Archives.]

State of mass.  Bay.

Council Chamber.  July 10th 1779

SIR

The Council being informd that a Detachment of Troops destind for the Defence of the State of Rhode Island are waiting at or near the Town of Wrentham ready to march you are directed to forward them and all others in the like Circumstances within the Limits of your regt to the Place of their Destination with all possible Dispatch.

TO THE NAVY BOARD AT BOSTON.

[Ms., Massachusetts Archives.]

STATE OF M B. COUNCIL CHAMBER

July 12 1779

To the Honble the Commissioners of the Continental Navy Board

GENTLEMEN

The Council Board having given orders that the Ships in the Service of this State and employed in the present Expedition to Penobscott proceed to Sea upon the Signal given from the Continental Frigate Warren, you are requested to give order to the Commander of the Frigate & other Ships under your Direction to proceed to place of Rendevous already agreed on.

In the Name & Behalf of the Council.1

1 Wholly in the autograph of Adams; the original was signed by Jeremiah Powell, President of the Council, as in the case of letters printed on pages 153-155, 158, 160, 161, 162.

TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

[Ms., Massachusetts Archives; a portion of the text is in W. V. Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. iii., p. 70.]

State of mass Bay council Chamber July 13 1779

SIR