TO HORATIO GATES.
[MS., Massachusetts Archives; a portion of the text is in W. V. Wells,
Life of Samuel Adams, vol. iii., pp, 70, 71.]
STATE OF MASS BAY COUNCIL CHAMBER July 14 1779
SIR
Your Letter of the 12th Instant with its Inclosure has been receivd by the Council. The Progress of the Enemy into the State of Connecticutt, and the Devastations they have already made in some of the Towns there, require our vigorous Exertions. Orders have been given to forward the Troops destind for the Defence of Rhode Island with all possible Dispatch. And the Commanding officers of the Counties of Hampshire and Berkshire are also directed to detach a Number from their Militia & march them forthwith for the Reliefe of Connecticut!, to such place as Govr Trumbull shall appoint, of which due Notice is forwarded to the Governor. Should the Enemy, direct their force to Connecticutt or any part of New Engd & attempt to make that the Seat of the War, this Summer, Nothing shall be wanting on the part of this Board, to defeat their Designs.
In the Name & behalf of the Council I am——
Sir your most obedient
humble Servt