TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS.
[MS., Massachusetts Archives; a text, with modifications, is in W. V.
Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. iii., p. 73.]
PROVIDENCE 11 Aug. 1779
SIR
General Gates writes to the Council by this Express. Colo Jackson's Regiment will have arrivd at Boston before this Letter reaches you. I presume they will sail under the strongest Convoy that can be made up. Should they meet with a superior force of the Enemy at Sea, I conceive it ought to be a point settled & indispensible that the Commanders of the Armed Vessells run the utmost Risque to give the Troops an Opportunity of making their Escape. I wrote yesterday to Genl Godfrey & this morng receivd his Answer with Assurance of punctual Obedience to the orders of Council.
With Sentiments of Esteem & Respect I am
your most hbl Servt