[Ms., Massachusetts Archives; a text, with modifications, is in W. V. Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. iii., p. 73.]

Providence Augt 10th 1779

SIR

I have the Pleasure to acquaint the Honble the Council Board, that I arrivd here last Evening, and, upon communicating their Request to Major General Gates, I found him ready, as usual, to afford every Assistance in his Power, for the Service of the great Cause.  He has orderd Colo Jackson with a Detachment from his Regiment consisting of four hundred Men, to joyn General Level at Penobscot.  This Core, I have Reason to believe, both Officers and Privates, will do honor to themselves & their Country, when an Opportunity shall present.  I had the Satisfaction of seeing them on their March this Morning at Sun rise, and the Council may expect them in the Neighborhood of Boston tomorrow Evening.  In the mean time, I hope that Transports and every Accommodation will be prepared for them that their Passage to the Place of their Destination may not be delayd.  I shall immediately forward to Brigadier General Godfrey the order of the Honble Board, for the detaching four hundred Militia to serve in Providence in the Room of these Troops, and remain with all Regard,

Sir your most obedient

hble Servant,

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 Gen1 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

TO SOLOMON LOVELL.1

[Ms., Massachusetts Archives.]

Augt 14th 1779

SIR

The Council have now to acquaint you that Colo Jackson’s Regiment will at all events embark this Day & the Transports will sail without Delay.  This Regiment we trust, under God, will be a sufficient Reinforcement to you; and from the Ardor of your Troops, as well as from your own Bravery, Activity, Prudence & Zeal for the great Cause, we have Reason to expect speedily to hear that the Designs of the Enemy at Penobscot are defeated & their Army captivated.