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Suppose you have had a formidable account of the alarm we had last Sunday
morning. When I rose about six oclock I was told that the Drums had been some
time beating and that 3 allarm Guns were fired, that
Weymouth Bell had been ringing, and Mr. Welds
was then ringing. I immediatly sent of an express to know the occasion, and
found the whole Town in confusion. 3 Sloops and one cutter had come out, and
droped anchor just below Great Hill. It was
difficult to tell their design, some supposed they were comeing to
Germantown others to
Weymouth. People women children from the Iron Works flocking
down this Way -- every woman and child above or from below my Fathers. My
Fathers family flying, the Drs. in great distress, as
you may well immagine for my Aunt had her Bed thrown
into a cart, into which she got herself, and orderd
the boy to drive her of to
Bridgwater which he did. The
report was to them, that 300 hundred had landed, and were upon their march into
Town. The allarm flew [like]
lightning, and men from all parts came flocking down till 2000 were collected
-- but it seems their expidition was to
Grape Island for Levet's hay. There it was
impossible to reach them for want of Boats, but the sight of so many persons,
and the fireing at them prevented their getting more
than 3 ton of Hay, tho they had carted much more down
to the water. At last they musterd a Lighter, and a
Sloop from
Hingham which had six port holes. Our men eagerly
jumpt on board, and put of for
the
Island. As soon as they perceived it, they
decamped. Our people landed upon
you write -- every one here abouts [comes] to me to hear what accounts I have. I was so unlucky as not to get the Letter you wrote at New York. Capn. Beals forgot it, and left it behind. We have a flying report here with regard to New York, but cannot give any credit to, as yet, that they had been engaged with the Ships which Gage sent there and taken them with great looss upon both sides.
Yesterday we have an account of 3 Ships comeing in to Boston. I believe it is true, as there was a Salute from the other Ships, tho I have not been able to learn from whence they come. Suppose you have had an account of the fire which did much damage to the Warehouses, and added greatly to the distresses of the inhabitants whilst it continued. The bad conduct of General Gage was the means of its doing so much damage.
Tis a fine growing Season having lately had a charming rain, which was much
wanted as
Our House has been upon this alarm in the same Scene of confusion that it was upon the first -- Soldiers comeing in for lodging, for Breakfast, for Supper, for Drink &c. &c. Sometimes refugees from Boston tierd and fatigued, seek an assilum for a Day or Night, a week -- you can hardly imagine how we live.
I want to know how you do? How are your Eyes? Is not the weather very hot
where you are? The children are well and send Duty to Pappa. This day Month you
set of. I have never once inquired when you think it posible to return; as I think you could not give me any
satisfactory answer. I have according to your direction wrote to Mr.
Dilly, and given it to the care of Calm. Beals who
will deliver it with his own hand; I got Mr. Thaxter to take a
coppy for me, as I had not time amidst our confusions;
I send it to you for your approbation. You -- will be careful of it as I
Mrs. [Warren] desires to be rememberd to you with her sincere regards. Mr. [Cranch] and family send their Love. He poor man has a fit of his old disorder. I have not heard one Syllable from Providence since I wrote you last. I wait to hear from you, then shall act accordingly. I dare not discharge any debts with what I have except to Isaac, least you should be dissapointed of the remainder. Adieu Breakfast calls your affectionate
Sister Betsy is with me, and desires her kindest Wishes, and most affectionate Regards may be presented to you.
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