"...the Continental Troops are compleating the works on Dorchester Hills, Fort Hills, & the Hill on the east end of Charlestown, the people in the neighbouring Towns in great numbers work Volunarily (& find their own provision) on the Fort at Noddles Island..."
By the time Richard Devens penned this letter to Elbridge Gerry on May 7th, Boston had been freed from British occupation for nearly two months. As Devens account demonstrates, American forces meant to keep it that way. Continental troops and militia were busily engaged in creating an extensive harbor-defense network, while American privateers preyed upon British shipping mercilessly. Boston had also become a center for the production of what contemporaries called "war-like stores," particularly, in this case, gunpowder. For a more detailed look at life in the Boston area in the late spring of 1776, see the full transcript of the letter below.
WPTIII
Sol Feinstone Collection No. 270
Richard Devens to ‘Eldrige” [Elbridge] Gerry, Watertown, Massachusetts 7 May 1776
Transcribed by Andrew Dauphinee September 2011
“Watertown May 7, 1776
Dr Sr.
Yr Favour of April 22d, came to my hand yesterday. I am glad to hear of any canvas for Tents I have not been able to purchase any except 150 pieces of heavy duck & that is wanted for the shipping; therefore beg you would procure what you can and forward it to watertown Immediately as I expect it will be soone wanted.
Our salt petre business goes on very rapidly the last day we took it in, we recd. 4500w we have recd in all upwards 12000w: but I shall not be able to inform you what quantity is is made till after the 1st. of June
as to powder we have none in the Colony Store, Col Orne is gone to Newburry port to purchase upwards of Ten Tuns Just arrived there private property* the Cannon which the enimy left in Boston & on Castle Island are repairing & mounting with all possible expedition, the Comtee. are assiduously engaged repairing the Castle, the Continental Troops are compleating the works on Dorchester Hills, Fort Hills, & the Hill on the east end of Charlestown, the people in the neighbouring Towns in great numbers work Volunarily (& find their own provision) on the Fort at Noddles Island, ― we were left in a very naked Situation both as to men and ammunition but I hope we shall soone be in a [pg. 1] State of defense ― the day before yesterday the Lee privaters Tooke Two Briggs from England or Ireland, Almost from under the Cannon of the Man of War the wind being at east the Man of War would not get out of Nantoskett road.
yesterday arrived at Cape ann from Halifax a Number of Masters of Vessells who had been taken and Carried there. the report is that they left it Hallifax about a fourtenight ago – that no fleet had arrived from England – that before Lord Howe got there, the people dismantled their Forts and broke their Cannon – for fear the Americans should get possesion of theirs – that provision is very scarce with them
your candour will ensure the blunders of this scrawl I am exceedingly Crowded with business it grows on my hands every hour – I shall write for young Mr. Phillips
My most respectfullfull compliments to all friends
I am with the greatest
esteem and regard
Yr. Humle Sert
Richd. Devens
Honle. Eldridge Geery Esqr
at Philadelphia [pg 2]
* Mr. Phillips of Andover informs me that he shall make upwards of a 1000 wt of powder this week and so on from week to Week [written on side of Page 1]”
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Have something you want to share, such as a question, research find, or a personal story about the Library? Email Will Tatum at tatum@dlar.org
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