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Boston—Clinton on Bunker's Hill : a Disserter had informed that Gen'l Burgoin
was gone to Congress in Philadelphia—this Capt" was inquired of about it, who says
some in Boston affirmed it, others denyed it—all he Could say was that he used to
see him often, but had not seen him for three days, &c.—he further says, 3 men of
war, one of 64 guns, were going out, 2 or 3 mortars were put on board, and that it
was said 2 Regiments were to go on board them, of which 49"' Reg' was one—their
destination a secret. Some suppose they are to make attacks on Seaports nigh us—
some that they are going to Philadelphia— others to Charlestown, South Carolina-
others to Quebeck, &c.; if Burgone is gone to Philadelphia, I fear an insiduous pur-
pose, am more afraid of their gaining some important advantage against us by art
and Corruption than by their arms ; perhaps the Colonies will find it expedient to
Change their Delegates often to Congress—this I believe sooner or later will be
found a Measure highly important to the General Safety and welfare—and that
Strict probity and incorruptability, Joyn'd with some prudence and Judgement, will
be safer to trust to than more shining abilities, Joyn'd with an ambitious, avaritious
and designing turn of mind ; the Camp more healthy—have lost by Sickness but 6
men out of our Regiment. My Best Regards to your Hon' and Mrs. Griswold.
Dear Love to my Children—affectionate Regards to Friends and Parishoners. I am
in haste
"Affectionately Yours &c.
Stephen Johnson."
A few days later, in the same month, Deputy Gov. Griswold himself
wrote from Cambridge to Governor Trumbull, as follows :
" Sir,
Cambridge, 20*'' Oct. 1775."
I have to acquaint your Hon' that an Express is arriv'd at Head Quarters
from Portsmouth, Informing that on Monday last two or three Arm'd Vessels arriv'd
at Falmouth in Casco Bay from Boston (being part of the Ministerial Force. They
were attended with Sundry Transports all full of men), with orders to Destroy that
and the Town of Portsmouth, in Case the Inhabitants Refus'd to Deliver up their
Arms, give Hostages &c.—That on a Truce the People gave up Eight Musquets, and
had time till nine of the Clock next Morning to Consider—That y^ Post came away
about half after Eight— Just about nine he heard a heavy firing towards that place,
Suppos'd the Terms were Rejected, and that the Cruel orders were Carrying into
Execution, Gov' Cook also has advice from Mr. Malebone, who was an Eye and
Ear Witness (and is now here Present), that Capt" Wallace has orders to do the same
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