May 27th. Our People set fire to hay and a barn on Noddle's Island; a number of Marines went over. - Our People retreated over to Hog Island, the troops following, by being decoyed by our People down to the water, who then fired and the action continued all night (though very dark) also a Man of War schooner firing their cannon continually upon them which towards morning catch't aground upon Winesimet ferry ways. Our people boarded her and finally burnt her - This action seems without a parrallel, that, notwithstanding several hundred of the Kings Troops and the schooners were engaged all night and it is said 100 were wounded and fell - not the least hurt happened, except to three wounded of our People, who were commanded by General Putnam. The Lord manifestly appears on our side, and blessed be his glorious name forever.

30th. The mansion house on Noddle's Island burnt by our People, the cattle and sheep &c. drove off. The Admiral sent a number of his People to take off some stores of the Men of War, which were in a ware house there, which was not opposed by our people who lay near; suppose when they had taken them on board a Sloop (which lay at the wharf) our people fired two cannon out of a little patch of wood on the top of the hill, which made them all fly precipitately.

31st. These several days last past we have been repeatedly alarmed with expectation of a general battle or attack on the town; many people put under guard and some sent on board the Men of war for the most trifling supposed

offences.

June 1st. Mr Hopkins a carpenter released from on board the Admiral where he has been prisoner for 3 weeks for no other reason than taking his own Canoe from one wharf to another. He complained that his fare on board was cruel viz. but half allowance of provisions; kept under deck without any thing to lodge on but the bare deck amidst the most horrid oaths and execrations, and amidst the filth and vermin &c. and left a number of prisoners in that same dismal state &c.

6th. Mr John Peck, Mr Frost, Mr Brewer and sundry others discharged from on board the Admiral in exchange of prisoners, viz Major Dunbar, Capt. Gould and a number of wounded soldiers.

9th. Last night several Gondaloes went to Noddle's Island for hay - two hundred and thirty Regulars went off soon after sunrise to support them. Upon the appearance of our people they tho't proper to retire and arrived safe back here.

11th. A number of Transports arrived with recruits and the 17th Regement of Light horse commanded by Lieu' Col°. Birch.

17th. The Provincials last night began an Entrenchment upon Charlestown (say Bunker's Hill) before sunrise. The Tartar Man of War and the battery from Corps hill began a cannonade about 2 oClock AM. Gen' Howe with pieces of Cannon and three thousand Men landed on Charlestown point and marched up to the Redoubt after a great slaughter of Thirteen-hundred and twenty five of the Regulars killed and wounded - one hundred and twelve officers included - and of Provincials fifty killed and one hundred and eighty wounded and missing - among whom were Dr Warren and Colonel Robinson killed The Garrison gave way A constant fire from the Men of War &c. all the night following - only three from one company and fourteen from another of the Regulars brought off.

18th. Skirmishes most of the day - divers killed and wounded.

24th. About 12 oClock at noon began a Cannonade of Roxbury and set fire to one or two houses which was extinguished. Two Men killed at Brown's house from a small party of Regulars. Great expectations from this day's operations, as last night four Transports, Gondaloes &c. full of Troops, as was said, intended to land at Dorchester neck to attack the Provincials, but an alarm gun was said to be fired and fires kindled to alarm the Country-the great force said to be collected prevented this expedition.

This account was given by one Morrison who deserted and came in this day from the Provincials. It is said he was in the Redoubt at Bunker hill.

26th PM. Many cannon fired on both sides from the lines &c.

1

27th. Tolerable quiet; only a few cannon exchanged from the lines.

30th. Cannonade from Roxbury and the lines.

July 1st. A few cannon exchanged on both sides - one 24 pounder came into the lines, knocked down one Man with the wind of it.

2nd Sabbath morning. I waked up by a cannonade from the lines, which continued two hours. A house on the Neck burnt down thereby, which belonged to the

town.

8th. Saturday morning at half past 2 waked up with roaring of cannon and small arms upon the lines which continued about two hours. Brown's house burnt.

9th. The Regulars last night made an advance battery near Browns on the Neck.

10th July. Provincials last night attacked the Centinels at the lines, and burnt Brown's shop.

12th. Two men of war made a heavy fire on Long Island. The Provincials last night in 65 whale boats and 500 men went over to Long Island and took off 31 head of cattle, with a number of Sheep and quantity of hay and likewise seized on and brought off fourteen of the Kings Mowers with the family belonging to the Island - The next day they returned again and set fire to the Mansion house and barn &c. - this within sight of the Man of war, who kept up a constant fire on them.

14th. Last night was awoke by the discharge of cannon on the lines - Master James Lovell, Master Leach, John - Hunt, have been imprisoned some time past – all they know why it is so is they are charged with free speaking on the public measures. Dorrington his son and daughter and the nurse for blowing up flies in the evening, they are charged with giving signals in this way to the army with

out.

20th. Mr Carpenter was taken by the night Patrole upon examination he had swam over to Dorchester and back again, was tried here that day and sentence of death passed on him and to be executed the next day, - his coffin bro into the Goal-yard, his halter bought and he dressed as criminals are before execution. Sentence was respited and a few days after was pardoned.

23d. The Castle it is publicly talked will be dismantled. This evening many Guns fired at and from the man of war at N. Boston. Ten or twelve transports it is said sailed this day with 150 soldiers upon a secret expedition for provisions.

August 1st. This week passed tolerably quiet. Last night at half past 12 oclock was awoke with a heavy firing from a Man of War at the Provincials on Phip's farm. From the lines at Charlestown and Boston it appeared as if a general attack was made, — the firing continued till 6 oclock. The George Tavern was burnt by the Regulars and the house at the Light house by the Provincials (about 300) who took about 30 Soldiers and a number of Carpenters. This morning half past 4 oclock awoke with cannonade and small arms from Charlestown which lasted till eleven oclock after that.

Very trying scenes.

This day was invited by two Gentlemen to dine upon rats. - The whole of this day till sunset a constant fire up Mistic River from the lines and out Centinels at Charlestown and the Provincials from Mount Prospect.

4th. John Gill imprisoned, charged with printing sedition treason and rebellion.

6th. Skirmishing up Mistic river, several Soldiers brought over here wounded. The House at Penny ferry Malden side, burnt.

13th. Several Gondaloes sailed up Mistic river, upon which the Provincials and they had a skirmish, many shots exchanged but nothing decisive.

15th. Cannonade from the lines most of this afternoon on both sides. The General's fleet of Transports arrived from their cruise having taken from the Islands of Gardners &c. about two thousand sheep - one hundred and ten oxen, butter, eggs &c. &c.

16th. Cannonade from both lines

again.

17th. Cannonade

19th. D.-A 42 pounder split on the lines, killed a bombardier and wounded one or two men.

20th to 25th. Daily firing from the lines and from the Centinels on both sides.

27th Sabbath. Cannonading from the lines at Charlestown on new works - a nearer approach, also much firing of small arms.

29th. Several bombs from Do. on Do. in the night.

30th. Do. in the night - D°. Bombarding from the lines on Bunkers Hill. 1st Sept. Do. almost constant firing from the Centinels at each other. New works arise upon the Neck by the Provincials who approach very near.

11th Sept. A Serjent and 5 men taken by the Provincials at Dorchester- 12th. Went in a boat to relieve a lad blown off in a Canoe.

Memorandum 14th Sept. 1775.

Mess. Auchinclosh, Morrisson, and another person came to me, as three Scotchmen had been before - they showed me a paper directed to me setting forth that "The Revd. Mr. Morrisson was permitted by his Excellency Gen'. Gage to preach and desired he may have the use of Dr Cooper's Meetinghouse - signed by about 30 Scotchmen and others - viz. B. Hallowill J. Forrest &c. I desired they would leave the Paper for my consideration. - They did not chuse I should keep it and began to urge their having the house. For answer I told them, I looked upon it a high insult upon the Society their proposing it, and turned my back upon them and so left them. PM. Messrs. Black, Dixon, Hunter, came and told me his Excellency the General, had consented they should have our Meetinghouse and desired I would deliver them the Key. I told them when I see such an order I should know how to proceed. One said to me - so, you refuse to deliver the Key. I answered with an emotion of resentment, Yes I do.

15th. As I was attending a funeral, the Provost Mr Cunningham, came to me and told me " It was his Excellency the Gents command, I should immediately deliver him the Key of Dr Cooper's Meetinghouse - I replied, I must see the Governor he told me he would not see me till I had delivered the Key. I told him, I must see the General, and refused to deliver the Key. He left me in a great rage and swore he would immediately go and break open the doors. I left the funeral and proceeded to the Governor's, - calling on Capt. Erving to go with me. - He excused himself, and so I went alone. The Governor received me civilly. I addressed myself to him and most earnestly intreated him that he would be pleased to with