Page:Letters of John Andrews.djvu/43

Rh exhortation, thought proper to send him to Coventry, nor would they even deign to sing y$e$. psalm after his reading it, being deacon of the parish, such is the detestation in which they are all held that refuse to resign. His Excellency, after about ten minutes earnest conversation with him, proceeded to Earl Piercy's, who occupies a house at the head of Winter Street, belonging to Inspector Williams. While he went in, his attendants of high and low rank stood in waiting at the gate like so many menial slaves.

Seven of the transports now in the harbour are under sailing orders to proceed to Quebeck and bring away the troops from there (that it may be an easier conquest for the French, for 1 think the least they can do, after passing an act to allow them their old mode of legislation and the church of Rome, the established religion of the country, is to give 'em an opportunity to assume the reins of Government into their own hands, independent of Great Brittain), as well as from New York and your city: which in addition to the four more regiments expected from Ireland (of which we have certain accounts of their coming) they intended to carry all before them here. But I hope y$e$. strict observance of a steady and peaceable conduct will disappoint their views, for am perswaded there is nothing they wish for more than an opportunity to deem us rebels; but God forbid! they should ever be gratified.

September the 1st. Yesterday in the afternoon two hundred and eighty men were draughted from the severall regiments in the common, furnish'd with a day's provision each, to be in readiness to march early in the morning. Various were the conjectures respecting their destination, but this morning the mystery is unravell'd, for a sufficient number of boats from the Men of War and transports took 'em on board between - and 5 o'clock this morning, and proceeding up Mistick river landed them at the back of Bob Temple's house, from whence they proceeded to the magazine (situated between that town and Cambridge) conducted by judge Oliver, Sheriff Phips, and Joseph Goldthwait, and are now at this time (8 o'clock) taking away the powder from thence, being near three hundred barrells, belonging to the Province, which they are lodging in Temple's barn, for conveniency to be transported to the Castle, I suppose.

The cause of this mineuvour was brought to light yesterday by mere accident. The Governor walking up the main street to dine with Brigadier Pigot of the 43d, who improves a house just above Liberty tree, by chance or design, in pulling out his handkerchief, dropt