Page:Letters of John Andrews.djvu/80

74 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREW-. not suffering the contractors to supply the Barrack Master with wood, whereby (by its being indulg'd to enter the harbour without stopping at Marblehead or Salem) it came much cheaper to them than what the poor of the town could be supplied at — has at last induc'd our Lords and Masters to permit all vessells bringing wood to come up to town without previously unlading al either of the above places.

November 23rd. I waited upon Captain Hammilton with your compliments and presented your Note for payment. He made answer that he should write Mr. Griffin by the post, and ask'd me if I was going to write you likewise; if I was, he would write you also. I told him I intended it the first private opportunity that offer'd, when I would let him know. Upon the whole, he don't seem to have any intention of paying the Note.

November 24th. The article of Sand being very scarce by its not being suffer'd to be brought up as usual, whereby the women are very dissatisfied, as they have to give ¼ lawful money a bushel for that that's very bad and dirty.

November 25th. Some few days since they withdrew the Guards from Charlestown ferry, as their frequent desertion from their post has discourag'd the continuance of them.

November 26th. Since the troops have been in barracks, there has been several children, as well as men, broke out with the small pox among 'em, who are all remov'd to the Pest house at New Boston.

November 27th. The poor Mandamus Councellors are in a miserable plight, as they are even afraid of the men whom they esteem their protectors — for most of 'em belonging to the Country, have not had the small pox, and therefore, think it unsafe to admit a guard, as usual, to sleep in the house with them since that distemper has prevail'd among 'em.

November 28th. This day being very pleasant, the respective regiments have march'd into the Common, to give their Men an airing, as well as to perform their Manoeuvres, of firing, &ea.