Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/329

 quite a sizable enclosure. “63 rods of board fence that was round the Colledge yard” were torn down by the soldiers for firewood, and were duly charged among the damages suffered by the College.

Despite all this activity in and around the Yard, the buildings actually used for barracks there accommodated only 640 men. They were at first occupied by Glover’s regiment from Marblehead. At the end of January, 1776, they were described as “Col. Glover’s barracks, improved [that is, occupied] at present by the Militia, 32 rooms holding 20 men each.” This group of sheds was intended to relieve the strain on the private houses in the neighborhood; but as early as October 6th General Washington wrote to the Massachusetts Council: “I find it will be impracticable to provide sufficient Barracks for the Troops before the Season is too far advanced without appropriating many of the Houses in & about Cambridge to this Use. Many of the Inhabitants who had deserted them are now returning under the Protection of the Army. I feel a great Repugnance to exclude them from what is their own, but Necessity in this Case I fear will supersede all other Considerations.’