In this letter written on 1 June 1775, John Andrews describes conditions in Boston.  He details the struggles of various family members as they left Massachusetts in early May, his struggle to survive alone in Boston given the shortage of provisions, and general insecurity over the military activities.  Andrews remained at his residence in Boston to ensure that his family's belongings were not stolen by the British troops. Andrews tells Barrell that those that leave the town "forfeit all the effects they leave behind."

This is the second letter of two letters that Andrews sent to his brother-in-law William Barrell, the first was written on 6 May 1775.