Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
You perceive by the date that I am now in Boston. Here my eyes are perpetually entertain’d with the vestages of British ferocity; Were the ingenious author of common sence to make a tour this way, he would be furnished with a thousand additional reasons for the independency of the united colonies on Great Britain. We have for the present got rid of the barbarians, but I cannot help expressing an uneasiness at the small progress we make in fortifying the town. Should the enemy return, we are in a pitiful state to repell them.
More than five weeks have elapsed, since we have been in possession of the town, & not one Battery is half finished; One is begun at Charlestown point, one on fort-hill where we can mount Seven cannon, but, in case of an attack, we could very poorly defend it for want of men, and amunition too in case it should last long; A fort is begun on Dorchester point, no guns there yet, the ground has been traced out this afternoon, on Noddles Island, tomorrow the like will be done at the castle; Several hulks are near ready to be sunk.
The inhabitants are destitute of fire arms and cannot get supplied. The five regiments left hear are very far from being full. This is a true state of 199facts as near as I can recollect, & as our best troops are all gone to the southward we should be in a pittifull state, should one half the British army return we could not man our lines. I forbear to make any remarks for fear of giving offence. You will make a wise use of it therefore it will be needless that any comments should be made by Sr. yr. huml. servt.,
P.S. I have wrote 4 letters & recd. NONE.