Naval Documents of The American Revolution, Volume 1 ... - Ibiblio

1164 AM.ERICAN THEATRE
VICE ADMIRAL SAMUEL GRAVES TO CAPTAIN ANDREW BARKLEY, R.N.
Sir, Preston Boston 17 August 1775
I have received your Letter August 4 by Mr. Frazer, who returns in the
Spinckes with your Provisions. I would much rather have you cruize than lie
at Anchor constantly, and purpose relieiving you, but the want of a Sloop to be
at Newcastle has hitherto prevented it, and I am apprehensive that if the Harbour
is left without a Kings Ship they will in her absence, though but for a Week, mount
Cannon and hinder any Ships entering in future, which must be guarded against.
I have only one more. objection to your cruizing, and that is the situation of the
Governor, who, by the Harbour being left without a Man of War, may consider
himself exposed to the Resentment or evil design of the Rebels and to be
left destitute of Protection.
If these can be obviated I will order you to cruize immediately, but I will
certainly send the first Sloop I have to relieve you. Mr. Frazer has paid my
share of the Freight of 1000 Dollars.
I observe what you say about Newbury; that place and all others indeed
require to be strictly attended to, but where are the Ships? I am &c.
Sam Graves
1. Graves's Conduct, I, 174, 175, MassHS Transcript.
Sir Preston Boston 17 August 1775
In my last Letter July 29 by Col. James I acquainted you that the Falcon
was ordered to convoy the Russia Merchant Transport twenty Leagues to the
Eastward of Cape Cod; Captain [John] Linzee accordingly sailed the 30th with
Directions to cruize between Cape Ann and the Isle of Shoals to intercept Supplies
of Ammunition and Provisions coming to the Rebels.
On the 10th. instant the Falcon anchored at Nantasket, and I received a
Letter from Captain Linzee, (a Copy of which is inclosed) giving an Account
of an unsuccessful attempt to take a large Schooner in Cape Ann Harbour and
to destroy the Town, and that he was obliged to come away with the Loss of
two Boats, his master Gunner, Sixteen Seamen and seven Marines taken Prisoners,
and his Lieutenant wounded. It is so difficult to procure British Seamen that
the Loss becomes considerable. At present they cannot be replaced with Europeans
and experience shews Americans are not to be trusted.
In a former Letter I mentioned the Rebels having burnt the Wooden part
of Boston Light house. The Governor ordered it be repaired immediately; Materials
and Artificers were accordingly sent down, and at his request I ordered
Lieut. Coulthurst and a Party of Marines from the Preston and Boyne for their
Guard. The Preston's Long Boat also staid with them, and Captain [Thomas]
Bishop of the Lively at Nantasket had directions to give them all the assistance in
his power, and to settle Signals to be made in case of danger. They had ex-