Appendix 10

    UNKNOWN TO [JOHN ROBINSON]

    Boston July 7th. 1768

    Sir

    I make bold to trouble you with some of the particular proceeding last night & I have it from good authority I beg it may be some caution both to the Castle and his Majesty’s ships in case of a Surprise which undoubtedly is their intention. There was a letter sent from Otis or Hanncok or both, to Esqr. Dexter of Dedham1 and he convey’d it to Major Pond of Roxborough2 with instructions to provide a Number of Men, to join the same in Boston and the Dorchester Company belonging to the Castle with their Arms, to Assist them to Storm both the Castle and His Majesty’s Ships or take them by Surprise, in order for this adventure a number assembled in Town was join’d by men, so made up the usual armado of a Mob who was to be furnished with Vessels Convey them down; but some prudent Gentn. reason’d on the daring attempt they thought proper to refer it only destroying an innocent House with it’s Garden.

    Sir as it is in my power (though one affects to be of their party) to find the whole [of?] [the]3 Affair if it may be any advantage, but [_] you will take all possible care as I believe [there?] is something more intended. I am &c.

    The above was sent to one of the Commissioners [a]nd is said to Come from a trusty hand

    J: C:

    (a Copy)

    L, Copy     ADM 1/483, f 128.

    Enclosed in Samuel Hood to Phillip Stephens,4 HMS Launceston, Halifax, 5 Aug. 1768.