Subject: Diary of a British Officer in Boston in 1775 Part 2 Source: The Atlantic Monthly Magazine, Vol XXXIX. April 1877. No. CCXXXIV. Monday Dec 5th, 1774 The Asia arrived this morning, with Major Pitcairne on board and part of a reinforcement of 460 Marines, exclusive of the complement of the Ship. Wednesday, 7th. A Field Day on the Common, the 4th, 5th, 23d, 38th, 47th, and 52d Regts. all out, but not at the same time. The Provincial Congress removed from Cambridge to Watertown being disturbed in their situation by the saluting of Men of War. Friday, 16th. The Regiment marched into the country to give the men a little excercise; this had been practised several days past by the Corps off duty; as they march with knapsacks and Colours, the people of the country were alarmed the first day; and think those troops were sent out to seize some of the disaffected people; finding that is not the case, they are since grown very insolent. Saturday, 17th. Desertions are still too frequent among us, though not as bad as it has been; last night a soldier of the 10th deserted from his post at the Block-house, where he was a sentry; and this evening one of the 10th was taken as he was endeavouring to make his escape by the water side; but the night was too light and the sentry too vigilant for him. Supped this evening with Barron at the Neck, and skated by moonlight. 1 footnote 1. Edward Barron, a lieutenant in one of the flank companies of the King's Own. He was afterwards wounded at Bunker Hill. Sunday, 18th. Very fine day; still frost. The 43d Regt. have been pumping out the water in their reservoirs, which smells so excessively strong that many of the men drop down in fits while they are pumping. We have the use of a Church for our men but are obliged to go at half past eight in the morn, that we may not interfere with the inhabitants. We this day heard from Portsmouth in New Hampshire that the Rebels had risen there and taken a Fort which was defended by a Captain and four or five men; they took away a great many guns and 97 barrels of powder, with 1,500 Stand of small arms, all which they have conveyed up the country. Monday, 19th. Frost broke up, rained most of the day. The Somerset came into the harbor, all well, as likewise the Swan, Sloop of War, Col. Ayscough from New York; the Yankees exceedingly disappointed at seeing the Somerset, as they were in hopes she was lost. The Harbor now cuts a formidable figure, having four Sail of the Line, besides Frigates and Sloops and a great number of Transports. Upon the news yesterday from Portsmouth, a Schooner was immediately dispatched there, and today the Scarborough sailed for there, too. We shall see now whether the General will do anything or not. Tuesday, 20th. Last night the weather cleared up and turned to a hard frost, so that this morning the streets were covered with ice. I today mounted Guard at the Lines, which I found much improved since I was last there. Wednesday, 21st. Last night still harder frost; the sea was frozen for a considerable way; the cold more intense than it has yet been. Today was ordered an Officer, Joseph Knight of the King's Own [1]; one drummer and 18 privates to get ready immedi- ately to embark for Rhode Island. Lieut. Knight of ours, for this duty; they were all got ready when the Adjutant went to the Adjutant General to know where they were to parade, who told him they need not sail this day or two; that it would not be amiss if some people would write their Orders so that they might be understood. footnote 1. Knight, who was afterwards killed during the retreat from Concord, the 19th of April, Concord. Thursday, 22nd. Snow all day. The detachment not yet sailed; we hear it is to go to Rhode Island to bring away a quantity of Powder from a vessel which has been drove in there and which they are afraid to trust without a guard. Friday, 23d. Sleet and a little snow all day; one of our men deserted; heard of some robberies committed in the country, most probably by some of the deserters, who will do more harm than good, as nothing but rascals go off; serve the Yankees right for enticing them away. Saturday, 24th. Bad day; constant snow till evening, when it turned out rain and sleet. A soldier of the 10th shot for desertion; the only thing done in remembrance of Christmass day. It is said that General G____e never pardons deserters; at same time I dont think his manner of executing them sufficient examples, as he has only the p____s of the Army out, instead of the whole, which would strike a greater terror into the men. Punishments were never meant only to affect criminals, but also as examples to the rest of mankind. The Common Guard has now got proper Orders; hitherto they've had none; the Block-house is still in the same situation; it is something extroadinary having Guards without giving them orders. The night before last two men deserted, one from the King's Own, the other from the 43d. Sunday, 25th. Snow all day; at night rain, sleet and frost; dangerous walking. Governor Wentworth of Portsmouth, and all the Council have been ordered to quit that Province; I hear he is arrived here; the people of that Province seem to be worse than any other; and one would imagine they had not so much business with it either; it is to be hoped they will get a greater share of the punish- ment. There is a talk of a Spanish War, but I believe, without foundation. Monday, 26th. Snowed in morning; at night, frost. Ordered a Guard of one sergeant and 12 men to protect the new Guard-house at the North End where there is to be a Captain's Guard. The Marines not yet landed, owing to the Admiral, who wants to keep them on board that he may have the advantage of victualling them; but he won't carry his point as he'll be obliged to land them; a mean, dirty, principle! Wednesday, 28th. A great fall of snow, hard wind, drifts of snow very disagreeable. This evening a soldier of the 10th was drowned; he had jumped off the Wharf where he was sentry, to save a boy who had fallen over; he succeeded in his humane attempt for which he paid his life. Thursday, 29th. Nothing extra today but a Quarter-Master and all the Pioneers ordered to clear the Grand Parade and the road to the magazine [1.] from thence to the Officer's Guard on the Common. footnote 1. The magazine stood near the foot of what is now Pinckney Street. That officer has now the charge of the magazine; for a long time he had no orders whatever; they have at last given him proper ones; there is still an Officer's Guard at the Block-house without any orders, a very unusual thing, I fancy! Friday, 30th. Today's Orders....the Alarm Guns will be posted at the Artillery Barracks, at the Common, and at the Lines. The Alarm given at either of those places is to be repeated at all the rest by firing three rounds at each. On the Alarm being given the 52d Regt. is immediately to reinforce the Lines, leaving a Captain and 50 men at the Neck. The 5th Regt. will draw up between the Neck Guard and the Liberty Tree. The King's Own will reinforce the Magazine Guard with a captain and 50 men; and with the remainder draw up under Barton's Point The 43d Regt will join the Marines and together defend the passage between Barton's Point and Charlestown ferry. The 47th Regt will draw up in Hanover Street, securing both the bridges over the Mill Creek. The 59th will draw up in front of the Court House. The Companies of 18th joined by those of the 65th together with the 10th, 23d and 38th Regts., will draw up in the street from the General's house to Liberty Tree. Major Martins Company of the Royal Artillery will move with expedition to the Lines; reinforcing the Neck Guard with a Commissioned officer, two non-commissioned, and 12 men; the remainder of the Royal Regt of Artillery will get their guns in readiness and wait for Orders. If an alarm happens in the night, the troops will march to their Posts without loading and on no account to load their firelocks. It is forbidden under the most severe penalty to fire in the night; even if the Troops should be fired upon; but they will oppose and put to rest any Body (that shall dare to attack them) with their bayonets; and the greatest care will be taken that the Counter- Sign is well known by all the Corps; and small parties advanced, that in case of meeting they may know their friends and not attack each other in the night by mistake. To be continued - Part 3 Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth