Manuscripts and Special Collections
Me C 28/2 : Letter from Sir Henry Clinton, Boston, to Charles Mellish; c. 24 Jun. 1775
might be tempted to muster in them, which
considering how much we had suffered might
not be so convenient. It was objected that
we might lose men by doing it, wish we
did not lose more by not doing it, as they picked
our people off even on their bellies in the
breastwork. However being a mere volunteer
there I could only advice & I believe they
at one time wished they had followed it.
For just as I had proficied so it happen[ed], they
appeared in a great body seemingly
intending to attack us again. We showed
however good countenance, and with the assistance
of our 12 pound shot which fell among them
the business finished, & I after receiving the
warmest thanks of my friend, returned to
Boston, as it was to be my turn next. It
accordingly came a few days after but the
enemy learning of our intentions, and appearing
in great force it was thought prudent to
desist for the present. Our second embarkation
will be here in all probability in a day or
two. Little did I think my good friend that
