50 LETTERS OF JOHN A.NDBEWS.
would bilk 'em of their prize, went with a large parade in the evening to take 'em away. Mr. Wells being out, his wife (whom you know has a very voluble tongue) went out and rallied 'em so, that the officer was necessitated to give her a receipt to be answerable for their forth coming, before she would suffer him to take them.
A greater or less degree of timidity always accompanies those that are commissioned to execute any unjust or unwarrantable measures: a very recent proof of which we have, from the conduct of the military last night; among whom a rumour prevail'd that the country were preparing to fire their ships (which must have arisen from their own terrified imaginations, as I can't learn that they had the least cause for such an alarm), which induc'd 'em to place a double guard upon their decks, keep boats man'd and rowing about all night, besides placing an extra guard on the end of the long wharf.
Sunday, September the 18th. It being customary in the camp for the soldiers to he drawn out every Monday morning compleatly equip'd, with knapsacks &ca., to be thoroughly examin'd in regard to their linnen, &ca., and as great part of the 38th Regiment are going to work upon the fortifications tomorrow morning, they underwent their examination about 9 or 10 o'clock this morning; in order to which, they march down towards the beach, which manœuvre rais'd a suspicion in some people's minds (who were more credulous than wise) that they were going to Watertown after the cannon: which, by being often told, came to be believ'd, and the committee here sent to inform their brethren of Charlestown, which broke up their morning service and induc'd them to proceed to Cambridge, and from thence to Watertown, alarming all as they went, to be prepar'd and ready to act upon the defensive, if attack'd. Its possible so trivial an affair by propagation may he aggravated to such gross falsehoods as were caus'd by the powder expedition.
September 29th. A participation in each other's pleasures and sorrows is a blessing that only the human species can boast of; and indeed there are many among them whose natures are so deprav'd as not to admit of a fellow feeling for another. But on the other hand, I have the charity to think that much the greater part of mankind are not only willing to participate, but equally dispos'd to give proofs, far more convincing than bare professions. Among the number of the latter, Bill, I always esteem'd you, nor have I ever had reason to alter my opinion. Therefore am convinc'd you will partake with us in the satisfaction we receive from being told that our cousin Hannah
