973.3311 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. PREFACE. THE preparation of a History of Charlestown led to large collections relative to the military transactions that occurred, in 1775 and 1776, in the vicinity of Boston. The greater part of them, however, could not be properly used in a publication of so local a character; and as no work had been issued containing a full narrative of these interesting events, it was concluded to prepare the present volume. It will be found to contain little of general history, and no more of the civil history of Boston than appeared to be necessary to show its relation to the patriot party at the commencement of hostilities. Time and labor have been freely spent in searching for original documents for this work. Hence, much of the narrative has been drawn from contemporary manuscripts, and nearly all of it from contemporary authorities. Less scepticism as to tradition, and the admission of a larger portion of personal anecdote, might have made it more amusing, but it would have been less reliable. No statement has been made without being warranted by authority believed to be good, and no opinion has been expressed which a 174948 careful scrutiny of evidence did not seem to authorize. Ample time, also, has been taken in the labor of arrangement, and hence haste will not be pleaded in extenuation of error. It will only be remarked, that while there has been diligent search for facts, a careful endeavor has been made to state them fairly and exactly. The author takes pleasure in expressing grateful acknowledgments to the many friends who have aided or encouraged his humble labors. He will always remember their courtesy and kindness. He is specially indebted to President Jared Sparks, Hon. James Savage, and George Ticknor, Esquire, for valuable assistThe librarians of various public institutions have rendered every facility in making researches. Such attention is alike cheering and gratifying to the inquirer. ance. This volume has been written under sentiments of grateful veneration for the memory of the men who sacrificed so much, and who struggled so nobly, in behalf of American Liberty. May it contribute something to perpetuate the story of their heroism and suffering, and to foster a desire to emulate their virtues and patriotism. December, 1849. The volume has been revised for this new edition, and a few corrections, mostly verbal, have been made. Charlestown, February, 1851. |