The Boston Harbor Islands by Christopher Klein

Author:Christopher Klein
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Globe Pequot
Published: 2021-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Letters of John and Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams was one of the colonists roused by the Grape Island Alarm. John Adams, who would become the country’s second president, was away from the couple’s saltbox house in present-day Quincy to attend the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Their letters to each other provide a window into some of the early confusion and fear about the intent of the British forces.

Letter from Abigail Adams; Braintree, Massachusetts

May 24, 1775

“I suppose you have had a formidable account of the alarm we had last Sunday morning. When I rose, about six o’clock, I was told that the drums had been some time beating, and that three alarm guns were fired, that Wey-mouth bell had been ringing, and Mr. Weld’s was then ringing.

“I immediately sent off an express to know the occasion, and found the whole town in confusion. Three sloops and one cutter had come out and dropped anchor just below Great Hill. It was difficult to tell their designs; some supposed they were coming to Germantown [in Braintree], others to Weymouth; people, women, children from the iron works came flocking down this way—every woman and child above or from below my father’s. My father’s family flying, the Drs. [Dr. Cotton Tufts’] in great distress, as you may well imagine for my aunt had her bed thrown into a cart, into which she got herself, and ordered the boy to drive her off to Bridgewater, which he did.

“The report was to them that three hundred had landed, and were upon their march into town. The alarm flew like lightning, and men from all parts came flocking down, until two thousand were collected. But it seems their expedition was to Grape Island for Leavitt’s hay. There it was impossible to reach them, for want of boats; but the sight of so many persons, and the firing at them, prevented their getting more than three tons of hay, though they had carted much more down to the water.

“At last they mustered a lighter, and a sloop from Hingham, which had six port-holes. Our men eagerly jumped on board, and put off for the island. As soon as they perceived it, they decamped. Our people landed upon the island, and in an instant set fire to the hay, which, with the barn, was soon consumed, about eighty tons, it is said. We expect soon to be in continual alarms, until something decisive takes place.”

Letter from John Adams; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

June 10, 1775

“I long to know, how you fare, and whether you are often discomposed with alarms. Guard yourself against them, my dear. I think you are in no danger—don’t let the groundless fears, and fruitful imaginations of others affect you. Let me know what guards are kept—and who were principally concerned in the battle at Grape Island, as well as that at Chelsea. The reputation of our countrymen for valor is very high. I hope they will maintain it, as well as that for prudence, caution, and conduct.”

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