Timothy Pickering letter to George Washington, 31 January 1776

SALEM, January 31st, 1776 .

Sir,

The General. Court of this Colony having, pursuant to your request, issued orders for raising upwards of four thousand men to serve, in the army that is under your Excellency's immediate command, till the first day of April next, and of that number directed that ninety-one be en listed in the town of Salem, in consequence thereof the militia were mustered and the resolves of the Court read to them, and the importance of manning the lines at Cambridge and Roxbury was urged ; but, great numbers of the inhabitants being at sea, many impressed on board the British ships, a considerable number in the American armed vessels and privateers, one hundred employed as a sea-coast guard, and perhaps double that number already in the army, of the residue, two or three only presented themselves to serve on the common establishment of the army. We were therefore induced to try another method, and the Committee of Safety gave the enlisting orders to a worthy man and good soldier who had served as a Lieutenant in the army the last campaign, and offered a month's pay in advance to all who would enlist under him. But this measure also proved ineffectual. Hence the persons whose names are subjoined, inhabitants of the town of Salem, convinced that tis of the last importance to the United Colonies, and essential to the safety of this Colony, to defend the lines at Cam bridge and Roxbury, have agreed (as tis not in their power to do anything more or better) to form themselves into a company of volunteers, to serve in the army till the first day of April next without pay ; and they now, Sir, beg leave to tender themselves to your Excellency, to be employed as you shall think best ; and pray they may, by the bearer, who is one of the company, be made acquainted with your Excellency's pleasure.