Quincy, Josiah, 1710-1784 to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00213 Author/Creator: Quincy, Josiah, 1710-1784 Place Written: Braintree, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1775 Pagination: 4 p. 22cm. x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the need for and benefits that would come from establishing an American naval force. Has changed his mind and now believes Row Gallies could be effectively used in the Boston Harbor. In support of establishing a navy, cites successful transportation of provisions in whaleboats, "excursions to the Lighthouse and other Islands, by Detachments from the Companies posted to guard the Shores, and especially, the numerous Captures by our armed Cruisers." Discusses financial applications of taking up Major Benjamin Tupper on an offer to command a flotilla of whaleboats. Enumerates seven advantages obtainable if the men "appointed, to guard the Shores from Cohasset, to Squantum Neck...were... employed...in Row Gallies judiciously constructed, mann'd, and armed; with attendant Whaleboats." The first two concern limiting desertion and increasing troop discipline. Two others argue the benefits of swift, light boats. The other three argue that the boats will enable the Americans to force the British to abandon Nantasket Road, divide the British force, and allow the Americans to fortify Nantasket or any of the nearby islands. Quincy was a businessman, and later a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and a justice of the peace.
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