[p. 38]
While these men were enduring hunger, cold, and pestilence in Canada the army at home were drawing their lines closer and closer around the enemy at Boston.
Captain Hall's company was ordered to Dorchester Heights; fifteen men at least were in Capt. Stephen Dana's company at ‘The Lines.’
Capt. Caleb Brooks was at Prospect Hill.
A few other men were at Fort No. 3,
March 17, 1776, the enemy, seeing the determined attitude of the Provincials, sailed for Halifax.
I suppose this is the origin of the expression, ‘Sent to Halifax.’
A few sail remained in the bay. Medford men assisted in building fortifications on Noddle's Island, and June 13 were stationed behind them.
The united efforts of all the towns around the harbor succeeded, that day, in ridding its waters of the last of the fleet.
As soon as Boston was evacuated Washington transferred his army to New York, leaving only three regiments on guard.
Maj. John Brooks, Thomas Pritchard, and a few others from Medford went with him.
At the town-meeting held June 13, 1776, it was unanimously resolved, ‘If the Honorable Continental Congress, for the safety of the United Colonies, declare themselves independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, the inhabitants of this town will solemnly engage with their lives and fortunes to support the measure.’
In the Town Records the Declaration of Independence is given in full immediately after the report of this meeting.
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Medford, MA. 1900.
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