Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 2.

Sept. 25, 1774, Benjamin Hall was elected to attend the session of the General Court appointed by the governor for October 5. Although Gage countermanded his order, the colonists did not recognize his right to do so, and ninety men met on the appointed day. As no one appeared to administer oaths, they formed themselves into a Provincial Congress and adjourned to Concord. At the adjourned meeting, the Medford member was chosen one of the Committee of Supplies.

His business capacity and his large acquaintance with traders in and out of the province made it possible for him to collect large quantities of goods in his warehouses without arousing suspicion.

The commodities in which he dealt were just what the colonies needed in preparing for the impending struggle. Although he was obliged by ill health to withdraw from the committee in February, 1775, his account books show that he continued to act as its agent.

The warehouses on the Mystic river were a depot of supplies throughout the war. Powder in large quantities was collected there and ‘boated’ to the Castle or to Boston when needed.

In 1779 and 1780 sixteen tons of cannon balls were stored by Mr. Hall for eighteen months.

Large quantities of beef were packed by him in barrels made on the premises, and shipped in his lighters, for the use of the army.

In those days the soldiers considered rum as necessary as meat, and we infer that Medford contributed her share in supplying their demands.

In 1780 General Heath wrote, ‘Last night an alarming account from West Point of the scantiness of provisions and rum at that post.’ It seems to be with a feeling of relief that he continues, ‘A quantity of the latter is on the road to Springfield.’

In the third Provincial Congress Mr. Hall was chosen one of a committee to encourage the manufacture of saltpetre, and the next month was one of those