On this day 250 years ago in Boston, Samuel Adams wrote to Arthur Lee that the Continental Association and other resolutions of the Continental Congress, although styled as voluntary, were considered “Laws” and “are more observed throughout this Continent than any human Laws whatsoever.” He also wrote that the British
army has been sickly throughout the winter and continue so. Many have died. Many have deserted. Many I believe intend to desert.
Norton at 279; Fischer, Paul Revere’s Ride at 66
On the same day in Boston, Lieutenant Frederick Mackenzie of the Royal Welch Fusiliers recorded in his diary that
Robt Vaughan, a Soldier of the 52nd Regiment was apprehended last night at Charlestown Ferry, attempting to Desert; and this day a General Court Martial was ordered to afsemble to try him for the same.
Also on this day in Boston, General Thomas Gage reported to Lord Dartmouth in London that in the Massachusetts militia
each man is supplied even to a knapsack, canteen and blanket and directed to bring a week’s provisions with him when called to the field. . . . one fourth of every corps to be prepared as minutemen, at a minute’s warning to repair wherever occasion should call for them, immediately on receiving a summons from the Committee of Safety.
Sources: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/-in-the-late-action-many-of-the-soldiers-lost-their-blankets-the-use-of-blankets-by-massachusetts-forces-in-the-spring-of-1775.htm; https://www.yorkmaine.org/DocumentCenter/View/10983/American-Revolution-Chronology-
And also on this day in Boston, Major John Pitcairn of the British Marines wrote to Lord Sandwich, the First Lord of the Admiralty in London that
The rum is so cheap it debauches both navy and army, and kills many of them. Depend on it, my Lord, it will destroy more of us than the Yankies will.
He also predicted, however, that
One active campaign, a smart action, and burning two or three of their towns, will set everything to rights. Nothing now, I am afraid, but this will ever convince those very foolish bad people that England is in earnest.
Major Pitcairn of course was wrong in his prediction, and he would die in the smart action at Bunker Hill that did not set everything as he would have it.
Source: Fischer, Paul Revere’s Ride at 69
On This Day In The Revolution 