The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

TT. 43.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 145
and Prospect Hill; several of the Massachusetts regiments were at Cambridge; and others from Connecticut
and Massachusetts covered the high grounds in Roxbury.
Having acquainted himself with this state of affairs,
General Washington convened a council of war. It was
the opinion of the council, that, according to the best information that could be obtained, the enemy's available
force in Boston amounted to eleven thousand five hundred men, including the regular troops, Tories, and such
sailors as might be spared from the fleet. It was also
advised, without a dissenting voice, that the posts
now occupied should be held and defended, and that
twenty-two thousand men were necessary to give proper
security to so long an extent of lines. A place of rendezvous, in case the army should be attacked and
routed; was likewise agreed upon.
The difficulty was perceived of sustaining posts so
widely separated, almost under the guns of the enemy,.
and exposed at many points to sudden assaults; and'
the question of removing farther into the country to a
stronger position was discussed. But this was thought
to be neither politic in itself, nor without hazard in the
execution. It would discourage the men, elate the
enemy, and have an ill effect upon the minds of the
people. This consideration, added to the uncertainty of
finding a better place at which to make a stand, and to
the great labor and charge already bestowed on the
works for defence, was regarded as conclusive against a
change.
The American army, including the sick and absent,
amounted to about seventeen thousand men; but the
number present, fit for duty, was only fourteen thousand
five hundred. -This was so far short of the number
wanted, that the council recommended an immediate
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