Cambridge 24th March 1776. Sir, I am favourd with your Letter of the 21st Instt. - it came to hand this afternoon, and I thank you for the many polite and flattering expressions which it contains _ To obtain the applause of deserving men, is a heart felt satisfaction - to merit them, is my highest wish. If my conduct therefore as an Instrument in the late signal interposition of Providence hath merited the approbation of the great Country, I shall esteem it one of the most fortunate & happy events of my life. I acknowledge myself yr debtor, for the share you have bestowd on me of it. The continuance of the Fleet in Nantasket Road affords matter for Speculation - it surpasses my comprehension and awakens all my suspicions- I have taken every step in my power to guard against [2] surprizes, but the temper of your People seems to me to be, to apprehend no danger til it stares them in the Face- I do not think there is cause to apprehend such Marauding parties as you dread - if any stroke is aimed, it will be a capitol one, for which reason I wish to be much upon my guard; & therefore have appointed Guard Boats, lookouts & ca. There is one evil I dread, & that is their Spies, I could wish therefore that the most attentive watch was kept to prevent any Intercourse between the ship & main - for this purpose, and to prevent suspected persons (for I have no doubt but that trusty soldiers, Sergeants, and even commissioned officers in disguise will be sent out) from travelling about, I wish a dozn. or more of Honest, sensible, and deligent Men were Imployed to haunt the Communication between Roxbury, and the different landing Places nearest [3] the Shipping, in order to question; cross question & ca all such Persons as are unknown, & cannot give an acct. of themselves in a strait, & satisfactory line- If you could hire Men for this purpose whilst the shipping continue where they now are, I would pay the wages you shall agree upon; and thank you for the trouble, as I think it a matter of some Importance to prevent them from obtaining Intelligence of our Situation__ the earliest Information should also be communicated of any movements which may be discovered, and whether any of the shipping are getting out, as it were by stealth. I am exceedingly sorry to hear of your Indisposition, & heartily wish you a perfect restoration of health - I should be very happy to take you by the hand before I bid adieu to the Colony, but as my motions are regulated by those of the Enemy, I cannot say how - when - or where it can happen. [docket] In sincerity and truth I remain Dr Sir Yr most Obedt & Obligd Servt Go: Washington