William Shepard to James Bowdoin Regarding Events at the Arsenal

one howitz which was loaded with grape shot, which when fired, gave
them great uneasiness. Had I been disposed to destroy them, I
might have charged upon their rear & flanks with my Infantry
& the two field pieces & could have killed the greater part of
his whole army within twenty five minutes. There was not a
single musket fired on either side. I found three men dead
on the the spot & one wounded, who is since dead. One of our Artillery
men by inattention was badly wounded. Three muskets were
taken up with the dead, which were all deeply loaded. I inclose
to your excellency a copy of a paper sent to me last evening. I have
received no reinforcement yet, & expect to be attacked this day
by their whole force combined.

I am Sir, with great respect, Your Excellency's most
obedient & hble Serv^t.

W^m Shepard

Copy

His Excell^y James Bowdoin Esq^r.