Letter from the War Office to the Governor of Massachusetts requesting cannon to outfit USS Constitution

With preparations for war with France underway, Captain Nicholson, commander of USS Constitution has examined cannons and desires they be used for ship use. They are improper cannons for fortification and harbor defense anyway. By direction of President of United States John Adams, in order to arm the frigate Constitution, the War Office requests a loan of 14 or 16 cannon [eighteen pounders] from Castle Island, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. Offers to return or replace the cannon. Offers to obtain cannon from Providence Rhode Island to provide for interim defense of Boston Harbor. Assumes that state of Massachusetts has also had cannon balls cast for these cannon and asks that they also be provided. Timely response requested.

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