He felt the importance of destroying the army in Boston, before it should be strengthened by reinforcements in the ensuing spring; and with a view to this object, frequently reconnoitred its situation, and was assiduous in collecting every information respecting its strength.

The result of his observations and inquiries seems to have been, a strong inclination to the opinion, that to carry the works by storm, though hazardous, was not impracticable.

A council of general officers being unanimously of opinion, that for the present at least, the attempt ought not to be made, it was laid aside.
[Sidenote: Distress of the British from the want of fresh provisions.] A rigorous blockade being maintained, the British army began to suffer considerably for fresh meat and vegetables.

The small parties which sailed from Boston, in quest of these articles, were frequently disappointed by the vigilance of the minute men.

But the continuance of active exertion, which this service required on the part of the inhabitants of the sea coast, soon became burdensome; and the governors of the several colonies pressed for detachments from the main army.