"[General George] Washington also wanted barrels filled with earth set in rows in front of the parapets, to add to the appearance of strength, but more importantly to stand ready to be rolled down the steep slopes on the advancing enemy [at Dorchester Heights, Boston]. He had 'a very high opinion of the defense which may be made with barrels,' he told Artemus Ward, stressing that the hoops should be well nailed so the barrels would not break to pieces. [...]
On Saturday evening, March 2, Washington wrote in haste to Ward that everything must be set and ready to go as planned on Monday night, March 4. After folding and sealing the note, he scrawled on the back, 'Remember barrels.'" (David McCullough, 1776, pp.89-91.)
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