[Extract]
I am happy to find, that the Rebel Force is every where rapidly declining, and so much declining as to promise the Army but a light Campaign. Whatever People may say or think in England, every Body here, who understands the State of the Country, is satisfied that the Rebellion is dying apace, and that ー all its future Struggles will be very languid and ineffectual. They have been particularly damped of late from Intelligence received from Franklin, that France will not actively interfere; as well as by sensible Demonstrations among themselves, that a strong Revolution of Sentiment has taken Place in the People, concerning the Intentions and Conduct of the Rebel-Leaders, and the Consequences of continuing their hostile Resistance. A perfect Submission will, I hope, ensue before the End of the Year.
In great Haste, but with the truest Respect and Affection [&c.]
New York, April 3d 1777.
By the Time this Letter will reach Your Lordship, our Army will very probably be in or near Philadelphia. All our Apparatus for passing Rivers, &c. is completed, and will be carried to the J ersies in two or three Days.