Dear Brother:

So little has happened since the date of my last, that I should scarce have given you the trouble of reading this Letter, did I not imagine that it might be some satisfaction to you to know that we are well and in no fear or dread of the Enemy. Being, in our own opinion at least, very securely Intrenched, and wishing for nothing more than to see the Enemy out of their strong holds, that the dispute may come to an Issue.

The inactive state we lye in is exceedingly disagreeable, especially as we can see no end to it, having had no advices lately from Great Britain to form a judgment upon.

In taking possession about a fortnight ago, of a Hill within point blank (Cannon) shott of the Enemy's Lines on Charles Town Neck we expected to bring on a general Action, especially as we had been threatened by reports from Boston several days before, that they (that is the Enemy) intended an Attack upon our Intrenchments, nothing, however, followed but a severe Cannonade for a day or two, and a Bombardment afterwards for the like time; which, however, did us no other damage, than to kill two or three men, and wound as many more. Both are now at an end, as they found that we disregarded their Fire and continued our Works 'till we had got them compleated.

Unless the Ministerial Troops in Boston are waiting for reinforcements, I cannot devise what they are staying there after; and why (as they affect to despise the Americans,) they do not come forth, and put an end to the contest at once. They suffer greatly for want of fresh Provisions, notwithstanding they have pillaged several Islands of a good many Sheep and Cattle. They are also scarce of Fuel, maless, (according to the acct. of one of their Deserters,) they mean to pull down Houses for Firing. In short, they are, from all accts. suffering all the Inconveniences of a Siege. It is true, by having the entire Command of the Sea, and a powerful Navy; and moreover, as they are now beginning to take all Vessells indiscriminately, we cannot stop their Supplies through that Channel; but their Succours in this way hath not been so powerful as to enable them to give the Common Soldiers much fresh meat as yet. By an Acct. from Boston of the 4th Instt. the Cattle lately brought in there, sold at publick auction from Fifteen to £34.10 Sterg. apiece; and the Sheep from 30/ to 36/ each; and that Fowls and every other Species of Fresh Provisions went in proportion. The expence of this, one would think, must soon tire them were it not that they intend to fix all the Expence of this War upon the Colonies, if they can, I suppose we shall add.

I am just sending off a Detachment of 1000 Men to Quebec, by the way of Kennebec River, to co-operate with General Schuyler who by this is, I expect, at or near St. Johns, on the North end of Lake Champlain; and may, for ought I know have determined the Fate of his Army and that of Canada, as he left Crown point the 31st of last Month for the Isle-au-Noix, (within 12 Miles of St. Johns, where Govr. Carleton's principal force lay.) If he should succeed there, he will soon after be in Montreal without opposition; and if the Detachment I am sending (though late in the season,) from hence should be able to get possession of Quebec, the Ministrys Plan, in respect to that Government will turn out finely.

I have only to add my love to my Sister and the little ones, and that I am with the greatest truth, Dr. Sir Yr. Most Affecte. Bror.