[Extract]

Yours of October 1 and 2d I received this morning . . .

Our accounts from Schuyler's Army are as agreable as yours from Arnold. We are in hourly Expectation.

Rejoice to hear of your Successes by Sea. Let [James] Cargill and [Jeremiah] Obrien be put into continental service immediately I pray.

We begin to feel a little of a Seafaring Inclination here.

The Powder at Quebec, will place us all upon the Top of the House . . .²

I believe We shall take some of the twenty Gun Ships before long. We must excite by Policy that kind of exalted Courage, which is ever victorious by sea and land ー which is irresistable. The Saracens, had it ー the Knights of Malta ー the Assassins ー Cromwell's soldiers and sailors. Nay, N. England men have ever had it hitherto. They never yet faild in an Attempt of any Kind.