[Extract]

The good success of our Privateers, which you will hear before this reaches you, is very encouraging, and, I hope it will stimulate the seafaring Gentlemen to greater exertions in that way. I think we have a prospect of important advantages from exertions by sea, and I hope, with you Sir, this will be done by the Colonies separately, as, for many reasons, that greater advantages will arise thereby to the great Cause of America . . .

But very few Vessels have arrived at Boston from Britain for a long time, & by the best accounts, not more than 250 of the great reinforcement which the Enemy have so long talked of  I believe 2300 is the most that they expect this Fall: The Troops in Boston continue sickly, & it is said they are not in so good Spirits as they were in the Summer: If we can obtain a supply of Powder I trust we shall give a good account of them before Spring; if it be possible we must subdue the Ministerial Fleet & Army which is in America this Winter, otherwise we may expect a strong reinforcement in the Spring. Should we conquer what are here, I apprehend the Ministry would not hazard another expedition, but if they should we might be able to resist all their force. I think we have nothing to fear but ourselves, and if we do our duty we may gain every political advantage the heart of Man can desire.