[Extract]

Dear Sir I wrote you a long letter about a month ago, in answer to the only one I have had the pleasure of receiving from you in England. I have had no reason to alter the sentiment I even at that time expressd of public affairs. Ministry has not been so bold in their measures as was expected, but They still are abundantly able, notwithstanding some defections to carry every Thing they please ー You will find that there is some talk of conciliatory measures & you will as a Lover of your country rejoice, even at the Idea; But when every hostile preparation is continued & continued under the direction of Men, whose desighns against America have been the fatal cause of our misfortunes what terms can They offer which consistent with our declarations & conduct, we can honourably or safely except ー An Armament will sail most certainly next month for South Carolina. You will see an account of it in the daily papers I send to my relations  But as I have it from much better authority, I beg you to communicate it Where it is necessary it should be known. A Gentleman has promisd me a list of the force intended to be imployd on that service ー which I hope to receive time enough to inclose ² ー My health is so bad, that I shall not in all probability be able to Leave England for some months...

Tho^s Ringold Esq Chester Town Maryland