[Extract]

...The American strength on that Lake [Champlain] is at this time so great both by land and water that they rest secure against any attempts from Gens Carleton and Burgoyn. When the whole Fleet and Army were collected before New York, the British Troops havg been for some time in possession of Staten Island, they landed the greatest part of their Army on Long Island, where they had not been long, before an engagement happened between 3000 of the American troops and (as the best accounts here agree) at least 18,000 of the regulars, which ended in the loss of about 1000 Men taken, killed, & wounded of the Americans, who made few prisoners, but who slaughtered of their enemies many more than were killed of their own people ー It being very evident that Long Island and the City of N. York were not to be defended against a potent land army & sea force acting in conjunction, both these places were in their turns evacuated, and the American Army retreated to their present post on the heights of Haerlem about 8 or 10 miles above the City and on the same Tongue of land upon which the Town stands. This is a very strong post by nature and strongly fortified by Art[illery]. 30,000 men are there placed to prevent the further progress of Mr Howe and to this time he has been effectually prevented... Thus things remain this 2d of October ー 'The British Army have Connecticut on their right where they do not incline to go, Gen Washington with 30,000 men on the heights of Haerlem in their Front, and on their left the Jersies in which an army of observation is posted either to prevent penetration that way or to aid Gen. Washington occasionally. The N. [North] River is so obstructed that Vessels cannot go above the heights of Haerlem, and these obstructions are covered by 50 pieces of heavy Cannon placed on the heights. This you may depend upon it is a true state of things at present, and you will readily see how poor a compensation it promises for the expence of 12 millions this Campaign, and the loss of America for ever.... when the Army and Fleet destined against America was made known, the eyes of all Men were opened, the blind saw, the timid became determin'd, and all joined in commanding the Congress to declare the Colonies Free & Independent States, which they did...The number of Prizes taken by the American Cruisers is wonderful ー At least 6000 hhds of Sugar and a world of other Goods are already safe in these Ports, and the American force by Sea daily increasing. I do realy think, that if a great Statesman with proper powers were to arise in England, he would endeavor to save his Country by immediately acknowledging the independence of North America and forming with these States an advantageous Treaty of Commerce. Shortly it may be too late.