[Extract]

You ask me for News, we have no' News, and that I think is good News for America. We go on strengthening our Lines & Redoubts, and shall very soon be in so Strong a Camp, that I think rashness itself will not dare to attack us. Desertion begins to take place from Bunker's Hill. I should not wonder at its increasing to a degree alarming to The Ministerial Generals. Bad Salt Pork and Dry Pease is all these SoIdiers have had to eat since the beginning of May, and the Water in, and near that Hill, is pernicious to Health, in consequence of Bad Food and Bad water, Fluxes & Scurvy, rage amonst the Troops & Carry off Numbers. We on our side are in good Health & Spirits, and not a Doubting, or Disponding Countenance to be seen, in Boston the Contrary is said to be Visible, about Twenty Transports & a Man of War, are sailed from Boston, with about 400 Men on board, to Plunder Provisions. It is imagin'd they are gone towards Long & Rhode Islands. If the Inhabitants are Watchful, they may cutt off this Party. I should be glad to know what effect the Lexington Fight had upon the people of England. I don't mean immediately after hearing it, but when Time and cool Reflections upon the Consequences had taken place . . .