[Extract]

...numbers of people come every night from the Jerseys & Long Island, who tell us that ther were great discontents at the declaration of independency, and that great numbers will Join us on our geting footing at New York, Long Island, or the Jerseys., when they can get to us without Risque of be[ing] taken in the attempt....the fleet with the foreign troops are not yet arrived, and but four Companys of the 42d & five Companys of the Highland Battalions have yet Joined us, the rest are on their way from Halifax, where the[y] arrived two days after we sailed, Except Six Ships that were taken, that had on board five hundred Men. We have at present a very fine healthy little Army, and I believe will not remain long inactive here, after the arrivel of the fleet, which we look for every tide, they must meet with unacountable Cont[rar]y Winds to be so long out...

The[y] are prepearing fire Ships & fire Rafts to endeavour to distroy our fleet, w[hi]ch we are those some days told, we may Expect every night, but they have not yet appeared, when they do, I believe his Lordship is prepeared for them & will shew their insignificancy...

Some of the Provinces which the[y] now call States have settled their form of Government, and appointed their Governors...they have Settled a Committee of War which is to reside at Philadelphia to direct all Military opperations, & have ordered a Number of Ships of War from 20 to 60 Guns to be immedeately built. A New frigate of 32 Guns was the other day lanched at Newbury Port and called the Hancock ー We long for the arrival of the foraigners that we may begin the business of the Campaign, which is the most important Britain was ever engaged in, it will in a great measure determine the fate of the British Empire. for my part I realy beleive we will carry all before us, as soon as we get among them. their Army have many thousands who act thro' fear & compulsion, and woud be glad of an oppertunity of coming to us ー