[Extract]

We have had no Event of any Consequence in our Camp for some Time, our whole Attention being taken up with Preparations for the Winter, and forming the new Army, in which many Difficulties occur. The Enemy expect considerable Reinforcements this Winter and from all Accounts are garrisoning Gibraltar and other Places with foreign Troops, in order to bring the former garrisons to America. The Ministry have begun the Destruction of our Sea Port Towns, by burning a flourishing Town of about 300 Houses to the Eastward called Falmouth. This they Effected with every Circumstance of Cruelty and Barbarity, which Revenge and Malice could suggest. We expect every Moment to hear other Places have been attempted and have been better prepared for their Reception.

The more I reflect upon the Importance of your Expedition, the greater is my Concern, least it should sink under insuperable Difficulties. I look upon the Interests and Salvation of our bleeding Country in a great Degree to depend upon your Success. I know you feel it's Importance as connected not only with your own Honour and Happiness; but the publick Wellfare, so that you can want no Incitements to press on, if it be possible. My anxiety suggests some Doubts, which your better Acquaintance with the Country will enable you to remove. Would it not have been practicable to pass St John's, leaving Force enough for a Blockade; or if you could not spare the Men, passing it wholly, possessing yourselves of Montreal, and the surrounding Country? Would not St. John's have fallen of Course or what would have been the probable Consequences? Believe me, dear General, I do not mean to imply the smallest Doubt of the Propriety of your Operations, or of those of Mr. Montgomery, for whom I have a great Respect. ー I too well know the absurdity of judging upon a military Operation, when you are without the Knowledge of it's concomitant Circumstances. I only mean it as a matter of Curiosity, and to suggest to you my imperfect Idea on the subject. I am with the utmost truth and Regard, etc.