[Extract]

... You will hear before this reaches you that the British Troops and Fleet have left Boston: They have retir'd with Disgrace from before the General & Forces of the united Colonies. I congratulate you on this Honor to our Country. Should the War continue, prepar'd as we now are, we should have been well contented they had remain'd here ー The Bombardment & Cannon[a]ding from our Lines, reaching all Parts of Boston, was unexpected, and troubled their Host; our taking Possession of Dorchester Hills in so judicious & masterly a Manner compleated their Consternation, & left them no Time to deliberate: They embarqu'd with Trepidation; & most of them I am just told sail'd this Morning-Where they are bound remains a Secret; whether to Hallifax, or the Southward, or to both in Divisions. Boston stands, to the Surprize of Many, but much plunder'd ー I am a Sufferer among a Multitude of Others. My House was let to a Capt Cockran of the British Army upon written Engagements ー He had the Use of all my Furniture, but has not left a Bed, Coverlid, Sheet, or any Pewter, China, or Crockery ー many other Things of great Value carried off or destroy'd ー but This is a small Specimen of the Perfidy & Villainy of British Officers & Soldiers ー I esteem it however an Honor in such a Cause to suffer with & for my Country ー Shall we have a Nego[tia]tion this Summer ー Must we return to the mild & gracious Governm't of Britain? ー How is Common Sense relish'd among you; it is eagerly read and greatly admir'd here. The Inability of our Enemies to subdue us by Force is more & more apparent; I doubt not our Councils will avail themselves of this and evr'y Circumstance. I am dear Sir [&c.]

Dr.Franklin