[Extract]

Sir The 17th Inst the Pirates all abandoned their Works in Boston & Charlestown & went on board their Ships, & on the 20th they burnt & destroyed the Works on Castle Island. They now lye in Nantasket Road waiting for a fair wind; we keep a vigilant eye over them lest they should make an attack on some unexpected quarter. The particulars with regard to the Seige, the Stores taken, &c. you will receive from better authority, therefore it is unnecessary for me to mention them. Our Troops behaved well, and I think the flight of the British Fleet & Army before the American Arms, must have a, happy & very important effect upon the great Cause we engaged in, and greatly facilitate our future operations. I wish it may stimulate the Congress to form an American Government immediately. If, after all our exertions & successes, while Providence offers us Freedom & Independe?ce, we should receive the glo[illegible] foot of George to rule here again ー what will posterity, what will the wise & Virtuous through [illegible] World say of us? ー Will they not say, (and justly[)] that we were fools who had an inestimable pr[ize] put into our hands bnt had no heart to improve it!-Heaven seems now to offer us the glorious privilege, the bright preeminence ab[ove] all other people, of being the Guardians of the Rights of Mankind & the Patrons of the World ...