[Extract]

My Dear Sir, ー When I wrote you last I was at Plymouth sick and confined. I did not return to this place till three days ago. On my way Mrs. [Mercy] Warren and I lodged at Braintree, and had the pleasure of finding Mrs. Adams and family well. Here I find the world turned topsy turvy to such a degree that I can scarcely realize the present appearances of things; the enemies army fled and our own marching into other colonies. The last division of the British fleet sailed on Wednesday last [March 27]. I had a view of them without the light house from Pens Hill, about sixty or seventy sail. They made a pretty appearance. What their destination is we are not able to ascertain. The general opinion is that they are gone to Halifax, and some circumstances seem to confirm it. I presume before this you have had a full account of their principle embarkation, their fright and their depredations, etc., etc. Two or three ships only, with one of their store ships ashore on George's Island, remain in the harbour. Four hundred of our men under the command of Colonel [Benjamin] Tupper were to have gone last evening on Petticks Island with some artillery, to render their station uneasy, and perhaps destroy the store ship. I suppose the storm may have prevented. What is to be the next movement of the British fleet and army, I can't devise. There is no reasoning on their conduct and I must leave

James l'Varren.

abler heads than mine to conjecture. The General proposes to leave only four or five regiments here. This number we think very small, considering that we have been first and principally marked for vengeance and destruction, and the possibility and even probability that the attack may be renewed, as well as the necessity of fortifying the harbour of Boston. But we must submit. We have a committee gone to view the.harbour of Boston, and to report the best method of securing it. Whether that will be best done by fortifications or by obstructing the channels, or by both, I can't say, but surely it ought to be done effectually and speedily. Who is to command here I don't learn. General Ward perhaps, if his resignation (which I hear he has sent) don't prevent, by being accepted before a subsequent letter he is said to have wrote reaches you ...

I congratulate you on the success of our arms in North Carolina. We hear nothing from Quebec. As the seat of war is changing you will of course have shorter letters in future. All kinds of intelligence I am now to expect from you. When shall we hear that we are independent? Where are the Commissioners? What is become of our fleet, etc., etc. Remember you have not wrote me a long time. My compliments to all friends.