[Extract]

The french Gentn [Penet and de Pliarne] arrived on Friday Evening [December 29] ; Congress has referred them to the secret Comee  We had a Conference with them last Evening; this Afternoon they paid Mr "[Silas] Dean[e] and Me a Visit and were going to wait on the other Members.

I am grieved for the poor People of Newport; when will there be an End of their Misfortunes. I wish they would nobly resolve to quit it unless it [ca]n be fortifyed. I am told Gen [Charles] Lee was coming up with such a View.

We have very interesting Intelligence in a Number of intercepted Letters froin the southw[ard], some Acct of which I may perhaps be at Liber[ty]to communicate in my next.

I will send you the Pamphlets you write for when I have Opportunity; at present every thing is shut up; our Fleet is just ready to sail hut cannot stir without warmer Weather opens the River....