[Extract]

I congratulate you on the plentiful Year with you as well as with us. It makes me smile to see in the English Papers, the Ignorance of some of their Political Writers, who fancy we cannot continue the Non Importation Agreement; because if we do it must starve us.

I lament with you the Want of a naval Force. I hope the next Winter will be employ'd in forming one. When we are no longer fascinated with the Idea of a speedy Reconciliation, we shall exert ourselves to some purpose. 'Till then Things will be done by Halves . . .

I shall be curious to hear more Particulars of your new mechanical Genius.² A Mr Bell who I fancy comes from your Province & is now here has propos'd something of the kind to us; but not much attended to.