Scituate May 20th 1766 [sic 1776].
[Extract]
A rumor has been spread here, a day or two past, of a british reinforcement arriving at Quebec & obliging our army to raise the siege; which I am loth to believe at present. It seems to my poor understanding in politics, that our army ought to have had a large reinforcement, while the Lakes were passable on the Ice; & that we have depended too much on the impracticability of navigation up the river in the Spring. ー Where is our grand fleet? Why is Lord Dunmore permitted to Set foot on american ground? But I must beg pardon, believing every thing has been done, as far & maturely as practicable, & leave these weighty matters to you, wiser heads; trusting in the Supreme Ruler, for prosperity to your councils & Success to American freedom. ー I have some Conception of the Difficulty of defending every part of so extended a Continent.