[Extract]

...it seems to be Settled that our Troops have quitted Long Island, the consequence I fear will be, that they must also Evacuate [New] York I have had a hint that Congress have directed Genl Washington not to destroy that City if he shod be obliged to leave it. is this right why shod we be so careful to furnish the Enemy with convenient Winter Quarters? it appears to me that the consequence will be that the States will be put to the Expence of five if not ten times, the value of that Cursed City which ought to have been destroyed long ago

It seems that are many Complaints about the Maritime Courts the Court here has acquited a vessel that ought to be condemn'd,² & other Courts condemn vessels that ought to be acquited, Mr [Jacob] Sheaf has had a ship condemn'd at Providence as British Property, she was bound from the west Indies for London, his property was transfer'd to prevent her being seiz'd by British ships, I really think his case hard he intends to petition Congress. another ship belonging to Capt [Tobias] Lear of this town under the same Circumstances is to be try'd at Salem to morrow³ if this ship shod be condemn'd the Owners of her will also apply to Congress so it's probable you'll have business enough of this sort on your hands