I have no great inclination to write: but think it of importance that you should know the state of our affairs, whether promising or otherwise; and this conveyance may possibly bring you the earliest intelligence. Had the enemy a design of pushing thro the Jerseys to Philadelphia, they have been disappointed; and have been obliged to return from Brunswick to Amboy and from thence to Staten Island. The account of their retrograde motions was very acceptable: but since then we have had news from the Northern quarter, which I apprehend to be more than a counterbalance for the former. Genl. Gates had been appointed to the command of the northern department: afterwards thro’ Duanes management, and for fear of disabling the Yorkers &c. Genl. Scuyler had the supreme command committed to him, and Genl. Gates declined serving under his controlling power, refusing to be answerable for consequences unless he could have the direction. The care of Tyconderoga and Fort Independence were entrusted with Genl. Sinclair [St. Clair]. We had been long alarmed with the rumors of a designed attack, time enough to have reinforced the garrison and to have baffled the enemy; but thro’ the stupid negligence of these New England States, of this in particular, we have lost those important passes. The last thursday arrivd at Exeter an express from Genl. Sinclair, informing that having but a handful of men wherewith to oppose the enemy it was judged best to abandon the forts as on this day sennight and to retreat to Skenesborough; that upon coming to this place they found the enemy had possessed themselves of it; and therefore were marching for Benington with a design of getting between the enemy and frontier settlements. I shall not trouble you with many conjectures relative to consequences that may arise from the loss of Ty and Fort Independence; they will occur of course: but let me observe that since leaving the Plain and while at Salem on the friday learnt that several of our generals had wrote to their friends at and in the vicinity of Boston, that it was thought Howe intended to visit the New England states, that the troops were embarked, and that the vessels were watered, which leads me to suppose that possibly the design may be to penetrate the country by way of Rhode Island, while Burgoyne pushes down from the way of Ty. This may occasion us great distress, but the enemy by coming and spreading desolations among us may rouse to those exertions which may at length put a stop to them, but which had they taken place in time might have prevented them. You will judge me low spirited, should I pronounce the loss of Ty &c. the greatest we have met with since the war: but however great it may appear to me, I am in hopes that the God of hosts will at length deliver us and establish us in the enjoyment of our Independency. We deserve to be severely chastised for we have in general lost sight of the publick cause, and been making our own private advantage out of the times.
Dr. Cooper was well on the thursday. I am now at Newbury Port, from whence a vessel is to sail for Bilboa as soon as the wind comes fair. Wishing that you may soon have news that will more than abundantly compensate for the disagreeableness of this, I remain with great esteem your affectionate friend and humble Servant.