As I was prevented from answering your obliging Letter, of the 23rd of April, by the early departure of the post, I hope you will excuse me, and beleive me to be as much attatched to you as ever, for I should little merit those frequent marks of your Friendship & attention if I neglected for a moment so valuable a correspondant. From your Letter, my dear Classmate, I am very happy to learn that Col. Tarlton has been defeated, and that affairs, in general, in our part of the World, wear a smiling appearance—’Tis almost time to change the tables, as we have long enough struggled against adverse fortune. A Gentleman mentioned here, the other day, the capture of General Arnold; whether or not that is a fact, you, only can determine; but if that should have been the Case he will in all probability meet the fate which his conduct has so richly deserved.

Questions my dear Franklin I am always putting you, but then I am sure of your pardon, as every American, however distant from his Country, must feel himself more or less interested in its cause, in proportion to the number of his relations, friends, &c. which he has left behind him. This I am convinced is a sufficient excuse to you, for my asking what the French, and our Allies in general, are doing in our part of the world. The junction of Holland to our cause must occasion some uneasiness in the British isles, as I imagine that Britain will have sufficient employment if she guards her own coasts, in the European & American World, without injuring those of her neighbours. I can not, my dear Friend, write you as much as I am accustomed as my Physician hath thought proper to purge me to day for the last time, I must therefore bid you Adieu, requesting my most respectful Compliments to your Grandfather.

Yours &c. &c.