Written by Major General Parsons to Mumford, a Groton, Connecticut merchant. Says recent events are moving so fast that it they are the product of "a more prolific Brain than I find myself possesd of." Says while the nation is full of news he has little of it to share. Says it is not news that the British have left New Jersey and are concentrating at Staten Island and that it is anyone's guess what their destination will be. But he will conjecture that since no news has arrived of the enemy moving from Crown Point that the operations between Fort Ticonderoga and Skenesborough are a feint. Believes Howe and Burgoyne are trying to make a junction in New England. Says they can expect an attack from Burgoyne near the Hudson River soon. Says a respectable force exists to maintain the status quo, but that offensive possibilities are limited. Desertions from British lines continue and says "our Affairs wear a more promising Countenance in my Opinion, than they have since the Commencement of the War." Mumford's son Giles is with Colonel Return Meigs at Fort Lee. Says he was very well the last time he saw him and that his good conduct will merit the esteem of his country.