Asks William, his brother, for news of the location of William Howe's fleet. Apparently speaking of the British, writes "It is improper for a person in any Station to speak thus were it to be divulged but I do not believe there ever was a set of men so perfectly disqualified by a total & profound ignorance of every thing that might to constitute the Characters of Leaders of an Army to conquest- poor people they must evacuate the Continent or they will be entirely undone- I beg you not to imagine that by deprecation of their abilities I mean to exalt our own. God forbid- I shall say nothing about it or about it But only this, that we never set ourselves up as great Military men." Comments on the British presence at New York, noting that some think the British will follow the French fleet led by the Count D'Estaing. Does not think the British will attempt to take Boston. Remarks that the security of British possessions elsewhere demands their departure from North America. Relates that his wife, Lucy, is ill. Requests a bushel of pickled peppers from a Mrs. [Stutson?].