Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments, "You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds... I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year- not even the tempting object of the french fleet will be a sufficient inducement. I believe from present appearances that the Enemy are about to evacuate the Continent." Also mentions the escape of General John Sullivan's forces in Rhode Island (Sullivan's forces avoided being captured by the British). Refers to an unspecified petition brought before the House of Representatives. Mentions that Lucy, his wife, is recovering from a recent illness.