Hears that new French ships have arrived in the West Indies, and hopes they can help defeat the British fleet. The fleet opposing the British now numbers almost "50 sail of the line with 30,000 troops." Thinks such a force capable of quickly taking all the British islands in the Caribbean. "This being done the Continental business will not be difficult. On the other hand, should they come immediately here we should be found so thoroughly unprepared to cooperate with them that I fear it will serve only to reflect disgrace on us." The British "remain quiet in and about N York. They have been ravaging and laying waste to the Country between the N River & the sound. In short all their movements prove that they expect a siege at N York." Hears that affairs in Europe go well. "A little more time & perseverance will assuredly confirm our Independence & unless we are greatly deficient in Virtue (which by the bye I fear) will render us a happy & respectable people."