you will pardon me if I do not write to you very often for you know how I used to teaze you to write a copy of a letter for me but now I do not have you to write and my Pappa being always a doing publick affaires or a writing to you cannot do it for me, so that I am obliged to think myself, sometimes I think of a few words to write but you know I am no great hand at letter writing for if I was I should write much oftener though I have wrote several times I wrote a long letter by captain Barnes with an account of my voyage1

I have neither Time, nor Confidence enough in the Opportunity, to write you any Thing more, than an Assurance that We are all well, anxiously wishing for News from America. 3d. June1 is the last We have had from Boston. Not a Word of D'Estaing.

Never was the Spirits of a Nation, higher than the French. Never Nation had more Cause for Dejection than England.

They are now censuring Keppell, who seems to have done what he could with a Fleet half manned, or a little more.

They are distressed for Masts and Yards to refit.—Persons from England say that the general Opinion is, that Independance will be agreed to: but be not deceived. It is time enough to believe it, when it is fact.

Dont be anxious about Spain—nor any Thing else. Let Us sing “Oh be joyfull,” &c.—I have written 10 times to desire you to draw upon me for what Money, you want. Your Uncle Smith will get you Cash for your Bills, which shall be paid at sight.