I wrote you several days ago, and wrote in a hurry, Expecting the Generals Express would be along before I could finish, but he has been detained, and am told will be on his Journey this Morning. I was much Chagrined Last Evening when setting under a Tree by the Bridge Fessenden rode up from Philadelphia without a Single Letter for me. He says you Complain that you have no Letters. I have Endeavoured to do my part. I Expected we should have rose before this, and I should have got a range over the fields before our Election but I begin to despair. One thing after another continually Crouds upon us. The General thinks he should have more Men. I am of the same opinion. How to get them is our difficulty. We are now raising 1700 for the Express purpose of guarding the Sea Coasts.1 The People are so Engaged at this Busy Season that the Militia if called would come with reluctance, and Tarry but a short time. Just long enough to put the Camp in Confusion. What Course we are to take in Consequence of an Application from the General which now only detains us, I know not. I could wish to have seen more men from the Southward. I always forgot to tell you I have seen your Letter to Gerry, Expressing Mr. Gadsden' Opinion about fixing out Armed Vessels, and seting up for a Naval power.2 I thought it very happy to have so great an Authority Confirming my own Sentiments, and haveing proposed in Congress Just such a project the beginning of the Session borrowed the Letter to support it, but yet I have not been Able to Effect it. Pickering3 and his politics, the want of Faith, and Ardor in Gerry &c. and above all the want of powder has prevented it. The last is an Objection, tho I think it would be like planting Corn. Ten very good going Sloops from 10 to 16 Guns I am persuaded would clear our Coasts. What would 40 such be to the Continent. Such a determination might make a good figure on your Journals. We are still not a word of news since my last. The Troops were Crossing the Ferry Yesterday in great Numbers.4 Things will not remain long in this situation. I expect Another Action soon, God Grant us Success I believe he will. I have Engaged another Friend 78to write to you. If it gives you pleasure it will Answer my End. I received it but last Night from Braintree where it was finished.5 The Season here is Hot and very dry. My regards to all Enquireing Friends. I assuredly yours,

I have, since I have had the Happiness to see you become a Son of Mars. Should have done myself the Pleasure of writing before this had not I thought your Time was spent in more importance than in reading my Letters. Have been very much tyed since I Entered the Army. Mrs. Adams informs me you complain of the Remissness of your former Correspondence; wish Sir it was in my Power to make up their Deficiency.

I am much pleased with my Situation in the Army. Have formed the highest Opinion of the Gentlemen whom you have appointed our Generals. Have had but one Opportunity to be in their Company. Should be very happy were you Sir in our military Order. I dare say Sir you would find it a very agreable Situation. We are continually Saluted with the Roar of Cannon, but Familiarity breeds Contempt. Our Army has not the least apprehension from the Enemy. Our Regiment yesterday went on Long Island1 amidst the Enemies Fire and burnd the Buildings and Hay took off about an 100 Sheep and 20 Head of Cattle lost but one Man.2 Have lately burnt Browns Building upon the Neck. Should mention many other things, but Major Morgan is waiting by whom I send this.3 Please to excuse my 79haste and Errors. Mrs. Adams and little Folks well yesterday. I have entered Adjutant in Genl. Heaths Regiment. I am Sr. your very humble Servant