Your Favour of the 27th: of April was put into my hands by Colonel Clinton,1 we had much conversation together upon the Critical and political State of this Country; He thinks with You, and I; and has besides a very Uncommon share of Knowledge, and penetration; I shall endeavour to Cultivate his Friendship, and Acquaintance.

The Six Regiments under General Sullivan, are Saild for Albany, with a Fair Wind, so by my Calculation, founded upon the best Authority, we shall have Ten Thousand Men near Quebeck, before 165the Enemy can throw any Succour into the Town; consequently, Sensible, and Spirited Management, must put that important place in Our possession. General Worster upon his Arrival near Quebeck, thought proper to Slight and Neglect my Worthy Friend Arnold; who, having received a considerable Bruize in his Wounded Leg, by a Fall from his Horse, applied for leave to go to Montreal for recovery. This with a Eager haste was Granted by Worster, and This altogether convinces me that Worster is not the Man fit to Command there, or any where. How happy must every good Officer be to find himself Seconded by so Capable and Brave a Spirit as that possess'd by Arnold, but Men of little Merit, are ever Jealous of those who have a Great deal.

As we are moving the Regiments out of Quarters, into Camp, I have but a moment to write, and shall at present only Answer that part of your letter where you Mention Major Wrixon. I wish a Gentleman so High in Yours, and Col. Clintons Esteem, was provided for in the post you Mention. The regards I have for the Cause, would induce me to continue to hold my present Employment, rather than let it be possessed by a less experienced Officer. I do not mean by this to Arrogate anything to myself, but you know Our Army, though they have the Stamina of good Soldiers, are thin in Veterans. If the Congress think me deserving of the Honour you Mention, I shall Gratefully accept so distinguish'd a Mark of Their Favour, and I think, nay I am Satisfied from the Character you give him, and from my Own Inquirys Major Wrixons is the properest Man in America to be Adjutant General of The Army. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

I suppose there were some dispatches went off yesterday to your body respecting the late News of more Troops expected.

I did not think they would have been Able to have procured so many Troops. By some London papers which Cap. Lee1 saw on board the Vessell bound to N.F.Land, not a Transport but a Vessell that came Out with them, itt seems the Ministry have Agreed to pay the K. of Prussia his demand and the parlament have Voted to take those German Troops in pay. As to Our Cituation in this Province and 166round Boston—On the Sea Coast particuarally are in a worse Condition much than they were before the battle of Lexington. Iff they ever come Again they never will come Boston way, but would devide, part Hingham Brantry &c. and the Other this way and I know of nothing to hinder their succeeding and am told all Our field Pieces are gone.

Itts a great pitty all the provisions said to be 15,000 Bls. should have been all carried into Boston, As they might as well laid where they were and carried by Water every day in the Week. Itt cant be judged prudent such a quantity should be there.

I'l give you a quotation of a letter I have from Lisbon of March the 12th. The present Unhappy disputes with G. Britain has deprived me, of the pleasure of Writing you as heretofore. Would to Heaven for all Our sakes they were terminated by an equitable, lasting peace—but I am greatly Affraid this desireable Object is not as near att hand as many are Willing to flatter themselves. (What force, the Armaments that are to center with you from England may give to the proposals which itts said will be Offer'd to the Colonies I cannot pretend to say, but I am Apprehensive in the frame of mind you are for the most part in, you will exact greater Consessions than will be judged Equitable.

Yesterday between MHead Marblehead and the light house was taken by Tucker in One of the Continental Vessells a brig from the 167Western Islands with Wine. The other a brig which carried about 500 bls. beef and pork butter bacon &c. 40 days from Ireland.3 The Master says there were about 100 sail loaded with provisions, 9 Transports att present cant any way particular. He spoke with the ship Fame belonging to bound to Europe—dismasted.