Extract of a Letter to a Gentleman in London, dated New-York

v3:1028

General Howe is returned hither from the Army, and General Clinton is sailed from hence with six thousand men, some say to Rhode-Island. Our successes lately are very great. It is not alone what we have obtained, but the great good it will do the King' s service, by heartening up those who were rather lukewarm in his interest. We have had such numbers flock in here, that but for the great precaution of our General we might have had a famine; but, considering every thing, provisions are very reasonable.

I should not wonder if the King' s troops were put in possession of Philadelphia without striking a blow. A number of people are there of great worth, who, though they might contribute towards the continuation of the war at a distance, will, I believe, be the first to give up that city should an enemy appear before it; and this opinion is generally believed by the most intelligent here.