We hoped to have the pleasure of seeing you again in Camp before you set out for Philadelphia, but as you don't like a “sleepy Camp” I can easily account for your preferring the Senate. The time perhaps is not far distant when the Camp will be wakeful and active—and to leave us without excuse, I wish we may have a sufficient quantity of the Needful. The Regiments of Militia which were ordered are coming into Camp fast and in a few days will I suppose all be in; we shall then have a powerful Army, but what shall we do for —— ?1 Unless we soon have a larger supply, I can think of but one way to conquer that nest of Tories Pirates Robbers and Murders, which have so long disgraced the Capital of New England, by storm. May the God of the Armies of Israel direct our Arms.

Every man of sentiment or consideration in the Army is now seriously attentive to the great object before us, and concerned how we shall accomplish that which all think must be done. It is certainly a most serious and critical day with us, as also with America in general, and we eminently need the assistance of Him “who ruleth in the Armies of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the world.” I will venture to communicate (for once) my poor but serious thoughts upon this most important affair. If a large supply of powder does not soon arrive I humbly think that the call of Providence will be clear for storming the Town, and I am for obeying this voice of Heaven and would enter the City with the whole Army. I am Sir with very great Esteem Your most Hum. Servt.,

Since my arrival in this City and not before, I received your Favour of December the sixteenth.

I am very sorry to learn that you ever was even for a Moment in a State of Scepticism concerning the Existence and Reality of sincere Friendship. Surely there is sincerity, surely there is Friendship among Men, altho it must be confessed that too Many Persons ground it on improper Principles and too easily forget its Feelings. I rejoice, however that your Faith returned so soon.

You was not forgotten, my dear sir, by any of your Friends here, but alass, it was not in their Power to do more than they did. It was the Wish of your Friends here, that you and Mr. Trott, should have all those Rewards from your Country which you can desire, and it is still their earnest Desire, that you and Mr. Revere should be provided for. But it is not in their Power to effect it, and whether it ever will be is uncertain. You know the State of Coll. Brewers Case, an experienced and a brave officer, removed from a Regiment and the General Officers thought1

Your Favour of January 22d. never reached me, untill my arrival at this City.

I am much obliged to you for the Information you have given me of the Character and services of Coll. Baldwin, and should be happy to do any Thing in my Power, to obtain Justice for so deserving an officer. Upon shewing your Letter and another from him1 to some of my Colleagues, they are of opinion that Coll. Baldwin will have a better Chance for obtaining an Adequate Establishment, by making a Representation of the Facts to his Excellency supported by a Line from you, and General Putnam who I perceive has written to my Friend Mr. Adams in his favour, and requesting General Washington 26to represent them to Congress, or to inclose your Representation, than by any Motion that we can make because a suspicion may arise that the Motion is made by us, without any Intimation from the General because of some Disgust that he may have taken at Coll. Baldwin, which though it would be a groundless would be a natural Jealousy.

I dont mean by this, to decline making such a Motion. I will readily do it, but should be glad of the Generals opinion to assist it, and also should be glad to know whether Coll. Baldwin had any Command in the Army and what it is, or has any station there besides that of overseer or Director of the Works and whether he has any Commission or Warrant and what it is—because he informed me, he cannot now receive more than Captains Pay. I should be glad to know what Title he had to that.

I should also wish to know your opinion of his Qualifications to serve as an Engineer, in Canada or any other Department, and indeed what other Engineers there are in your Army. Engineers are very scarce, rare and dear. We want many, and seem to have none. I think it high Time We should have an Academy for their Education. Our Country abounds with young Gentlemen of Genius and Learning. It grieves me that so few of them think of turning their Talents to so honourable, so usefull, and so profitable a Branch of Science.2 I am sir with great Esteem and Respect your very humble servant,