Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
Mr. Byers is at Hackinsack in the Jersey. I have written for him to come to me & when he does I will write you fully where the Copper is and what quantity. Had it not been for our bashfulness we might have been possess’d of every atom of Copper in N. York which in sound policy we ought to be. I am much oblig’d to you for your kind sentiments respecting my being a prisoner. The want of officiers has been and if some method be not fallen upon to draw young Gentlemen of merit in the army will be our destruction. In all our retreats and routs we have lost 5—6 lbrs. 13 lber. and two Howitzers brass. As to the Iron Cannon not having my papers with me I cannot tell the particular number but the number is not great nor the quality good. before the—from N. York we had carried the best of our Cannon and almost all our Stores. We are still powerful that way and I hope the good sense of the Continent will see the proper methods to make us a great people. I am Dear Sir Yours Affectionately,