Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
Removed thus far more distant from you than the Head Quarters of our Army you cannot expect so early Intelligence of military Movements from me as from Persons near the General. Indeed I can acquaint you with nothing at this Time only that Congress is thrown within the Department of the Commissary of the Army for Support of itself its Officers in various Boards its Servants & Horses. Mr. Howe will want Burgoine’s Assistance this Winter as a Writer of Comedies in Philadelphia, for, in Philadelphia I fear he will remain from the best Judgement I could form of Things as I passed into the Neighbourhood of our Army in my Rout from Philadelphia hither. If you have more pleasing Expectations excited by Letters from Head Quarters I wish not to deprive you of the Satisfaction of them by my Forebodings.
I hope yr. Privateers will pick up some Transport with Shoes & other Necessaries for the Army which by the late Marches & Countermarches thro Brook Creeks Rivers Bushes Swamps and the whole Variety of rocky Ground is much tattered I assure you. I think more so than they would have been in 3 or 4 pitched Battles. Our main Hope is the northern Army. By their Valour New England may enjoy a comfortable Winter. I wish it most sincerely, and am Dear Sir Yr. Friend & humb Servt.,