Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
As one of our expresses is just going, I could not help informing you of our expectations & present state. The British Fleet of 24 Sail of the Line have arrived at the Hook, their views appear to be of very little consequence; formerly there was some prospect, that the Fleet would take under their convoy the British Garrisons from their various post in the United States, but a change of Ministers, probably, will make a change of measures, and that Peace which we had the best reason to believe, was not far of, will not be so easily obtained. Sir Guy has received the July Packet, but it contents I suppose, are of such a nature as will prevent his communicating them. Our Army are now engaged in wood cutting for the Winter Magazine. The French Army will join us next saturday, a few weeks will carry us further down towards New York; by which we shall obtain a greater quantity of forage than at present; what else I cannot say. My best Love to the Family not forgetting my Daughters.