Hartford, 14 January, 1777.
It is now generally believed that General Washington has killed and
taken at least two thousand of Mr. Howe's army since Christmas. Indeed,
the evidence of it is from the General's own letters. You know I ever
thought Mr. Howe's march through the Jerseys a rash step. It has proved
so. But how much more so would it have been thought if the Americans
could all have viewed it in that light and exerted themselves as they
might and ought! The whole flock would infallibly have been taken in the
net.
The little nest of hornets in Rhode Island! Is it to remain unmolested
this winter? The honor of New England is concerned. If they are not
ousted, I will never again glory in being a New England man. There are
now New England Generals, officers, and soldiers, and if something is
not done, any man may, after that, call New England men poltroons, with
all my heart.