Mr. Bromfield was so obliging as to write me word that he designed a
journey to the Southern States and would take particular care of a
letter to you. I rejoice in so good an opportunity of letting you know
that I am well as usual, but that I have not yet got reconciled to the
great distance between us. I have many melancholy hours, when the best
company is tiresome to me and solitude the greatest happiness I can
enjoy.
I wait most earnestly for a letter to bring me the welcome tidings of
your safe arrival. I hope you will be very particular and let me know
how you are, after your fatiguing journey; how you are accommodated; how
you like Maryland; what state of mind you find the Congress in. You know
how little intelligence we received during your stay here with regard to
what was passing there or in the army. We know no better now. All
communication seems to be embarrassed. I got more knowledge from a
letter written to you from your namesake, which I received since you
left me, than I had before obtained since you left Philadelphia. I find
by that letter that six Hessian officers, together with Colonel
Campbell, had been offered in exchange for General Lee. I fear he
receives very ill treatment. The terms were not complied with, as poor
Campbell finds. He was much surprised when the officers went to take him
and begged to know what he had been guilty of. They told him it was no
crime of his own, but they were obliged, though reluctantly, to commit
him to Concord Jail, in consequence of the ill treatment of General Lee.
He then begged to know how long his confinement was to last. They told
him that was impossible for them to say, since it laid wholly in the
power of General Howe to determine it.
By a vessel from Bilbao, we have accounts of the safe arrival of Dr.
Franklin in France, ten days before she sailed. A French gentleman who
came passenger says we may rely upon it that two hundred thousand
Russians will be here in the spring.
A lethargy seems to have seized our countrymen. I hear no more of
molesting Great Britain. We just begin to talk of raising men for the
standing army. I wish to know whether the reports may be credited of the
Southern regiments being full.
You will write me by the bearer of this letter, to whose care you may
venture to commit anything you have liberty to communicate. I have wrote
to you twice before this; hope you have received them.