Philadelphia, 13 July, 1777.
My dearest Friend,--We have a confused account from the northward of
something unlucky at Ticonderoga, but cannot certainly tell what it is.
I am much afraid we shall lose that post, as we did Forts Washington and
Lee; and indeed, I believe we shall if the enemy surround it. But it
will prove no benefit to him. I begin to wish there was not a fort upon
the continent. Discipline and disposition are our resources. It is our
policy to draw the enemy into the country, where we can avail ourselves
of hills, woods, rivers, defiles, etc., until our soldiers are more
inured to war. Howe and Burgoyne will not be able to meet this year, and
if they were met, it would only be better for us, for we should draw all
our forces to a point too. If they were met, they could not cut off the
communication between the northern and southern States. But if the
communication was cut off for a time, it would be no misfortune, for New
England would defend itself, and the southern States would defend
themselves.
Colonel Miles is come out of New York on his parole. His account is, as
I am informed, that Mr. Howe's projects are all deranged. His army has
gone round the circle, and is now encamped in the very spot where he was
a year ago. The spirits of the Tories are sunk to a great degree, and
those of the army too. The Tories have been elated with prospects of
coming to this city and triumphing, but are miserably disappointed. The
Hessians are disgusted, and their General De Heister gone home in a
miff.