Philadelphia, Wednesday, 20 August, 1777.
This day completes three years since I stepped into the coach at Mr.
Cushing's door, in Boston, to go to Philadelphia in quest of adventures.
And adventures I have found. I feel an inclination sometimes to write
the history of the last three years, in imitation of Thucydides. There
is a striking resemblance in several particulars between the
Peloponnesian and the American war. The real motive to the former was a
jealousy of the growing power of Athens by sea and land. The genuine
motive to the latter was a similar jealousy of the growing power of
America. The true causes which incite to war are seldom professed or
acknowledged.
We are now upon a full sea; when we shall arrive at a safe harbor, no
mariner has skill and experience enough to foretell. But by the favor of
Heaven we shall make a prosperous voyage, after all the storms and
shoals are passed.