Philadelphia, Tuesday, 26 August, 1777.
Howe's army, at least about five thousand of them, besides his light
horse, are landed upon the banks of the Elk River, and the disposition
he has made of his forces indicates a design to rest and refresh both
men and horses. General Washington was at Wilmington last night, and
his army is there to-day. The militia are turning out with great
alacrity both in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They are distressed for want
of arms. Many have none, others have only little fowling-pieces.
However, we shall rake and scrape enough to do Howe's business, by the
favor of Heaven.
Howe must have intended that Washington should have sent his army up to
fight Burgoyne. But he is disappointed. The kindness of Heaven towards
us has in nothing appeared more conspicuous than in this motion of Howe.
If the infatuation is not so universal as to seize Americans as well as
him, it will prove the certain destruction of Burgoyne's army. The New
England troops and New York troops are every man of them at Peekskill
and with Gates. The Massachusetts men are all with Gates. General
Washington has none but southern troops with him, and he has much the
largest army to encounter.
If my countrymen do not now turn out and do something, I shall be
disappointed indeed. One fifth part of Burgoyne's army has been totally
destroyed by Stark and Herkimer. The remainder must be shocked and
terrified at the stroke. Now is the time to strike. New England men,
strike home!