I imagine before this reaches you some very important event must take
place between the two armies. Affairs on all sides seem to be worked up
to a crisis. Howe is putting his whole force in action, and seems
determined to drive or be driven.
I feel in a most painful situation between hope and fear. There must be
fighting, and very bloody battles too, I apprehend. How my heart recoils
at the idea. Why is man called _humane_, when he delights so much in
blood, slaughter, and devastation? Even those who are styled civilized
nations think this little spot worth contending for even to blood.