No news at all. Our mountebank story of captivating Howe and his army is
come to nothing. The southern troops must have some assistance from the
northern before anything very brilliant will take place. Providence
overrules things for the best, and will work out our salvation for us in
the wisest and best manner, provided we perform our duty.
Now, my dear friend, shall I ask you when you will return, a question I
have not asked for these ten months? Knowing your determination when you
left me, I have summoned patience and endeavored to submit to my
destiny. By the time this reaches you eleven months will be elapsed, and
you, I hope, preparing for your journey. It will be a tedious one, I
fear, in the depth of winter, but let the thought of the cordial
reception you will be assured of meeting warm the cold wintry blasts and
make your return joyful. Adieu.
Yours.