Piladelphia 11th August 1777
Dear Sir,
Your favour of the 16th July only came to hand a few days, I am exceedingly anxious to hear from Cape Fear– & am obliged to you for the information in regard to my family, I sincerely regret the death of our worthy friend Foster—he has a brother living in one of the Counties in the Deleware State, pray inform me whether he made a Will & how he has left his affairs.
The Northern partment have been much alarmed by the loss of Ticonderroga. Genl. Gates is appointed by Congress to command the Army in that Quarter & the General Officers who commanded there before, are ordered to repair to head Quarters to have their Conduct inquired into– We have had no certain account of the
Destination of the fleet which sailed from Sandy Hook upwards of three weeks ago with Genl. Howe's Army on board, which has kept Genl. Washington in great suspense as you will see by the News Papers Inclosed– Mr. Mallett who arrived here a few days ago informs me there has been a Terrible Mortality among the Slaves at Cape Fear, I am sorry to hear it. I beg you will inclose me the So. & No. Carolina papers by every post or other opportunity, you know there is no danger of paying Postage– At foot I sent you Prices Current of sundry Articles here and should you have Occasion for any of them at those prices I desire you will send the money, as I have spent all I brought with me & my 1800 per an. will not maintain me– Present my Compliments to Mr. Brice & desire him to send me the accts Sales of all the Prizes sent in by the Continental ships of war as I am obliged to settle with the Bord of Treasurers. I write Mr. Hooper &c by this Opportunity but I desire you will tell them I expect Letters from them in return or I shall stop my hand—remember me kindly to all my friends & be assured that I am, Dear Sir,