Dear Sir:

This is the fifth letter written to you since I received your favour, acquainting me that Mr. Hill and yourself were added to the Delegation from our State—I am in anxious Expectation of seeing you both here by the first of next month—as for our friend Hill, I have my fears that he will not proceed, but let me beg of you to come on & relieve me. I assure you without any Compliments Your presence in Congress is, I think, very necessary—but more of this when we meet. As for news I refer you to the inclosed Papers. We are not as yet certain, whether the Enemy intended the entire Evacuation of New York or not. Indeed I can not even venture to give my own Opinion. For God's sake come in time for me to return home—you know that I am older than you are & cannot stand Travelling after Christmas. I desire you will make it a point with Whitmel Hill to Accompany you. I shall have a pleasure in leaving him here to represent us—Spain has not yet declared war that we know of but we hourly expect the event.