Camp at West Point Nov. 7th 1778.
Dr. Sir:
I am happy in this favourable opportunity of Paying my respects to you, and sincerely wish these few lines may find you in perfect health, which Satisfaction you had been long since deprived of when we parted last. I met with some Disappointment when I arrived at North River, for when I had reached Tarry Town within 6 miles of our own Brigade at Head Quarters, I was to my Mortification ordered to march the Regiment to this place upon a working party, where we are disagreeably situated, being hemmed in by the River on one side, and a chain of broken rocky mountains on the other, and to increase the uneasiness, we cannot purchase such necessaries, as would be agreeable in Camp, but upon extravagant Terms, and very scarce. We have no news here, but
what you have no doubt seen in the papers, as nothing has trauspired lately, but as the Disposition of our Army seems a little curious, I will acquaint you with it,.as near as I can, and leave you to form Ideas of the meaning and design of their position at your leisure. General Gates commands a part at Boston, the Marquis de la Fayette and Sullivan at Rhode Island, Putnum at Hartford, McDougal at Farmington, Decalb at Fishkills. Mulenburg's brigade opposite to this place, who sends over a working party to assist us in building the forts here; Clinton's brigade is at Pecks kill, Scott with the light Infantry is near the White Plains, Lord Stirling with his Division is in the Jerseys near Elizabeth Town, and Arnold is at Philadelphia. The rest of the Carolina Brigade and one from Pennsylvania is at Fredricksburg where Head Quarters is at this time. This Arrangement of the Army seems a little mysterious, and may afford you some Study at a leisure hour. It is reported and I have great reason to believe that some of the Enemy's troops are embarked at New York, but their destination unknown. They have done little this fall, only Butchered a few light horse, and burned some houses in a little Town called Redford, and destroyed some stores in the neighborhood. I dnow of nothing more worth transmitting, so shall conclude with my Compliments to Mrs. Sumner. Sr.