I received your favour and one from Mr. Morris last night from by Express.—1 The Stroke at Ticonderoga is heavy, unexpected and unaccountable— If the place was untenable why not discovered ^to be so^ before the Cantonment had been put to such an amazing expence in furnishing it with the means of defence?— If it was tenable, what, in the name of God common sense could have induced the evacuation?— I would wish to suspend my judgement on the matter; but certainly present appearances speak either the most abandoned cowardice, or treachery.2 What can be become of Sinclair and the army? Did they venture to retreat without knowing where the enemy were, or what rout to take?— Or did they wilfully run into their enemy’s mouths? All is mystery and dark beyond conjecture.— But we must not be discouraged at a misfortune:—we must rather exert ourselves the more vigourously to remedy the ill consequences of it— If the army gets off safe, we shall soon be able to recover the face of affairs— I am in hope that Burgoignes success will precipitate him into measures that will prove his ruin. The enterprizing spirit he has credit for, I suspect, may easily be fanned by his vanity into rashness.

The day before yesterday, Our whole army marched to this place computed to be about eighteen miles from Morris Town; as soon as the weather will permit we shall continue our march to Peeks-Kill. Howe’s army we are told are all embarked.— We suppose they will shortly pay make an excursion up the North River— If we can get there before them all will be well—

The most we have to fear is that a panic will seize the people, and disqualify them for giving their aid.— It behoves their leaders to put on a chearful countenance, and combat their fears by a spirited and manly example. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servant