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Concerning the posting watch of four men per night for enemy vessels. If an enemy is discovered before nightfall the guard should be doubled. Warns of punishment if men do not follow orders.

Informing residents that his regiment will march to Coos "for the Protection of this frontier Country," and due to a large amount of baggage he asks that they prepared the road and bridges.

Provisions difficult to procure. Laments previous expectations of a plentiful harvest. The rye and early wheat has been destroyed. Low money makes it difficult to obtain supplies. Families won't be able to support their families until crops in the ground provide relief.

Discusses Joseph Henderson's staffing needs to guard prisoners aboard a guardship, warning it is "insufficient to receive the prisoners now in Boston." Assigns men from Dorchester Heights for guardship duty, absolving the town from further draft responsibilties. Empowers the Council "to make Such further Provision as they shall think necessary for the reception of the prisoners that now are or may be sent in to Boston."

Fills his brother in on what has taken place in his life since he last wrote, including serving in the army, being a prisoner, returning home, and falling sick. He is about to sail to Philadelphia to see him but says that if he is captured he might write from St. Augustine, Savannah, or New York.

Suggested measures for deployment of troops in view of enemy strength in New York, including the sending of three brigades to New Jersey. Reference to the security of the coasts of Connecticut and New Jersey.

Letter describing Benjamin's attempt to get home and the problems his ship has encountered. Includes thoughts on death, fears that he will never return home, and refers to North Carolina as the best place for a lawyer on the continent.

"A List of Tories found in the Indian Country in the Year 1779." Lists 135 men, the captain of their company, and an accounting of their rations. Captains include: Capt. Butlar, Capt. Tinbrook, Capt. Coldwell, Capt. McDonel, and Capt. Hare. Note: May be in reference to Butler's Rangers, led by John Butler (1728-1796), and captains may include Walter Butler (1752-1781), Peter Ten Broeck, William Caldwell (1750-1822), John McDonell, and Peter Hare.

In regards to a letter recently sent to Dr. Buell, "Recommending to the Inhabitants to refund 400 pounds to Mr Isaacs for Dry Goods taken by the Rebels upon their way from Newyork to this place." Defends the inhabitants as unaware of Isaacs' travelling to New York and stating that they acted on their own behalf. Recommends giving a permit to Isaacs so that "as a Merchant might be Permited to Bring out a few Articles supposing the Inhabitant would be willing to Purchase Them of him as a Merchant." Includes a list of foodstuffs, including hogs and bushels of wheat, corn, and flaxseed.

Mentions Gerard visiting camp. Notes men gathering on the Jersey shore. Will send Congressional journals as they are published and will copy extracts of other journals. Mentions Lee heading to South Carolina and his secretary's pay. No further news of "the Enemies movements worth notice since their Evacuation of R[hode] Island." General [John] Sullivan returned, having "accomplished the designs of his Mission." Not surprised by news "of a Certain Genl. being under arrest." Notes developments concerning "Counterfeit Continental money" and the trial and impending execution of men. "...as to our finances, no material alteration in Congress-- but out of Doors the Devil himself Reigns Triumphant." Notes New York delegates [Philip] Schuyler, [James] Duane, General [John Morin] Scot[t], [William?] Floyd, and [Ezra] L[']Hommedieu. References struggles between New York and New Hampshire delegates over grants and a manifesto published in "Dunlaps Paper." On the verso, a crossed out note offers Peabody's compliments to Mr. Laurens. Donated by Peggy Harrington, from the collection of Kevin Harrington, 2014.