“YOUR DUTIFUL SON.”

“P.S.  Our troops are in good spirits, and, relying on the justice of their cause and favor of Heaven, assured of victory.”

* * * * *

The next four months were, of course, spent amid the hardships of camps and removals.  The frequent letters sent to his father and other friends are all of interest to those who claim descent from him, but the general reader can be concerned in but a few of more public import, and, in most cases, only in extracts from these.

“Bethlehem, State of Penn.,

“Dec. 24, 1776_.

“HONORED SIR,

“I returned from General Washington’s head-quarters last evening, and had the pleasure of finding Polly well and as agreeably situated as I could expect.  Were I to attempt writing all I wish to communicate, a week’s time and a quire of paper would hardly suffice.  I fancy I shall be no gainer by lending my furniture to the General Court;—­General Washington would have paid me for the use of it before I left Cambridge, but, for the credit of Massachusetts, I declined it.”

"Fishkill, State of N. York,

“Jan_. 20, 1777.

“HONORED SIR,

“After spending the winter hitherto in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, with frequent removals, some loss, much expense and fatigue, we are once more on the east side of Hudson’s River.  We arrived at this place last Friday, in good health, after a journey of more than one hundred miles, in severe weather, through the upper part of New Jersey, a new-settled, uncultivated country.  The sight of a boarded house or glass window was a great rarity; a cordial welcome to any connected with the American army still greater.  Although they are fully sensible of the value of money, and we offered cash for all we wanted, yet I believe we were not a little obliged to their fears for what civility we met with, except only from one family.  But I must defer a particular account until I have the happiness to see you.

“I have nothing of news to write but what you must hear sooner in another way.  General Heath and the militia are besieging Fort Independence; if they can carry that, they will attempt New York.  It is not improbable I shall join him in a few days.”

* * * * *

The office of Deputy Director-General of Hospitals was established by ordinance, April 7th, 1777; and four days later, Dr. Foster was chosen by Congress to this office, having charge of the Eastern Department.  His subsequent residence was mainly at Danbury, Connecticut.

* * * * *

Of Tryon’s expedition against Danbury we have the following account, differing in some respects from the common version:—­

“Danbury, May 1, 1777.

“You have doubtless heard of the enemy’s expedition to this place, and been anxious for us.  This is the first moment of leisure I have had, and, if not interrupted, I will endeavor to give you a particular account.