“I expected last Monday to have been with you by this time, as I was driven from here by the enemy (tho’ very unexpected, as this place was thought to be very secure).  I removed to New Milford, from whence I intended to have set out for Boston.  On Sunday, the Doctor took his leave, and left me to take care of the wounded.  Monday morning, everything was got ready for me to set out at twelve o’clock, when I received a note from the Doctor, desiring I would tarry a little longer.  I have now returned to my old lodgings at Danbury, where the Doctor thinks of building a hospital.  He joins me in duty and love.

“Your affectionate daughter,

“MARY FOSTER.”

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Much of Dr. Foster’s time was necessarily spent in journeyings to the several divisions of the army and various military stations.  On such journeys his letters to his wife were very frequent.  We extract a part of one.

“Palmer, Thursday even’g,

“July 31, 1777_.

“DEAR POLLY,

“I arrived here, which is eighty-three miles from Boston, about sunset this evening, in good health.  The enemy’s fleet has sailed from New York, and was seen standing to eastward.  Some suppose them bound for Boston; but I cannot think so, as General Washington, who, I presume, has the best intelligence, is moving towards Philadelphia.  Before you receive this, it will be made certain with you.  Should they attack Boston, I would have you get as many of our effects as possible removed out of their way, and inform me by the post where you remove to.  Should such an event take place, it will become my duty, after visiting Danbury, to return to the scene of action.  To your own prudence and the care of Heaven I leave all, and am, with love to the children, ever yours.”

* * * * *

In the lapse of years, many letters have, without doubt, been lost.  Thus, but two remain bearing date of 1778.  Neither of these contains matter of public import.  In May, he speaks of intending a journey to Yorktown, and says, “if anything extraordinary happens between the two armies,” he shall be on the spot.  In a letter addressed to his father, dated November 27, 1778, he says,—­

* * * * *

“Public business calls me to Philadelphia; but the state of your health, and my own, which is much impaired, determine me to visit Boston first.  I expect a visit from the Marquis La Fayette next week, on his way to Boston, and shall set out with him.”

* * * * *

May 11th, 1779, he writes,—­

“To-morrow all the gentlemen of the department at this post [Danbury] dine with me, and the next morning I begin my journey to Head-Quarters.  I mean to take Newark in my way.

“General Silliman was taken prisoner last week, and carried to Long Island.”

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