“As I am waiting for Mr. De Lamater to come up, I will endeavor to give you an account of our journey.  The evening we left Boston Dr. Warren rode with us as far as Jamaica Plains; after he left us we proceeded to Dedham, where we arrived about dark, and were exceedingly well entertained:  we had a brace of partridges for supper.  Colonel Trumbull spent the evening with us.  The next morning we proceeded nine miles to Heading’s to breakfast, and from thence seven miles to Mann’s, where we fed our horses, and dined at Daggett’s, nine miles further; that afternoon we arrived at Providence, and put up at our old friend Olney’s.  The next day we dined with Adams and Townshend at their quarters; the General honored us with his company; the same evening supped with the General.  Sunday, dined with the General, in company with some of the principal ladies of the place; here I also saw your old acquaintance, General Stark; he drank tea at my quarters one afternoon, and inquired after you.  Having finished my business much to my mind, I continued my journey on Monday morning; the General, Colonel Armstrong, and Dr. Brown were so polite as to ride out four miles with us.  After they left us, we proceeded to Angell’s, twelve miles from Providence, where we dined,—­not on the fat of the land.  After dinner we rode to Dorrence’s, an Irishman, but beyond all comparison the best house on the road; here we were exceedingly well entertained, and, as it looked like a storm, intended staying there, but, it growing lighter towards noon, we set out, but had not rode far before the rain came on; however, as we had begun, we determined to go through with it, and rode a very uncomfortable ten miles to Canterbury, where we dined, poorly enough, at one Backus’s.  Not liking our quarters, we proceeded, notwithstanding the rain, to Windham, eight miles further, where we were well entertained at one Cary’s.  As the storm looked likely to continue, and I was so near Windsor, I was determined, if I must lie by for it, to lie by in a place where I could do some business.  I accordingly proceeded fifteen miles in the forenoon to Andover, where I dined at one White’s, and fifteen miles in the afternoon to Bissell’s at East Windsor, where I lodged.  I was thoroughly soaked, but do not find that I have got any cold.  Indeed, I find my health considerably better than when I left Boston.  This morning it has cleared off very pleasant, and I crossed from East Windsor to this place.  I have just returned from visiting Mr. Hooker’s and Dr. Johonnot’s stores.  I find everything in such excellent order as to do credit to the department.  Mr. De Lamater is not yet come up; as soon as he arrives we shall visit Springfield.  I shall not close this letter until I meet the post; if anything worth notice occurs, I shall mention it.  Adieu, my love.

“October 8.—­Mr. De Lamater arrived last night.  Altho’ it is very raw and uncomfortable, I shall proceed immediately after dinner to Springfield.  We have certain advice that the Count D’Estaing has been at Georgia, and taken all the British ships there; it is reported, and believed by many, that he is arrived off Long Island.  You see, my dear Polly, I have set you the example of a very long letter.  I hope, as you have leisure enough, you will follow it, as nothing can give me greater pleasure.”