* * * * *

“Bristol, October 27, 1779.

“MY DEAR POLLY,

“I wrote you from Morristown, which it is probable you will receive by this post.  Lest that should miscarry, this will inform you that I am at length arrived within twenty miles of Philadelphia, where I expect to dine this day.  A few days will determine how long I am like to be detained there;—­I think it upon every account best to finish all my business.  The gentlemen have bound themselves to each other by an engagement upon honor, if nothing is done for our department by New Year’s day, all to resign, and have informed Congress of it:  I have joined in the engagement.  If I find I am like to be detained here any time, it is not improbable I may put my accounts in the hands of the Commissioners, and, if I can get fresh horses, proceed with Mr. Lee on a visit to Mrs. Washington at Mount Pleasant in Virginia.  Mr. Lee desires his compliments.  Adieu, my love.  I am, with the sincerest affection,

“Ever yours.”

* * * * *

“Danbury, December 8, 1779.

“MY DEAR POLLY,

“I am once more returned to dear Danbury, on my way to Boston.  I arrived here about an hour since, and never had a more fatiguing, disagreeable journey in my life than from Philadelphia here.  I expected to have been in Boston by this time; but two severe storms, and one day waiting for his Excellency at Morristown, have made me twelve days performing a journey which according to my usual way of travelling I should have performed in four.  I have, however, no reason to repent my undertaking this journey.

“If sickness or very bad weather does not prevent, I shall certainly be home by Christmas, and wish to have all our friends together;—­I promise myself a great deal of happiness, and hope I shall not be disappointed.  Adieu, my love.”

* * * * *

September 30th, 1780, the Hospital Department was newly organized, and the office of Deputy Director-General was abolished, and of course the incumbents of that office were no longer in the hospital service.

Dr. Foster’s health was irreparably injured by the fatigues and exposures he had undergone, and he lingered but a few months longer, dying on the 27th of February, 1781, in his forty-second year.

One sentence in his will deserves record, as in harmony with the disinterestedness of his life.  After desiring that all debts due him should be collected as soon as possible after his decease, he adds this clause:  “But I would not have any industrious and really poor persons distressed for this purpose.”