[dateline] Philadelphia July 15. 1776
My very deserving Friend, Mr. Gerry, setts off, tomorrow, for Boston, worn out of
Health, by the Fatigues of this station. He is an excellent Man, and an active able
statesman. I hope he will soon return hither. I am sure I should be glad to go with
him, but I cannot. I must write to have the Guard relieved.
There is a most amiable, lawdable, and gallant Spirit prevailing, in these middle
Colonies. The Militia turn out in great Numbers and in high Spirits, in New Jersey,
Pensilvania, Maryland, and Delaware, so that We hope to resist Howe and his Mirimidons.
Independence is at last unanimously agreed to in the New York Convention. You will
see by the Newspapers inclosed what is going forward in Virginia, and Maryland and
New Jersey. Farewell! farewell, infatuated, besotted Stepdame. I have not Time to
add, more
{ 50 } than that I receive Letters from you but seldom of late. Tomorrows Post I hope will
bring me some. So I hoped of last Saturdays and last Tuesdays.