[draft] Camp at Metuchin 20 miles from Philadelphia Octo 3 1777 My dear Harry Altho my [illegible] is great and the conveniencies of writing here very few, yet I could not refuse my inclinations in writing you a line or two - I wrote you [strikeout] on the 23d giving you an account of our proceedings from the 11th to that time, I hope you have received it because it mig [might] be a Clue to future matters - since that time nothing material has happen'd the Enemy having taken possession of Philadelphia [struck: before] that day or the day following - and we now encamp'd at Philadelphia and its environs - for about 5 or 6 miles - the Delaware frigate was given up to them in a manner scandalous to relate - the crew its said after they had fir'd one broadside at Battery which was erected near the city - ran her ashore and gave up to the Britons - the crew were principally [struck: foreingers] foreigners - - Our Army has had severall inforcements of Militia &c since the late action [here] [2] for better success in the next action [illegible] action we shall most assuredly have before they or we go into Winter quarters - The safely of the post is rather precarious so that I [illegible] you nothing of the secret nature - such as numbers &c - [strikeout] We have heard news from the Northwest as late as the 22d. if this news should be followed by the probable consequences we may yet conclude the Campaign if not the War most happily - The Randolph frigate has taken 5 vessells and carried them into Charlestown South Carolina all exceedingly [rich], one mounting 20 six pounders & [illegible] men. and then 8 six pounders and [40] men the rest unarmd bound from the West Indies to London - I am Dear Harry Your most Affectionate friend HKnox [address] Head Qr Colonel Harry Jackson Boston.