[draft] [partial] ... My depart[text loss] extensive and various, to an entire application to [the] Business of which & the fatigues consequent thereof I attribute my slight illness- the weather has been burning hot- The enemy's whole reinforcements are now arriv'd and they are about making their appeal to the great disposer of Empires whether Justice or Injustice are to be Victors-we are pretty well prepar'd for them and willing to stand the whole shock of their collection vengeance-They have [illegible] the greater part of their troops and have three days provisions ready cook'd- and [so have we]-The co[text loss] him various reasons must be lengthy and bl[text loss] God Grant us victory- [2] There is apiece of news in Town contain'g the depositions of two people before General Gates at Ticonderoga-who that Carelton, Burgoyne with their whole force (excepting Thousands who were left fortifying at St Johns) [text loss] retreated with great precipitation to Quebec On [text loss] that a fleet of french ships were in the River [text loss] [It] is certain the depositions are come and if it be certain a french fleet be in the St. Lawrence it w[text loss] be a very fortunate circumstance for America-[text loss]il soon discover this-we [dont] pay much attention to it-