Upon the whole, the ministry, if every thing favors them, may have about thirty thousand men in America by the latter end of June. They will have no horse but two regiments of light dragoons, that are now there, and Burgoyne’s, which is to go. If the Americans have horse well trained to the woods, it will harrass such an army infinitely; and if they act upon the defensive, entrench well, harrass them continually, cut off their convoys, and if ever they hazard an engagement, make their push upon one wing; it is imagined here, that no General on earth can make the campaign decisive, and it is hardly possible this country can stand another. They have found it impossible to recruit in England, Ireland, or Scotland, though the leading people of the last are to a man violently against America. They have therefore been obliged to draft from the other regiments to complete those which are going, so that when the whole are embarked, there will be scarce 2000 men remaining in Ireland, and as many in England, besides the foot guards and cavalry. I am well assured, that the French Government will wink at the exportation of arms and ammunition. A General of the first abilities and experience would go over, if he could have any assurance from the Congress of keeping his rank; but that being very high, he would not submit to have any one but an American his superior, and that only in consideration of the confidence due to an American in a question so peculiarly American. Let me have your opinion of all these things. The opposition gains ground, and the nation begins to feel; but America must trust to her own arm and Heaven for protection. The resolutions of January the 2d[3] do you infinite honor, and will undoubtedly serve the cause. Your conduct, I trust, will be noble, as that is great and good. I know your attachment to the country you have adopted. Prince Ferdinand’s recommendation of the General mentioned above is in these words. “As to experience, intelligence and valor, I do not know whether another can be found to equal him.” Your letter of the 30th of November, 1775, cost 19_s._ 6_d._ postage, there was so much superfluous paper; would not a packet sent to some of the Canary Islands, and committed to proper care, reach us safest and soonest? If there is any friend there to be trusted, the opportunities from thence hither are frequent. Cover mine and address it to John Horsfall, Treasurer, Middle Temple. [2] The name of Lieutenant Governor Colden of New York, to whom this and two other letters are directed, was doubtless assumed by Mr Lee for the purpose of disguise, in case the letters should fall into the enemy’s hands. Colden was a royalist. [3] See the Journal of Congress for January 2d, 1776. TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR COLDEN. London, February 14th, 1776. Dear Sir,