[MS., Adams Papers, Quincy; a text is in W. V. Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. ii., p. 441.] PRINCETOWN Augt 13 1776 DEAR SIR Before this reaches you,1 you will have heard of the Arrival of near an hundred more of the Enemies ships. There are too many Soldiers now in Philada waiting for Arms. Is it not of the utmost Importance that they should march even without Arms, especially as they may be furnishd with the Arms of those who are sick at N York. Would it not be doing great Service to the Cause at this time if you wd speak to some of the Come of Safety of Pennsylvania relative to this matter. I write in haste. The Bearer will inform you of the State of things. Your Friend, ________________________________________________________________ 1Addressed to John Adams at Philadelphia. TO JOHN ADAMS. [MS., Adams Papers, Quincy; a portion of the text is in W. V. Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. ii., p. 442.] N YORK Augt 16 1776 MY DEAR SIR I sit down to write in great Haste as the post is just going. I reachd P. Ferry on Tuesday Six Clock P M & passd over the next morning--found the Genl & his family in Health & spirits. Indeed every Officer & Soldier appears to be determind. I have not had Oppty to view the Works here, but I am told they are strong & will be well defended whenever an Attack is made which is expected daily. I see now more than I ever did the Importance of Congress attending immediately to Inlistments for the next Campaign. It would be a pity to lose your old Soldiers. I am of Opinion that a more generous Bounty shd be given, 20 Dollars & 100 Acres of Land for three years at least--but enough of this-- The State of our Northern Army mends apace. The Number of invalids decreases. Harmony prevails. They carry on all kinds of Business within themselves. Smiths Armourers Carpenters Turners Carriage Makers Rope Makers &c &c they are well provided with. There were at Tyconderoga Augt 12 2,668 Rank & file fit for Duty at Crown Point & Skeensborough 750, in Hospital 1,110-Lt Whittemore returnd from his Discoveries--he left St Johns July 30 saw 2000 or 2500 at that place & Chamblee. Stores coming on from Montreal--counted 30 Batteaus. No Vessell built or building. This Accot may I think be depended upon. In my opinion we are happy to have G Gates there. The Man who has the Superintendency of Indian Affairs--the nominal Command of the Army--is the REAL Contractor & Quarter Master Genl &c &c has too many Employmtts to attend to the reform of such an Army--besides the Army can confide in the VALOR & MILITARY Skill & Accomplishments of GATES--SAT VERBUM SAPIENTI; pray write me & let me know the Confed. &c goes on. Major Meigs a brave officer & a Prisoner taken at Quebeck is at this time, as I suppose, at Philadelphia--he wishes to be exchanged--such an Officer would be very usefull here. I wish you wd give him your Assistance. I propose to sett off tomorrow for the Eastward. Adieu,