In this state of things, it became necessary to retire from before the
enemy to a place of safety, in order to clean the arms, replace the
cartridges, and refresh the men. The enemy were also without tents;
but they have good blankets, are better clothed, and have tin
receptacles for keeping dry their cartridges. General Howe, judging of
our situation, put his army in motion, and endeavored to harrass and
distress us, by marches, countermarches, and frequent shows of
designing to give battle. After a variety of manoeuvres, the enemy
crossed the Schuylkill below our army, and marching to Philadelphia,
have possessed themselves of that city. General Washington, having
refreshed his men, and being reinforced, is moving now towards the
enemy. This unfortunate rain has injured our affairs considerably, by
having thrown a number of our men into hospitals, and by the distress
and harrassment of the army, consequent thereupon. However, they are
recovering again, and we hope before long will give General Howe
reason to repent his possession of Philadelphia. The real injury to
America, from the enemy's possession of that city, is not so great as
some are apt at first view to imagine, unless the report and
misconceptions of this matter in Europe, should too much dispirit our
friends and inspirit our enemies. But we rely on your careful and just
representation of this matter, to prevent the ill impressions which it
may otherwise make. When this contest first began, we foresaw the
probability of losing our great towns on the water, and so expressly
told our enemies, in the address of the first Congress; but we are
blessed with an extensive sea coast, by which we can convey and
receive benefits independent of any particular spot. But it is very
far from being a clear point to us, that the enemy will be able to
hold Philadelphia, as we are yet masters of the Delaware below, and
have hopes of keeping it, so as to prevent the British fleet from
getting up to the city. Should this be the case, General Howe's visit
cannot be of long duration.

You say that the vessels of the United States will be received at the
Havanna, as those of France, the most favored nation. We wish to be
exactly informed whether North American products may be carried
thither, or prizes be taken to, and disposed of, in that port, or any
other ports of his Catholic Majesty in America. You likewise mention a
late draught of the Mississippi, taken for the government