t a fall ...

Yr &c
GILBERT SALTONSTALL.

Novr. 27th 1775

A letter already referred to as showing Hale's interest in New London
and its people, also his feeling as to camp life, is here given.
"Betsey" was one of his pupils in his early-morning classes. We note the
little touch of good-natured fun in the last paragraph.

CAMP WINTER HILL, Octr 19th 1775

DEAR BETSEY

I hope you will excuse my freedom in writing to you, as I cannot
have the pleasure of seeing and conversing with you. What is now a
letter would be a visit were I in New London but this being out of
my power, suffer me to make up the defect in the best manner I can.
I write not to give you any news or any pleasure in reading (though
I would heartily do it if in my power) but from the desire I have
of conversing with you in some form or other.

I once wanted to come here to see something extraordinary--my
curiosity is satisfied. I have now no more desire for seeing things
here, than for seeing what is in New London, no, nor half so much
neither. Not that I am discontented--so far from it, that in the
present situation of things I would not except a furlough were it
offered me. I would only observe that we often flatter ourselves
with great happiness could we see such and such things; but when we
actually come to the sight of them our solid satisfaction is really
no more than when we only had them in expectation.

All the news I had I wrote to John Hallam--if it be worth your
hearing he will be able to tell you when he delivers this. It will
therefore not (be) worth while for me to repeat.

I am a little at a loss how you carry at New London--Jared Starr I
hear is gone--The number of Gentlemen is now so few that I fear how
you will go through the winter but I hope for the best.

I remain with esteem
Yr Sincere Friend
& Hble Svt.
N. HALE

TO BETSEY CHRISTOPHERS
At New London

The next letter refers to the time when, on account of their personal
privations, the Connecticut troops were thinking seriously of
withdrawing from the struggle, and returning to their homes:

DEAR SIR NEW LONDON Decr-4th 1775

The behaviour of our Connecticut Troops makes me Heart-sick--that
they who have stood foremost in the praises and good Wishes of
their Countrymen, as having di