creased to eighty and there is a sergeant
recruiting who, I hope, has got the other ten which completes the
company. We are hardly able to judge as to the numbers the British
army for the Summer is to consist of--undoubtedly sufficient to
cause us too much bloodshed.

I had written you a complete letter in answer to your last, but
missed the opportunity of sending it.

This will find you in Coventry--if so remember me to all my
friends--particularly belonging to the Family. Forget not
frequently to visit and strongly to represent my duty to our good
Grandmother Strong. Has she not repeatedly favored us with her
tender, most important advice? The natural Tie is sufficient, but
increased by so much goodness, our gratitude cannot be too
sensible.

I always with respect remember Mr. Huntington and shall write to
him if time admits. Pay Mr. Wright a visit for me. Tell him Asher
is well--he has for some time lived with me as a waiter.... Asher
this moment told me that our brother Joseph Adams was here
yesterday to see me, when I happened to be out of the way. He is in
Col. Parson's Regt. I intend to see him to-day and if possible by
exchanging get him into my company.

Yours affectionately.
N. HALE.

P. S. Sister Rose talked of making me some Linen cloth similar to
Brown Holland for Summer wear. If she has made it, desire her to
keep it for me. My love to her, the Doctor, and little Joseph.

As Washington had supposed probable, the English decided upon the
occupation of New York. In July and August the largest army ever
collected in one body upon the American continent prior to 1861, an
English army numbering nearly thirty-two thousand men, with a formidable
fleet and large munitions of war, gathered at Staten Island. Washington,
in the meantime, was occupying a portion of Brooklyn and a portion of
the city of New York, fortifying each place and preparing to defend it
to the extent of his ability with his small army, never so well fed nor
so thoroughly disciplined as that of the British.

Human wisdom would have assumed that the British army would soon succeed
in restoring English control; but the best-laid plans miscarry, and a
power interposes that helps the weaker and hinders the stronger army.

The English did their best to be ready for the coming conflict, and we
know that Washington spar