In the beginning of August last, I took the liberty of troubling you with a few Lines by my Nephew, Joseph Palmer, Passenger on board the Mercury Packett;3 Since which I have heard nothing from him, or the Vessell.— I then mentioned the flattering hopes we had of Success at Penobscutt, but were sadly disappointed. My Friend Mr Adams will be able to give more particulars of that unhappy Expedition, & of Genl Sullivan’s success against the Indians, than is in my Power.

The Enemy evacuated Rd Island this day fortnight;4 & that Post is now occupied by the Militia, our regulars having marched from thence towards N York. The enemy left the Island in a much better condition than we expected: They burnt the Light-House, & blew up some of their Works; but left the Town of Newport in a tolerable good condition; some Houses were destroyed, contrary to their Orders, as ’tis said; & three days before they embarked, they Sent the Refugees on board, in order, as the Officers said, to prevent their burning the Town: They also left near two Thousand Cords of Wood, and about 14 or 1500 Tons of Hay with many large &c’s. They went to N York, & ’tis said, are still on board, & that the other Troops there, are preparing to Embark.

Mr Adams goes on board tomorrow morning, so that I have not time to be particular about our Success at South Carolina &c, but inclose Yesterday’s Paper.

I beg the favor of a Line, informing me whether my Nephew arrived Safe, &c.

I have the honor to be, with Sincere esteem Dear Sr. Your Friend & mo humbl Servt