'T is very cold for the season. We had snow yesterday and ice in the streets this morning. When shall I see my friend? 'T is more than nine long months since we parted. Shall I send[182] in the beginning of December? Heaven grant us a joyful meeting.
Ever yours.
FOOTNOTES:
[182] Horses. There seems to have been no other mode of transport at this time.
219. John Adams.
Yorktown, 24 October, 1777.
It is with shame that I recollect that I have not written you more than two or three letters these five weeks, and those very short. News I am afraid to write, because I never know, until it is too late, what is true. From last Sunday to this moment, Friday afternoon, four o'clock, we have been in a state of tormenting uncertainty concerning our affairs at the northward. On Sunday we had news from the committee of Albany, through Governor Clinton and General Washington, of a capitulation of Burgoyne and his whole army. To this moment we have no express from Gates nor any authentic confirmation.
Howe has drawn his army into the city, and Washington is at Germantown. Supplies will be cut off from the British army in a great measure.
I am, etc., yours forever.