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Dear Sir,
Again Gratitude and Recognition must be expreſsed for your Bleſsings in this Venture. Overtaken with Shame I might be were I any other man, in the pursuit of Personal Matters during military venture, but know as you do, due to my particular Nature, the Significance of such Personal Matters to our Cause and Country. Restored Familiarity of New York streets, as well as Observation of the works of Wash’gt’n’s newly entrenched Rebels is one Succeſs, but most especially the Recovery of the Man of these Colonies from under the noses of the Enemy bodes well of the Campaign, and it is something which I confeſs brings me much Relief and Joy
The Rowboat having landed some miles north of the City, even in unmarked garb it was no simple matter to enter. The Benefit of a Lonesome Approach was ‘self-evident’ in my taking of Paths quite unsuitable for a Man but conceivable for a Nation. Forgive the turn of phrase- as I paſsed through the City I was subjected to its Constant Appearance. News of that Continental’s Congreſs Declaration not having quite lost its Novelty and Luster to the denizens of this place, Spirits were high, although a few Sensible Men might lift their noses from the Parchment and be reminded of the Navy in the Harbor and their King in England. Overall, however, Sentiment shewed itself to be quite against His Majesty. In the night I paſsed by one Sign of these Flagrant Disregards for our King- that being the Head of a Statue of King George III mounted outside some unsuiting Building- I cannot image where the Rest of the Man to be- melted for Lead or else sinking into the Silt at the Bottom of the Hudson.
I take great Happineſs to report that Fears in Alf K’kl’nd having been taken with the Continentals, in either Capture or Loyalty are quite misconstrued- instead he shewed great Courage in the face of his Occupied City, and seemed none too eager to return to more Secure Shores. Indeed I would have a Berth arranged for Halifax if not the Certainty in his refusal. Do not be mistaken- it is no Disobedience, any more that a Horse might baulk at being set in a Barge (What a pain to get those Army Men their Steeds). Our kind merely loathe to suffer any Separation from the life giving Territory that which gives us our Names- he very well might also take Offense at being sent away to his ‘Papist brother’ (though Complyance in other matters will not be found lacking).
A more thorough accounting, Sir, must be made, and when I am not newly returned just this Evening to the Fleet it shall be done, though I admit I found it not only Neceſsary but Felicitous to report to you preliminarily my Suceſs. I submitt to you sir, that this is a fortuitous Sign of the Hearts and Minds of these Colonies- that they too desire a Swift End to this War as you and I do, that surely we will see the Restoration of Order and an end to Civil Dispute and Strife.
Your ob’d’t,
A. Kirk