Camp on Prospect Hill, Sept. 19th, 1775. DEAR BROTHER,

I would have written to you before this time, but was prevented by being very much hurried when I first came here, and I knew you had accounts at large every day from people here, who had much more time to write.

I am fixed at present on the most beautiful spot of ground in the world, as I can see from the door of my tent, all our well regulated army, from Roxbury to Winter Hill, and at the same time look down on the enemies of our country, confined within the narrow bounds of Boston and Bunker Hill; and further you may depend they shall not pass, had they lord North and all the troops in the pay of Great Britain to assist them.

Our troops are well supplied, and in high spirits, and long much to come to action, but I am doubtful we shall have but little to do in the fighting way in this quarter, this campaign.

I am very happy in all my commanding officers. I always had a high esteem for the commander-inchief, and higher now than ever. I am every day more pleased with general Lee; our country owes much to him, and happy we are that a man of his great knowledge assists in the command of our army.

They have appointed me the second colonel in the continental army; and colonel Fry, who is the first, does the duty of brigadier-general, so that if my friends take care for me, I may soon be promoted in the continental or provincial congress. There are a great many colonels in the family;do make me a general.

All the news is cannonading and a few bombs:the most harmless sport in life:-indeed, I have seen more mischief done by throwing the same number of snow-balls; but, don't tell cousin Gurney so, for if you do he will bring over the poor devils he killed in Germany last war, to show that people have been put to death by cannons in other parts of the world, though the Americans are proof against them.

Let me hear from you: my best compliments wait on Mrs. Read, your dear little ones, and all friends; and believe me, dear George,

Your very affectionate brother,

WILLIAM THOMSON.(a)

The momentous subject of independence, which occupied the attention of congress early in 1776, did not prevent Mr. Read from taking an active part in the affairs of his state. Whenever it was (a) See note A.

practicable to leave with propriety his post in congress, he repaired to Delaware, not to enjoy in the bosom of his family the repose he so much needed, and a respite from his patriotic toils, but to employ his talents and his influence wherever they could prove most serviceable to the state. The American senator did not disdain the duties of a member of the committee of safety, and, in the year 1775, he shouldered his musket in the ranks of the militia, refusing the highest commission, which he was urged to accept.

In the month of May, 1776, Mr. Read was one among the multitude of his fellow-citizens who witnessed the attack made by the row-gallies upon the Roebuck and Liverpool frigates, off the mouth of Christiana creek: the following letter contains some particulars of that affair:

Wilmington, Friday, May 10th, 1776.

GENTLEMEN,

The enclosed letter came to hand this evening, by the person employed to take the two hundred pounds of lead to Lewistown, sent by brigadier M'Kinley, upon the requisition of colonel Moore, which you have seen.

The committee of safety have thought it highly necessary that you should be acquainted with the

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situation of the magazine at Lewistown, to exert your influence for an immediate supply of powder and lead, which, I suppose, must be by land, as the Roebuck and Liverpool will probably continue as high up the river as Reedy Island; this morning they are in the bite below Newcastle, and though the row-gallies have proceeded down from Christiana creek's mouth, about two hours ago, I am apprehensive the high wind now blowing, will not permit their acting to advantage in that cove.

We have had warm cannonading between the ships and gallies these two days past, all within our view. Great intrepidity was shown on the part of our people, who compelled the two ships to retire, not much to their credit; but it appeared to me the ships were afraid the gallies would get below them. Young captain Houston led the van. As to other particulars, I must refer you to some of the very many spectators from your city, who will have returned before this time.

I suppose it will be thought that too much powder and shot have been expended by the gallies in these attacks, but I am well satisfied they have produced a very happy effect upon the multitudes of spectators on each side of the river; and in that part of the colonies where the relation shall be known, British ships of war will not be thought so

formidable. A few long boats drove, and apparently injured, those sized ships that seemed best calculated to distress us.

The committee of safety are going this morning to Newcastle, and downwards, to see what may be necessary to advise for the protection of the shore below. Truly the people at large have shown great alacrity and willingness on this occasion. I know not when I shall be with you, as I may be of some little use here. I shall stay till there is some alteration in the appearance of things. Excuse this scroll. My compliments to all friends.

I remain,

Your very humble servant,

The Honourable Cæsar Rodney,

and Thomas M'Kean.

GEO. READ.

Young Houston, who so gallantly led the van in the battle of the row-gallies, was a native of Philadelphia: he was a handsome man, of polished and agreeable manners, and much admired in female society.

We are informed by a venerable revolutionary naval officer, that he was captured, three days after the battle, by the Liverpool, captain Bolieau, who was a native of Scotland. This officer related to