American victory at Bennington, Vermont; march of the army through Philadelphia; awaiting appointment to field command; encourages correspondent to seek field command under George Washington
British assaults on Ft Mifflin and Ft Mercer; courts martial; Saratoga campaign; disgusted with conduct of officers who place self interest ahead of patriotism
Fondness for poetry of Mark Akenside; pleased that Duponceau also likes Akenside; hopes that Duponceau recovers soon from illness urges him to avoid despondency; sends books by Mr Rowe and Mr Foster; expresses religious sentiment
Relates problems with a young lady during his stay at William Alexander's (Lord Stirling) home in New Jersey; is uncertain about his future with the army
departing for Virginia; William Alexander (Lord Stirling) has given JM a letter of recommendation to the Virginia assembly and a letter to Joseph Jones stating that JM acted honorably in regard to unspecified young woman; citizens of Philadelphia…
critical of members of gentry who are sitting out the war; has been appointed colonel of militia and assigned to Williamsburg; news of the French fleet
offers advice on future; advises against studying law with George Wythe at the College of William and Mary; recommends that JM accompany Thomas Jefferson to Richmond