1777

Disappointed at not seeing Thornton; recruiting mission has been a complete failure; wants to return to active duty

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