William Livingston to John Jay, 3 March 1777

Haddonfield, 3 d : March 1777

Dear Sir

M rs . Livingston informs me that Master Peter is now really gone; & one of his Grandfathers can inform you that he will go home with a heavy Heart upon account of his being gone–€”

General Howe is lately arived at Briunsw[ic]k, & the Enemy–€™s Army reinforced with between 3000 & 4000 men. They now doubtless intend to make some last Push to retrieve their late Disgraces–€” And tho–€™ We have for some time past kept them at Bay, & so stuck to them that they could scarcely stirr for the purpose of foraging without being drove into their Quarters with loss & infamy, I fear that we are not sufficiently strong to resist, if they should all move in a Body; & I am not sure that they have yet given over their Project of visiting at Philadelphia. Our Assembly, after having spent as much time in framing a Militia Bill, as Alexander would have required to subdue Persia, will at last make such a ridiculous Bussiness of it, as not to oblige a single man to turn out who can only bring him to consume three gallons of spirits in Toddy Per Annum less than he does at present. 1 Please accept of the inclosed, and believe me to be Your most humble sv t .

Wil. Livingston