[draft] 11 July 1776, Boston Dear Sister I am much chagrined at not having received a letter from you more particularly so as you gave me the greatest encouragement to expect many in the course of two months, but all hope 'tis owing more to the want of time than anything worse. You undoubtedly will be happy to hear of your friends at Halifax a woman by the name of Carter who lived with John Erving came from hense the 3rd of June says your ? Mrs. Urquhart & Sally were well. Mrs. Urquhart was going to N. York with the fleet where she expected to meet her husband that your Mama had received letters from your papa where in he tell her she may come to him if she pleases, but (he says) he won't say whether he wishes her come or not she intends tarrying at Halifax till he comes to her. Your Papa supposed she was at Boston. They are as well provided with almost every necessary article except House room as they were at Boston. Your Mama could get but one room. Could not keep any of her Servants except a Maid (Nabby). The Tories in general at Halifax are so confident of General Howes' success at N. York that in any of them will not (who otherways would) go to England intending to come by that way to take possession of their estates, some Scotchmen have gone to Quebec with their effects. We have nothing particularly new here. The small pox is very general there have been I believe of Town & Country not less than 12 or 14 Thousand persons inoculated since last Thursday. The General Courts have passed an Act prohibiting all persons from Inoculating after the 15th & any person who is infected on and after the 3rd of August will be removed to a Hospital. Two excellent prizes loaded with sugar & rum (taken by Capt. Harry Johnson have been brought in here. Doctor Rand sends compliments & desir'd me to inform you of a [match?] your Aunt Betty with a Lieut. I forget his name of Lexington a list of those that send love to you. Mrs. Waldo & desires you would kiss the Baby for her as does Miss Maldo. Mrs. Jarvis, Mrs. Cheafe, Miss Middletown says she will write, Mr. Parrys compy is released on his Parole. Col. Jackson says he will write. Your Physician says he beggs forgiveness calls himself hard names for being neglectful. Miss Minots, Miss Asthorp & a number when names I can't recollect. You'll be so kind as to give my compliments to the Mrs. Green, Mrs. Pollard & Miss Airy who possibly can recollect a person in company with Mr. Randolph at his Mammy's. I can't but feel very sensibly afflicted for you in your present situation but don't doubt but your usual heroinism will prevent its having too great a weight upon your spirits. Be so kind as to kiss my neice for me & believe me to be in haste Your Sincere & Affectionate Brother Pray write soon W. Knox