[draft] Boston. Sept 5 1776 Dear Harry Yours of the 28th I rec:d and am much oblige to you for the very particular Acc:t you gave of the action on Long Island - I think it must have been a very sever Action - vastly more so than that on Bunker's Hill - By the severall Acct Recd. here, am affraid they have gain'd a great advantage over [ours] - hope our Army will not be discourage'd by this but wish it may be a lesson to them to be doubly watchfull & not be [surprise'd] on there Post's. and I think a few of these skirmish's (if we an't too great a Looser's) will be of great service to our Officers & men - And in a very short time I have no doubt they learn us to beat them in what way they please - It gives me the greatest satisfaction possable to hear that our Officers & men behave'd so exceeding well - I am very sorry we have lost two such brave men as Ld Sterling & Jn Sullivan (by the best Rect: they behave'd like son's of America - ) we must expect to lose Officer's & men too - & the Bravest are more like to fall than others - turn over [2] I am sorry for Lt Johnston there is severall [Acc] that speak very highly of him - I shew his father [Spear] that part of the Letter refer'd to him - his Wife look's to lay in every day & he thought Prudent not mention it to her - Before this you must have had a generall Action - Pray Harry write me every Particular. We have no new's here - all Peace & quietness - may that God who has carry'd you through many dangers, still preserve & protect you, and cover your head in the day of Battle is sincere Pray of your asur'd friend & well wisher my good parents give Henry Jackson there best regards, to you - - they often sigh for you PS Beau. Bill would have wrote you, as there's no new's would not put you to the expense of postage - will write you the next post - [docket] Boston Sept 28 Jackson [address leaf] To Collo H:y Knox In New York