[draft] Camp Fredericksburg, 5th October 1778 My dear Brother I received your two favors of the 12th & 24th since my last. I am happy to hear of the Arrival of the General Arnolds Prize & hope it is an [earnest] of her future good fortune. The movements of the Enemy are not in the opinion of many people yet sufficiently decisive. In mine they are and I fully believe that by the first of December there will not be any British Enemies in the thirteen United States. The reasons which induce me this belief are extensive & various, too many for me to write at this Time. As to the people in office with you or elsewhere being certain they intended for Boston, their opinion must be founded on a partial view of circumstances. They do not comprehend and take into the account the great political reasons which at present influence the European powers. However great an object the possession of the Alert at [2] Boston may be yet, the acquisition of this object would be attended with many difficulties, embarrassments and uncertainties. It is by no means clear to me that they are able, with their present force to accomplish the possession or destruction of the French fleet at Boston But they have other objects to attend to they have to defend their own possessions - Intelligence is arriv'd at Baltimore by a vessel in thirteen days from Martinico that The French on the 7th of Septr took possession of the Island of Dominico and had sent four thousand men to take Jamaica. This first part that is the taking of Dominico is certain and the other probable - The Enemy have lately been collecting Cattle and Forage in Jersey - [they] supriz'd Baylors regiment of Horse and kill'd and took about sixty. - The Major died of his wounds and the Colonel is still dangerously ill of those he received But should the Enemy [3] contrary to my reasonings, conjectures, & countenance, be so insane as to push to Boston, you may rely I shall give you the earliest notice - But rest easy on this head. I hope you will pursue the matter of the petition with all the address you are master of - It is a matter of great concern to us - I am exceedingly sorry for the information about the house, I wish you to consult some gentlemen of the lane on the subject viz [text loss] I should recover part of the Estate, and get [text loss] to me such part of that house and hand as well overpay the mortgage, whether in tender of the money for the mortgage, and interests, they must not be obliged to receive it - and also insure of the proper persons whether the trustee for the Colledge went properly through all the [forms] of Law requir'd in such a case - I am my Dear Brother Yours affectionately H Knox Lucy & her baby Are well & give love [address leaf] Mr William Knox Boston [written at bottom of address leaf] Major General Lincoln is by the Congress ordered to take the Command in Charlestown South Carolina and he will take office in a day or two - [docket] Genl Knox 5th Oct 1778 Fredericksburg Important Information To Wm Knox.