[draft] Camp Fredericksburg 28th Septr 1778 My dear Brother You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds. I wrote you before what I suppos'd these unfortunate circumstances were. By Sullivans escape they cannot now exist. I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon [2] it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year - not even the tempting object of the French fleet will be a sufficient inducement I believe from present appearances that the Enemy are about to Evacuate the Continent. ten days more will determine this matter - We have mov'd up to this place not from fear of the enemy but to be arm'd at all points - The possession of Count D'Estaings fleet is a possible object and in the opinion of some gentleman [3] who are wiser than I am a probable one - It is absolutely necessary to guard the passage on the river to secure our existence if the Enemy moves Eastward. These are two reasons which induced us to move - and a third was the want of For[text loss: age] our Horses was emaciated we went Where there was plenty [illegible] [them] Prosecute the matter of the petition before the House of Reps and let me know its progress & Consequences - Lucy is better and the baby is celestial H Knox [address leaf] Mr William Knox Boston [docket] Genl Knox 28th Septr. 1778 Fredericksburg Important News