===============CAMP WINTER HILL, Oct. 19th 1775=====
=====DEAR BETSEY===============

I hope you will excuse my freedom in writing to you, as
I cannot have the pleasure of seeing and conversing with
you. What is now a letter would be a visit were I in New
London but this being out of my power, suffer me to make
up the defect in the best manner I can. I write not to
give you any news or any pleasure in reading (though I
would heartily do it if in my power) but from the desire I
have of conversing with you in some form or other.

I once wanted to come here to see something extraordi-
nary--my curiosity is satisfied. I have now no more desire
for seeing things here, than for seeing what is in New
London, no, nor half so much neither. Not that I am dis-
contented--so far from it, that in the present situation of
things I would not except a furlough were it offered me. I
would only observe that we often flatter ourselves with
great happiness could we see such and such things; but
when we actually come to the sight of them our solid satisfaction
is really no more than when we only had them in
expectation.

All the news I had I wrote to John Hallam--if it be worth
your hearing he will be able to tell you when he delivers
this. It will therefore not (be) worth while for me to repeat.

I am a little at a loss how you carry at New London--Jared
Starr I hear is gone--The number of Gentlemen is
now so few that I fear how you will go through the winter
but I hope for the best.

===============I remain with esteem=====

===============Yr Sincere Friend=====
===============& Hble Svt.=====
===============N. HALE=====
=====BETSEY CHRISTOPHERS===============
=====New London===============

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