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but the Wind being Westerly & blowing strong were obliged were obligd to bear away for the Sound and two Days after arrived at Newhaven in Connecticut[.] Two days after all the vessels were frozen up and we were obliged to make the best of our Way over land a distance of 98 miles w[h]ere we suffered much from the intenseness of the cold[.] The greatest loss I have sustained is the capture of all my letters of introduction[.] Our trunks were searched for everything that had the appearance of a letter taken from us[.] I have however the pleasure to say the Gentlemen here show me great civility & Sir John Temple the British Consul promised me letters to the President of the Congress respecting a Pass through the back Settlements at the same time. I wish you would mention to Sir Joseph that letters might yet be sent after me as also to thank Mr Brookwood for his polite letters to Mr Beach in my favo[u]r before my arrival[.] I dined Saturday with Sir John Temple& a large party of American Gentlemen among whom was the General Gates and the first toast after dinner was His Britannic Majesty. Remember me to your good Mother & [illeg] John & all my old friends particularly Mr Gray Lee and Forsyth[.] Tell Forsyth that his old friend Mr Dafmit [?]was a fellow sufferer with us[.] We left him on board the Bremen Vessel. We are happy to hear he is safe arrived at Baltimore in an American Sloop who took him out of the Vessel off the Delaware.

I am Dr Sir with grt respe[ct]

Yours
Francis Masson