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[Albany] January 24th 1776.

I have just now received a Letter from the Committee of Safety at New York inclosing Copies of the Resolutions of Congress of the 8 of January. They observe "That several Things are left indeterminate" in that Resolve which orders a large Quantity of provisions and Stores to be sent to Fort George: In answer I have wrote them that "I cannot believe Congress intended any Thing more by sending the Resolution to them than that they should supply me with what I might want: the almost Impossibility of sending a large Quantity from New York to Fort George at this Season would countenance this Construction."

They have also wrote to me on the Subject of the Shipwrights. I have given them an Extract of what I have above said to Congress on the Occasion and requested that they would not send any until I applyed for them.

They also seem to think that they were to procure Batteau-Men, and ask what Wages are to be allowed them ー I have promised to write to Congress on that Head. I believe they would be best got in the Vicinity of this place. If Congress thinks so I wish to know what pay to allow to the Officers and Men.

Congress will please to attend to the Naval Department in this Quarter ー Perhaps Commodore Douglas [William Douglass] will remain ー I could wish a Capt [Jacobus] Wynkoop to be employed under him. He is active and brave. I am [&c.]