[Extract]
Sir:

The uncertainty with respect to the designs of the Enemy renders any disposition of our Army at this time a little unsettled; but for the present, your division, with such Troops as are now at Forts Constitution, Montgomery and Independance are to be under your Command and remain in this Quarter for the security of the above Posts and the Passes through the Highlands from this place, and the one on the West side of Hudson's River. Colo. [Thomas] Tash's Regiment is meant to be Included in this Command.

Unnecessary it is for me to say any thing to evince the Importance of securing the Land and Water Communication through these Passes or to prove the Indispensable necessity of using every exertion in your power to have such 'Works erected for the defence of them as your own Judgment, assisted by that of your Brigadiers and the Engineer may shew the expediency of.