Gentlemen,
I did myself the Honor to write you yesterday since which I have received some Intelligence, which I think it my Duty to lay before you.
A Gentleman, a Member of the Provincial Congress here is this Afternoon arrived from Albany. He advises that a few of the Onida Indians are lately arrived at that Place in a Disposition very friendly to our Cause ー that they have declared a Desire that the Indians should be called together at Albany, or in the Neighbourhood ー that great Attention was paid them by the Albany Committee. ー As so good an Opportunity to conciliate their Affections will I trust be readily embraced by your Honours, I have ventured to advise the Albany Committee to dismiss them with Presents, and Assurances that they will be speedily requested to meet persons appointed for the Purpose of holding a Conference with them, either at Albany, or any other convenient Place.
The Troops on Board the Transports at Sandy Hook from the best Intelligence I am able to procure, are destined for Boston. They have been detained to take in Water, and I am well assured that they are to sail tomorrow.
Permit me, Honoured Sirs, to request that I may be favoured with a Copy of the Arrangement of the General & Staff Officers in your Army ー of the Pay allowed them, and every other officer & Soldier, and receive your Orders what Allowance of Provisions each Man is to have per Day, that all Troops under my Command may be equally provided for, to prevent Uneasiness.
Inclose a Copy of my Letter to Col. [Benjamin] Hinman commanding at Ticonderoga.
I am honoured Sirs respectfully &c
[Endorsed] Read [in Congress] July 1t 1775