Sir:

I this moment am honoured with yours of the 18th instant, and at present observe the contents. It appears, by Major-General Schuyler's letter, that the honourable the Contin.ental Congress have honoured me with the command of the lakes, and that Captain Wynkoop should be employed under me. I am now upon furlough by Major-General Schuyler, which directs me to wait until I receive orders from the Congress or from the General respecting my destination. I told Captain Wynkoop what I now tell you, that, whenever I should receive orders from the Congress or the General, I was willing to comply, if my health would permit; and as Captain Wynkoop is desired by the General to get his men and go up, I beg you would assist and forward him, and, if I am not called upon, shall endeavour to serve my country in some station of as much importance as to command the lakes. I hope you will excuse my not answering your letter before now, as it was not handed to me, but to a soldier, who laid it on my table with other papers, and did not acquaint me of it; and it was by mere accident that I found it this evening. I am, sir [&c.] William Douglass.