Sir,

By this time, I imagine, Colonel Arendt will have arrived at Fort Mifflin, the com­mand of which post was originally designed for him; he was prevented through in­ disposition from entering immediately upon it, but being now recovered, it of course devolves upon him.—¹

This gentleman's knowledge of and experience in war, which has been the study and business of his life, induce me to expect, with intire confidence, that he will acquit himself in his command in a manner that will do him honor.—I have also the fullest reliance that your most zealous exertions will be continued and that the happiest consequences will result from your united efforts.—I cannot but re­peat my ardent desire that harmony and a good understanding between the fleet and the garrisons, may be mutually cultivated. On this every thing depends; noth­ing but disappointment and disgrace can attend the want of it.—The best designs and most important pursuits have been and ever will be defeated by foolish differ­ences when they exist between those engaged in them.—The most upright intentions are not sufficient to influence men to those measures which their common interest demands, if once the least animosity gets footing between them. It seldom fails to pervert the judgment of the disagreeing parties and, and produce a spirit of opposition, often without their being sensible of it, destructive of the end they both finally have in view.

I have in terms equally strong, endeavored to impress upon Col: Greene and Col: Arendt the necessity of cultivating that harmony, I now recommend; and I earnestly hope their conduct on every occasion may manifest a hearty disposition to promote so desireable an end.—I am [&c.]