Sir:

I received yours of the 24th Inst with its several Inclosures, & the Letter and Invoice from General Ward, giving Intelligence of the fortunate Capture made by our armed Vessels, on which Event you have my Congratulations.

I have wrote Genl Ward, as you will see by the inclosed Letter, (which having read, you will seal & send by Post) to send forward to New York, Colo [Rufus] Putnam's Demands, and also such Articles as Colo [Henry] Knox may apply for, out of the Cargo taken. In like Manner I have directed him to send me as soon as possible, Part of the Powder, & eight Hundred of the Carbines which will greately assist in making up the Deficiency in this Instance. As to the Plan for employing the Armed Vessels, I have no Objection to it's being adopted, provided it will not frustrate the main Design for which they were fitted out. That I would by no Means have injured, as it is a Matter of much Importance to prevent a Correspondence between the disaffected & the Enemy & the latter from getting Supplies of Provisions; but if this End can be answered, & the other Advantages in the plan mentioned, it is certainly an eligible one.²

The great Variety of Business in which Congress are engaged, has prevented our settling what I was requested to attend for, tho' we have made several Attempts, & a Committee has been appointed for the Purpose Day after Day, nor can I say with Precision when I shall be at liberty to return. I must, therefore, pray your Attention & Vigilance to every necessary Work and further, if you should receive, before I come, certain Advices and such as you can rely on, of the Enemy's being on the Coast or approaching New York, that you inform me thereof by Express, as early as possible. I do not wish an Alarm to be given me without Foundation; but as soon as you are certified of their coming, that it be instantly communicated to me, & Orders given the Express who comes, to bespeak at the different necessary Stages on the Road, as many Horses, as may be proper for facilitating my Return, & ー that of the Gentlemen with me, with the greatest Expedition. I am &c.

P S I desire you'll speak to the several Colls, & hurry them to get their Colours done.