I have this moment received your Letter of yesterday’s Date.

With regard to the proposal made by the Person mentioned in Yours, I cannot say that I place much confidence in the sincerity of it—and yet I think it is not altogether to be neglected.

I have no objection to your meeting him with a flag, or his coming to the place you propose—And you are authorized to assure him in my name of perfect indemnification for his past conduct, and entire exemption from further service, if he shall execute the plan in contemplation. But I must recommend, in the most pointed positive terms, that you will use the strictest precaution to prevent deception, or any ill consequences that might ensue from the insidious Arts of an Enemy, watching to take every advantage of us. I am Sir Your Most Obed Servt.

Captn J. Lawrence Commandg. the New York State Levies Rockland