His Excellency the Commander in Chief directs me to inform you, that the Dragoon Horses will not be able to proceed any longer with the Mail, on account of the total want of forage—And therefore it will be necessary for you to procure a Rider to carry the next Mail without an escort & to continue the conveyance in the same mode, or it cannot be forwarded—The General has some days ago desired Colo. Pickering who is in Philadelphia to acquaint the Post Master General this would be the case, unless an alteration in the arrangements for forage immediately took place: There is now absolutely no alternative left, the Dragoons are ordered to join their Corps—I am with due regard Sir Your very Hble Servant.