Your favor of the 28th Ulto came duly to hand—I have been under the necessity of delaying an Answer untill this time.

The Relief for the Lines is to move from Camp this Morning—Colonel Webb has directions to send two Companies to Bedford, who will be there this Evening or tomorrow Morning, and wait untill they receive your Orders—The necessary advices respecting the Infantry Companies & Dismounted Dragoons are also given to Colonel Sheldon by this conveyance.

You will therefore attempt to carry the proposed Plan into execution on thursday night the 5th instant unless some accident should intervene to prevent it—in conducting the business you will be governed entirely by your own discretion—Should any thing happen to render the Enterprize impracticable, you will join Col. Sheldon, or if he shall have marched, you will follow with the whole Party to Dobbs’ Ferry. I am Dear Sir With great regard Your Most Obedt Servt