Your favr of the 31st ulto and 1st instant was this day forwarded to me by His Excellency Governor Clinton. I immediately ordered Genl Heath to detach the three remaining Regiments of the York Brigade, if he could conveniently spare them all to Albany, where they will receive further orders from Brigadier Genl Clinton.1 Should any intelligence which you may receive make it unnecessary for these Troops to advance, you will communicate it to Genl Heath.

I confess, all circumstances and previous informations considered, that matters in a certain quarter carry a very suspicious face. Should it appear, upon a further investigation, that there ar⟨e⟩ good grounds for present suspicions, you will concert measures with Brig. Genl Clinton, (to whom I have written upon the subject without mentioning names[)] to seize and secure, with as much secrecy and as suddenly as possible, the person in question, with his papers—You know how very delicate a Business this is, and I therefore trust to your prudence in the execution of it. Nothing but the most palpable proofs ought to warrant the seizure of his person—but a variety of means may be fallen upon to circumvent and defeat their plans, when you have a regular force to depend upon.2 I shall not order down Gansevoorts Regt while there appears occasion for them.

Colo. Hamilton went to Philada the day before yesterday, but will be back the latter end of this Week, when he returns, I will communicate what you desire to him.3