P.S. In order to distract and alarm the Enemy and perhaps keep a greater force at New York than they intended Genl Dickinson will contrive to convey intelligence, that they will look upon as authentic, that he is to make a descent upon Staten Island, you upon Long Island and Genl Gates directly upon New York. If you throw out hints of this kind before people that you think will send in the intelligence, it will serve to corroborate that given by General Dickinson.

Yours of the 31st October is just come to hand, and it gives me pleasure to find that the opinion of your Council coincided exactly with ours here. To crush Genl Howe effectually is the real and great object. I therefore beg no more Continental Troops may be retained than are absolutely necessary with the assistance of the Militia to repair the works in the Highlands. If a feint is made towards Kingsbridge I had rather it should be principally with Militia. You must not forget to send as many Cattle forward as you possibly can, for not having had any supplies from New England since August last we have exhausted the Beef in this quarter very considerably, and you know our Army will be much increased.