I have received your letter of the twenty eighth, but do not perceive in it any sufficient reason for preferring Philadelphia to N York or it’s vicinity for your residence during the ensuing winter. Any military books belonging to the public can be sent to you, and if you are in a town near this city I can correspond regular with you by post, which would supercede the necessity of a personal attendance upon me. I do not think that the circumstance of your being in Philadelphia will influence can operate in ⟨—⟩ determining settling the ⟨—⟩ rate of extra Compensation which you will may receive for the service—I have accordingly written to the Secry of War to settle fix the compensation in the abstract without reference to place—

However should if you and Major Hoops prefer Philadela, as the business can be done very well at that place, I shall not object—