In a conference this day with the Governor—the Lieut. Governor—Genl Schuyler and Genl Ten Brock it has been determined that the Continental Regiments shall be withdrawn from the Northward as soon as a suitable number of Militia shall be sent in to relieve them. I have in consequence directed 600 men from the Counties of Hampshire and Berkshire to rendezvous at Albany. As they arrive you will dispose of them in the following proportions. 2/3 to Saratoga and 1/3 to the Mohawk River to be under the command of Colo. Willet. I have written to General Starke to repair immediately to Albany and to relieve you. You will therefore as I have before directed hold all the Continental Troops (the Artillery excepted) in the most perfect readiness to move whenever the Militia have come in, and should General Starke have arrived by that time, you will come down yourself with the troops—If he should not, you will forward the troops and wait his arrival.

It is not my wish at present to draw off the regular troops untill the Militia have come in, but circumstances may render it necessary. You will therefore keep them ready to move at a moments warning.

The inclosed for General Fellows requests him to send in the Militia, you will therefore forward it to him with the greatest dispatch. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt