I have just been favoured with your Letter of the 5th instant; and am happy to find your Regiment in so compact a State and so well prepared for the Duties of the Field. As your present Situation admits of great Attention being paid to the Discipline of the Corps, I have no Doubt but they will emulate the astonishing proficiency made by the rest of the Army.

I must recommend great Caution to you to prevent such Intercourse with the disaffected Inhabitants as may have a Tendency to poison the Minds of the Troops with their baneful principles.

Your paymaster can obtain a Supply of Shoes and proportion of Blankets, by making Application to the Clothier at this post—In these Articles however there must be the greatest Economy.

I approve of your apprehending Smith. He should be reported to the Comy of prisoners, and continued in Confinement until his Directions shall be recd respecting him. I am &c.