I am honored with yours of the 1st instant inclosing Colo. Brodheads representation of the State of Affairs to the Westward, which I make no doubt are in much the same situation as those in every other quarter.

If the requisitions of Men and supplies are not in any tolerable degree complied with by the States it is impossible for me to furnish Garrisons for the Frontier posts and support them. I have long forseen the danger to which the Western Frontier would be exposed and have made proper representations to Congress and the State of Pennsylvania. The president and Council assert that Colo. Brodheads complaints in respect to Provision, Flour especially, are not well founded. Why the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment should have been neglected while the others have been so amply furnished with Cloathing I cannot say, but I can, under our present circumstances, only recommend it to the State to endeavour to make a provision for them, as the Continental Magazine, after what had gone to the Southward, is exhausted of every Article fit for the Season.

As it seemed the public wish that the Expeditions of Colo. Clarke against Detroit should be supported, I gave orders to Colo. Brodhead to deliver him a certain quantity of Artillery and Stores and to detach Capt. Craig with his Company of Artillery, as there were neither Officers or Men of the Virginia Militia acquainted with that kind of service. I recommended also a small detachment of Continental Troops from the 8th Penna and 9th Virginia Regiments, but it was at the discretion of the Commandant and in case they could be safely spared. I mentioned that I did not imagine the command could exceed that of a Major and perhaps not of a Captain. If, therefore, Colo. Brodhead saw that the post could not be defended if such a detachment of Infantry was made, he was justifiable by the spirit of my order in not sending it.

If Colo. Clarke should be able to prosecute his plan I am of opinion that he will draw the whole attention of the enemy to the support of Detroit, and upon that presumption I thought the Artillery and Stores might be spared— If he should not, matters remain as they were.

Upon the whole, Gentlemen, you must be convinced from your very intimate knowledge of our military Affairs that it is out of my power to send any reinforcement to the Westward.—If the States would fill their continental Battalions we should be able to oppose a regular and permanent force to the enemy in every quarter. If they will not, they must certainly take measures to defend themselves by their Militia however expensive and ruinous the System. I have the honor to be with great Respect Gentn Yr most obt and hble Servt