Your favor of yesterday has been duly received. A Deputy Commy of Prisoners for the Post at Dobb’s Ferry, has been already ordered, who will, I hope, liberate you from those constant applications from that post; and as Capt. Pray’s duty must be encreased at that Post, I wish you to grant him what additional Boats & Men you may think necessary.

I must depend upon your constant attention to the recruiting service of Masstts and highly approve your sending Lt Govr Popkin to relieve Majr Pettengail at Boston, and let Colo. Popkin be informed, that I wish him to write to the several mustering Officers in that State, that I expect their constant attention to their duty, and that they may depend on being bro’t to a Court Martial for any deficiencies.

Mr Gardner may pass to the Enemy’s Lines with the prisoners he has with him.

The Recruits that have been mustered out by the Baron, must remain where they are for the present. I am Dear Sir Your Most Humble Servant