This morning Early I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s favor of the 3d inst. in Consequence of which I immediately repaired to this place, & while here have this moment recd Your subsequent Letter of the same date—The necessary Orders are already given to perform the Duty agreeable to the first Instructions, & if the two Companies of Lt Infantry from Col. Webb’s Command should arrive here this Evening, I foresee nothing to prevent the Execution accordingly.

I had accounts Yesterday from Long Island informing that Admiral Digby was at Huntington on a Hunting party, & that Genl Carleton was expected there in a day or two—I have recd intelligence of the Cantonments of the Enemy on Long Island which I will forward in a Day or two—Very probably I may, this Evening, have further Intelligence via Kingsbridge.

Your Excellency may rest perfectly easy with respect to the Conversation which lately passed at Head Quarters, as I have long since learnt that Secrecy & Silence are necessary Qualifications in a Soldier—I have the Honor to be, with the highest Regard & Esteem Dear General, Your most Obedt Servt