The first division of the Troops of the Convention may be expected in a few days at Fishkill on their way to Virginia. The Escort from the North River to the Delaware is to be furnished from your division. You will therefore immediately select between five and six hundred Men for this duty, divided into six detachments, (as the Convention troops march in so many,) each under the command of an active Officer not above the Rank of a Lieutenant Colonel. I mention this, that there may be no interference with Colo. Bland on account of Rank, he being appointed to superintend the march of the troops the whole way to the place of their destination in Virginia. That the Men from your division may be ready, let them cross the River immediately and encamp near New Burgh.

It is probable that many of the Convention troops may, under the pretence of desertion, attempt to get into New York. I therefore desire you will order a strict watch to be kept, and if any of them are found stragling any suspicious distance from their Corps, that they may be taken up and returned to them. I am &c.