I recd yours of the 7th with the weekly returns enclosed. I have not the least objection to making Robinsons House an Hospital if it is convenient. Doctor Treat must apply to the director General for the necessary Stores.1

I desire you will immediately order a sufficient number of Artificers from Windsor to Fort Arnold to build a Bomb proof Magazine and such other works as may be necessary.

If you can contrive to man the Gun Boats when they are fitted, I am very willing that they should be kept at the Fort: I cannot spare a sufficient number of men from the line for that service. the Regiments are already too much reduced by the draughts for Waggoners &ca. One of the purposes, for which Colo. Warner wanted an officer stationed at Fishkill, was, to receive the draughts coming from Massachusetts;2 but as the remainder of the draughts are ordered to join Genl Glover at Rhode Island, he will not have that duty to attend to. An Officer will notwithstanding be wanting there and the one, you had sent, may remain. I mean that that post and Windsor should be included in your command.

Last winter, owing to the necessity of the case, the commanding Officers of Corps drew Hydes to exchange for shoes, but as much inconveniency has arisen from that mode, a stop has been put to it. If the Officers know of any persons who have shoes to dispose of, they must direct them to the Cloathier who will purchase them, and they must then draw them from him. This is putting the Business in its regular line. I am &c.