The late accounts from New York are mysterious and perplexing, but they at any rate demand that we should be in readiness to move. You will therefore concentre, as much as possible, your Brigade and put them under marching orders. The parties at the Clove are not to be immediately called in, but the Officers commanding them warned to be in readiness.

Should an evacuation of New York take place, as many strongly suspect, the troops under your command will be next for detachment, you will therefore desire the Officers to make preparations for a move more than merely to fjoin the main Body of the Army.

As I am very anxious to learn what they are really doing in New York, you will oblige me by obtaining and sending me an accurate intelligence as possible. I am Dear Sir yr most obt Servt