I have recd yours of Yesterday—I am sorry to hear that Desertion still prevails—To render this Practice less frequent, I wish you would order the Officers commanding at the different Rendezvous in Massachusetts, to give Directions to those Officers, who are charged with the Conducting of the Recruits to Camp, in case of Desertion on the March, to return to them immediately descriptive Lists of the Deserters, that they may take Measures for their Apprehension.

It gives me much Pain to hear that the Distresses of the Army, from the Want of Provisions, yet continue, although I have done every Thing in my Power to prevent them. I am just informed by Colo. Stewart that Beef has arrived, which will afford you Relief for the present; and I hope that in future you will not experience any Want of that Article. I have the Honor to be, Dear Genl with great Esteem, Your most humble Servt