I had the Honor to receive your Excellency’s Favor of the Fifth Instant, last Evening. I beg Leave to refer, for a State of Matters between the public & the Contractors, to mine of the Fifth Instant. I should long since have appointed the Officer you mention, could I have got a proper Person. I had applied to General Cornell, and he had (in a manner) undertaken, but afterwards declined. Colo. Tilgman will give your Excellency an Account of some Conversation, with him on the Subject. I wait to hear from you or him, or both, before I go into an Appointment. I pray you Sir, to beleive that I am, with the greatest Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & humble Servant