I enclose your Excellency a Copy of Information delivered by Mr Fish (some Time since at Head Quarters) to Brigr Genl Clinton who writes me that from a variety of concurring Circumstances he has Reason to believe it may be depended upon and adds that no less than four Packets from the Enemy passed through Albany last winter but does not inform me of the Evidence he has of this fact.

Genl Clinton gives me a most disagreable Description of the situation of the Troops at the different Posts in that Quarter for want of Provisions & informs me that his present Dispatches to your Excellency is on that Subject. I sincerely wish the means of giving them an immediate Supply was in my Power; for with him I am apprehensive of consequences of the most serious nature unless they can have speedy Releif—with respect to Meat it is not in the State & any Exertions of mine therefore to procure it would be fruitless. I will send him an impress Warrant for Flour by the Return of the present Messenger who I beg may be directed to call on me: But it may be dangerous to place dependance on what may be procured in that way as those possessed of that Article will use every [   ] to evade the impress. I am Dear Sir with the highest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedt servant