In complyance to your orders I arrived at Bennington on friday last—and on saturday made a Visit to their Governour; who, together with the Leading men in that Country, have promised me every assistance in their power to repell the common Enemy. And I have no reason to believe from their Conduct, that their promises are falicious: for the day before I came to Bennington, Major McKinstrey (who has the Command of the Troops at Saratoga,) sent an express, to apprise them of the Enemy’s advancing to his post. The alarm was spread, and in a few hours 530 Men on horseback Marched to his assistance. The alarm proved false, and the next day they returned; but not ’till they had visited Saratoga. On Monday last at Sunrise a Party of eleven was discovered in the southeast part of Bennington; supposed to be a party of tories from [Hourock], passing to Canada. The People were instantly in Arms, and pursued them untill about one oClock, at which time three of the Pursuers came up with them, made them prisoners, and they were marched to Bennington the same evening. (A convincing proof of the Marshall [prowes], and decided superiority of those brave men). Upon Examination I find them to be a party from Canada, which at first consisted of six; they made Prisoners of Esqr. Blicker and two servants, and were joined by two tories, so that the whole made up Eleven: Enclosed is a copy of their instructions. For my own part, I think they ought to be considered as spies, beg your Excellency’s opinion on the subject.

Perhaps you will be surprised when I inform you, that the Militia from Berkshire, and Hampshire Counties has not yet arrived at Saratoga—upon being informed of it at Bennington, I wrote General Fellows pr Express, begging that they might be hastened without loss of time—I Likewise wrote Majr McKinstrey to send me a return of the men at Saratoga, and find it to consist of but Ninety including Officers; for which reason I tho’t it most prudent for me to come to Albany, and tarry untill a larger number can be collected. But be assured that when a number arrived that will render my presence either proper, or justifiable, I shall lose no time in repairing to my post.

I should be remiss in my duty not to inform your Excellency that it was with the greatest difficulty that I procured an express to go to Saratoga for want of something to pay his expences. And in a department that requires so much intelligence to be communicated, (if possible) some provisions ought to be made; at the same time knowing that your Excellency will do all in your power for the Public good, your directions on this, and every other subject, shall be my invariable, and certain guide.

Your Letter of the 28th of June is just come to hand[.] I shew it to General Schuyler, who, is polite enough to promise me every assistance in his power, either in advice or knowledge of the Country, and Property if required.

I congratulate your Excellency on his fortunate Escape the night before last. He writes by this conveyance, otherwise I should give you the Particulars.

There is not a drop of Public Rum in the departmt. I could wish a [          ] quantity might be ordered this way as large as might amount to our proportion. Your Excellency must know that if I do my duty, I must keep scouts continually in the Woods, and men on that service ought to have a little grogg, in addition to fresh beef, and Water.

Every Intelligence worthy your Excellencys notice shall be regularly communicated, if in my power.

Most sincerely wishing your operations against our Enemies all the success that the Virtue and rectitude of our cause deserve. I have the Honor to be with much respect and Esteem, your Excellency’s Most Obedient, & very H. St