I have been honor’d with your letters of 23d. 26th. & 31 March and one of the 5th. Instant. The first inclosed a list of Officers of my Regt. with directions for nominating the Regimental Staff and with respect to the Paymaster to convene a number of Officers in order that a determination may be had by a plurality of Voices. I have in consequence of this order directed all the Officers to assemble in this City on the 24th. Instant. I am aware of the inconvenience that some of the Gentlemen at a distance may experience from this measure, yet thought it unavoidable. I am not acquainted with the Character of a single Lieutenant in the whole regiment, there are but two Officers in the City viz. Capts. Henry & Gibbs and they could give me no Assistance. And altho’ the day named for the Meeting may appear rather distant I could not fix one earlier with a chance of assembling the Officers; as they are in all directions throughout the State. Added to this I am in hopes that instead of causing delay this meeting may rather expedite the recruiting service, as Instruction, money & cloathing can be delivered to every Officer of a District prior to his departure; which precludes the chance of miscarriage of letters &ca. Upon the whole I have done this with the best of motives & hope it will meet with your approbation. Yours of the 26th. contained rules & regulations for the recruiting service, parts of which have been and the remainder shall be distributed. Yours of the 31st. pointing out the Districts & containing more particular instructions shall be attended to. That of the 5th. Instant inclosed a letter to Cap. Elliot and your directions are so particular that I should have delivered it with my own hand, but that Officer is detached with Sixty men from Fort Mifflin to act against the Insurgents near Bethlehem, but there is a regular communication of which I shall avail myself to dispatch the letter to him. I believe Capt. Massey succeeds him in the command at Fort Mifflin.

A Few days ago I received orders from the Secretary at ⟨War⟩ to direct a General Court Martial to sit on the tryal of four Soldiers ⟨—⟩ Fort Mifflin two for Desertion, the other two for giving Assistan⟨ce.⟩ I ordered the Court to assemble Major Freeman presidt. they ha⟨ve⟩ finished the Business, and have inclosed the Proceedings to me for my Opinion, but I am doubtful of my powers as to acti⟨ng⟩ finally in this case, and shall be glad to have your sentimen⟨ts⟩ on the Subject.

I have the honor to be Sir, your obedt. servt.