I have received your letter of this day with the papers accompanying it.1 For fear of a revival of the discontents in the Jersey line, I think it adviseable there should remain near them other troops on whose fidelity we can more perfectly rely2—on this account I approve the detention of the New Hampshire detachment and the Artillery ’till we hear something more of the movements on Staten Island. Perhaps on receiving intelligence of what has happend in the Jersey line, General Robinson may desist from his supposed intention—To march the Jersey troops alone to Morris Town might only be a temptation the more—and to harass other troops with that march in the present state of things would in my opinion be inexpedient on more accoun⟨ts⟩ than one.

If the Massachusettes detachment is pretty commodiously situated—it may remain where it is ’till we receive further intelligence; if not, let it return to West Point—in this case you will yourself also return.

Signify, if you please to Col. Barber my approbation of his keeping the New Hampshire detachment and the artillery ’till further orders. I am with great regard D. Sir Yr Most Obedt ser.