I have been favored with your Letter of the 16th of April by General Forman.

Convinced, from the state of facts which has been exhibited to me, that justice, expediency & necessity require satisfaction should be obtained for the Murder of Captain Huddy; I have in the first instance made a representation to Sir Henry Clinton & demanded that the Officer who commanded the Party, or if he was not a Captain, such a number of the Agents in the execution as are equal by Tariff to that rank, should be delivered up to condign punishment. In case of refusal I have formed the resolution that Retaliation shall take place upon a British Officer of equal Rank. It therefore remains with the Enemy alone to prevent this distressing alternative; for having formed my opinion upon the most mature reflection and deliberation, I can never recede from it. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Servant