I have received your favors of the 4th, 8th, 17th, and 18th instants, your conduct upon every occasion meets my approbation, but in none more than your refusal to hold a correspondance with Arnold. By an account which I have just received from New York, Genl Robinson goes to succeed Genl Phillips. You may have something to apprehend from his age and experience but not much from his Activity.

In a letter which I wrote to Baron Steuben on the 16th instant, I desired him to inform you, as I did not know at that time where you might be, that I had good reason to believe a detachment of between 1500 and 2000 Men had sailed from New York a few days before. I now have it confirmed, and I think you may either look for them in Chesapeak or further Southward.

Your determination to avoid an engagement, with your present force, is certainly judicious. I hope the Pennsylvanians have begun their march before this, but I have no information of it. General Wayne has been pressed both by Congress and the Board of War to make as much expedition as possible and extraordinary powers are given to him to enable him to procure provisions.

Upon your information that Colonel Vose wished to return to the Northward, I ordered Colo. Tupper to relieve him, and he had set out before your letter of the 4th reached me. I am with very sincere Regard My dear Marquis Yr most obt and hble Servt