I have received your Letter of yesterdays date.1 I had no particular person in view when I issued the order respecting the slow progress of the works, at the same time, I acknowledge, that I am exceedingly mortified at seeing, & beholding the delay of them—whether unavoidable, or not, I do not undertake to determine.

Colos. Brealey & Barber informs me that the Officers of their Regiments are now ready to take the Oaths, and as their is some little boggle in this matter in other Corps I must beg your Lordship to administer them without delay as it will be a good example to others. I am Yr Lordship’s most Obedt Servant