I have received Information by Letters from Philadelphia that another of our Mails has fallen into the Hands of the Enemy; this is a distressing addition to our late misfortunes of that Kind, though from the Circumstance of your Excellency’s having recommended the Road through the Clove as the most eligible, and the universally good Character of the Rider, there can be no Suspicion of either Neglect or Design in those to whom the Conduct of the Post Office Business has been committed.

It will be difficult, I fear, to prevent similar accidents in future, unless the several States will adopt vigorous measures for clearing the Country of the many disaffected Persons amongst us which certainly ought to have been done long ago: nevertheless, I apprehend it will contribute much to the Safety of the mail, if your Excellency will favor us with a small Escort of Horse to accompany the Post from Danbury to Fishkill, and from New Windsor through the Clove. These are the only Parts of the Road upon which I suppose there is any Danger at present; and as the mail is an important object, and the Distance but small, I flatter myself the Proposal will meet your Excellency’s approbation; in which Case the Post Masters at Head Quarters and Fishkill will furnish the necessary Information about the Times of the Posts Arrival and Return, so as to prevent the Escorts being needlessly detained from other Duty. I am very respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant