I am uncertain whether you may not already have a party somewhere in Monmouth County but however this may be, it is my wish you should without delay have one of 50 Men stationd under a very vigilant and intelligent Officer, at some place in that County most convenient for commanding a view of the Hook & its environs; in order to watch the motions of the Enemy’s Fleet and to advise me from time to time of every thing that passes. of all Vessels that arrive to them, or go out from them. Lt Colo. Brearly, Ray or Major Howel would either of them be very proper for this business. I would wish the officer who is to have the charge of the party to go instantly on & his party to follow as soon as possible. If you have any Militia Horse it would be desireable to send a few with him, & to remain with the party.

For conveying any important intelligence with dispatch, I inclose you a letter to Mr Caldwell directing him to station expresses at proper distances between the party you send and Elizabeth Town;1 & I shall expect whenever it comes to you, you will not lose a moment in forwarding it to me, by a trusty hand, on whose activity & care you can depend; and when there is any thing particularly interesting you will send duplicates for fear of accidents. as the obtaining good & certain intelligence is a matter of great importance to us, I must intreat you to continue you[r] other exertions for procuring such as may be depended on—I am &c.