I find I shall be under the necessity of drawing down all the Continental Troops which are at present upon the Northern frontiers, and as there is very great reason to apprehend an incursion of the Enemy from Canada, I shall be obligd to keep a respectable force of Militia in that quarter, in addition to the State Troops of New York; I have therefore taken the liberty to order the quotas from Berkshire & Hampshire Counties immediately to Albany, where they will be dispos’d of agreeable to the directions of Brigadier Genl Stark, who will take the General Command at the Northward. The number of Massachusetts Militia destin’d for Northern service will be 600; If therefore the two beforementioned Counties shou’d not furnish so many, I must make up the deficiency from the others.

The Militia which will be furnish’d by New York upon the present occasion will be principally drawn from the lower parts, and from their perfect knowledge of the Country which will be the scene of our operations will be particularly usefull to me. I have for that reason prefer’d keeping them with the army, to sending them to the defence of their own Frontiers. I have the honor to be, with great respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Humble Servant