I beg leave to Inform your Excellency that at My takeing the Command of this post I found that the Provisions on hand must of Coarse be soon exhausted; I have therefore takein the most effectual Measures to procure a Supply, for this Post that my most sangine thoughts Could Invent;

Flour I have been supplyed with, but Beef I Cannot git Although I have made frequent Applications both to the Govr of Pennsylvana and also to the Purchasing Commissaries. my Issuing Commissary has waited on Govr Reid Mr Shaw and others requesting some small [r]elief if a supply could not be obtaind, I have [at] last received a Positive answer that none [c]an be had from that Quarter.

Two small catle weighing about two Hundred each is all my stock of meat and at longest that will not last me more then six days after that I know not what I must do.

I must therefore beg your Excelly that some speedy relief may be forwarded to this Place, or the Consequences may terminate in Mutiny Desertion or a total evacuation of this post.

I find some trouble in stilling my men as they have already has seven weeks. Experience of living without meat since they came to this place,except some condemned smooked beef left in the rear of Genl Sullavans Army but that being sold at Vandue by o[rder] of the D.C.G. we have no hopes but from you.

I have directed the Bearer to call at Head Quarters for an Answer. and pray your Excellency’s would forward my directions by him, and I shall Govern my self Accordingly. I am your Excellencys Obet: and most Humle servt