In reply to your Excellency’s favor of the 15th Instt I have to observe, that considering the several important Circumstances which have occurr’d in public Affairs, and the uncertainty of the operations of the Campaign, I should not think it advisable that the Recruits should march to join the Southern Army, untill further Orders—In the mean Time, the Number ought to be augmented as much as possible, and the preparations such, as that they could move at a moments Warning.

Should it be more convenient for supplies, to have your Recruits attach’d to those of Pensylvania or Maryland at the nearest Rendevous in either state, I shall have no Objection to it. With great respect and Esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt