It has been intimated to me that several persons, have gone over to Long Island, under the pretext of gaining intelligence, and indiscriminately distressed and plundered the inhabitants—As such a conduct is totally incompatible with obtaining information or making discoveries I do not imagine you have given any sanction to such proceedings. But that so pernicious a practice may be the more effectually prevented—you will prevent any persons whatever from making excursions to the Island—and only employ those as spies or observers, in whom you can place a proper confidence. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt