I am favored with your Letter of this day. No means in our power, to have the supplies you mention instantly brought forward, shall be left unessayed: the most pointed Orders have already been given to the proper Officers—repeated applications have been made to the Civil Authority for impress Warrants—and finally we have been forced to have recourse to a military impress, to obtain the teams necessary for the transportation of the flour from Ringwood.1 I have also written in the most pressing terms, to the Governor of Connecticut, stating our impending distresses, and imploring the interposition and assistance of the Executive2 in forwarding the salted Provisions from that State3—I have now reiterated my directions to the Quarter Master General on that subject, & will give instructions to the Commissary to make arrangements with him for a supply of Rum.4

Intelligence hath been communicated from5 General Foreman to the President of Congress & transmitted by him to me, “that the Enemy are preparing another large6 embarkation at New York to be commanded by Sir H: Clinton in person;7 with the design as is reported, to occupy a Post on the Delaware”8—how far this is to be depended upon I know not, but it may not be improper to prevent their turning this preparation to a different object, and striking us in a more important part, where they may conceive we are the least suspicious, and consequently the more vulnerable—indeed we ought always to be prepared at all points, and never obnoxious to a surprize even at our most inconsiderable & distants Posts; but I am sensible your vigilence & attention supersed the necessity of any extraordinary caution on my part. I am Dear Sir With great regard & esteem Your Most Obed. Servant