1. John Fish had brought GW’s letter to Clinton dated 15 April.

2. Clinton enclosed to GW an undated “Copy of Information given by Mr Fish,” which begins: “Agreable to Orders I have been to the Frontier—The Day after my Arival (which was the 29th Aprl) I was called on to see and consult with a Mr Thomas Sherwood and a John Stout (on the 30th that Day[)], arrived from the [British] Shipping, at Crown point—No Packett as was expected, but on a Plan to seduce the Inhabitants to run into Canada, & to get Intelligence A Part sent into the Scotch Patent, This Party landed in South Bay—I learned from them there was another Party gone into Palmer Town. I further understand by the Inhabitants that there is a large Number of the Soldiers at Saraghtoga waiting to know when there is a Party down and will mutiny and go off or privately slip to them—And likewise that the Grants are ready to garrisson Fort Edward and Skeensborough as soon as the Representatives of the revolted Districts meet to form the Union which will be Tuesday 8th May 1781.” Fish also wrote that several patriots “who were sent on a Scout last March to Lake George and South Bay took a Party of the Enemy with a Packet; but were prevailed on to liberate them with the Packet by a Gunia each & two Silk Handkerchiefs” (DLC:GW; see also n.3 below and Hastings and Holden, Clinton Papers description begins Hugh Hastings and J. A. Holden, eds. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777–1795, 1801–1804. 10 vols. 1899–1914. Reprint. New York, 1973. description ends , 6:844–45). For similar intelligence, see Philip Schuyler to GW, 4 May, n.1.

3. Brig. Gen. James Clinton had written his brother from Albany on 5 May: “From the present appearance, I am convinced the Troops will abandon the Frontier; it is absurd to suppose they can, or will exist, under their present Circumstances. However, let what may be the Consequences, I have nothing to reproach myself with; I have repeatedly call’d for assistance from every Quarter, but could obtain none. …

“I also send you a Copy of an Information left with me by Mr. Fish, which I have reason to depend on, as the disafected Persons are flocking to the northern Frontiers” (Hastings and Holden, Clinton Papers description begins Hugh Hastings and J. A. Holden, eds. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777–1795, 1801–1804. 10 vols. 1899–1914. Reprint. New York, 1973. description ends , 6:843–44; see also n.2 above and James Clinton to GW, 4 and 12 May).

4. GW replied to Clinton on 7 May. Writing his brother from Albany on 12 May, James Clinton reported how he had distributed impress warrants to secure flour and beef. He particularly sought “five hundred Barrels of Flower” from “amongst the Disafected in Albany & Tryon Counties” (Hastings and Holden, Clinton Papers description begins Hugh Hastings and J. A. Holden, eds. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777–1795, 1801–1804. 10 vols. 1899–1914. Reprint. New York, 1973. description ends , 6:855–56).

5. George Clinton wrote New York state senator Philip Schuyler from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on 13 May about efforts to move troops to the frontier. He added: “I mean to wait on the Genl. in the course of a few Days & you may rest assured I will possess him with the true Situation of the Frontiers & endeavour to obtain every Man that can possibly be spared for their Defence” (Hastings and Holden, Clinton Papers description begins Hugh Hastings and J. A. Holden, eds. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777–1795, 1801–1804. 10 vols. 1899–1914. Reprint. New York, 1973. description ends , 6:859–60). Schuyler replied to Clinton from Saratoga, N.Y., on 21 May: “Yesterday I was honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 13th Instant. Since my last, the Information contain’d in the inclosed to General Washington is come to hand, after perusal, your Excellency will please to seal and forward it. …

“The Impress warrants have afforded a timely relief in the article of flour, and seven or eight days allowance of beef is arrived. It is to be hoped if we can work along until grass fed beef can be procured, that supplies will be more regular” (Hastings and Holden, Clinton Papers description begins Hugh Hastings and J. A. Holden, eds. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777–1795, 1801–1804. 10 vols. 1899–1914. Reprint. New York, 1973. description ends , 6:898–99; see also Schuyler’s first letter to GW, 21 May, and n.2 to that document).