I enclose for your inspection, Original Letters from Major General Heath & Brigadier General Clinton, describing in the most forcible terms, the terrible prospect before them, and the inevitable disasters that must ensue, unless provisions are furnished (and that instantly) for the Troops and Garrisons in their respective Departments—when you have read these Letters you will be pleased to return them to me again.1

Nothing further need certainly be said, to enforce the necessity of putting every wheel in motion to hasten the transportation of the salted Provisions, on which our sole dependence for immediate releif must be placed—From the measures which had been taken, and the representations of Mr Pomeroy, I expected nearly or quite all the Provisions on the West side of Connecticut River would have been forwarded, or forwarding on before this time2—Only a few hundred Barrels have yet arrived, and I am not able to learn in what state the transportation now is, or what our prospects from that quarter are3—Should your information respecting this supply, neither be so particular or favorable, as to remove all our fears on the subject, I think it will be adviseable to send4 instantly an able & active Officer of your Department, to make use of the spur of the occasion, to carry the measures of transportation already projected, rapidly & fully5 into execution.6 I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servant