Major General Howe has transmitted to me your Letter of the 11th Inst.1 Should it be confirmed, that the Enemy are meditating an Enterprize for the purposes you suppose, I would recommend that the Cattle contiguous to the lines & Boats at Stamford should be removed in such a Manner as to disappoint them of their Objects as far as possible. In the Meantime I have ordered Col. Scammell, with his Detachment to move towards you, to support your Corps, and annoy the Enemy as circumstances may require2—If it is probable, the Enemy will move in force from Kingsbridge, it would be well to form a junction between Your Troop’s & Col. Scammell’s Detachment, or in any case to keep up a constant communication with him.3

As the whole Army, will probably take the field in a few days,4 I have to request that you will hold the Troops under your Command in the most perfect readiness for a Movement: and that you will without delay, Make an accurate Return to me of the strength of the State Regiments, & also of [the] number of Watermen, Horse & Artillery attached to your Command, or raised by Government for the defence of the State, specifying at what places they are stationed, that I may know with precision the force which may actually be depended upon.5 I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt.