I have been favored with yours of the 2nd instant. It is very unaccountable that so many Indications of an Evacuation of New York should be reported to You and that they should come from no other Quarter.1 I have a very good Channel of Intelligence by the Way of Long Island and no Movement is mentioned but that of a Fleet bound to Europe.2 I cannot help suspecting that there may be some Design in propagating the Report of an Evacuation, while they have some other Purpose in View. You cannot oblige me more than endeavouring to asscertain whether any Thing extraordinary, and what, is passing among them.

It appears very odd to me that Mr Halstead should plead Ignorance of the Charges on which Mr Adam was arrested, as they were laid expressly upon the Information & upon Depositions transmitted by him to Mr Clarke a Member of Congress for the State of Jersey, which were, by the President, forwarded to me with Orders to call Mr Adam to account. You will please to direct the Court to make up their Proceedings and desire the Judge Advocate to be clear & full in reporting the Cause of their rising for Want of Evidence should none appear upon the Summons. You will send the Proceedings to me.3 I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt servt