I have been honored with your favors of the 17th and 22d instants.1 It ought to be presumed that Mr Vernor the British Dy Commy of prisoners comes to Elizabeth Town no oftner than his business requires, and except there can be proof stronger than suspicion that under cover of his office he carries on a correspondence with disaffected persons in Philada it will be indelicate to charge him with improper conduct—It is with the enemy to appoint such Characters as they please to fill their several departments, and for us to guard as much as possible against those who may be thought designing or dangerous—I will therefore give Mr Skinner a hint that the frequency of Mr Vernors visits gives umbrage and desire him to permit him to come to Elizabeth town no oftner than his business absolutely requires and then to stay no longer than is necessary.2

I very much approve of such a Resolve of Congress as General Greene recommends, to prevent our prisoners of War from inlisting into the Enemy’s service.3

Were our prospects of being certainly able to carry our intended plan of operations into execution more flattering, I should not hesitate in desiring the Stores demanded by General Knox to be brought forward at any expence whatever4—But I confess to you this is so far from being the case, that I wish to incur no more in the transportation from the southward to this quarter than can possibly be avoided, because it is far from improbable that the scene of operations may yet be shifted. I have for that reason given Genl Knox an extract from your letter and have desired him to point out to you such Articles in his estimate as may be essentially necessary to commence operations5—the remainder may follow if we are able to prosecute the plan—may remain where they are should we be obliged to desist, or may be turned towards the southward should there be occasion. I would recommend the completion of the order if possible, because the Stores are always valuable—The transportation of the Stores from the Eastward will be continued upon the following principle—that if they are not wanted here they will be so far on their way to the next point of operation. Those States have cheerfully undertaken to furnish the means of transportation.6

Upon changing the position of the Army,7 the Route of the post is changed also—He now passes at King’s Ferry and avoids the Mountains, which I hope will in some degree remove the danger to which he was formerly exposed.8 But should that not prove to be the case, I cannot, from the present strength of our Cavalry, furnish even the small escort which is required. Sheldons Regiment consists of but 60 mounted and Van Heers Corps is upon the point of dissolution by the expiration of their service9—You may judge how soon so small a Corps as Sheldons would be worn down had they no other duty to do but that of furnishing four dragoons at a time to be constantly riding post but these being all the horse I have to depend upon for Military Service the request of the Post Master Genl is totally incompatible with it.10 There are several excellent troops of Volunteer Horse in Jersey and I make no doubt but an escort could be procured from them—if application was made to the Governor and an adequate compensation for their services allowed.11 I have the honor to be &.