I have ventured to detain three Armourers in this department untill your pleasure shall be known, two of which I determine to send to the westward under the direction of Colonel Willet and the other is to go to Saratoga with me. Your Excellency will be pleased to consider that when a gun is out of repair (tho perhaps a trifle would put it in repair) a Soldier is rendered unfit for duty, and it is very improbable that any men can be found with the militia capable of performing the service. But nevertheless if your Excellency should disapprove the measure, and think that they could be of more service in the Army than here, I shall send them Immediately.

Two hundred of the Militia has arrived, I hope the remainder will come in soon. I am just told that seventy will be in tomorrow.

I have likewise detained one of Colonel Van Schaik’s Regiment, to serve as a pilot on the frontiers. Genl Schuyler can inform you of the necessity of his tarrying, as he is a man that he inlisted on purpose for a guide. I am Dear Sir with much respect & esteem your Excellencys most Obt & very Humble servt