I take the liberty to inclose the within representation of Colonel Nichola for your directions, as it relates to Orders issued from the War Office.

Some of the Prisoners who come on with your Passports to go into New York seem to Expect that they are to carry in their Horses—to prevent any discussion of this matter when they arrive I would wish it to be mentioned in the Passports whether they are to carry their Horses with them or not at the same time I would observe that if permissions of that nature are granted indiscriminantly the best Horses in the Country will be carried to the Enemy.

Majr Villefranch has represented to me the absolute want he is in of proper Instruments for executing his duty as Engineer—having lost all those he has hitherto used which were his own property—there is a set to be had at Albany for about Fifteen Guineas—and I could wish he might be enabled to purchase them.

The Musters & Inspections for the Months of March & April will come to you by this Conveyance—I have also inclosed to the Superintendt of Finance the general plan for a System of Issues which has gained the Approbation of the Army & Contractors—I wish you will exert your Influence to have it bro’t into effect as speedily as possible—that the Uneasiness which we have so alarmingly experienced, may subside. I am &c.