I have recd your Letter of yesterday’s date.

Altho I cannot consider the Arrangement of Field Officers in the Mass. Line as final, because of the alterations which may happen between this & the first of Janry; & because I have always held up the idea that nothing was to be deemed conclusive until that time; yet I have authorized Major General Howe to post the Officers in the mean time agreeably to the Arrangement you inclosed to me; which is all that can be ne[   ] to be done on that head before the final completion of the Arrangement. I am Sir.