I shall give you a commission which I trust to your friendship and address will be executed properly. It is to deliver my enclosed
letter to the Secretary at War but before you see him enquire of Sir Jeffery Amherst the character of Capt Dalrymple, as I am told he is well acquainted with his military genius and how far he was the best Adjutant in the Army. The enclosed letters I received yesterday from Mr Dalrymple, if you think they should be laid before the Secretary at War, I have not the least objection; it seems indeed a justice that they should. If a Commission be obtained for Mr Robert Howe, Messrs. Drummond upon your application will pay the fees of the commission and inclose it to me. I assure you that notwithstanding the military genius of my friend, I stand in need of a person who can with spirit support in the Assembly, the measures of the Crown, and he seems well inclined to give his aid, consistent with the interest of his constituents. I expect Mr Dalrymple every day will arrive and demand of me the possession of Fort Johnston. If he produces his Majesty's commission, I shall admit him to take charge of the Fort, and at the same time acquaint him I have wrote home to get another officer appointed to the Fort as Commander