Sir:
I had your favor of the 14th delivered me yesterday with your return, and thank you for your punctuality in complying with orders. At the same time I confess it gives me pain many Militia
officers are tardy in the discharge of their respective duties, and I fear the influence of some persons, who have ever been throwing out conjectures and observations to the disadvantage of the glorious cause of Freedom, have been exercised on the present occasion. I approve the orders you have given respecting the first drafts left behind, and those of the second to be sent forward, and beg leave to recommend your giving them every despatch in your power. I have written to Col. Hunt on the subject of furnishing provisions which I hope will prove satisfactory to him. Genl. Lincoln is now with me on his way to take the command of Charles Town. He will proceed in a day or two, and in three or four days I expect the Continental and Militia Troops will march from hence; if you have occasion for public money to enable you to march your men to join the Brigade at Salisbury, pray furnish yourself by some means or other. I am advised by Congress to furnish a warrant on the Treasury in your favor for one thousand pounds, which warrant I enclose you.