Hon'd Sir:

Yours of the 16th Inst. I am now to acknowledge the receipt of and the contents duly noted. The notice is so short, am doubtful that the Militia can scarcely have time to be at Kingston by 10th Nov.; however shall leave nothing in my power undone to hasten their march, but the bad state of health I am in at present will put it out of my power to be very active. With respect to my marching with the Militia, it makes me very unhappy that I cannot accept the Honorable appointment you mention on account of my health. Since the 10th ulto. I have been confined the chief part of my time to my bed, and at this time am not able to sit up, six hours in the twenty-four, and my duty with respect to the Treasury will require my attending the commissioners as soon as able, which I hope will be by the time the Militia reaches Kingston. With respect to your commanding the Militia in person it has not been in my power to consult any of the Members of the General Assembly, but think I may venture to say every man of your acquaintance will wish you to command, as there is no probability of any other person of Equal abilities, not but we shall be too sensible of your absence from your Government. I am Dr Sir,