[Head Quarters, May 13, 1779.]

    Dear Sir: I have just recd. your favor of yesterdays date. I shall give the necessary orders for the troops to march; but in the mean time I would wish you to be perfectly satisfied that every thing in the quarter Masters and commissary's department is in such preparation, as to keep equal pace with the troops. If you find that this is not the case, you will give me the earliest notice. For if the troops arrive too soon, pro visions which should be employed in the expedition will be wasted to no purpose. I shall take such measures with respect to the clothing as the circumstances of our supplies will admit. I am, etc. ⁹⁹

[Note:The draft is in the writing of James McHenry. ]