Head Quarters, Bergen County, September 16, 1780.

    Sir: I have received your favor of the 8th. inst. The difficulties and distresses, which we every day experience on the score of provisions evince that we can place no certain dependance on the modes pointed out for obtaining regular supplies, and that it will be therefore expedient for you to procure as much as you consistently can by virtue of the powers with which you are vested by His Excellency Governor Clinton.

    The number of Men for which you propose to make Winter establishments at Fort Schuyler, is I think about the number which will compose the Garrison. From the favorable accounts lately received from Colo. Hay, I hope there will be no difficulty in procuring a supply of Flour as soon as the new Wheat is threshed out and ground, and I would recommend the formation of a very sufficient Magazine of that article as early as possible. We have been under the necessity of expending what salt meat was laid up at West point; but Govr. Trumbull, some little time ago, promised to furnish between four and five hundred Barrels of prize Beef, and of that parcel I propose to assign one hundred at least for Fort Schuyler, and as soon as the season for salting comes in, the Commy. Genl. shall have directions to furnish a further quantity. I should wish the Garrison to be always supplied with six Months Flour and salt provision if possible. It may be difficult under present circumtances to procure the full quantity of salt meat, but a supply equal to forty or fifty days consumption at least should be provided and kept in reserve to secure the place against a sudden investiture. I am etc.⁸⁷

[Note:In the writing of Tench Tilghman. This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress , no. 152, 11, fol. 181.]