Head Quarters, Friday Evening, December 29, 1780.

    Dear Sir: The inclosed, which have just come to hand from General Heath point out his distress for want of Flour and his apprehensions of what may ensue if some supply, more than from day to day cannot be thrown in before the navigation closes. It appears by the letters that there is some Flour at different places on the River which lays there for want of transportation. If the private persons will not risque their Vessels any longer upon the River, the public Craft must be manned with soldiers and every exertion made while the water communication is practicable. His Excellency goes down to the posts tomorrow morning and he thinks you had better do the same and endeavour to form a plan with General Heath to transport without loss of time whatever is upon or near the River. Colo. Blaine mentioned that the private people would not run their Vessels any longer, except upon a promise of paying for them should they be lost in the Ice. This His Excellency thinks had better be done, than to lose the present favorable weather. When you have perused the inclosed, you will be pleased to return them. Yrs. ⁵⁹

[Note:The draft is in the writing of and is signed "T. Tilghman."]