Head Quarters, New Windsor, May 14, 1781.
Sir: Perceiving by your return of the 1st. Inst. that there was no Ammunition in the Store at Albany I have directed General Knox to send up ten Barrels of Powder and one thousand pounds of Lead. Both of these have become very scarce Articles and therefore require the utmost Oeconomy in their expenditure. I do not know upon what orders you have heretofore been used to issue, but in future you will be pleased to observe that no stores are to be delivered but upon my own or the order of the Continental Officer commanding at the Northward. I have written to Genl. Clinton upon the subject. I am &c. 17
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]