Yours reached me so late last Night that it was impossible to send off the provision before this Morning,1 and I hope th[at]2 Genl Maxwell will not be obliged to return for want of it. Had the day been good, the whole Army would have moved down towards Metutchin disencumbered of Tents or Baggage, and would then have acted as Circumstances would have permitted, the Moment the weather is such that the Men can be turned out, the above Movement will be put into execution. I beg you will not only endeavour to get intelligence out of Amboy but what is more material try to get one or more persons upon Staten Island to give information of any Number of the Enemy that come over, for if we could find out with any degree of certainty when a considerable part are thrown over, we probably might, by making a forcible push against the Remainder, oblige them to go off in confusion if not with the loss of part of their Stores. You will likewise please to keep light parties constantly towards them to prevent their making discoveries; as well as to harrass, and alarm them. I am my Lord Yr most obt Servt