I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 23d of November and 21st of January last. I beg you will be persuaded that there were particular reasons which operated against permitting an officer to come to Philada with money for the Hessian prisoners of War there at the time the request was first made—I now inclose a passport, which may be filled up with the name of any other Officer but that of Lieut. Sobbel—The last time that Gentleman was sent upon business of a similar nature there was a difference between him and some of the people here, which is the reason of my objecting to him at present.

As an Officer will be sent out by Sir Henry Clinton with Money for the prisoners of War at their different places of Cantonment, I would recommend it to your Excellency to direct the Gentleman who will be appointed by you to come at the same time—I shall order an escort from Elisabeth Town and he will therefore travel perfectly safe. I have the honor to be Yr Excellency’s Most obt and hble servt.