You will cause the companies now at West Point under the command of Captains Freeman Read and Stille to proceed to this City where they ⟨will⟩ receive further orders. Col Stevens is instructed to take the requisite arrangement for their transportation—preferring the cheapest mode, which it is presumed will be by land if the troops have tents.

With considerati

If they come by land it is expected that a strict discipline will avoid injury or offence to the Inhabitants. The ⟨eldest⟩ Senior Captain will of course have the general charge.*

With consideration I am Sir Yr Obed Serv