The last evening I was honored with yours of the 12th to which in its several parts I shall pay attention.

After the instructions given by Governor Clinton to Major Paulding, respecting Capt. Simmons, I am not a little surprised that Major Paulding should take him to the lines without ever mentioning the matter to me. Perhaps the opinion I expressed to him, when on his way to the Governor, respecting Simmons, gave him but small grounds to expect I should approve of his being employed on the lines. I shall write him on the subject; and as your Excellency, from the copy of Governor Clinton’s instructions to Major Paulding, has a view of his intentions—I wish your opinion in the case; for I must confess I have no opinion of my own of such sort of people—and that to employ them for any time on the lines, may be attended with very pernicious consequences. I have heard of no desertions from the enemy since Simmons went down; but there have been more from our own troops, than during the whole winter beside. I shall be dictated by your pleasure. Have nothing new from below, expect some intelligence to day or to morrow. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,