I am this moment honored with the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday; In consequence of which it shall be my first Business to order out a Detachment of the Militia to strengthen the Garrisons in the Highlands; tho’ I much doubt (considering the large proportion which are constantly kept out on the frontiers) whether I shall be able to march and keep out at those Posts for any considerable Time, a number larger than the least mentioned in your Excellency’s Letter; especially as the Service in Garrison is not so agreable to them as that of the field At the same Time I have not the least Doubt, if any Movements of the Enemy should render it necessary that I shall be able to draw out a considerable force to join the Army immediately under your Excellency’s command; and I will immediately make the necessary Disposition for that Purpose.

The People having entertained high expectations from the Operations of the Fleet and Army at Rhode Island will without Doubt be disappointed on finding that Count D’Estaign has left that Place and is gone to Boston: however I hope they will suppose it for the best; and that the Injuries the Fleet must have sustained in the late Storm has occasioned this sudden movement. I have the honor to be with the greatest Regard Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt