I have received your favor of the 25th of November, and return you my sincere thanks for your kind congratulations upon the late important success of the Allied Arms.

I am obliged to you for the trouble you had taken with the prisoners of War, and for the offers which you make of rendering further services in that way: But the Secretary at War, Major Genl Lincoln, into whose department the charge of that business now falls, had given his directions in the matter to Colo. Wood, who has long had the superintindance of Prisoners upon the Frontier. A very troublesome Business and not to be envied.

What you mention respecting those Soldiers of ours, who, after returning from Captivity, have never joined their Corps, and those who while prisoners inlist with the enemy and then desert, deserves attention. If the terms for which they were inlisted have not expired, they are certainly liable to be called into service, and you will be pleased to look upon yourself as authorised to apprehend all such as cannot make it appear that their times have expired. I wish you a perfect recovery of your Health and am with Esteem Dr Sir Your most obt & hble Servt